adoption of best management practices in the louisiana dairy industry a dissertation submitted to graduate faculty state university and agricultural mechanical college partial fulfillment requirements for degree doctor philosophy department economics agribusiness by noro c rahelizatovo bs madagascar 1984 ms 1997 december 2002 ii almighty his love merci being always there my beloved sons tolotra tantely giving me strength continue remembrance parents sisters who passed away iii acknowldgements this accomplishment has been fruit long journey during which i have incurred debts wide range people made dream reality would like express gratitude members committee dr jeffrey m gillespie major professor valuable guidance support throughout duration studies at lsu task advising returning student second time is not easy but he understanding courageous enough accept role will