NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana farmers have planted fewer acres of cotton than ever recorded — the second record low in a row.

That had been expected. But the estimated 125,000 acres are 50,000 fewer even than what was predicted earlier this year.

LSU AgCenter cotton specialist David Kerns says farmers are switching to soybeans and corn because prices are better and the crops are less expensive to grow.

Farmers harvested about 225,000 acres of cotton last year. That was the previous record low since Louisiana began tracking production in 1866.

The AgCenter says four cotton gins closed last year. It says some were dismantled and the equipment sold, while others are waiting for a rebound in cotton planting.