The history of the LSU Extension in Richland Parish began in 1909, going through a pioneer stage of development. The changes and programs made in all phases of the Agricultural Extension Service could never have been accomplished by the staff members alone without the contributions of men, women and youth leaders throughout the years and without the continued support of the governing bodies, Richland Parish School Board, and the Police Jury.

Richland Parish is a rural farming community with a history that reflects a population that has overcome great odds in taming wild canebrakes and swamps and converting the rich soil underneath into the most productive farmland in an agricultural state.

Many dieters believe that losing weight means giving up delicious foods. Try these 10 tips to help you make healthier choices when planning and serving family meals.

Great tips for one-pot soups prepared with less fat and salt can be part of a healthy meal plan for your family.

An accounting of the value of agriculture in Louisiana. Agents and specialists of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, as well as other agencies - both private and public - compile this information. It focuses on the animal, forestry, fisheries, plant and wildlife commodities that comprise our vital agricultural industry. This industry continues to contribute significantly to the state's economy with the potential for increased impacts through value-added processing.

A listing of the names and phone numbers of local bee keepers.

Danna Gillett, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, provides easy to use suggestions for maintaining a healthy food plan after the Christmas holidays.

Richland Parish County Agent, Keith Collins, provides tips about the proper care and maintenance of freshly cut Christmas trees.

Living ground covers are defined as plants used to cover areas of the landscape. They generally have a creeping or prostrate growth habit and grow no taller than two feet.

Regular physical activity is associated with immediate and long-term health benefits such as easier weight control, lower blood pressure, improved cardio-respiratory function and enhanced psychological well-being. Active children are more likely to become active adults. Suggestions for indoor and outdoor activities included. (PDF format only)

County Agent, Keith Collins, writes about early season wheat production based on the 2011 certified acres by parishes/percent of state in northeast Louisiana.

In an effort to increase awareness, prevent childhood obesity and save billions of dollars in unnecessary health care costs, September has been designated as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

2012 recommendations. This information will help Louisiana producers choose grain sorghum hybrids that have displayed good yield potential and agronomic performance. The LSU AgCenter conducts yearly grain sorghum hybrid yield tests at several locations in Louisiana. This is done to provide producers with unbiased information on hybrid performance under different soil types and climatic conditions. (PDF format only)

Louisiana is facing serious flood threats, primarily on the Mississippi River but affecting many streams that flow to and from it. As the flood crest moves down the Mississippi River, levees are being challenged, spillways are being opened, and people are evacuating. This site directs you to information you can use to understand how predicted flood levels may impact you, how you can reduce flood damage and how you can recover and rebuild once the floodwaters recede.

(Distributed 04/13/11) LSU AgCenter agents in northeast Louisiana are conducting classes in detention centers in Franklin, Richland, Morehouse and Union parishes to help prisoners prepare for reentering society.

2011 recomended controls and thresholds for soybean insect pests. Brief biological sketches of soybean insect pests are included. Soybeans can be damaged by insects any time from plant emergence until near to harvest in Louisiana. Many kinds of insects feed on leaves, stems, roots, nodules and pods, but only a few require control with insecticides. (PDF Fomat Only)

This publication is intended to introduce home vegetable gardeners to the various methods used to manage the many diseases that affect these crops. (PDF Format Only)

Louisiana Sweet Potato News aims to update and inform all those associated with or interested in Louisiana sweet potatoes. Among the topics featured in this newsletter are such items as crop profiles, information related to various aspects of sweet potato production, the latest details on insect, weed and disease management, and current industry news and events.

Posting of links to key Horticulture Publications.

Louisiana lawns continue to grow into the fall and should continue to be mowed and watered as needed; however, it is getting time to put away the fertilizer spreader for the winter.

Many different strategies are available for fertilizing pastures. They vary according to stocking rate, presence or absence of legumes and whether the pastures consist of summer or winter plants. Includes information on soil testing, pH, liming and winter annuals. (PDF Format Only)

Parents can divorce each other, but the parent-child relationship and parenting responsibilities are forever. Follow these tips to make co-parenting a success.

Lack of adequate moisture, whether rain or a glass of water, can cause serious problems for all living organisms, especially humans. Just like your garden, pets and livestock, you need an adequate supply of water for good health.

2011 Recommendations. One of the last, but most important, steps in producing a cotton crop is harvest preparation. Successful preparation includes scheduling for defoliation and harvest operations, removing foliage and facilitating boll opening. Use these recommendations for a successful cotton harvest. (PDF Format Only)

County Agent Keith Collins provides information about soybean harvest aid timing, determining when to apply harvest aids, soybean irrigation termination and pest management update on corn, soybeans, rice and cotton in Richland Parish.

The history of the LSU Extension in Richland Parish began in 1909, going through a pioneer stage of development. The changes and programs made in all phases of the Agricultural Extension Service could never have been accomplished by the staff members alone without the contributions of men, women and youth leaders throughout the years and without the continued support of the governing bodies, Richland Parish School Board, and the Police Jury.

A one cup serving of fresh watermelon chunks provides only 45 calories and can be a good replacement for sugar sweetened snacks. It contains no fat or cholesterol and is low in sodium. The sweet, juicy fruits are over 90 percent water and help supply the body's daily water needs.

The key components of the effective use of fungicides for pecan disease control are timing, coverage and concentration. The updated 2009 fungicide list is included.

"Leaves of three, let it be" is the old saying regarding poison ivy, a tall vine that climbs tree trunks, wood fences, or other flat surfaces.

Fire blight is a bacterial disease destructive on many varieties of apples and pears but may also damage ornamental plants such as the Bradford Pear.

In recent years homeowners have lost the use of several pesticides in and around the home, yard and garden. The information provided by Dr. Dale Pollet, Professor and Specialist in the LSU Department of Entomology is a discussion of the materials available to homeowners for use on ornamentals and turf.

Newsletter with information about 2,4-D (as a burndown) potentially injuring corn and about cotton seed treatments and thrip protection. Please click on the links to the PDF and Word document below the second photo.

Dark brown or black blotches on the bottom of tomato fruit is a sure sign of blossom-end rot.

2011-2012 Recommendations. One of the most important decisions a forage producer must make is which variety or varieties to plant. To help farmers make logical choices among crops and varieties, the LSU AgCenter conducts variety trials and makes recommendations each year. Suggested varieties, seeding rates, planting depths and seeding dates are included. (PDF Format Only)

Order form for parish Louisiana Master Gardener (LMG) program fee.

News article written by Keith Collins, County Agent, Richland Parish, for The Richland Beacon, June 30, 2011.

Attached are the 2011 LSU AgCenter wheat variety evaluation yields.

News article providing information on sun exposure causing damage to unprotected skin of younger children.

Any number of measures can be taken to help control the heat in our homes during this time of the year. Using these suggestions may contribute to cooler temperatures in our living areas of the home.

(Distributed 06/20/11) The drought and heat are turning out to be more of a problem for Louisiana farmers than the flood. Although it’s too early to predict the effects on crop yields and livestock production, 2011 is definitely not going to be as good as 2010.

(Distributed 06/20/11) High-speed Internet connections are on the way to rural areas of Louisiana, and the LSU AgCenter will soon begin preparing rural residents for its arrival.

Questions to ask oneself to determine if you are ready for a potential disaster.

Reaching out through social media includes a variety of online technologies including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, personal blogs and other technology.

General information regarding pre-application for disaster food stamps will be helpful to those in need should a disaster occur.

This newsletter provides important information for producers to consider about soybean seeding rates and seed treatments.

Louisiana receives relatively high annual rainfall amounts, but, unfortunately, it is not evenly distributed during the crop season. Ensuring adequate moisture during extended rain free periods is very important.

Early blight is one of the most common diseases of tomatoes in Louisiana. This article provides tips to help manage the disease.

Products are available that can help manage the problem fire ants pose and will allow for normal outdoor activities.

Information on Wheat Nitrogen Fertilization, Sulfur Fertilization on Wheat, and Poultry Litter as a Source of Fertilizer.

Early Season Wheat Production and 2009 Certified Acres by Parishes/Percent of State in Northeast Louisiana

Information about rust diseases, moisture percentage and the use of poultry litter on crops.

Individuals and families today deal with multiple issues related to raising children, eating right and spending smart in order to live well. These three issues are addressed in educational programs provided by Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) for the residents of Richland Parish.

2011 recomended controls and thresholds for soybean insect pests. Brief biological sketches of soybean insect pests are included. Soybeans can be damaged by insects any time from plant emergence until near to harvest in Louisiana. Many kinds of insects feed on leaves, stems, roots, nodules and pods, but only a few require control with insecticides. (PDF Fomat Only)

2011 recomended controls and thresholds for soybean insect pests. Brief biological sketches of soybean insect pests are included. Soybeans can be damaged by insects any time from plant emergence until near to harvest in Louisiana. Many kinds of insects feed on leaves, stems, roots, nodules and pods, but only a few require control with insecticides. (PDF Fomat Only)

This newsletter provides research-based information from the LSU AgCenter about Louisiana crop production. It is targeted to the state's producers of corn, cotton, soybeans and grain sorghum.

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations. (PDF Format Only)

Calories eaten without careful thought add up to extra pounds over time. To become a more mindful eater and gain control of what and how much we eat, we need to try different strategies.

This publication contains a variety of information about 53 Louisiana plants that can serve as nectar sources for honeybees. Illustrated by color photos of each plant, the 32-page guide includes descriptions of the plants and the honey produced from each source. It also includes a handy chart showing the blooming season for each plant. Cost: $10 plus tax and shipping. You can order this book through our online store by using the Order Publication link below.

2011 recommended treatments and thresholds for corn and grain sorghum insects. Brief biological sketches of pests included. (PDF Format Only)

Suggestions for choosing herbicides for winter weeds in lawns.

Frequently Asked Questions related to home vegetable gardening.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 500 million pounds of pesticides are applied annually in the United States and about 3 percent of this total will drift. The environmental effects of spray drift are equally costly and unacceptable. By reducing drift to a minimum, you can reduce the potential for pollution of streams, lakes and other water supplies that could endanger fish and wildlife.

The American Dietetic Association has designated March as National Nutrition Month.

(Distributed 03/03/11) As gardening activities increase, home gardeners and landscapers may become concerned with problems on their plants.

The Bradford Pear tree is an ornamental that can suffer from a bacterial disease infection known as fire blight. County Agent Keith Collins, provides information to assist homeowners in saving their trees.

The American Dental Association recommends that parents schedule the first dental visit within six months of the appearance of the first tooth and no later than the child's first birthday.

Results for the 2011 Northeast Louisiana District Livestock Show. Thanks go out to all exhibitors for competing!

77th Edition authored by Dr. Dale K. Pollet, professor in the Department of Entomology at LSU.

(Distributed 09/10/08) Louisiana’s farmers are facing lost income from reduced yields and product quality in the neighborhood of $370 to $450 million as a result of the effects of Hurricane Gustav, according to economists with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 10/22/08) A new Web site, Louisiana 4-H Kids’ Clubhouse, will be officially launched at the State Fair of Louisiana on Oct. 29 during 4-H Fun Day, according to Mark Tassin, director of 4-H and youth programs at the LSU AgCenter. The site at www.4-Hclubhouse.com is tailored to fourth through sixth graders and features nearly a hundred games, quizzes, downloadable activities and videos.

With an ever-changing production and marketing environment, agricultural producers frequently face difficult decisions. This publication provides Louisiana’s producers with a view of the potential marketing and production environments they are likely to face, so they can use that information while making farm management and production plans. (PDF Format Only)

This publication helps to understand the importance of calibration of sprayers. Hand-ons examples guide the reader through different phases of calibration. (PDF Format Only)

Identification and scouting information for rice water weevils, rice stink bugs, panicle rice mites, rice leafminers and rice stem borers. (PDF format only)

This guide includes helpful information on identifying weeds in Louisiana rice. The publication contains a schematic guide to help with proper identification of weeds based on specific characteristics of each plant. It also contains photos of each weed listed in the schematic as well as examples showing key characteristics.

Downy mildew is a potentially devastating disease of all cucurbits. Disease symptoms, development, control measures and color photographs of symptoms on pumpkin, cucumber and watermelon are included. (PDF format only)

This guide for 2010 contains suggestions for management of the most important or more prevalent diseases of Louisiana plants. It includes information on fungicides, bactericides and nematicides, as well as safety precautions for using them.

An LSU AgCenter and Southern University Ag Center Community Nutrition Programs newsletter.

Ants range from mildly irritating to highly annoying. Knowing the species, its biology and potential control methods can help you manage them. This is a useful reference for pest management professionals, extension personnel and homeowners. A key to ants, color photographs, diagrams and a glossary are included. Spiral-bound copies are available for $12.50 each. To purchase using a major credit card, click on "order publication."

Louisiana Wildlife News is a bimonthly publication intended to serve as an outlet for wildlife issues relevant to Louisiana and the Southeast. In addition to current news events, profiles on specific plant, wildlife and nuisance wildlife species are included in each issue.