(Distributed 01/17/03) The LSU AgCenter recognized three individuals and one team for outstanding contributions to its diversity initiatives during a reception Friday afternoon (Jan. 17).

[Distributed 03/24/03] Brown patch is showing up in some spring lawns. Although more common in fall, the disease is emerging from a combination of rain, humidity and higher temperatures, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 05/22/03) Louisiana farmers moved one step closer to having a chance at official certification as Master Farmers this week.Louisiana Senate passed HB 1827 Monday (May 19) provides for official state certification of those who complete the LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer educational program.

(For Release On Or After 11/14/2003) Fresh, ripe strawberries are a favorite with just about everybody, and now is a great time to plant them into your garden so they’ll be ready next spring.

(For Release On Or After 11/28/2003) Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. But the strenuous activities also can cause problems. Sore muscles, aching backs, blisters and even sprains are common complaints of the weekend gardener.

(For Release On Or After 11/21/03) Botany lessons often help gardeners understand some of the underlying reasons why plants behave the way they do. When growing a plant that is expected to produce fruit, knowing something about the reproductive workings of the plant is in the gardener’s best interest. Otherwise, you could be in for disappointment.

(For Release On Or After 11/07/03) Container-grown tender tropical plants commonly are placed outside for the summer – where they provide a beautiful addition to decks, patios and porches. But these plants will not withstand freezing temperatures and must be brought back inside the house for the winter. Like children going back to school, they generally are not too happy about it either.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Participants heard reports on a variety of research during a field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station last week. Topics covered during the Oct. 30 event ranged from the importance of conducting research in cooperation with other universities to the need for farmers to be concerned about biosecurity in their operations

(Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana cattle producers are excited about the market news that beef cattle prices recently hit record high prices for fat cattle, feeder cattle and calves.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Although there’s not an imminent danger, some scientists say a widespread disease or bioterrorism attack could wipe out significant portions of the U.S. farm animal population. That's where the National Animal Germplasm Program comes in.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Three new, early-ripening varieties of satsuma mandarins have given Louisiana producers a head start on the state’s annual citrus harvest. Louisiana Early, Early St. Ann and Brown Select – all developed by the LSU AgCenter – are being accepted enthusiastically by both growers and the buying public, according to Dr. Wayne Bourgeois, resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter’s Citrus Research Station at Port Sulphur.

(Distributed 11/12/03) Despite a 10 percent reduction in the amount of sugarcane coming off Louisiana’s fields this harvest season, the state’s growers are running ahead of schedule and enjoying improved sugar yields per ton of cane.

(Distributed 11/14/03) A drier-than-normal fall has been a boon to most Louisiana farmers, allowing easy harvest of cotton and sugarcane. Dairy farmers, on the other hand, would like to see rain.

(Distributed 11/14/2003) Horses have to rely on their owners for food, water and shelter, so it’s important to see that those needs are met – particularly at times like this when dry weather leads to a shortage of pasture grass, says LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Steven S. Nicholson.

(Distributed 11/19/2003) Tree farming is a good alternative for landowners to consider in making long-term investments in their land resources, but some knowledge is required to protect that investment. Providing such knowledge was the purpose of a recent meeting in Marksville coordinated by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/19/2003) Representatives from the Cooperative Extension Services in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi met last week (Nov. 13) in Oak Grove to discuss how and when they will bring educational and outreach programs to the economically depressed Mississippi Delta region. The meeting came about as the result of an agreement signed this spring in which universities in the three states agreed to share knowledge and expertise to bring such programs to the region.

(Distributed 11/19/2003) New federal regulations are about to make it possible for most Americans to switch wireless and wired phone carriers without losing the phone numbers their friends and relatives know by heart. That’s predicted to be a good thing for consumers, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) The state’s first freezing temperatures of the year are a reminder that plants, pets and pipes must be protected from the harsh conditions of winter, according to experts in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/25/2003) The LSU AgCenter is among the sponsors for the 2003 Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show Dec. 3-5 in Mobile, Ala.

(Distributed 11/25/2003) Louisiana catfish producers who lost money on their commodity in 2002 may get some of it back. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has certified a petition for catfish producers in 18 states who filed for financial aid under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program.

(Distributed 11/25/2003) The LSU AgCenter has scheduled its 2003 Poinsettia Open House for Dec. 9-10 on the campus in Baton Rouge. The annual event provides poinsettia growers and the public with an opportunity to view some of the latest poinsettia varieties and to see the results of LSU AgCenter research with the plants.

(Distributed 11/26/2003) The LSU AgCenter held a groundbreaking ceremony this week (Nov. 24) for a new research and extension center building near Clinton.

(Distributed 11/26/2003) You may just think of them as delicious treats, but some of Louisiana’s traditional favorites for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners also contribute handily to the state’s economy. Agricultural products and natural resources contribute billions of dollars to Louisiana's economy all year round, according to figures from the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana pecan producers like Ben Littlepage are optimistic about this year’s crop after suffering the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili last year. This year’s pecan harvest in Louisiana is estimated to be nearly 17 million pounds – more than double the 6.9 million pounds of pecans harvested last year.

(Distributed 11/20/2003) Members of 4-H Clubs across Louisiana are learning what it means to be good citizens, and they’re showing it through a variety of community service projects.

(Distributed 11/26/2003) Louisiana 4-H "Good Providers," state contest winners and adult leaders received awards at an annual recognition luncheon in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans Tuesday (Nov. 25).

(Distributed 11/10/03) Louisiana farmers and agribusiness leaders will have the opportunity to continue discussing issues facing agriculture and working toward solutions at the 2004 AgOutlook Conference in Monroe. Operating under the theme of "Agriculture for the Future," the conference is set for Jan. 15, 2004.

(Distributed 11/25/2003) A series of workshops on "Serving Food Safely" recently were launched as a collaborative effort of the land-grant universities in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. The workshops are targeted at staff members and volunteers at food banks and similar "food recovery" agencies and are designed to ensure the meals supplied to those who might otherwise go hungry are handled appropriately.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana’s "green industry" continues to be one of the leading economic contributors among the state’s agricultural commodities, according to a study completed recently by the LSU AgCenter. The study shows a direct economic contribution of $2.2 billion annually in Louisiana from the industry that includes wholesale production and retail distribution of commercial nursery products, landscape and horticultural services, golf course maintenance and related expenditures

(Distributed 11/07/03) "Let’s go fishing" are the buzz words around the elementary and junior high schools in Plaquemines Parish – thanks to LSU AgCenter 4-H agent Wayne Burgess and some outstanding volunteers who conduct an aquatic education program. But the youngsters learn a lot more than how to fish.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse may be less costly in the future. Dr. H.Y. Hanna, an LSU AgCenter scientist, is studying how spacing between bags that hold the plants affects the amount of heat required to produce tomatoes in greenhouses.

(Distributed 11/19/2003) Fourth graders in the East Feliciana Parish schools are getting some hands-on experience to help them to pass the science section of the mandatory LEAP test. But they aren't alone. What one LSU AgCenter agent began as a local program five years ago now is available statewide.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) One of South Louisiana’s favorite holiday dishes is deep-fried whole turkey. For a great-tasting bird, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers food safety and nutrition tips.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Consumers have a choice between fresh and frozen turkeys when planning for Thanksgiving. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames explains the safe options of thawing a frozen bird.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) As American families and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, cooks head to the kitchen to prepare bountiful meals. One item not on the grocery list, but that should be in the kitchen, is food safety, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) It's that time of year when stores are luring holiday shoppers. But before you get caught up in the frenzy, LSU Agricultural Center home economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says you should take stock of how much money you have available for holiday spending.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Flowering kale and cabbage are becoming increasingly popular as fall bedding plants for Louisiana. An alternative to garden mums and pansies, these plants have feathery leaves of robust colors that make them well suited for landscape and container plantings, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Carbonated beverage intake has increased significantly among America’s youth over a 20-year period. One soft drink a day has been linked to 60 percent increase in the development of obesity over time, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Fall is usually a time to let the turf slow down, toughen up and get ready for winter and dormancy. Don’t push extra growth or do anything to the grass that requires growth repair for the fix, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Many landscape trees are planted from fall through the winter in Louisiana. "Homeowners need to be aware of some of the common mistakes made in planting, establishment and follow-up care of trees," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) On cool, moist days, we may see mushrooms sprouting up or doughnut-like rings of dying or dark green grass developing on the lawn. These doughnuts are referred to as fairy rings, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 10/21/2003) Sweet potatoes are not very sweet or moist when first dug. It takes six to eight weeks of proper curing and storage before they have the sweet, moist taste and texture desired when baked, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) If your bills are piling up, you can't make all of your payments on time and you're thinking about paying one credit card balance with a cash advance from another, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says it's time to organize your credit payments and develop a plan for reducing your bills.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Digging ditches and trenches is a fairly common but nevertheless unpleasant do-it-yourself job. All of the do-it-yourself methods involve hard work, but some are not as hard as others, according to Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) You can trim and edge mechanically with a string trimmer or edger or chemically with a non-selective herbicide. Dr Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station, says each method has advantages and disadvantages.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Three Regional 4-H/FFA Beef Leadership Camps successfully trained more than 300 participants in the Junior Beef projects, Character Counts and Leadership development, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H Animal Science professor Dr. Terry Dumas.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) LSU AgCenter 4-H Foundation Executive Director Johnny Arceneaux announces the installation of eight new foundation youth trustees and four adult trustees. The Louisiana 4-H Foundation inducted the new personnel at its September 9th board meeting.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) In many neighborhoods, the roar of lawnmowers has been joined by the howl of leaf blowers. "The primary complaint with leaf blowers is noise," says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Thousands of Louisianians enjoy hunting this time of year. Most hunt safely, but chances are that if an accident happens, it’s because someone ignored safety rules, says LSU AgCenter hunter safety expert Dr. Don Reed.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) A recent study revealed that fat, energy, sodium and saturated fat intake were higher, and vitamin A and C intakes were lower, on days when diners ate fast foods. "The increased consumption of fast food and the increased energy and fat intakes may be related to increasing problems with overweight and obesity seen today," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Diabetes is a serious, chronic – lifelong – and incurable disease. Because there is no cure, people with diabetes must learn to manage the disease and take care of themselves properly, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) With fall comes yard and garden cleanup – especially leaves. For many homeowners, a leaf blower can be an efficient and effective grounds maintenance tool, according to Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Figs are one of the earliest fruits cultivated in the United States. They are nutrient-dense, versatile and very easy to pack and transport, says LSU AgCenter nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Every year some 500 Americans die suddenly in their homes from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. A little knowledge about the gas and taking some simple precautions can help reduce the chances of a dangerous situation happening in your home, says LSU AgCenter housing professor Dr. Claudette Reichel.

Decorative plants, such as poinsettias, holiday cactuses and living Christmas trees, play an important part in decking the halls for the holidays.

(For Release On Or After 12/26/03) The basic techniques of gardening today are not that much different from those our great-grandparents used. Still, technology and the age of communication are definitely changing the way we live, work and garden.

(For Release On Or After 12/19/03) Have you ever wondered why poinsettias bloom now rather than for the Fourth of July? And have you ever thought about how plants know when the seasons are changing?

(For Release On Or After 12/12/03) Cooking is a part of the holiday season, and many recipes call for chopped parsley. Easily grown, parsley should be planted in everyone’s cool-season herb garden.

(Distributed 12/11/2003) Sweet potatoes or yams are extremely versatile. They can be decorative, but they also are nutritious and offer many health benefits to consumers.

(Distributed 12/04/03) Louisiana foresters will have the chance to participate in a series of classes along with others from across the South beginning Feb. 3.

(Distributed 12/05/03) Eight 4-H’ers recently represented Louisiana at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Ky., and several came home with national honors.

(Distributed 12/05/2003) Delia "Dede" Nunez of Cameron has been named one of six national outstanding adult volunteer leaders in 4-H wildlife and fisheries projects.

(Distribute 12/05/2003) The LSU AgCenter and LSU’s Earl K. Long Hospital have joined forces to help those whose health is at risk because of poor nutrition.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) The fall harvest season is near its end for this year, but farm safety still needs to be on the minds of farmers and farm workers, according to agents and specialists with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) It’s the time of year when corn producers start making decisions about the seed they’ll use for next year’s crop, and LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Jack Baldwin says Louisiana farmers should consider variety selection as one part of their plans to manage corn borers.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) The LSU AgCenter’s cookbook "Serving Louisiana" has sold more than 10,000 copies and is in its second printing.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) The president of Character Counts! met recently with officials of the LSU AgCenter and others to discuss the success of the nationally known character education program in Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) Soldiers with the National Guard's 528th Engineering Battalion Company C were deploying for Afghanistan Wednesday (Dec. 10). But before they left, members of the LSU AgCenter's 4-H Clubs in West Carroll Parish helped give them a hearty send-off.

(Distributed 12/11/03) After a semester of painstaking effort to prepare museum-quality displays of Louisiana insects, LSU entomology students generally have faced a disheartening finale – when their collections end up in the trash bin.

(Distributed 12/11/03) The 2004 Louisiana Corn Forum is scheduled for Jan. 23 at the Rayville Civic Center in Rayville.

(Distributed 12/11/2003) A new ropes course at the LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock can help group members and individuals learn about team-building and trust, as well as build self-esteem.

(Distributed 12/11/2003) Family and Consumer Education volunteers play a vital role in the mission of the LSU AgCenter across the state.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) Two new seed treatments offer significant potential for corn producers, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Jack Baldwin.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) A new piece of federal legislation should improve the quality and accuracy of credit information, provide more protection for consumers and improve access to financial services, according to an LSU AgCenter family economist.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) The LSU AgCenter recently launched a diabetes education program in Lafourche Parish that will be taken statewide next year.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) BATON ROUGE – The LSU AgCenter honored four individuals and a team of research faculty members with its top awards during ceremonies Monday (Dec. 15) on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) ALEXANDRIA – Producers from across the state gathered here last week to learn about more efficient ways to produce, use and store quality forage on their farms.

(Distributed 12/19/2003) OAK GROVE – Youth from Northeast Louisiana are learning what it means to build a safer community with the help of the LSU AgCenter, the National Crime Prevention Council and the Teens, Crime and Community Organization.

(Distributed 12/22/2003) POLLOCK – Several underprivileged Louisiana youth will be able to attend the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Camp this summer as a result of a donation from two inmate organizations from the Dabadie Correctional Center in Pineville.

(Distributed 12/23/2003) Registration is under way for the 2004 AgOutlook Conference Jan. 15 in Monroe.The conference, which will precede the opening of AgExpo 2004 in Monroe, will give Louisiana farmers and agribusiness leaders an opportunity to continue discussing issues facing agriculture and working toward solutions to the problems they face.

(Distributed 12/03/03) Outbreaks of foodborne diseases caused by fresh fruits and vegetables, such as the recent case of hepatitis A-contaminated green onions, are relatively rare in the United States.

(Distributed 12/04/03) The LSU AgCenter is among the recipients of a $1.57 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation that will fund a five-year research and educational program on obesity to benefit children living in the Delta Region of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.

(Distributed 12/01/03) The votes have been tallied, and the public has spoken – or at least they’ve responded to a survey to say the state of Louisiana should buy Elmer’s Island and keep it relatively primitive.

(Distributed December 2003) Chain saws are popular tools for both homeowners and professionals since they have so many uses. "But, they’re potentially dangerous and must be used carefully to avoid serious injury, says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed December 2003) Shopping for quality child care? There are things you can do to become a better consumer of quality child care and at the same time help your children by providing the very best in caregiving, according to LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed December 2003) Saving seed for next season is usually not a good idea. "You may well get mostly parent-like throwback that doesn’t look all that good," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed December 2003) Thumbing through colorful catalogs and dreaming of the season's harvest is one way to make winter seem a little warmer and move a little faster says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed December 2003) The Louisiana Turfgrass Association will hold its one-day winter turf conference January 13 on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. The association works closely with the LSU AgCenter to promote and improve professionals in the turfgrass management business, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed December 2003) Loquat, sometimes called Japanese plum or Japanese Medlar, is an attractive small tree or shrub that is frequently planted in landscapes as an ornamental in Louisiana. The nice thing about loquat is that it can be used as an edible landscape plant, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed December 2003) Holiday observances may be challenging for families in which one or both adults has a child or children from a former relationship. Unresolved feelings, animosity and mixed loyalties can sidetrack what should be a happy time, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser.

(Distributed December 2003) The almond is one of the oldest and most widely grown of all of the world's nut crops. The monosaturated fat in almonds is good for you. "Almonds have long been considered valuable commodities," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed December 2003) Giving your child the highest quality of care is a primary concern for you – and it also should be a major concern for your child-care provider, according to LSU AgCenter expert Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed December 2003) A quality caregiver makes all the difference during the early years of a child’s development, so parents need to look for indications of quality when entrusting their children to others, says LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Childhood obesity has substantially increased across all racial and ethnic backgrounds since the 1970s. "It is a serious condition that can lead to hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and to an increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries," warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Though a sign of the season, poinsettias actually can be grown year round. Poinsettias are the featured plant in retail garden centers, florist shops and grocery stores from mid-November through December. Proper selection and care are important when choosing the holiday decoration, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Most people face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight. The good news is that although many people gain, research suggests that the gain will probably be only 1 pound, not 5, notes LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed December 2003) Gasoline is one of the most hazardous substances most people have to deal with. We tend to take it for granted since it is so common and familiar, but we should pay it more respect, warns Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed December 2003) Chain saws tend to require more maintenance than most other lawn and garden equipment. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the saw and make it easier to start but also make your work easier, says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed December 2003) LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser offers a way to cope with holiday stress. "It may not be a cure, but it can sure help! And it just takes 10 minutes a day."

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Grandparents, mom and dad, brother and sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, teacher, friends: the gift list – and the cash register receipt – get longer every year. "The holidays are a great time to discuss spending with the younger set," says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Overly enthusiastic holiday spending can push a family into financial difficulty. The challenge of managing holiday spending is to enjoy the spirit of the season without paying for it months or even years later, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) With the onset of winter comes cooler weather and special environmental conditions that can challenge the performance of even the newest cars, according to LSU AgCenter engineer Dr. Dan Martin. With some forethought and advance maintenance, many of these obstacles can be overcome and prevented.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Chain saws are popular homeowner tools – especially in the South where we have lots of trees and lots of storms. Homeowners have many options in chain saws, and the first decision is between an electric or gasoline model, according to Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer with the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed Decemeber 2003) Kids enjoy being holiday helpers. "This holiday season, let your children share in planning and preparing food for these special occasions," suggests LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Although the end of 2003 is rapidly approaching, you still have time to take advantage of some great tax breaks for which your employer may pick up the tab for expenses, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Holiday shoppers looking for unique gifts might consider gardening tools or special bulbs and other plants materials.