(Distributed 09/02/04) More than 125 farmers and agribusiness people participated in the cotton and feed grain tours at the LSU AgCenter’s Rapides Parish/Dean Lee Crop Field Day August 26.

(Distributed 12/17/04) An update on the Asian soybean rust fungus that has been identified in several southern states will be a highlight of the Tri-State Soybean Forum and Southern Soybean Conference Jan. 7 in Dumas, Ark.

(Distributed 07/29/04) LSU AgCenter agents across the state are teaching children the importance of eating healthfully and exercising, and characters known as the OrganWise Guys are helping with those efforts.

(Distributed 07/01/04) Two new sugarcane varieties will highlight the LSU AgCenter’s annual sugarcane field day July 21 at its Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel.

(Distributed 05/05/04) The LSU AgCenter recently hosted a delegation of National 4-H Leadership Trust Committee members, who held their quarterly meeting in New Orleans and learned more about Louisiana’s youth development programs during the visit.

(Distributed 07/20/04) The LSU AgCenter recently held the first-of-its-kind, two-day, large-scale composting workshop in Metairie for parishes and municipalities in the New Orleans area.

(Distributed 11/19/04) The LSU AgCenter has scheduled its 2004 Poinsettia Open House for Dec. 9-10 on the campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 07/02/04) The third annual LSU AgCenter Rapides Parish/Dean Lee Research Station Field Day is set for Aug. 26 at the Dean Lee Research Station south of Alexandria.

(Distributed 10/27/04) Programs to support Louisiana wildlife and forestry got a boost Wednesday (Oct. 20) when the LSU AgCenter officially dedicated its new research and extension center at the Idlewild Research Station at Clinton.

(Distributed 05/13/04) Poultry production is Louisiana’s largest animal industry – a spot it’s held for the past five years – and its $1.24 billion contribution to the state’s economy makes it the second-largest segment of Louisiana’s agricultural industries.

(Distributed 06/04/04) LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk is on the trail of a mystery, and he’s asking farmers for clues. "Nobody seems to be able to get a good hold on it," Saichuk said. "In fields afflicted with the `mystery disease,’ areas of the field usually are completely killed – or at least thinned out severely. Plants also are shorter, less healthy and have bronzed or rust colored lower leaves."

(Distributed 09/09/04) Cattle farmers are going back to school to learn how to improve their herds and possibly their income – with help from the LSU AgCenter and other groups.

(Distributed 06/11/04) Filling the market for specialty cheeses could be one way to add value to the state’s dairy industry, according to experts. The LSU AgCenter and others recently brought together dairy farmers, retailers and wine and cheese makers for a symposium to explore those possibilities.

(Distributed 11/23/04) Five Louisiana 4-H’ers were among those winning national championship honors last week in Louisville, Ky.

(Distributed 11/10/04) A costly and potentially devastating plant disease has been discovered in Louisiana – its first occurrence in the United States, officials confirmed Tuesday.

(Distributed 07/01/04) Scientists are uncovering evidence that components in our everyday foods can reduce risks of chronic diseases and promote improved health, according to Dr. Sam Godber, a researcher in the LSU AgCenter’s Food Science Department.

(Distributed 11/03/04) LSU AgCenter faculty members are working to increase awareness about the potentially devastating effects of diabetes and how to recognize its symptoms, and they have developed a new educational program to assist in those efforts.

(Distributed 12/17/04) Christmas will be brighter for some East Carroll Parish residents thanks to the LSU AgCenter and the New Orleans Hornets basketball team.

(Distributed 05/20/04)The LSU AgCenter is one of the sponsors of a Specialty Cheese Symposium to be held June 1 at Southeastern Louisiana University’s Business Center in Hammond.

(Distributed 05/25/04) Lab work with DNA is doing more than helping to solve crimes. It also is being used to determine if new experimental rice varieties being developed by LSU AgCenter researchers will meet farmers’ needs.

(Distributed 11/10/04) "Green industry" professionals will have a chance to learn the latest about plants available for use in the state at the 10th annual Louisiana Plant Materials Conference Dec. 2.

(Distributed 08/11/04) The LSU AgCenter will host a field day at its Dean Lee Research Station Aug. 26. Known as the Rapides Parish/Dean Lee Crop Field Day, this third annual event is slated to start at 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at the research station south of Alexandria.

(Distributed 12/10/04) Louisiana 4-H’ers are making a difference in peoples’ lives across the state – and around the country – during the holidays and all year long.

(Distributed 07/28/04) Louisiana farmers are entering the second phase of the LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer program and are creating environmentally friendly farms that will be models for others around the world to follow.

(Distributed 06/01/04) Louisiana dairy farmers have received historically low prices for the past two years, but good times appear to be on the horizon – at least for the next few months, according to LSU AgCenter specialists.

(Distributed 08/31/04) Two faculty members from the LSU AgCenter recently began a two-year weed control study in Chacahoula that could benefit iris growers statewide.

(Distributed 06/01/04) LSU AgCenter poultry specialists say Louisiana poultry producers need to use extra caution now that Avian Influenza has been found in a Northeast Texas flock.

(Distributed 07/02/04) Few people know crawfish come in several colors besides the traditional red or brown. Dr. Ray McClain, a crawfish researcher at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station in Crowley, said he had heard of pure white and has seen a few sky-blue crawfish over the years.

(Distributed 06/01/04) Stress can lead poultry to "pick" at one another, and LSU AgCenter poultry expert Dr. Theresia Lavergne says the problem seems to be occurring around the state.

(Distributed 05/20/04) Mushrooms in lawns and moldy foods can be health hazards for your dogs, according to LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Steve Nicholson.

(Distributed 09/14/04) The 2004 Louisiana cotton crop could be in jeopardy if Hurricane Ivan or any of the rain it spins off hits the state this week.

(Distributed 07/21/04) Rice farmers are being advised not to let their guard down as pests continue to threaten their maturing crops.

(Distributed 05/05/04) Linda Zaunbrecher of Gueydan is ready to go back to Cuba, but she said she hopes next time she goes as a tourist.

(Distributed 05/24/04) Biological control of aflatoxin contamination in corn is one of the topics that will be discussed during the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station Field Day June 10 in St. Joseph.

(Distributed 05/05/04) May generally brings higher temperatures, more mosquitoes and more chances to contract West Nile virus, as well as other mosquito-borne diseases, caution experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 12/10/04) The USA Rice Federation honored a former LSU AgCenter administrator and a number of others during the Rice Outlook Conference earlier this week in New Orleans.

(Distributed 11/30/04) Louisiana 4-H’ers recognized as this year’s "good providers," as well as others from across the state who excelled in various projects, were honored last week in New Orleans.

(Distributed 08/31/04) LSU AgCenter Community Economic Development agents are conducting workshops around the state to help new businesses get started or established business owners to be more productive.

(Distributed 09/22/04) The LSU AgCenter’s Northwest Louisiana Master Gardener’s organization is holding its 4th annual World of Gardening Regional Conference Oct. 15-17 at the Highland Center here.

(Distributed 07/02/04) Approximately 500 people attended the annual field day Thursday (July 1) at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station to learn about new projects to help farmers.

(Distributed 07/02/04) An LSU AgCenter professor recently began serving as the president of the American Forage and Grassland Council. Dr. Ed Twidwell, a professor in the Department of Agronomy and Environmental Management, moved into that role during the council’s annual meeting in mid-June.

(Distributed 08/31/04) Forest landowners will learn how proper management can help them turn a profit during a workshop scheduled for Sept. 25.

(Distributed 11/03/04) Rains in May and June seem to have hampered Louisiana’s 2004 pecan crop, and September hurricanes on the Gulf Coast greatly reduced the crop in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

(Distributed 06/02/04) Louisiana is blessed with abundant rainfall and large supplies of surface water, but the groundwater supplies have been declining in three major aquifers. Now, farmers are looking for more efficient ways irrigate their crops.

(Distributed 09/01/04) The LSU AgCenter and the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce recently teamed up to teach leadership skills to community volunteers from the area.

(Distributed 06/22/04) Twenty-eight Louisiana 4-H’ers who excelled in project work and recordkeeping, served as club officers or otherwise distinguished themselves during their years in 4-H were announced as scholarship winners Tuesday (June 22) during 4-H University in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 05/26/04) Excessive moisture from heavy rainfall has set the stage for disease problems in rice fields, LSU AgCenter experts told farmers Tuesday.

(Distributed 12/06/04) Cooling rice and other crops quickly after harvest is the first step to getting the grain to a proper moisture level, an expert said at a recent seminar on grain drying sponsored by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed June 2004) 4-H'ers from across Louisiana gathered in Baton Rouge June 22-25 for 4-H University. The LSU AgCenter event gave more than 1,800 young people and adults involved in the 4-H program a chance to learn while also having fun. For example, one of the activities helped 4-H'ers learn about urban forestry while providing them a chance to explore treetops using zip lines and rope swings. The youngsters also had opportunities to show off their talents in assemblies, to compete for

(Distributed 06/16/04) Louisiana was set for what appeared to be a record-breaking year in corn production. Then the rains came, and now the crop is "fair to poor," an LSU AgCenter corn specialist said during a field day here last week.

(Distributed 10/13/04) The LSU AgCenter is working with a humanitarian organization on a genetically engineered product known as Golden Rice that could help reduce malnutrition in developing countries.

(Distributed 09/02/04) Dr. Stuart Helliwell’s sunglasses immediately glazed with fog as he stepped from the air-conditioned vehicle into the thick late morning air.

(Distributed 06/25/04) BATON ROUGE – Young people from across Louisiana were named state winners and alternates in various contests Thursday night (June 24) at the final session of the LSU AgCenter’s "4-H University" in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 05/19/04) Participants in an LSU AgCenter workshop earlier this month were told that lumber drying is one way to add even more value to the state’s forest production.

(Distributed 10/14/04) They look like little tiny nomads, constantly on the move. They are hunters in search of water and something sweet, and, once an Argentine ant finds a food source, you can bet she will let her colony know about it.

(Distributed 10/27/04) Soil is an important factor in the forest ecosystem, and participants in a field day held recently at the LSU AgCenter’s Calhoun Research Station learned how to use good forest management practices to maintain the soil on their property.

(Distributed 08/23/04) The LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute will hold an open house at its new facility in St. Gabriel from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 31.

(Distributed 08/16/04) Fall armyworms are invading the state, and LSU AgCenter specialists say they expect the worms to hang around until cool weather comes in.

(Distributed 05/06/04) It’s the time of the year when Formosan subterranean termites swarm and spread their colonies. It’s also a good time to make sure you don’t give them any help in spreading now or any time of the year, caution experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 12/09/04) It’s going to be a short harvest season for sugarcane, according to an LSU AgCenter expert who says the harvest usually runs past Christmas and often into the New Year, but this year many mills will close by the middle of December.

(Distributed 12/13/04) The LSU AgCenter recognized four individuals and a team of faculty members with its top research and extension awards during its 2004 annual conference Monday (Dec. 13).

(Distributed 11/05/04) Thanks to LSU AgCenter faculty, farmers this year can use data collected from the largest on-farm demonstration trials ever conducted in Louisiana to select what they plant next year.

(Distributed 12/14/04) Turnout for the 2004 Crawfish Expo held Thursday (Dec. 9) in Crowley exceeded expectations, according to organizers of the educational event and trade show.

(Distributed 12/02/04) The 2004 Crawfish Expo is set for Thursday (Dec. 9) at the Acadia Parish Rice Arena adjacent to the LSU AgCenter’s Acadia Parish Extension Service office on Cherokee Drive.

(Distributed 07/12/04) The LSU AgCenter recently received research grants totaling nearly $1.4 million from the Louisiana Board of Regents. Awards for 2004 included $440,000 in the Regents’ Industrial Ties Program, $549,000 in the Enhancement Program and $392,000 in the Research Competitiveness Program.

(Distributed 07/02/04) May and June were the wettest months in 75 years in some parts of Louisiana and LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes said it’s hard to tell if the "unusual" weather patterns will continue.

(Distributed 08/25/04) Calling it a "significant event in our evolution and development," William Jenkins, president of the LSU System, and several other dignitaries officially "broke ground" today for the new Louisiana Emerging Technologies Center already under construction on the LSU AgCenter’s campus.

(Distributed 12/02/04) The LSU AgCenter’s 2005 Get It Growing Calendar offers Louisiana gardeners something special, and it’s available for holiday gift-giving.

(Distributed 07/09/04) Louisiana agricultural producers could see as much as $207 million in economic damages from rains that pelted the state in May and June.

(Distributed 06/01/04) "On one layer you have the bio-physical sciences, and on the other layer you have the social and economic sciences," Dr. David K. Loomis told a national conference on the social and economic factors affecting coastal management.

(Distributed 07/23/04) Young people from various areas of Louisiana are venturing to coastal Louisiana again this summer for the adventures and education provided by the LSU AgCenter’s Marsh Maneuvers program.

(Distributed 08/10/04) Weed science graduate students from across the southern United States competed in a series of challenges recently at the LSU AgCenter. The top three teams were the University of Arkansas, Mississippi State University and Clemson University, in that order.

(Distributed 10/27/04) Louisiana farmers and agribusiness leaders will address ways to keep Louisiana’s agriculture and forestry competitive at the 2005 AgOutlook Conference Jan. 12-13 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 12/21/04) The largest aquaculture trade show in the Western Hemisphere will highlight the 2005 meeting of the USA Aquaculture Society in New Orleans Jan. 17-20, according to Dr. Robert Romaire, resident director of the LSU AgCenter’s Aquaculture Research Station in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 05/06/04) Rice farmers who want to use a recently approved herbicide are advised to follow a recommended timing for its application to fight red rice.

(Distributed 05/05/04) Young people from across Louisiana recently learned what it takes to operate a cooperative business.

(Distributed 08/27/04) Five LSU AgCenter inventors who received patents during the past year were honored at a recognition reception at the Lod Cook Conference Center on the LSU campus here Wednesday (Aug. 25).

(Distributed 09/21/04) Louisianians, especially in the northern part of the state, are beginning to "winterize" their lawns. Before they do so, however, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says it’s important to make sure you’re using the right product.

(Distributed 08/20/04) More than 60 people gathered here this week to discuss water issues facing citizens of the area, and one of the key messages was that policies on water use are important to economic development.

(Distributed 05/05/04) The fourth Louisiana Beef-Forage Short Course will be held May 27-28 at Alexandria.

(Distributed 05/12/04) Nine LSU AgCenter aquaculture research projects recently received additional funding with the distribution of nearly $293,000 in earmarked funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Distributed 10/27/04) Childhood obesity is one of the most critical health issues today, and the LSU AgCenter is working with universities in two other states to combat that problem across the Mississippi Delta Region.

(Distributed 12/07/04) The LSU AgCenter is hosting a Jan. 20 meeting for those interested in its Master Farmer or Master Cattle Producer programs.

(Distributed 07/14/04) The LSU AgCenter has announced the first in a series of educational programs for beef cattle producers in Louisiana. The first 10-week session in the Master Cattle Producer Program will begin on July 26 in Lafayette, according to Dr. Jason Rowntree, the LSU AgCenter state specialist responsible for the program.

(Distributed 10/13/04) Heavy weekend rains from Tropical Storm Matthew have been responsible for losses to sugarcane farmers and mills in Louisiana, according to a sugarcane specialist with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 08/20/04) Scientists at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station in Franklinton are beginning a research project designed to help dairy farmers with wastewater management.

(Distributed 10/22/04) The violent storms of the past two months devastated Florida’s citrus crop, but Louisiana hasn’t seen that sort of damage so far this year, according to Dr. Wayne Bourgeois, resident coordinator for the LSU AgCenter’s Citrus Research Station near Port Sulphur.

(Distributed 05/21/04)Recent rains have drenched Louisiana, and LSU AgCenter experts and farmers say the outlook is not good for the state’s rice crop.

(Distributed 06/16/04) Louisiana teachers have the chance to learn more about financial management again this summer, thanks to the LSU AgCenter. Their education is part of an ongoing effort intended to help Louisiana high school students become more financially literate.

(Distributed 11/17/04) LSU AgCenter experts will be among those sharing their expertise at a meeting of vegetable growers from across the South next month in Mobile, Ala.

(Distributed 6/25/04) Carl Meaux of Lafayette is happy to learn that electronics are being used in conjunction with other fields to make life easier for people living in Louisiana.

(Distributed 07/02/04) The LSU AgCenter and others are sponsoring a workshop in Alexandria July 21-22 that is designed to help forest landowners get the most from managing their land while also keeping thriving wildlife populations.

(Distributed 06/16/04) LSU AgCenter Master Gardener volunteers recently took a small part in a research project that could someday help to reduce water pollution.

(Distributed 05/06/04) Aquaculture professor Dr. Ray McClain studies crawfish at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station near Crowley, but he rarely makes a meal out of his subjects.

(Distributed 06/29/04) Entergy Louisiana was recognized for completing a $100,000 pledge to the Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center – nicknamed LaHouse – at a reception on the LSU campus Monday (June 28).

(Distributed 11/03/04) The LSU AgCenter is working with Louisiana poultry producers to help them reduce the economic damage caused by fire ants.

(Distributed 09/02/04) Spotty infestations of bagworms are showing up all over the state and are causing major problems in some areas, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 07/16/04) Louisiana pecan producers are invited to a regional pecan meeting slated for July 27 at the Bogard Pecan Orchard near Foreman, Ark.

(Distributed 11/05/04) "Lucky is the tomato grower who has tomatoes for sale now," said Dr. H.Y. Hanna of the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/07/04) Louisiana sugarcane farmers have a chance to diversify their sugarcane crops with the release of two new sugarcane varieties.

(Distributed 05/27/04) Forage producers toured three different operations this week to learn the latest techniques in the production and use of high-quality grass to support the livestock operations in central and northwestern Louisiana

(Distributed 05/05/04) The LSU AgCenter has announced a food science summit to be held May 19-20 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/09/04) LSU AgCenter agents are focusing on educating young people about food and exercise to decrease obesity in Louisiana’s children.For example, in Jefferson Parish, students and parents from one school are being taught about healthy nutrition and exercise.

(Distributed 08/27/04) Rosemary Funk of Lafayette has been a Louisiana Master Gardener since 2000 – when she retired and decided it was time to start doing something in the yard.

(Distributed 05/20/04) Stressing that production agriculture alone is not enough to sustain rural economies, a leading food science expert this week said farm productivity needs to be converted to consumer-ready products.

(Distributed 07/22/04) Elmer Hunley says he is ready to start teaching his students about personal finance – thanks to the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 12/10/04) Louisiana nature photographers will have an opportunity to show off their work and earn recognition if their photos are selected for the LSU AgCenter’s 2006 Get It Growing gardening calendar.

(Distributed 11/12/04) With hunting season in full swing, an LSU AgCenter expert says it’s a good time to remember that safety should be everyone’s top priority.

(Distributed 05/21/04) Dr. Jerry Ward’s research on heat stress in dairy cattle wouldn’t be as effective if he didn’t have the resources of the LSU AgCenter’s weather station at the Southeast Research Station in Franklinton where he works.

(Distributed 08/11/04) It may be a while before their work bears fruit, but researchers at the LSU AgCenter and others across the South are investigating how to assist the spread of a microscopic parasite that could reduce the number of red imported fire ants.