(Distributed 02/01/05) Fruit and vegetable growers will learn how to market their crops during the 20th Annual Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference scheduled for Feb. 22 at the LSU AgCenter’s Calhoun Research Station.

(Distributed 02/01/05) State Rep. Francis Thompson is a strong supporter in the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H program. He’s also one of the Louisiana youth development program’s widely known former participants. Thompson, D-Delhi, was honored Saturday night (Jan. 29), and members of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H program in Winn Parish helped serve dinner to some 350 guests as a community service project.

(Distributed 02/12/05) Six exceptional Louisiana young people were recognized Saturday (Feb. 12) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 70th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/12/05) Scholastic awards totaling more than $44,000 were presented Saturday (Feb. 12) to the top exhibitors of market animals at the 70th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show.

(Distributed 02/11/05) The LSU AgCenter presented four major awards Friday (Feb. 11) recognizing faculty members for their contributions to its diversity initiatives.

(Distributed 02/11/05) The Louisiana House Commerce Committee has scheduled a field hearing for 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the C.B. Pennington Jr. Conference Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/17/05) Low rice prices and looming federal budget cuts could be offset by a possible increase of U.S. rice sales, according to some experts in the industry. That was one of the messages at a Tuesday (Feb. 15) meeting for rice producers in Lake Charles that was coordinated by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 02/17/05) Two workshops for citrus growers will be conducted in March by the LSU AgCenter. The clinics, which will provide opportunities for home and commercial citrus growers, are free, and literature will be available at no charge.

(Distributed 02/21/05) Selling food products identified with Louisiana can help build markets – both within the state and elsewhere – a food industry consultant told the Louisiana Food Processors Conference last week.

(Distributed 02/17/05) "The people are here, the businesses are here, the opportunity is here," Sam Scelfo said of Louisiana’s opportunity to create new jobs through the food-processing industry.