(For Release On Or After 02/04/05) Around the world, there is no better loved or more recognizable flower in the plant kingdom than the rose, and now is a good time to plant them.

(For Release On Or After 02/18/05) If you’re a fan of figs, you’ll be glad to know that fig trees are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow around your home. With little care, they will produce crops of juicy, sweet figs every year.

(Distributed 02/21/05) Participants in the LSU AgCenter’s Diversity Conference earlier this month got a healthy dose of advice that respecting, understanding and honoring diversity is the right thing to do.

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

(Distributed 02/01/05) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Forest Products Development Center will host a comprehensive three-day lumber drying workshop Aug. 17-19.

(Distributed 02/04/05) LSU AgCenter scientists are launching a series of research projects in 2005 to learn what they can about Asian soybean rust and how this potentially devastating disease will develop in Louisiana. Meanwhile, they are telling farmers to go about their soybean planting as they have in the past, despite this looming threat.

(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 02/12/05) 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 02/12/05) Hundreds of youth from across Louisiana were named state champions during a week of competition at the 70th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show.

(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) 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.

(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.

(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) A variety of photos are available from the LSU AgCenter's 2005 Livestock Show. This is one of two galleries posted to our News Web site.

(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 02/12/05) The LSU AgCenter recognized outstanding volunteer leaders and 4-H and FFA members Saturday (Feb. 12) for their involvement in and contributions to youth livestock programs.

(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) A variety of photos are available from the LSU AgCenter's 2005 Livestock Show. This is one of two galleries posted to our News Web site.

(Distributed February 2005) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames encourages women to wear something red on February 4 to show support of all women who have been touched by heart disease or stroke. Heart disease is women’s number 1 killer.

(Distributed February 2005) February and March signal the beginning of spring in many parts of Louisiana – at least when it pertains to getting things done in the home landscape, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed February 2005) Although some early childhood educators still have doubts about the importance of computer use by preschool-age children, the argument really is a moot point, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe, who says the reality is that children are steadily gaining access to computers in homes, child-care centers and schools.

(Distributed February 2005) It is only February, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames asks, "Have your plans to lose weight already been thwarted by too much king cake and ‘bad’ weather that keeps you from exercising?"

(Distributed February 2005) Do you tend to volunteer around a holiday? If so, February has lots of opportunities for you, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed February 2005) Maxims, proverbs and sayings provide a flash of insight to illuminate life’s journey, says LSU AgCenter state 4-H character education coordinator John Arceneaux. Familiar examples are, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," and "You are only as good as your word."

(Distributed February 2005) Costs associated with obesity treatment will be easier to bear for those who itemize their deductions, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition professor Dr. Annrose Guarino.

(Distributed February 2005) Don’t let food poisoning be a memento of the Mardi Gras season, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames. "By following some simple practices, you can enjoy the festivities without suffering from foodborne illnesses."

(Distributed February 2005) Nutrition and physical activity are key components of good health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. During March, National Nutrition Month, Reames urges everyone to "Get a Taste for Nutrition," this year’s theme by the American Dietetic Association.

(Distributed February 2005) Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) has become the most popular grass type in Louisiana. It is the major grass produced on Louisiana sod farms, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.