(For Release On Or After 06/03/05) Successfully creating colorful flowerbeds and container plantings for summer depends a lot on which plants you choose. Fortunately, a lot of attractive and colorful heat-tolerant plants are available to do the job.

(For Release On Or After 06/24/05) When people take summer vacations, they often make arrangements to have someone take care of everything from their pets to the newspaper. It’s also important to have someone look after the plants and home grounds during an extended absence.

(For Release On Or After 06/17/05) Fire ants inflict painful stings and create unsightly mounds in our landscapes, so most of us would be happier if there were no fire ants around. It’s interesting to note, however, that fire ants are excellent predators and help control such pests as fleas and ticks in lawns.

(For Release On Or After 06/10/05) Violent thunderstorms can occur across the state during the summer, and in South Louisiana high winds from hurricanes are a concern in summer and fall. Although trees add immeasurably to our home grounds, trees with problems can be a liability during storms or hurricanes.

(Distributed 06/10/05) Hundreds of Louisiana 4-H’ers will converge on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge June 21-24 for the LSU AgCenter’s annual 4-H University events.

(Distributed 06/27/05) Continuing looks at new sugarcane varieties will highlight the LSU AgCenter’s annual sugarcane field day July 20 at the Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel.

(Distributed 06/22/05) Spores like those associated with Asian soybean rust have been found in a trap set up by the LSU AgCenter in a field near the Northeast Louisiana town of St. Joseph.

(Distributed 06/21/05) A group of Louisiana 4-H’ers were recognized as scholarship winners Tuesday (June 21) during 4-H University in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/21/05) For Release After 7 p.m.Ten adults were cited for their contributions to the Louisiana 4-H program at a banquet Tuesday (June 21) during the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University event.

(Distributed 06/29/05) Officials say they believe the meat goat industry is one with "nothing but growth" in its future. That was the message heard during the 2005 Goat Extravaganza Saturday (June 25) at the LSU AgCenter’s Calhoun Research Station.

(Distributed 06/17/05) The LSU AgCenter will host the 2005 Goat Extravaganza June 25 at the AgCenter’s Calhoun Research Station.

(Distributed 06/22/05) About 600 4-H and FFA members will come to Northeast Louisiana in July for the first LSU AgCenter State Horse Show to be held in the area.

(Distributed 06/27/05) A natural resources symposium targeted toward land managers, foresters, land owners, researchers and anyone interested in the management and conservation of Louisiana’s natural resources will be held July 18-20 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/29/05) The LSU AgCenter and other partners in a financial literacy coalition are offering an educational session this summer in Baton Rouge that’s designed to help people jump-start their financial smarts.

(Distributed 06/16/05) The LSU AgCenter’s 2005 Rice Field Day will be held June 30 at its Rice Research Station near Crowley. The annual event provides visitors with a look at ongoing research at the LSU AgCenter facility.

(Distributed 06/09/05) Having the right answers before a storm comes your way can help you be prepared if a hurricane strikes, experts with the LSU AgCenter point out.

(Distributed 06/17/05) The LSU AgCenter is helping teachers learn more about financial management again this summer, so they, in turn, can share what they’ve learned with students next year.

(Distributed 06/10/05) This year’s crawfish harvest is wrapping up, and Louisiana consumers enjoyed another good crawfish season in 2005.

(Distributed 06/23/05) Louisiana 4-H’ers are learning to be positive forces in their lives and for their communities. Examples ranging from assembling "hero packs" to learning more about community service were seen this week (June 21-24) as nearly 1,600 4-H Club members from across the state participated in the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University events on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/08/05) LSU AgCenter agents and researchers recently met for a look at issues affecting the sugarcane industry and to review a new video for use in recertifying sugarcane farmers for burning cane.

(Distributed 06/22/05) Participants in the LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer program got a firsthand look last week at best management practices used on a rice and crawfish farm in St. Martin Parish.

(Distributed 06/08/05) "Predatory lenders exploit people who are in a bind," Dr. Jeanette Tucker said. "They particularly target low-income and under-educated people." The LSU AgCenter family economics specialist was one of several presenters at Scam Jam Anti-fraud Workshops across the state sponsored by AARP Louisiana and several other Louisiana agencies and organizations.

(6/1/05) More than 800 Louisiana 4-H members and volunteer leaders convened at the state Capitol as part of “4-H Day at the Capitol” this month in Baton Rouge. The June 1 event was designed to help 4-H’ers learn more about the legislative process.

(Distributed 06/21/05)The final signing of Ascension Parish’s lease-purchase agreement on the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center also seals the fate of the LSU AgCenter’s 2006 Livestock Show at the facility, AgCenter officials said Tuesday (June 21).

(Distributed 06/21/05) The Louisiana County Agricultural Agents Association honored several LSU AgCenter agents and specialists during its annual conference earlier this month in Sulphur.

(Distributed 06/23/05) Young people from across Louisiana were named state winners and alternates in various contests Thursday night (June 23) at the final session of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/08/05) The LSU AgCenter will hold a Model Farm Field Day June 17 for rice and crawfish producers in the Teche-Vermilion watershed.

(Distributed 06/08/05) The LSU AgCenter has created a Dairy Initiative Team to help the Louisiana dairy industry face some of the most trying of times.

(Distributed 06/10/05) The LSU AgCenter is taking the learning process outside to teach volunteers how to make the state more beautiful by successfully planting flowers, shrubs, vegetables and other portions of the landscape.

(Distributed 06/27/05) An Asian soybean rust training session and field tour are set for July 7 at the LSU AgCenter’s facilities near Alexandria. The meeting will feature one of the world’s leading authorities on Asian soybean rust.

(Distributed 06/09/05) Hurricane planning and preparation can make a difference in making it to safe shelter, reducing damage to your home, coping during a storm and recovering easily after one, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 06/08/05) Producers will be introduced to the latest in row crop research during the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station Field Day scheduled for June 29.

Approximately 1,900 people participated in the LSU AgCenter's 4-H University events June 21-24. The activities for youth and adults included competition for trips and prizes, educational activities and personal development sessions, as well as the election of state 4 H officers and district representatives. See photos from those events.

(Distributed 06/21/05) "Science really is my favorite subject," said Valerie Traylor. "This program helps me know what I’ll be doing in college." Traylor and her science teacher from Natchitoches High School are among those participating in the Biotechnology Education for Students and Teachers summer program sponsored by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed June 2005) Residents of Louisiana and other southern states may begin requesting their free credit reports on June 1, 2005, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed June 2005) June is either the tail of spring or the head of summer in Louisiana. It depends on whether you are near I-20 or near I-10 interstates, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2005) Summer is here, and outdoor play ranks as a favorite activity for most young children. But that means safety also should be a concern for parents and caregivers, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed June 2005) Southern peas are an option for Louisiana summer gardens, because they can take the heat and prefer less fertile soils, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2005) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says to observe June Dairy Month by consuming the recommended servings of non-fat and low-fat milk and milk products.

(Distributed June 2005) Springtime fish fatalities in ponds are common throughout the Southeast, especially in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter aquaculture professor Dr. Greg Lutz explains that stress caused by abrupt temperature fluctuations, such as many parts of the state experienced in the past several months, often aggravates fish health problems by suppressing immune responses beyond normal seasonal changes.

(Distributed June 2005) Enjoy Louisiana blueberries. They can help protect against diseases, including certain cancers and heart disease, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed June 2005) The vegetable garden is a busy place. Plants grow, most develop flowers and then bear fruit. Proper nutrition is essential, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2005) Landscape plant evaluations at the LSU AgCenter regularly identify new plants worthy of increased use in Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed June 2005) Summer marks the beginning of picnic season and the challenge of food safety, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed June 2005) It’s the wedding season, and newlyweds are facing the reality of incredible changes that come with their new lives together. Some of the biggest changes couples face involve money, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed June 2005) Now is the time to take advantage of historical low student loan rates, says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed June 2005) Father’s Day is a good time to focus on men’s health. Although many people think of osteoporosis as a woman’s disease, it is also a serious health problem for men, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed June 2005) In an attempt to lose weight, some people try to eliminate all fats and oils from their diets. That’s a mistake, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed June 2005) If our dry spring months extend into the summer, we will need to remember some important considerations when watering home landscapes, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed June 2005) Child care may not be what comes to mind when you think of economic development or the state’s major industries, but a recent study by experts from two Louisiana universities shows significant contributions.

(Distributed June 2005) Persistent drier-than-normal weather this spring has resulted in the onset of near-drought conditions over much of Louisiana, reports LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed June 2005) Prescreened solicitations are now among the principal techniques creditors use to inform prospective customers of the availability of their products and to establish new or additional business relationships with them, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed June 2005) June Drop is a name that pecan growers have given to an event that occurs from mid June through early July. During this period, a large number of "nutlets" drop from pecan trees, explains LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed June 2005) Bermudagrass may be the plague of flower beds and gardens, but is an important turfgrass species, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2005) C.E. Byrd High School students scored in every award category in the recent Foundations for Life national essay contest by the Josephson Institute of Ethics and Character Counts!