(Distributed September 2005) As fuel prices rise, tractor owners are looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption. Dr. Richard Parish, an engineer with the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station, has some suggestions for saving fuel.

(Distributed September 2005) Lawns grow very fast and very aggressively in the South. If they’re not edged back regularly, Southern lawn grass will grow right over sidewalks, driveways, flower beds and anything else in their way.

(Distributed 09/08/05) Many cattle producers in southeastern Louisiana didn’t fare too well as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Observers estimate producers lost at least 80 percent of the cattle in Plaquemines Parish, according to LSU AgCenter cattle specialist Dr. Jason Rowntree.

(Distributed 08/28/05) While most eyes are focused on New Orleans, the surrounding countryside has suffered a severe blow from Hurricane Katrina that’s expected to affect several Louisiana agricultural commodities.

(For Release On Or After 09/09/05) Birds can contribute wonderful, unique and desirable things to your landscape such as movement, color, sounds and pest control. Although certain birds can damage some fruits and vegetables, the presence of birds is almost universally welcomed by gardeners.

(For Release On Or After 09/23/05) The satisfaction of growing fresh vegetables is undeniable, but many gardeners do not have a suitable in-ground location to grow them. If your circumstances force you to do your gardening in containers, you should know that many cool-season vegetables can be grown successfully in containers

(For Release On Or After 09/16/05) Gardeners use the term "volunteer" for the seedling of a desirable plant that appears in the garden even though it wasn’t actually planted there. These plants can be the offspring of trees and shrubs but are most often the result of seeds dropped by annuals or perennials that were previously grown in the garden.

(For Release On Or After 09/30/05) Now is an excellent time to assess your landscape and make plans, since November through February is the prime time for planting hardy trees, shrubs and ground covers in Louisiana.

(For Release On Or After 09/02/05) If we’re lucky, we might have some cooler days this month, since cool fronts often begin to make their way this far south in September. After the long, hot summer, these last scorching days are especially hard to bear for gardeners and their landscapes.

(Distributed 09/04/08) Hurricane Gustav put a lot of limbs and whole trees on the ground in various areas of the state, and many people already are working on cleanup efforts. An LSU AgCenter forest safety specialist says safety should be a major consideration during those efforts – particularly when it comes to use of a chainsaw.

(Distributed 09/02/05) A flood-damaged home requires special attention to avoid a population explosion of molds, other fungi, algae and bacteria, LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says.

(Distributed 09/16/05) Louisiana 4-H’ers are doing their part to help victims of Hurricane Katrina find at least some bits of relief and sparks of hope.

(Distributed 09/22/05) The Baton Rouge River Center is a temporary home for a fluctuating population of around 6,000 people displaced by Hurricane Katrina, and at least 2,500 of them are children. Concern for all the evacuees – but particularly the children – prompted 4-H agents and others from the LSU AgCenter and Southern University AgCenter to work on ideas for worthwhile activities that would help displaced families and children pass the time.

(Distributed 09/22/05) When disasters happen, dedicated volunteers and professionals swing into action to help those affected by the tragedy. But who takes care of the "helpers"?

(Distributed 09/07/05) Loss of belongings could be the least of the worries for some refugees of Hurricane Katrina – many of whom have lost their jobs or had to take temporary unpaid leave, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 09/07/05) You probably can’t avoid the stress coming in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but there are ways you can try to manage its effects, according to LSU AgCenter family and child development specialist Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed 09/02/05) It’s too early to tell for sure, but some of Louisiana’s aquaculture industries evaded serious damage from Hurricane Katrina, while others may have suffered significant problems, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 09/02/05) A delivery of more than 6 tons of rice to a Lafayette area food bank Thursday morning is the first of many more donations expected from Louisiana farmers and rice mills.

(Distributed 09/02/05) Many people are inclined to help others after disaster such as Hurricane Katrina strikes. But knowing how to help so that victims will get the greatest benefit from volunteer efforts is important, say LSU AgCenter experts.

(Distributed 09/06/05) In the aftermath of the devastation and destruction of Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions is urging financial institutions to "work with" their customers affected by the storm.

(Distributed 09/07/05) With hundreds of square miles of standing water in flooded areas, mosquitoes are expected to be rampant in Southeast Louisiana in the days ahead.

(Posted 09/28/05) Hurricane Rita's impact on agriculture and natural resources in southwestern Louisiana was widespread. See more photos in this gallery.

(Distributed 09/28/05) The 2005 Louisiana cotton crop took significant hits when the second hurricane in less than a month roared into the state this past weekend (Sept. 23-25).

(Distributed 09/14/05) Many children and young adults sustained both physical and emotional injuries from tragedies associated with the recent storm and the days that followed. It’s important to help them cope with those issues, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed 09/06/05) Horses that survived the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina still may need special attention to assure their continued health.

(Distributed 09/28/05) The Louisiana sweet potato harvest is under way, and LSU AgCenter experts say the damage from Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita appears to be minimal.

(Distributed 09/08/05) Termites can’t hold their breath forever, although they have a capacity to live under water for a significant amount of time, according to a world-renowned termite expert. That means termites in areas flooded by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina may not be as prevalent as they have been for a while – offering a small grain of good news among the massive destruction.

(Distributed 09/01/05) If you are without power because of Hurricane Katrina, keep in mind the food in your refrigerator or freezer has a limited lifespan – as short as four hours, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 09/12/05) Agricultural damage in Louisiana has been estimated in excess of $1 billion, including $610 million in lost timber, $145 million in sugarcane and $151 million for seafood.

(Distributed 09/22/05) Louisiana youngsters will join other 4-H’ers across the United States in early October to "Make the 4-H Connection" in their communities.

(Distributed 09/20/05) A flood-damaged home requires special attention to avoid or correct a "population explosion" of mold, says LSU AgCenter expert Dr. Claudette Reichel.

(Distributed 09/08/05) Rumors about mosquito-borne diseases are floating around almost as much as the floodwaters in New Orleans, according entomologists with the LSU AgCenter, who say precaution rather than panic should prevail.

(Distributed 09/13/05) The temporary shelter at Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus, set up to handle pet animals evacuated from hurricane-affected areas of southeast Louisiana, is bursting at the seams and accepting no more animals at this time.

(Distributed 09/13/05) People setting up temporary or semi-permanent living quarters or offices such as tents or mobile homes on vacant land following Hurricane Katrina need to be cautious about red imported fire ants.

(Distributed 09/21/05) Farmers, industry representatives and LSU AgCenter personnel recently attended a Louisiana Master Farmer Model Farm field day here. The Sept. 16 activities at Robert Thevis’ farm in Simmesport provided an opportunity for the participants to observe conservation practices being followed by a leading producer.

(Distributed 09/15/05) Louisiana’s nursery, landscape and retail garden center industry has incurred major damage due to the affects of Hurricane Katrina, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 09/21/05) Louisiana crawfish and catfish producers will vote Oct. 12 on whether to continue funding promotion and research in their industries.

(Distributed 09/28/05) Cattle, rice, sugarcane, crawfish, wildlife and alligators are among many of Hurricane Rita casualties in southwestern Louisiana.

(Distributed 09/20/05) Louisiana seafood products making their way to the market now are safe – despite disruptions and losses the industry suffered as the result of Hurricane Katrina, according to experts at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 09/07/05) Con artists unfortunately will be looking for ways to take advantage of the suffering and confusion in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, cautions LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 09/20/05) Students across Louisiana will have a chance to increase their "smarts" about nutrition, fitness and health this year, thanks to an innovative educational effort from the LSU AgCenter and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.

(Distributed 09/08/05) Obstacles to shipping grain out of the Port of New Orleans because of damages from Hurricane Katrina remain a hindrance for farmers, but Wednesday (Sept. 7) brought encouraging signs.

(Distributed 09/15/05) Forestry experts and leaders in the industry say preliminary estimates of the economic devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina exceed $600 million in timber damage and reduced prices for damaged trees.

(Distributed 09/28/05)Growers learned how to detect and control the most economically damaging disease for pecan production in the South during the LSU AgCenter’s Pecan Research and Extension Station Field Day last week (Sept. 22).

(Distributed 09/15/05) Evacuees who have been staying at the LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center since being forced out of their homes by Hurricane Katrina will soon be moving to more permanent shelters.

(Distributed 09/16/05) LSU AgCenter researchers are studying how Louisiana producers can grow Dallisgrass to add diversity to their crop production.

(Distributed 09/02/05) Louisiana’s dairy farms, mostly located in the Florida parishes of Tangipahoa, Washington and St. Helena, apparently have been hit hard by Hurricane Katrina.

(Distributed October 2005) The aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita is a wake-up call for all whose homes were spared. It’s a vivid reminder of the importance of making your home stronger, safer and smarter, according to LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel.

(Distributed October 2005) Many people are surprised about the extent of protection their homeowner's insurance policy offers. Although your policy may not cover flood damage to your home, it does offer some protection from loss due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry.

(Distributed September 2005) In September you’ll hear, "It's time to winterize your lawn," just as last spring you heard, "It's time to weed and feed." Yet, this practice may not be beneficial or even necessary, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed September 2005) Healthy snacks are an important part of a child’s diet. Because their stomachs are small, youngsters may not eat enough food at meals to get all the nutrients they need in a day. Eating smaller portions more often will help to ensure adequate nutrient intake, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2005) The September 11 anniversary, on-going insurgency in Iraq and terrorist attacks in England are markers of uncertain times and reminders of how important it is to have your financial house in order, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed September 2005) Small plant size, attractive flowers and unique fruits make the pomegranate an excellent landscape plant, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner. It has been grown as a fruiting shrub or small tree in many of the old Louisiana gardens.

(Distribued September 2005) When your child goes off to college, the experience can be an onerous one for you and your child. You can do many things to make going off to school a good - or unpleasant - experience, says LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed September 2005) Proper refrigeration can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. It can reduce by two-thirds the risk of Listeriosis, an illness from improperly chilled foods, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2005) Being the parent of a college freshman can be challenging. College students undergo many changes as they begin their journey to independence, says LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed September 2005) "People of character strengthen our country through their daily actions." So reads a portion of last year’s Presidential declaration of Character Counts! Week. This year, the week will be observed October 16-22.

(Distributed September 2005) Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires medical intervention, meal planning and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Several approaches are available for individuals to plan their diets, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed September 2005) With fall approaching, garden mums are popular choices for home landscapes. They fill the gap between the end of the warm-season bedding plants and the beginning of the true cool-season bedding plants, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed September 2005) It’s never too late to help your child succeed in school. Developing success skills takes place at home as well as in the classroom, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H youth expert Dr. Janet Fox.

(Distributed September 2005) Where kindergarten once marked the first school experience for many children, it now has been replaced by preschool, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed September 2005) In a salute to September as National Rice Month, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says rice is delicious, nutritious, economical and versatile. It’s also an excellent source of energy-rich carbohydrates.

(Distributed September 2005) Louisianians who winterize their lawns in October need to be especially careful at reading the nutrient label on the fertilizer bag, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distribued September 2005) Make sure you plan a good defense for keeping food safe at tailgate parties. Keeping food safe from home to stadium helps prevent foodborne illness, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2005) Devoid of bells and whistles, quiet and profound changes are revolutionizing the way Americans will live out their retirement, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed September 2005) Half the male population and a third of the female population are likely to develop heart disease in their lifetimes. Whether you have heart disease or want to prevent it, you can reduce your risk for having a heart attack by lowering your blood cholesterol level, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed September 2005) Each year, millions of illnesses can be traced to foodborne bacteria. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says that figure can drop if people follow recommendations during September Food Safety Education Month.

(Distributed September 2005) Have you been shocked to find the interest rate on one of your credit cards was raised – often dramatically - even though you may never have missed a payment? The problem lies with the universal default clause, says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed September 2005) If you pack a school lunch for your child, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames wants you to follow certain food safety tips from the Fight BAC! safety campaign. She says these recommendations will reduce the incidence of foodborne illness.