(For Release On Or After 05/13/05) Summer-flowering bulbs are a great way to brighten up your garden, and since most of them are native to tropical or subtropical climates, they will reliably bloom here for many years.

(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 May 2005) The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are revised every five years, include exercise for the first time as part of a healthy lifestyle. LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu says the guidelines emphasize nine key areas.

(Distributed May 2005) Adults often bemoan their lack of financial training, having had to "learn the hard way" about money management skills. A national program for youth, however, offers help that parents wished they’d had, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed May 2005) Current recommendations for reducing hypertension emphasize modifying your lifestyle. That means you must do more than simply taking a pill to lower your blood pressure, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed May 2005) Weeds are unwanted plants that compete with your lawn for water, nutrients and light. Practically every lawn has lingering winter weed problems during spring, according to LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Ronald Strahan.

(Distributed May 2005) "Nearly all Americans consume much more salt than they need," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Using more salt (sodium chloride) increases the risk of high blood pressure, and using less salt reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

(Distributed May 2005) Why should you use food and cooking thermometers? One of the most important factors in slowing down bacteria in food is controlling the temperature, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition professor Dr. Annrose Guarino.

(Distributed May 2005) Some unscrupulous lenders are using misinformation and high-pressure tactics to prey on vulnerable homeowners. There is no clear-cut definition of a predatory loan, but LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker says that it is the result of a lender misleading, tricking and sometimes coercing someone into taking out a home loan at excessive costs and without regard to the homeowner’s ability to repay.

(Distributed May 2005) High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney disease - the first, third and ninth leading causes of death in the United States, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed May 2005) Americans need to be more active, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Surveys have shown that about 25 percent of American adults report doing no significant amounts of physical activity.

(Distributed May 2005) May and June are critical for Louisiana athletic turf. You have to grow your Bermudagrass field in late spring and early summer to have a field for August play, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed May 2005) "Eating healthfully is one of the most important things women can do to achieve and maintain good health," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, in observance of National Women’s Health Week, May 8-14.

(Distributed May 2005) Hypertension or high blood pressure is often called the silent killer, because it may cause no symptoms. "The condition may not be so silent after all," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, citing new research.

(Distributed May 2005) Crop planting season for summer vegetable gardens usually lasts one month from the average frost-free date. "Then there are those of us in May who are only now getting around to planting a vegetable garden," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(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!

(Distributed July 2005) Financing a college education is often a partnership involving the student, family, school and lending agency. LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker encourages college students to find out each partner’s responsibility.

(Distributed July 2005) Employment is more than a way for students to make money, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker. It also can foster a sense of self-worth, develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, enable a contribution to society and cultivate a sense of professional identity.

(Distributed July 2005) If your child will be entering kindergarten, this will be an exciting time for both you and your youngster, says family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry.

(Distributed July 2005) High school students can develop good habits today to reach their financial goals for tomorrow. Earning money provides a sense of accomplishment and responsibility, says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2005) Some of the hottest days of the year occur at the beginning of the school year. Soaring temperatures can be a great threat to active kids in the form of dehydration and heat-related illness, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) Have you thought about your child’s clothing needs for the coming school year? asks LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Ann Berry. Seems like the school bell rings earlier and earlier each year.

(Distributed July 2005) The "digital divide" has LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Annrose Guarino concerned. Her messages may not be reaching some of her intended audiences: low-income, minority and disabled children.

(Distributed July 2005) Start the school year off right by sending the kids back to school on a budget while teaching them money management skills in the process. This is a good time to demonstrate budgeting techniques and set a positive example for your children, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2005) As you prep your college-bound kids for all the perils in life, don’t forget money management, advises LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2005) Many parents find the end of summer and the beginning of the new school year an appropriate time to search for new child-care arrangements. If you are not sure of the child-care options available, LSU AgCenter experts say the back-to-school time may be a good one to review some of the options out there.

(Distributed July 2005) Whether your children eat lunch in the school cafeteria or bring a sack lunch, the youngsters still need a balanced, nutritious meal, says LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed July 2005) Choosing child care is one of the most daunting tasks parents have to do, but it’s often necessary to complete such tasks. Although making decisions about child care can be overwhelming, Gioe and LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White say it doesn’t have to be so bad.

(Distributed July 2005) Youth will meet their needs! Every day youth strive to meet their needs - some in positive ways, some in negative ways, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H character education expert John Arceneaux.

(Distributed July 2005) Parents tend to work very hard to prepare their children for the first day of school but do not prepare themselves for the change. Parents can do many things to ready themselves for this transition, says LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser.

(Distributed July 2005) Most children feel nervous or even scared on the first day of school. Seeing familiar faces of friends can make the first day of school an easier one, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser.

(Distributed July 2005) Moving away from home for the first time is a pivotal moment in life. It is one of the rites of passage from youth to adulthood, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2005) The first day of school can be one of anxiety for both parents and children. LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser offers top 10 ways to prepare you and your kids for the first day of school and the separation you both will experience.

(Distributed July 2005) Some children prefer to bring their lunches to school. A problem with take-along lunches, though, is that they’re often filled with high-fat treats and have few, if any, fruits or vegetables, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) Every competitive and recreational athlete needs adequate fuel, fluids and nutrients to perform his or her best. Dehydration impairs performance by causing cramps, weakness and headache, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

( Distributed July 2005) You may think your infant is too young to prepare for school, but the first three years form the foundation for your child’s success in school, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser.

(Distributed July 2005) Help your child be snack-wise by having healthy food items from the Food Guide Pyramid on hand. There are lots of choices, says LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(For Release On Or After 07/15/05) Whether we admit it or not, heat and humidity this time of year make gardening outside less enjoyable. Certainly I have to confess to retreating into the coolness of my air-conditioned home and spending less time in the garden now that mid-summer has arrived. But when I don’t spend as much time in my outside garden, I can turn to my collection of indoor plants to keep me happy.

(For Release On Or After 07/22/05) Plants that are native to tropical areas of the world are not bothered in the least by the hot days, muggy nights and frequent afternoon rain showers that we see during mid- to late summer in Louisiana. Indeed, that’s just the kind of weather they love.

(For Release On Or After 07/08/05) By the middle of summer, many adults are trying to think of ways to provide something for children to do until school begins again. Why not start a gardening project? You can introduce your youngsters to the joys of gardening and at the same time exercise their bodies and brains.

(For Release On Or After 07/29/05) No other group of plants can be used to create the effects that vines do in the landscape. But you need to keep in mind their growing habits and how you may train them when adding them to your landscape.

(For Release On Or After 07/01/05) If you want to boost the color in your landscape, nurseries still have a good selection of colorful bedding plants that will thrive in whatever heat the summer throws at them.

(Distributed 07/18/05) About 600 young horse enthusiasts participated in the LSU AgCenter’s 2005 State 4-H & FFA Horse Show, held for the first time at the Ike Hamilton Exposition Center here July 11-16.

(Distributed 07/21/05) LSU AgCenter sugarcane researchers showcased new varieties at the sugarcane field day Wednesday (July 20). And LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station resident coordinator Dr. Kenneth Gravois said there is a tremendous amount of interest in these new varieties.

(Distributed 07/21/05) Louisiana produces about a million pounds of alligator waste – primarily carcasses – each year, and Texas, Georgia and Florida produce another 800,000 or so pounds a year. If LSU AgCenter researchers have their way, that waste will be turned into a usable product – collagen.

(Distributed 07/12/05) The LSU AgCenter and others will offer workshops focused on risk management for nursery growers July 25 in Baton Rouge and July 26 in Hammond.

(Distributed 07/28/05) John Turner came to Baton Rouge from the New Orleans area to learn how to get involved in teaching youth financial literacy. He joined about 100 Louisiana school teachers and others who work with youth Wednesday and Thursday (July 27-28) to learn more about teaching financial literacy, especially to the state’s youth.

(Distributed 07/08/05) For Louisiana farmers, there is never a good time for a tropical storm or hurricane. But there is definitely a worst-case scenario – depending on the crop.

(Distributed 07/01/05) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Forest Products Development Center will host a comprehensive three-day lumber drying workshop Aug. 17-19 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 07/26/05) Researchers from the LSU AgCenter and Mississippi State University are starting a project to measure how well nonindustrial private forest landowners understand certification programs.

(Distributed 07/29/05) LSU AgCenter officials and other dignitaries ceremonially ‘broke ground’ for the new AgCenter’s Dean Lee Livestock Facilities and Sales Arena south of here Tuesday (July 26).

(Distributed 07/22/05) Solutions for many of the problems in West Carroll Parish are formulated by community leaders and residents who gather around a little yellow table in the back of an old country store here and discuss local issues. Dr. James Barnes, director of the LSU AgCenter’s Rural Development Center, frequently joins in those discussions, and he says every community should have a yellow table where ideas can be hashed out.

(Distributed 07/15/05) The LSU AgCenter’s annual series of Marsh Maneuvers camps are much more than the usual summer camp. They’re a generous dose of education mixed with a heaping serving of fun for 4-Hers from across the state.

(Distributed 07/22/05) Forests will continue to be an integral part of the landscape of Louisiana and the entire South for years to come, according to speakers at a recent conference sponsored by the LSU AgCenter’s School of Renewable Natural Resources.

(Distributed 07/01/05) Producers could see new ways to grow more profitable crops in the near future as a result of research at the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station and others across the state. One project highlighted during the research reports at the Northeast Research Station’s Field Day Wednesday (June 29) was dual-row production of corn.

(Distributed 07/15/05) The Biotechnology Education for Students and Teachers program opened doors for Ashley Venters – although it might inadvertently close one as well.

(Distributed 07/27/25) A process for recycling treated wood products could save on disposal costs and liability concerns by keeping treated wood out of high-cost landfills, according to developers at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 07/28/05) Finding the correct balance for water use is on a lot of people’s minds these days. To help developers and urban dwellers learn about the water-related issues involved in interface between today’s rural and urban areas, the LSU AgCenter is hosting the 2005 Northwest Louisiana Watershed Summit Aug. 11.

(Distributed 07/01/05) Farmers from across South Louisiana who attended the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station Field Day Thursday (June 30) got a first-hand look at new techniques and new technology.

(Distributed 07/08/05) The 2005 rice crop is about two weeks behind the usual rate of maturity, according to LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk, who spoke Wednesday at the Southwest Louisiana Rice Tour here.

(Distributed 07/01/05) Children of U.S. Army Reservists experienced a taste of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Camp at an afternoon outing of fun and games near Slidell this week. The children were participating in the Operation Military Kids program – a diverse effort that is being conducted by land-grant universities across the country and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Army Youth Development Project, National 4-H Headquarters and Army Child and Youth Services.

(Distributed 07/15/05) Growers involved in the Louisiana Master Farmer program learned about ways to minimize water quality problems in rice and crawfish operations while using less water during an LSU AgCenter Model Farm Field Day Wednesday (July 13) in Vermilion Parish.

(Distributed 07/08/05) The trouble with Asian soybean rust, the disease most feared by soybean farmers, is that the spores that cause it can blow into a field from anywhere, anytime. And Hurricane Dennis could bring in a new wave from South America.

(Distributed 07/01/05) The LSU AgCenter has four field days slated for South Louisiana rice farmers in July.

(Distributed 07/15/05) Farmers got updates on agricultural methods and problems in a series of field days held this week (July 11-15) in Acadia, Evangeline and Vermilion parishes.

(Distributed 07/27/05) Hundreds of sea oat plants bent in the breeze on a sandy beach as LSU AgCenter researchers walked among them, looking for plants with potential to help stem erosion on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast.

(Distributed 07/12/05) The latest information on rice and soybean research will be available during the LSU AgCenter’s Annual Rice and Soybean Field Day July 28 at the Woodsland Plantation near Rayville.

(Distributed 07/28/05) Forest landowners and professionals will get a better understanding of managing their forests to increase productivity and sustainability during the first Western Gulf Silvicultural Technology Exchange slated for Sept. 1 here.

(Distributed 07/29/05) LSU AgCenter and State Fair of Louisiana officials recently entered an agreement designed to improve the State Fair’s Junior Livestock Show.

(Distributed 07/25/05) Brian Howard admits he sometimes wonders why he makes the effort to grow crops using conservation tillage methods. But then he says he sees the long-term benefits and realizes "it’s all worth it." Conservation tillage was just one of several best management practices Louisiana Master Farmer candidates learned when they toured Howard’s model farm here Thursday (July 21).

(Distributed July 2005) Louisiana consumers recently gained the right to obtain a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies. LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker says to review the accuracy of your report closely.

(Distributed July 2005) Do you smoke around your young children? Does your child’s child-care provider smoke in the child-care environment? If your answer to either of those questions is "yes," LSU AgCenter experts caution there are multiple concerns about children and their exposure to secondhand smoke.

(Distributed July 2005) Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plants and soils, but is often eyed as an element of concern. High levels can spark algae blooms in waterways and decrease water quality, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2005) A new report issued by the World Privacy Forum suggests that consumers might be better off requesting their federally mandated free credit report by phone or mail instead of ordering it online. You could be the victim of a cyber scam, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2005) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 300 people die each year from heat-related illness. Drinking enough fluids is important during our hot summer weather – especially for senior citizens - according to LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both essential for human health. Americans, however, consume far too many omega-6 fats and not enough omega-3 fats, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed July 2005) The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames takes a close look at the recommendations for water, sodium and potassium.

(Distributed July 2005) The U.S. Army concerns itself not just with its troops, but with the well-being of the soldiers’ families. Character education is a major part of that commitment and tradition, according to LSU AgCenter character education state expert Sarah Williams.

(Distributed July 2005) With the summer half over, you may be wondering about ways to keep your young children entertained, occupied and learning - without going broke! Family economics professor Dr. Ann Berry says options are available that are beyond cheap - they’re free.

(Distributed July 2005) Lawns need a dozen or so soil-supplied nutrients for adequate growth. Of those applied, nitrogen (N) is required in higher amounts, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2005) Summer pruning of blackberries is an important management tool. It is helpful in fruit harvesting, controlling insects and controlling diseases, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed July 2005) Metabolic syndrome affects a person when a combination of abnormal clinical measurements are detected at the same time. The condition develops less frequently, however, in physically fit individuals, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed July 2005) Early childhood education is severely underfunded, and that means those working in the field often are overworked, underpaid and subject to burnout.

(Distributed July 2005) Louisiana summers are a tough time for tomatoes to set and hold fruit. The heat causes irregular flower growth in most cultivars, and the result is poor fruit set, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2005) Two-thirds of Americans with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of diabetes complications because they don't have their blood sugar under control, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) The predicted number of hurricanes for the 2005 season is well above the norm for a single season. A look at the past 10 years, however, shows active seasons have become more common than unusual, according to LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed July 2005) Summer is a time when many parents choose to leave children home rather than making other child-care arrangements. This leads to the situation of kids caring for kids – or kids caring for themselves.

(Distributed July 2005) Hurricane and tropical storm counts have been above the norm for all but one of the last 10 years. This trend and historical records suggest that the Atlantic is in an elevated storm count for another 10 to 20 years, according to LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed July 2005) Did you know that Americans consume more ice cream than any other nation in the world? Ice cream is one of the desserts most enjoyed by all ages, from children to grandparents, says LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed July 2005) At least 47 million Americans—or about one in five—has a condition called metabolic syndrome. These people are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and are at higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and other causes, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) Buddleias, known by most home gardeners as butterfly bush, are becoming an increasingly popular plant in the home landscape, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed July 2005) More varieties and sizes of crape myrtles are available than many people realize. One group of crape myrtles being used more because of its smaller size and excellent flowering performance is the semi-dwarf, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(For Release On Or After 08/19/05) Plants under heat stress are weakened, and we generally see an increase in disease and insect problems at the end of the summer. Keep an eye out this time of year for pests, and be sure to monitor population levels and damage carefully.

(For Release On Or After 08/26/05) It would be hard to find a more dazzling flowering tropical plant than the bougainvillea. The bougainvillea is a tropical shrubby vine, and its bright magenta, pink, white, gold or purple flowers positively glow.

(For Release On Or After 08/05/05) There’s something particularly satisfying about putting quality, nutritious food on the table as a direct result of your gardening efforts, and August is a transitional time in the vegetable garden. Although planting of cool-season vegetables will begin in earnest next month, some of the more heat-tolerant ones, such as the cole crops, can be planted now.

(For Release On Or After 08/12/05) Right about now is a good time to look over your landscape and evaluate how things are growing. Some of your plants may need your guiding hand.