(Distributed 06/08/06) Eight square blocks of the historic New Orleans French Quarter have been added to an integrated pest management program aimed at reducing the concentrations of Formosan subterranean termites in the city, officials announced Wednesday (June 7).

(Distributed 06/15/06) Hundreds of young people from across the state are headed for 4-H University next week on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. Students from 63 parishes will participate in a variety of contests and educational programs during the event being held June 20-23.

(Distributed 06/15/06) As dry weather persists across Louisiana, the state’s farmers are facing difficult times, according to observers with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 06/15/06) The LSU AgCenter’s 8th Annual Tomato Field Day last week in Waterproof showed that lack of rain can’t stop those who are determined from producing unusually large tomatoes.

(Distributed 06/15/06) The LSU AgCenter is one of the sponsors of a field day focused on fire ant control set for June 28 in New Orleans City Park. The event is part of the Fire Ant Surge Threat (FAST) prevention program being conducted in the Greater New Orleans area. It is intended to provide the latest information about how area residents can get involved in preventing a resurgence of the pests.

(Photo gallery 6/14/06) This year’s 4-H Day at the Capitol June 7 attracted approximately 1,000 4-H Club members, adult leaders and 4-H staff members from across Louisiana. The events are designed to give 4-H’ers a chance to learn more about Louisiana government while having fun.

(Distributed 06/16/06) Nearly 200 farmers and other agricultural industry representatives were on hand Wednesday (June 14) for the annual field at the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station at St. Joseph. The half-day program featured stops at 10 field locations where LSU AgCenter scientists explained their research with row crops and how it can help Louisiana farmers.

(Distributed 06/16/06) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold a Landscape Horticulture Field Day June 29. Dr. Regina Bracy, LSU AgCenter professor and resident coordinator at the research station, says the June 29 event, which kicks off at 5 p.m., will be the first field day of its kind to be held at the station.

(Distributed 06/16/06) Don’t know much about managing money? Most Louisiana high school students don’t, so teachers may want to boost their knowledge – and the LSU AgCenter is offering opportunities for that.

(Distributed 06/16/06) Rice marketing expert Milo Hamilton will be the featured speaker at the 2006 Field Day for the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station on June 29. Hamilton, president and co-founder of Firstgrain Inc., has traveled and lectured widely in Asia, and he has published several articles on commodity trading and hedging.

(Distributed 06/20/06) Winners of 4-H scholarships were among those honored during an awards banquet Tuesday (June 20) at 4-H University in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/20/06) Twelve adults were recognized for their contributions to the Louisiana 4-H program during an awards ceremony Tuesday (June 20) proceeding the opening session of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University program on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 06/21/06) There is one good thing about the drier-than-normal weather conditions around Louisiana so far this year. That’s fewer mosquitoes, according to an expert with the LSU AgCenter, who stressed precautions still are needed to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

(Distributed 06/22/06) Young people from across Louisiana were announced as state winners and alternates in various contests Thursday night (June 22) at the final session of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University in Baton Rouge. Hundreds more were selected as blue-ribbon winners, and more than 1,500 youngsters participated in the three-day series of activities that are part of the annual 4-H event.

(Distributed 06/23/06) Ten months ago, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore was charged with overseeing the relief efforts after the worst natural disaster to hit the United States – Hurricane Katrina. Last night (June 22) he told a group of 4-H’ers the leadership and values he learned as a 4-H’er "brought aid and safety to thousands along the Gulf Coast."

(Distributed 06/23/06) Certified forests may be the next trend in lumber marketing, but non-industrial, private forest landowners generally are unwilling to foot the bill, according to a recent study.

(Posted 06/23/06) This collection of photos shows some of the activities when hundreds of young people from across the state gathered June 20-23 in Baton Rouge for the 2006 version of Louisiana 4-H University. Students from all 64 parishes of Louisiana participated in the contests, educational programs, campus tours and other activities that were part of the events.

(Distributed 06/28/06) The LSU AgCenter and others are offering programs this summer designed to help consumers learn how to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft.

(Distributed 06/29/06) Two new sugarcane varieties released earlier this year will be featured at the LSU AgCenter’s Annual Sugarcane Field Day July 19 at the St. Gabriel Research Station.

(Distributed 06/29/06) In Washington Parish, you generally don’t need a calendar to tell when July 4 is near. All you’d have to do is drive around and count the number of people selling watermelons on the roadside or at produce stands. The same is true in many other areas across Louisiana where watermelons are grown and sold this time of year.

(Distributed 06/30/06) The LSU AgCenter recently conducted an Urban Stormwater Academy to help engineers, architects and municipal officials learn about practices that will both reduce stormwater runoff and its contaminant load at construction sites.

(Distributed 06/30/06) Four field days for farmers will be held in July in several Southwest Louisiana parishes.

(Distributed 06/30/06) Young people from across Louisiana will compete in the 37th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show July 10-15 in the Monroe-West Monroe area.

(Distributed 06/30/06) LSU AgCenter researchers are working on a new technique that has the potential of improving wild and captive white-tailed deer herds in the state. Dr. Dearl Sanders, LSU AgCenter professor and resident director at the Idlewild Research Station near Clinton, says artificial insemination research on deer at the station could be the breakthrough for bigger, healthier deer.

(Distributed 06/30/06) Rice prices worldwide will be strong the next two years because rice stocks in Asia have declined significantly, a rice marketing expert said Thursday (June 29) at the annual LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Field Day.

(Distributed 06/30/06) LSU AgCenter scientists confirmed on Friday (June 30) that Asian soybean rust is in Louisiana. This is the first finding of the disease for 2006, and it was found on kudzu, another plant besides soybeans susceptible to the disease.

(Distributed 07/05/06) Homeowners and home builders will get an opportunity to see live demonstrations of hurricane-resistant and moisture-control building techniques and materials on July 14 at the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Resource Center.

(Distributed 07/07/06) Thirteen of Louisiana’s finest farmers have completed the rigorous requirements to become a Master Farmer – a title that means they have not only learned the latest in scientifically based conservation techniques but they are voluntarily implementing them on their farms.

(Distributed 07/12/06) Rice and soybean farmers can learn about some of the latest research and receive updates during the Northeast Louisiana Rice and Soybean Field Day July 25.

(Distributed 07/13/06) Louisiana soybean producers are sitting on pins and needles waiting to see if their soybean crops will pass a critical growth stage without being infected by Asian soybean rust.

(Distributed 07/14/06) Encouraging news for Southwest Louisiana farmers came during the four rice field days held recently by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 07/14/06) Although a Houma couple’s discovery of what was thought to be "cuculoupe" in their garden has been touted in media across the country, experts now say further study revealed it isn’t a new vegetable or fruit after all.

(Distributed 07/18/06) A former Louisiana 4-H leader is among 20 people who will be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame this fall. The late W. C. Abbott Sr., former state 4-H leader for Louisiana, was selected for the honor.

(Distributed 07/18/06) LSU AgCenter agents from St. Bernard Parish recently conducted a six-week learning camp for students who have returned to their homes in one of Louisiana’s more devastated areas from last years hurricanes.

(Distributed 07/18/06) About 500 young horse enthusiasts participated in the LSU AgCenter’s 2006 State 4-H and FFA Horse Show at the Ike Hamilton Exposition Center here July 10-15.

(Distributed 07/20/06) Two new sugarcane varieties released earlier this year and "energy cane" were featured at the LSU AgCenter’s annual sugarcane field day on July 19 at the Sugar Research Station at St. Gabriel.

(Distribtued 07/21/06) Louisiana farmers for years have focused more on drainage than irrigation. But practices have changed with changing weather.

(Distributed 07/26/06) Recent rainfall is causing problems for rice farmers across Louisiana after they planted the smallest crop on record this year, according to the LSU AgCenter rice specialist.

(Distributed 07/26/06) Homeowners in South Louisiana and elsewhere in the Gulf South who are rebuilding after last year’s hurricanes have opportunities to add more termite protection to their homes, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 07/26/06) LSU AgCenter scientists confirmed Wednesday (July 26) that Asian soybean rust was found on soybeans in Rapides Parish. This is the first finding of the disease on soybeans in Louisiana for 2006. It had been found about a month ago on kudzu, a plant that can host the disease, in Iberia and Lafayette parishes.

(Distributed 07/26/06) The LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research and Extension Center will host its annual Row Crop Field Day Aug. 24. The field day will feature information on cotton, corn and soybeans,

(Distributed 07/26/06) Teachers across Louisiana went back to school this summer to receive training that will help them teach financial management in their classrooms.

(Distributed 07/27/06) Scientists from the LSU AgCenter this week started planting grass as the first step in a research project designed to evaluate its ability to protect earthen levees on the Gulf Coast. The plant, which already is used widely for erosion control and is known to have some repellent qualities to termites, is vetiver grass.

(Distributed 07/28/06) LSU AgCenter agents in seven South Louisiana parishes are working with other agencies on a project designed to help displaced students meet their ongoing needs. The effort, known as the Partnership for Prevention Education, is targeted toward Louisiana residents affected by last year’s hurricanes.

(Distributed 07/28/06) When LSU AgCenter Hurricane Recovery Coordinator Mark Schexnayder hosted a group of volunteers from Ohio State University in December, he had no idea one of them would soon become a coworker. But that’s the way it turned out when Amanda Hardesty took on the task of volunteer coordinator with Louisiana Sea Grant and settled into sharing office space with other LSU AgCenter personnel in Jefferson Parish

(Distributed 07/28/06) Asian soybean rust has surfaced in Louisiana at the prime time for fungicide applications on soybeans in the southwestern area of the state, according to an LSU AgCenter expert who spoke Thursday (July 27). The comments from Dr. David Lanclos, the LSU AgCenter’s soybean specialist, came during a meeting hosted by G&H Seed of Crowley.

(Distributed 07/31/06) Satellite technology, when looked at as a whole, is known as precision agriculture. This approach to farming saves money by utilizing farm resources more efficiently.

(Distributed 08/02/06) A team of four 4-H’ers from Louisiana took sixth place at the 27th annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational held recently (July 23-27) in West Virginia.

(Distributed 08/11/06) The LSU AgCenter’s efforts to help with the cleanup and recovery in New Orleans continue to take on national dimensions. One of the latest projects targeted Bayou Metairie in City Park and included 200 volunteers. Although most were local, some came from as far away as Boston.

(Distributed 08/14/06) The LSU AgCenter is providing mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) to the New Orleans area in an effort to suppress mosquito populations in the many abandoned swimming pools in the city.

(Distributed 08/15/06) After participating in a three-day Citizenship Louisiana Focus conference in Baton Rouge, students from across the state returned home filled with community service ideas. Juanita Johnson, the LSU AgCenter’s coordinator for the conference, said the ideas and commitment to civic involvement grew from the program – which is designed to reinforce the youngsters’ dedication to and skills in making their communities better.

(Distributed 08/16/06) A mild hurricane season so far shouldn’t be a reason for letting your guard down, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter. Make sure you're prepared long before you hear a storm might be headed your way.

(Distributed 08/18/06) The LSU Board of Supervisors Friday (Aug. 18) approved the appointment of a new associate vice chancellor for the LSU AgCenter. Dwight Landreneau, who now serves as secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, will move into the post as associate vice chancellor and associate director of extension for the LSU AgCenter Sept. 1.

(Distributed 08/18/06) With the 2006 rice harvest more than half complete in Southwest Louisiana, results are varied, according to LSU AgCenter agents and area farmers.

(Distributed 08/18/06) Weather conditions are leading to spikes and declines in crop prices, and those changes affect Louisiana farmers, as well as others across the country, LSU AgCenter experts say.

(Distributed 8/22/06) Flashbacks, feelings of grief or depression and other symptoms can be attributed to the anniversary of a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one, an accident or a natural disaster. LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser expects many people will suffer the "anniversary effects" of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

(Distributed 08/22/06) The LSU AgCenter’s Idlewild Research Station near Clinton will host its annual Wildlife Field Day Sept. 16. Dr. Don Reed, LSU AgCenter associate professor at the station, said the Quality Deer Management Association will help coordinate the event, which also is sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

(Distributed 08/24/06) Louisiana’s fisheries resources affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita will benefit from fisheries restoration funding in the 2006 Federal Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, according to state officials.

(Distributed 08/25/06) A year after being ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, southeast Louisiana’s commercial and recreational fishing industries are still in the rebuilding stages – and the pace of progress is dramatically different for each of them.

(Distributed 08/25/06) Participants heard about a variety of studies involving cotton, corn and soybeans during the Dean Lee Research and Extension Center Row Crop Field Day Thursday (Aug. 24).

(Distributed 08/30/06) New Orleans City Park has gone through a lot since last summer, but park officials say they are gearing up for the annual New Orleans Fall Garden Show on Oct. 21-22.

(Distributed 08/31/06) Independent lab tests have confirmed a sample of 2003 foundation seed rice of the variety Cheniere grown by the LSU AgCenter contained a trace amount of genetic material from LL601 – a Liberty Link genetically modified rice.

(Distributed 09/01/06) A statewide stock horse association that was formed in June already has a season of shows and a clinic under way. Competitions began in mid-August and run to mid-November.

(Distributed 09/06/06) Four members of the LSU AgCenter faculty were named to positions of distinction – an endowed chair and endowed professorships in their areas of expertise.

(Distributed 09/08/06) A second round of independent laboratory testing shows that five varieties grown by the LSU AgCenter foundation seed program contain none of the genetically modified material from LL601, a Liberty Link line.

(Distributed 09/08/06) Cattle producers can find out the latest strategies for improving their herds at the 10th annual Acadiana Cattle Producers’ Fall Field Day Sept. 14. Registration starts at 4 p.m. at Dominique’s Stockyard in Opelousas.

(Distributed 09/11/06) Louisiana 4-H’ers will join others across the country in observing National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. The main focus of the week is to celebrate the accomplishments of the young people, volunteer leaders and parents involved in 4-H – as well as to encourage others to become involved in the unique youth development program.

(Distributed 09/11/06) Three more scientists, including the first woman, have been inducted into the LSU AgCenter’s Patent Club, an elite group that now includes 46 researchers who have received patents or plant variety protection certificates.

(Distributed 09/15/06) A Texas A&M cattle specialist told Louisiana beef producers who are rebuilding their herds that it’s a good time to restock with heifers from the Lone Star State, but he cautioned them to consider whether now is the time to get back into the business.

(Distributed 09/18/06) LSU AgCenter scientists confirmed Monday (Sept. 18) that Asian soybean rust has been detected in a commercial field in Assumption Parish – the 13th Louisiana parish where the disease has been found this year.

(Distributed 09/19/06) LSU AgCenter scientists are studying whether an influx of fire ants may have caused a decline in northern bobwhite quail numbers in Louisiana and other southern states.

(Distributed 09/22/06) Louisiana farmers will plant a lot more wheat this year than last. At least that’s what LSU AgCenter experts predict – provided the weather cooperates in October and November. The reason for increased interest in growing wheat is the higher prices it’s drawing, which is in sharp contrast to the below-average prices for just about every other crop grown in the state.

(Distributed 09/22/06) Management techniques for white-tailed deer were the main topics discussed at the LSU AgCenter’s Wildlife Field Day Sept. 16 at the Idlewild Research Station near Clinton. This annual field day brought interested landowners from as far away as Houma to receive the latest information on ways to improve the quality of deer herds on their property.

(Distributed 09/22/06) The move toward sustainable energy is the future for Louisiana, Dr. Charles Reith told an audience of about 150 people who attended an alternative energy workshop in Alexandria Sept. 14-15.

(Distributed 09/23/06) On the eve of the first anniversary of Hurricane Rita, fishermen in Cameron Parish were celebrating the dedication of a new ice plant that will aid in the recovery effort under way in South Louisiana.

(Distributed 09/26/06) Southwest Louisiana 4-H Club members gave Gov. Kathleen Blanco a check for more than $50,000 at Saturday’s (Sept. 23) commemoration of Hurricane Rita’s first anniversary. The check represents cash raised by the 4-H’ers and the value of their volunteer work in hurricane recovery efforts. In other activities, officials also rode in a ceremonial cattle drive designed to remember Rita’s devastation of that industry in the area.

(Distributed 09/26/06) Students at South Cameron Elementary School recently learned about beach erosion control by using an LSU AgCenter lesson plan about hurricanes. The educational material, which is being made available to schools throughout the area, includes details on how storms are formed, Hurricane Rita’s effects on agriculture in the area, hurricane terms, hurricane preparation measures and more.

(Distributed 09/27/06) The recent outbreak of foodborne illnesses traced to spinach should serve as a reminder of the need for taking food safety measures every day, an LSU AgCenter expert says.

(Distributed 09/20/06) Louisiana gardeners and others have another chance to "Get It Growing" in 2007 with the publication of this year’s calendar from the LSU AgCenter. The 2007 Get It Growing calendar, like the previous two versions, provides gardening enthusiasts with opportunities to learn more about their craft and to enjoy beautiful garden photos.

(Distributed 10/06/06) Consumers will find an abundance of high quality Louisiana-grown citrus this year, according to growers and industry observers.

(Distributed 10/04/06) Horses are big business in Louisiana, and the LSU AgCenter is making sure that equine information is as available as for other farm and ranch animals.

(Distributed 10/05/06) With 10 4-H’ers standing beside her at a ceremony in the Governor’s Mansion, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco signed a proclamation on Wednesday, Oct. 4, honoring National 4-H Week, which is being celebrated all over the country the week of Oct. 1-7.

(Distributed 10/10/06) Children across Louisiana will learn to be smart about their bodies again this year as a unique nutrition, health and fitness educational program comes to schools across the state. "Smart Bodies" is an interactive program designed to help prevent childhood obesity through classroom activities that teach children about healthy eating habits and physical exercise.

(Distributed 10/10/06) Authorities are releasing a natural enemy of the pink hibiscus mealybug to try to bring this insect, which is a danger to both nursery and agricultural crops, under control, LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet said Tuesday (Oct. 10).

(Distributed 10/10/06) The LSU AgCenter’s Center for Natural Resource Economics and Policy has issued a call for abstracts for its 2007 national forum on socioeconomic research in coastal systems. Set for May 20-23 in New Orleans, the conference is titled "Challenges of Natural Resource Economics and Policy."

(Distributed 10/20/06) LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Christine Navarre is getting calls from around the state that anaplasmosis outbreaks are occurring in cattle herds.

(Distributed 10/23/06) After nearly five years of hard times for sugarcane farmers, this year’s crop looks like it will be much better than the crops of the past few years, according to LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre.

(Distributed 10/23/06) Despite extremes in weather and a small decline in acreage over last year, an LSU AgCenter sweet potato expert predicts an average year for producers.

(Distributed 10/25/06) After taking a firsthand look at the needs of New Orleans, officials with investment banking firm Goldman Sachs decided to lend some helping hands plus cash to the recovery effort.

(Distributed 10/31/06) Officials are seeking nominations for the next Louisiana Farmer of the Year through mid-December. Now in its 10th year, the annual award is intended to recognize the outstanding contributions made to Louisiana through agriculture.

(Distributed 11/02/06) Linda Hatcher was looking for a way to boost morale at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. She found it through collaboration with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/06/06) The annual Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Conference and Trade Show will be Dec. 6-7 in Mobile, Ala. About 500 people are expected to attend this multistate meeting, including growers from Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi.

(Distributed 11/06/06) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station has established the Margie Yates Jenkins Azalea Garden in recognition of one of Tangipahoa Parish’s most widely known nursery owners.

(Distributed 11/08/06) A first-time festival involving more than 2,000 visitors and about 100 volunteers usually takes an experienced committee of adults to plan and manage. The success of the recent "Up With Kids" event, however, was due to a group of Baton Rouge teenagers.

(Distributed 11/09/06) Tree farming is a good alternative for landowners to consider in making long-term investments in their land resources. That was one of the messages heard recently at a meeting coordinated by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/13/06) An LSU AgCenter project to make natural fiber-reinforced plastic composites using recycled plastics and wood or other agricultural fibers recently received a $791,568 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy.

(Distributed 11/13/06) Oyster dressing and pecan pie – both made with Louisiana-grown products – may be a bit more difficult to get this holiday season and may cause consumers to dig a little deeper in their pockets when they find them.

(Distributed 11/15/06) Four LSU AgCenter employees were recognized Tuesday (Nov. 14) for their outstanding service to the university. The LSU AgCenter winners – Joseph Alexis, Cheryl Duplechain, Nona Everett and Joan Gobert – were among 13 people honored as LSU Foundation Staff Outstanding Service Award winners.

(Distributed 11/15/06) When Louisiana cooks shop for their Thanksgiving meal, they’ll find the cost of the basic dinner items will average $38.11 for 10 people, according to an LSU AgCenter survey. That’s up by $1.31 from last year’s