(Distributed July 2006) 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 July 2006) Think you have fear of the unknown? Some of the most stressful times for children are moving from one classroom to another, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed July 2006) Independent spending decisions quickly become an everyday routine for college students, but that independence assumes a financial freedom that most young adults are not prepared to handle, according to LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2006) Many families who aren’t quite satisfied with their child care arrangements find August the right time to search for new options, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed July 2006) Choosing the right kind of child care is one of the most daunting tasks any parent will ever have to do. Countless emotions flood a new mother at the mere thought of letting someone else care for her tiny bundle of joy.

(Distributed July 2006) The new school year is a good time for your college-bound student to learn sound budgeting techniques. Help your young adult plan a budget while teaching money management skills in the process, advises LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2006) With more and more parents working and the need for child care increasing, parents need to plan carefully for quality child care for their children. You can do many things to become a better consumer of quality child care, according to LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed July 2006) When your child goes off to college, the experience can be a grueling one for both of you. To make the best of the situation, avoid these mistakes, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed July 2006) Earning money provides a sense of accomplishment and responsibility, says AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker. High school students can develop good habits today to reach their financial goals for tomorrow.

(Distributed July 2006) 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 2006) One of life’s perils for the college-bound student can be a credit card. As you prep your kids for all the pitfalls in life, don’t forget money management, advises LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed July 2006) Back to school means take-along lunches for some kids and teachers. It’s important to take extra care of foods packed in the morning and not eaten until lunchtime to prevent growth of bacteria that cause foodborne illness, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2006) The rush to school and work each day means some things have to be sacrificed – and often that includes breakfast. Surveys show that as many as 48 percent of girls and 32 percent of boys do not eat breakfast every day.

(Distributed July 2006) Every competitive and recreational athlete needs adequate amounts of fluids to perform their best. Not replacing lost water leads to weakness, cramps and headaches, according to LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2006) It’s never too late to help your child succeed in school. Developing success skills occurs at home as well as in the classroom, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H youth expert Janet Fox.

(Distributed July 2006) Nearly 181,000 youth in Louisiana have found a home in 4-H. The new school year offers the opportunity for students to join 4-H clubs where they can interact with others who have common interests, according to LSU AgCenter Terril Faul,director of the 4-H Youth Program.

(Distributed July 2006) What are you doing to start the new school year? Don’t have kids in school? It doesn’t matter. A good education for all students should be everyone’s concern, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed July 2006) Louisiana school districts expecting federal lunch reimbursements must have a school wellness policy in place at the start of the 2006 academic year. This is the provision of an act of Congress signed by President George W. Bush in 2004.

(Distributed July 2006) When kids run in the door after a day at school, a snack usually is the first thing on their minds. Help your child be snack-wise with healthy food choices from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid.

(Distributed 08/02/06) Starting the year at a new school can be difficult for youngsters, but that’s exactly the situation many students are facing this year, says LSU AgCenter associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed 08/03/06)The end of summer is quickly approaching, and the new school year is close at hand. LSU AgCenter associate Cheri Gioe says getting back into the swing of school activities can be easy and just may be the key to a successful school year.

(Distributed 08/04/06) The beginning of the school year is right around the corner – meaning many children will be boarding school buses to get to and from school. Others will be riding bikes, walking or riding in automobiles. No matter what the mode of transportation, LSU AgCenter associate Cheri Gioe says safety should be on everyone’s mind.

(For Release On Or After 07/07/06) If you regularly read national gardening magazines and get a variety of gardening catalogs, you may have noticed tropical-look landscaping is a trend gaining attention across the country these days. For Louisiana gardeners this hot concept is old hat. We’ve been gardening in the tropical style as long as anyone can remember.

(For Release On Or After 07/14/06) Whether we admit it or not, heat and humidity this time of year make gardening outside less enjoyable. 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 07/21/06) Some of the most beautiful flowers in our summer gardens are produced by vines. Better yet, since vines climb, the flowers often are produced at eye-level or overhead – allowing us the chance to easily smell the fragrance or closely examine the details of the blooms.

(For Release On Or After 07/28/06) Vines are an amazing group of plants with enough diversity to boggle the mind of any gardener. What binds these wonderful plants together is their universal lack of strong stems. Since vines don’t have to put effort and energy into producing a strong stem to hold the plant upright, what do you think they do with all of that energy? They grow.

(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 07/12/06) 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 07/14/06) 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 07/13/06) 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 07/07/06) 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 07/20/06) 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 07/11/06) The hot, summer months are a great time to enjoy fresh tomatoes. Enjoy them in green salads, chicken or shrimp salads, stuffed with tuna or simply on their own. They also make a wonderful addition to a heart-healthy and cancer-preventing diet, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/28/06) Sometimes the lawn spreader you own may not perform like another spreader of the same brand and model, says an engineer with the LSU AgCenter. Parish says most professional spreaders are reasonably consistent from one sample to another and can be recalibrated by the user to assure they deliver consistent rates. Most homeowner spreaders, on the other hand, cannot be recalibrated by the owner and are not consistent from one to another of the same model.

(Radio News 07/03/06) Keep it clean when cooking or eating outdoors, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. No one wants a picnic or cookout spoiled by foodborne illness. Reames stresses the importance of keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/03/06) School is out, and that means youngsters have a lot of free time on their hands. While summer is a time for children to take a break from school work, experts say it is not unreasonable for parents to expect school-aged children to help out around the house. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/05/06) Logging onto the Internet can leave youngsters and teens vulnerable to online predators. New social sites give young people a place to chat with and meet new friends, but LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser says it also can give them a false sense of security. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/03/06) The microwave is a ubiquitous kitchen appliance, and the little box can offer a quick fix for any meal. Now LSU AgCenter researchers are using technology similar to the home microwave as a quick means of extracting antioxidants from plant materials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/10/06) Water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium are important for energy levels. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says it’s easy to get the proper amount of water each day. But while people are getting enough water, they also are consuming too much sodium, she says. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/03/06) Blueberries are brimming with nutrients and flavor, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Blueberries are low in calories and high in fiber. Reames says to choose dark blue berries that are not too soft. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio New 7/10/06) More than 300 people die each year from heat-related illnesses. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says drinking enough fluids can help you avoid dehydration during the hot summer months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/10/06) Ripe, juicy watermelon makes for a refreshing summer treat. In Louisiana, Washington Parish leads the state in the amount of watermelons acreage planted, but according to LSU AgCenter county agent Henry Harrison, the number of growers in that parish is declining. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 7/10/06) Ten months ago U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore was charged with overseeing the relief effort of the worst natural disaster to hit the United States – Hurricane Katrina. He credits the lessons he learned as a Louisiana 4-H Club member with helping him during that difficult time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) Growers fight a standing battle against weeds. For growers who rotate Roundup Ready soybeans and cotton, sprouting growth from the previous season’s crop can become a weed, says LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Donnie Miller. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/10/06) Many youngsters start off excited about the prospects of summer but then quickly fall into a dull, boring routine. LSU AgCenter family life expert Dr. Diane Sasser says learning can extend into the summer months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) The dry weather across the state could result in yield reductions for corn, but LSU AgCenter corn specialist Dr. David Lanclos says he still thinks most corn farmers will fare well this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) Corn farmers will be in their fields harvesting early this year. According to LSU AgCenter corn specialist Dr. David Lanclos, the crop matured early, pushing the harvest up by two weeks. He says the crop across the state is mixed – depending on whether farmers irrigated or not or if they received adequate rainfall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) Recent years have been rough on Louisiana rice farmers. Even though they produced near-record crops, low prices have left some struggling, and this year their struggles continue with added problems of salt-water contamination from Hurricane Rita. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) Many Louisiana rice growers spent the early part of the planting season waiting on rain to flush their fields of salt. Despite the difficult start, experts say rice that made it into the fields is doing well. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/24/06) Navigating the insurance claim process can be difficult, as many people found out following the 2005 hurricanes. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker advises that in the event of damage, consumers should contact their insurance agents immediately and keep records of all calls. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/24/06) The rainfall deficit in many areas of the state has growers worried about their crops. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos says the state’s soybean crop looks good despite the lack of rain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/24/06) Robert Thevis learned about conservation methods farmers could implement through the Louisiana Master Farmer program. As it turns out, he had been practicing some of them for years, but there were some changes he made to his farm to help him become a Master Farmer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 0724/06) Thirteen Louisiana farmers can officially call themselves Master Farmers. The group was the first to complete the Louisiana Master Farmer program, which is a joint effort of the LSU AgCenter, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/24/06) For several years now Clearfield technology has been helping rice growers battle the red rice weed, but the Clearfield lines available to growers didn’t perform as well as conventional varieties. Fortunately, experts say an experimental Clearfield variety could change that trend. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 07/10/06) Corn farmers will be in their fields harvesting early this year. The crop matured early, pushing the harvest up by two weeks. LSU AgCenter corn specialist Dr. David Lanclos says, "Mother Nature is just driving the crop way too fast." (Runtime: 1 minute, 7 seconds)

(TV News 07/17/06) Recent years have been rough on rice farmers. Even though they have produced near-record crops, low prices have left some struggling. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says the struggles continue again this year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 20 seconds)

(TV News 07/03/06) Monitoring for Asian soybean rust continues to be a priority for LSU AgCenter researchers. The disease threatens the state’s soybean crop, but, like most plant diseases, it needs the right weather conditions to develop. (Runtime: 1 minute, 23 seconds)

(TV News 07/24/06) Robert Thevis always strived to be a good farmer, but now he is a certified Louisiana Master Farmer. Thevis and 13 other farmers from across the state are the first group to officially become Master Farmers. (Runtime: 1minute, 43 seconds)

(Radio News 0731/06) There are pros and cons students must consider when deciding whether or not to work during their college years. Employment can enhance career opportunities later and include perks in the short term, but working while in school also can put a strain on studies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/31/06) Financing a college education could be a collaboration involving the student, family, school, state and lending agency ,says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/31/06) Moving away to college can be a financial eye-opener for some teens, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Students should determine their fixed and flexible costs and prepare a livable budget before they make the big move. Students may desire things to be as nice as they were at home, but most students make sacrifices. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/31/06) What your homeowner’s insurance covers may surprise you, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Most people are aware that it covers your house and structures on your property, but the specialist says it covers much more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/31/06) Last year’s hurricanes emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness. An LSU AgCenter family economist recommends having a "grab and go box" that contains critical information you will need to reestablish yourself in the event of a disaster. (Runtime: 60 seconds)