(Distributed June 2006) Hedge trimmers may not be as popular now as a few years ago because more people now realize that it’s healthier for plants to be selectively pruned rather than sheared.

(Distributed June 2006) Most garden tools have fixed handles that may be made of wood, fiberglass or metal. But an LSU AgCenter engineer says some tools now are available with separate handle and toolhead components that can be interchanged as desired.

(For Release On Or After 06/23/06) Plant propagation is fun and provides you with extra plants for your landscape or to share with friends. Layering is one method that’s often overlooked by gardeners who are unfamiliar with the technique.

(For Release On Or After 06/09/06) Gardeners crave color in shady areas of their landscapes just as much as they do in sunny areas. Unfortunately, shade-loving plants generally are not so flamboyant, and the selection of colorful bedding plants for shady gardens is limited. Thank goodness for caladiums.

(For Release On Or After 06/02/06) Dry weather has been common around the state since last summer, and most of us have received less than the typical amount of rain this year. Who knows how much rain will fall this summer? But one thing is fairly certain – we will need to water our landscapes during periods of hot, dry weather.

(For Release On Or After 06/16/06) As if mowing the lawn wasn’t trouble enough, dealing with and disposing of grass clippings is a major pain.

(For Release On Or After 06/30/06) Shade trees often are the things people plant first in new landscapes As time goes on, however, sun-loving lawn grasses and shade trees don’t go together particularly well.

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

(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 06/29/06) 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 06/29/06) 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 06/28/06) The LSU AgCenter and others are offering programs this summer designed to help consumers learn how to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft.

(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 06/23/06) 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 06/22/06) 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) 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.

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

(Distributed 06/21/06) 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 06/16/06) 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 06/16/06) 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) 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.

(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 06/15/06) 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.

(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) 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 06/08/06) 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 June 2006) Biting is a common behavior for children who are one year to two years old – particularly children in group care.

(Distributed June 2006) Spring is full of gift-giving opportunities, but the kinds of gifts have changed for many people.

(Distributed June 2006) June is a pivotal time for Louisiana vegetable gardens. It’s the transition from spring to hot summer conditions. At this time many crops are fully in harvest or have been pulled out to make room for new crops.

(Distributed June 2006) Parental involvement is a key to children’s success in school, and LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe says there are a variety of ways you can become involved.

(Distributed June 2006) Celebrate June Dairy Month by consuming nutrient-rich dairy foods, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Milk, cheese and yogurt, for example, may help you better manage your weight and reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers.

(Distributed June 2006) Keeping food safe at picnics or while eating outdoors poses special problems. The challenge of keeping hands and utensils clean is greater when preparing and eating food outdoors and away from the kitchen.

(Distributed June 2006) The baseball season invokes the familiar clichés, "America's favorite pastime" and "all-American as mom and apple pie." But is there more to the sport than recreation? asks LSU AgCenter 4-H youth volunteer expert Dr. Janet Fox.

(Distributed June 2006) Organic mulches can help keep your vegetables producing during Louisiana’s hot summer months. Although mulch is usually applied to control weeds and conserve moisture, it has several other useful functions, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2006) In the summer months it is highly important to consider the water consumption of your horse. "Water is the most essential nutrient that we provide in a horse’s diet," says LSU AgCenter horse specialist Dr. Clint Depew.

(Distributed June 2006) The Dietary Guidelines for Americans strongly emphasize the importance of physical activity to promote health, psychological well-being and a healthy body weight. To reduce chronic disease risk in adulthood, the guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual physical activity, most days of the week.

(Distributed June 2006) Having a good lawn in a tree-shaded landscape is a challenge since all of the warm-season turfgrasses were developed to grow best in full sun, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2006) The health benefits of blueberries have made the news in recent years. Some of the reported benefits of eating blueberries include improved vision, clearing arteries, strengthening blood vessels, enhanced memory, stopping urinary tract infections and reversing age-related physical and mental declines.

(Distributed June 2006) Small diesel tractors with less than 40 horsepower are very popular with homeowners with small acreages as well as with grounds maintenance contractors and small farmers.

(Distributed June 2006) Our sports fields are made up of Bermuda grasses. These grasses may be hybrids, improved seeded selections or just common Bermuda grass. But they all need to begin serious growth in June, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2006) Communicating with your children’s teachers may be one of the most important parts of parental involvement – a major key to a child’s educational success, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed June 2006) Father’s Day is a good time to focus on men’s health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Although many people think of osteoporosis as a woman’s disease, it is also a serious health problem for men. Losing height or breaking a bone may be the first sign of osteoporosis.

(Distributed June 2006) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently advised consumers that cooking raw poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees will eliminate pathogens and viruses. Past food safety guidelines recommended higher temperatures for some poultry products.

(Distributed June 2006) Peaches are a wonderful Louisiana treat. Fresh Louisiana peaches are available from mid-May to early August, with the peak season from mid-June until mid-July. The national peak period is July through August.

(Distributed June 2006) In societies that consume soy products, the populations have a lower incidence of osteoporosis. The soy components thought to be responsible for this are the isoflavones genistein and daidzein.

(Distributed June 2006) Cardiovascular disease is a common chronic disease and the leading cause of death in the United States, although the rates have declined in the past 25 years.

(Distributed 06/28/06) Drinking enough fluids is important during our hot summer weather – especially for senior citizens, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 06/19/06) Temper tantrums aren’t uncommon in young children. The key for adults is learning how to deal with them, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed 06/16/06) Labor laws sometimes are confusing, and there’s no exception in the case of those for operating child-care centers, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed June 2006) State 4-H officers and leaders helped teach leadership skills to their peers during the Annual Leadership Conference at the Grant Walker 4-H Education Center, March 24-26.

(Distributed 06/26/06) One part of a safe and happy 4th of July celebration is ensuring your food is safe to eat, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(TV News 06/26/06) There is one good thing about the drier than normal weather conditions around the state -- and that’s fewer mosquitoes. There is a direct relationship between the amount of water in the environment and the overall mosquito population, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any mosquitoes out there. (Runtime: 1 minute, 38 seconds)

(TV News 06/19/06) Cotton is a tropical plant that prefers warm, dry growing conditions. The unseasonably cool and wet weather at the end of April and the beginning of May were not conducive for cotton growing or planting. Fortunately, warmer weather returned by the end of May, and LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Sandy Stewart says growers are testing new varieties. (Runtime: 1 minute, 20 seconds)

(TV News 06/12/06) Summer usually spells the end for crawfish season, but farmers are still harvesting crawfish in what has turned out to be a good, and somewhat odd, year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 40 seconds)

(Video News 06/05/06) Hundreds of scientists from around the world gathered in Baton Rouge to participate in a water quality and hydrology conference. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita magnified the problems plaguing Louisiana’s coastline. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) Dry conditions in 2005 suppressed the development of Asian soybean rust. LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett says if the weather remains hot and dry throughout this summer, growers may see another rust-free year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) Sentinel plots are an important strategy in monitoring and tracking the presence of Asian soybean rust in the state. There are 15 sentinel plots across the state. They were planted before the crop and are designed to act as a trap for the disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) Since LSU AgCenter researchers discovered Asian soybean rust in the fall of 2004, growers have become more vigilant about the disease. Researchers are monitoring sentinel soybean plots growing across the state, and LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett says they also are looking outside of soybean fields. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) The tarnished plant bug is the No. 1 pest on Louisiana’s cotton crop. Growers have become dependent on one insecticide to treat for this pest. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Ralph Bagwell says overuse could make the insecticide ineffective. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) There is a heightened awareness this hurricane season. LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness associate Pat Skinner says people should heed the lessons from last year. Many people are building new homes or rebuilding damaged structures. Skinner says hazard resistance should be the focus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Anyone who has traveled with youngsters has heard this question: "Are we there yet?" LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser has suggestions to make family travel a pleasureable experience. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Last year’s dry summer coupled with hurricanes Katrina and Rita took a toll on many crawfish ponds. LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Greg Lutz says the recovery could be difficult. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Summer usually spells the end for crawfish season, but farmers are still harvesting crawfish in what has turned out to be a decent, and somewhat odd, year, says LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Greg Lutz. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Later into the crawfish season, many crawfish farmers take to the waters of the Atchafalaya Basin. There the wild harvest is gathered, but this year there isn’t much of a wild catch to speak of. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Summer often affords people more leisure time than normal. LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser says family time doesn’t have to be a big vacation. She says plan some together time throughout the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) Many cotton growers are planting a new variety this year that could help them with weed control, says LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Sandy Stewart. This variety can tolerant glyphosate and will allow growers to apply herbicides almost up until harvest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) The unseasonably cool and wet weather at the end of April and the beginning of May were not conducive for cotton growing or planting, but at the end of May warm weather returned. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) This year’s hurricane season could bring a lot of anxiety for adults and children alike. LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser advises not waiting until a storm is approaching to talk to your children about hurricanes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) Many lessons were learned during last year’s hurricane season. We learned the necessity to evacuate and evacuate early, the need to be prepared and the importance of flood insurance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) No two hurricane seasons are alike, but we learned in 2001 that storms can form early and catch many off guard. A lesson from Tropical Storm Allison that year is to prepare early. With hurricane season just getting under way, experts say families should make plans and preparations now before a storm approaches. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Homesickness can be a normal feeling for children away from home during the summer. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents must be careful when dealing with the anticipation of homesickness. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Preparing for overnight camp can be an exciting and apprehensive time for a child. Parents must first determine if their children are ready for such an experience.Visiting the camp or looking at photos could ease a child’s fears. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Summer camp can be an adventure for a child, but choosing the right one can be an adventure for parents. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents and children should discuss goals for camp. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Hundreds of scientists from around the world gathered in Baton Rouge to participate in a hydrology and water quality conference hosted by the LSU AgCenter. Planning for the conference started two years ago, but last year’s storms changed its focus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrated the force and destructive power of water. Coastal and water issues have long been a priority in Louisiana, but last year they catapulted to the forefront. (Runtime: 60 seconds)