(For Release On Or After 10/20/06) When I was a child my family lived in Germany for a time. I remember attending the annual Oktoberfest in Munich, where thinly-sliced white radishes were served with salt as a nibbler to accompany the famed draft beer. Although I couldn’t appreciate the beer at that age, I loved the radishes. I also think of radishes in October for another reason, because this is a great time to plant them in your garden, and there are no vegetables easier to grow.

(For Release On Or After 10/13/06) I’m not a big fan of bringing in new soil and replacing the original soil in a garden bed. There are times, however, when it is necessary to purchase additional soil for the garden – especially when creating new raised beds or raising the grade of existing ones.

(For Release On Or After 10/06/06) Caladiums are among the most reliable summer bedding plants for providing color in shady areas. They stay attractive despite the intense heat of summer and are rarely bothered by insects or disease. By the end of September or beginning of October, however, they reach the end of their growing season and begin to decline in appearance.

(For Release On Or After 10/27/06) Gardeners are often advised that the key to gardening success is planting the right plant in the right place. Although this sounds relatively simple, a lot goes into the decision of what plants should be used and where they should be planted in the landscape.

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

(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) 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 10/10/06) 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 10/20/06) 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 10/25/06) 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 10/23/06) 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 10/31/06) 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 10/03/06) According to A.G. Edwards 2006 Nest Egg Index rankings, Louisiana residents do not save well in comparison to the rest of the nation. Louisiana is ranked 49th among the states, ranked higher only than Mississippi.

(Distributed 10/11/06) The LSU AgCenter and other organizations are offering a program across the state designed to help consumers learn how to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft.

(Distributed 10/13/06) A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but it could take a little more for the homework to get done, according to the experts. LSU AgCenter associate Cheri Gioe says looking at the rewards and benefits can make homework time more productive.

(Distributed 10/19/06) Pansies continue to be the most popular cool-season bedding plant in Louisiana. They are normally planted in October through November and last through early to mid-spring. Pansies have long been known for their reliable landscape performance, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 10/23/06) Many consumers are under the impression that federal legislation allows them to learn their credit scores. This is one of the myths circulating among the public about obtaining credit histories, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 10/26/06) Fall is the time to plant sweat peas to enjoy colorful and delightfully scented cut flowers in spring, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 10/26/06) Fall is not a time to do much to your Louisiana lawn – mow, remove fallen leaves and irrigate as needed. Warm-season grasses are slowing down and trying to go dormant. "We must let them do so," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 10/31/06) Every November, the American Diabetes Association encourages the public to learn more about diabetes and the risks associated with the disease. "Diabetes is the fifth deadliest disease in the United States and has no cure," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(TV News 10/02/06) A group of 4-H’ers are spending a couple of Sundays a month working with hospitalized children. The visits have been going on for four years. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

(TV News 10/09/06) In September, trappers take to the marshes for the wild alligator harvest. This year the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries lowered the limit because of habitat damage caused by storm surges from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

(Radio 10/02/06) Four years ago a group of 4-H’ers started volunteering at Our Lady of The Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. In those days, they staffed the playroom, making crafts with youngsters. Today their volunteer work continues, but now it has a career focus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 10/02/06) A dedicated group of 4-H’ers spends a couple of Sundays a month visiting Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Their work started with a teddy bear drive for children in the hospital and has expanded over the past four years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 10/02/06) Alligator skins are a valuable commodity. The alligator that dwells in the marshes could end up in the hands of a fashion designer. Craig Segrera of Vermillion Gator Farms knows their value and has made a business out of raising and processing alligators. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/02/06) Trappers in Louisiana harvested 30,000 wild alligators in September. The alligator allotment was down several thousand this year because of the effects from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. LSU AgCenter fisheries agent Mark Shirley says the alligators can’t tolerate the salty conditions caused by the storm surge. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/02/06) Alligator farms rely on egg collection in the marshes to stock their farms with next year’s alligators. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita inundated the marshes in the southeastern and southwestern portions of the state with salt water, and experts say that affected egg laying. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/09/06) A research associate working in the LSU AgCenter’s Red Imported Fire Ant Laboratory believes fire ants can breach the eggs of bobwhite quail. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/09/06) Don’t send your children out hungry on Halloween night. According to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, serving kids a fun and healthy snack will keep them from over-indulging. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/09/06) Quail are disappearing from areas in Louisiana. The Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies suggests the bird could disappear from some areas of the South by 2010. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/09/06) Children worry about fun on Halloween. Parents, however, should worry about safety. LSU AgCenter family specialist Dr. Diane Sasser has some suggestions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/09/06) LSU AgCenter researchers at the Idlewild Research Station are looking at a connection between the decline in bobwhite quail and the rise of red imported fire ants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/16/06) The harvest has started in most sugarcane-growing areas of the state. Louisiana sugar mills pushed back their opening dates, because farmers were delayed starting the harvest since many were still planting next year’s crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/16/06) The LSU AgCenter’s wheat specialist says he is expecting a significant increase in wheat acreage this year. Dr. Ed Twidwell says an increase in prices is influencing growers to plant more wheat this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/16/06) Several years ago Louisiana sugarcane yields took a downward turn. Problems with the leading variety and residual effects of the 2002 and 2005 hurricanes caused the decrease. Yields fell from 37 tons of cane per acre in 1999 to about 25 tons last year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/16/06) The pink hibiscus mealybug, an invasive species from Africa, was found recently in Jefferson Parish. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says this insect is a threat to both the nursery industry and other agricultural crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/16/06) The LSU AgCenter has an extensive wheat breeding program that began in 1985. The AgCenter developed the popular variety LA841. But seeds of this variety could be harder to come by this year because of the increased interest in planting wheat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/23/06) Cooler and drier weather could cause insects such as ants and spiders to seek food and shelter indoors. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says if you have an ant infestation, identify the type of ants before treating. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/23/06) Hunting is a passionate pastime for many Louisianians, but the hunting population is decreasing, according to LSU AgCenter hunting safety expert Dr. Don Reed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Runtime: 10/23/06) Guns are not responsible for the biggest percentage of hunting-related accidents in Louisiana, according to the LSU AgCenter’s hunting safety expert, who says that distinction goes to deer stands Dr. Don Reed says hunters should check their stands for safety prior to hunting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/23/06) Many Louisiana hunters take to the woods each fall to in search of various game animals. The sport can be enjoyed safely if hunters follow a few guidelines. LSU AgCenter hunting safety expert Dr. Don Reed emphasizes the No. 1 rule of hunting is to wear your hunter orange. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/23/06) Phorid flies infested New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. These flies still are showing up in large numbers in New Orleans, but LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says they also are showing up in other parts of the state and that they can breed in the smallest amounts of organic matter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/30/06) Many sweet potatoes make it out of the field, but not all of them make it to your local grocery store or farmer’s market. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Dr. Tara Smith says sweet potatoes are graded in field and again during the washing and packing process. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/30/06) Suzanne Harvey described her home near Tallulah as a 20-acre ant farm. Harvey raises horses and enjoys gardening, but the number of ant mounds that had taken over her property made those activities intolerable. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/30/06) LSU AgCenter entomologists recommend that landowners solve their fire ant problems by treating on a large scale. Landowners can borrow equipment from LSU AgCenter extension offices to help them with the task. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/30/06) Many Louisiana growers planted their sweet potatoes early because of favorable conditions in the late spring and early summer. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Dr. Tara Smith reports that more than half of the state's crop is harvested, but heavy rains in mid- to late October threatened the potatoes that remain in the field.

(Radio News 10/30/06) Louisiana growers planted an average-sized sweet potato crop this year. The state's sweet potato acreage was down slightly from last year. But experts say growers may have to increase production in the future to keep up with the growing demand for sweet potatoes, since this holiday staple is gaining year-round popularity. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 09/25/06) The weather did not cooperate with Louisiana rice growers this year. When they needed rain early in the year, it stayed dry. Then frequent afternoon showers late in the year complicated the harvest. (Runtime: 1 minute, 25 seconds)

(TV News 10/16/06) Sugarcane mills across Louisiana are opening, and the harvest is getting under way. Growers already are reporting better-than-expected yields – an indication the state's crop could finally be on the rebound. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(TV News 10/23/06) Louisiana is called sportsman’s paradise, and in the fall many hunters experience that. The beginning of October marked the opening of hunting season for several game species in Louisiana. Thousands of hunters will enjoy the sport without incident, but accidents unfortunately occur sometimes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)

(TV News 10/30/06) Stepping outdoors was like being under attack for one homeowner. Fire ants were everywhere in her yard. Her sister’s pasture also was under siege. So they turned to an LSU AgCenter entomologist for help. (Runtime: 1 minute, 47 seconds)