(TV News 08/27/07) The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the new farm bill in late July. Farmers were hoping for an extension of the 2002 farm bill. That is not quite what they have so far in the 2007 bill, but an LSU AgCenter economist says Louisiana producers could find some satisfaction with the current draft. (Runtime: 1 minute, 46 seconds)

(TV News 08/20/07) A rainy end to July slowed the start of the harvest of several crops, including rice. But August began with a drier period, and rice growers are working hard to get their crops out of the fields. (Runtime: 1 minute, 13 seconds)

(Radio News 08/27/07) Federal lawmakers are drafting a new version of the farm bill. The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version in late July. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry explains some of the changes in this version of the bill from the 2002 farm bill. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/27/07) The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the 2007 farm bill in late July. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says farmers didn’t want many changes from the 2002 farm bill to this one. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/27/07) Financing a college education often involves many people – from the students and their families to lending agencies and scholarship providers. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker encourages students to formally develop a college financing strategy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/27/07) Many young adults are preparing to leave home for college. Parents need to be sure their children don’t fall prey to credit card debt, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/27/07) Employment during college can have its advantages and disadvantages. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says working can help students gain a sense of responsibility and self-worth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/20/07) A shortage of rice seed and high prices for other commodities left rice acreage fairly low again this year. But LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says the estimated 350,000 acres that were planted are ready for harvest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/20/07) Like growers of many commodities, rice farmers faced high production costs this year. These rising production costs can eat into farmers' potential profit. Many rice producers in South Louisiana will grow a second crop of rice for harvest later in the fall, and that second crop often is where a farmer’s profit is made. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/20/07) Commodity prices are significantly higher this year than they were the same time last year. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says the high commodity prices will help offset high production costs for some crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/20/07) Louisiana has a strong infrastructure to support the cotton industry, but falling cotton acreage threatens the infrastructure’s existence, says LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/20/07) Quality child care is an important component of rebuilding the economies of hurricane-affected areas of the state. The LSU AgCenter has extended its child care business training program for another year. The program's goal is to teach potential day care operators how to start their businesses in hurricane-affected parishes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 08/13/07) Two years ago one sugarcane variety was growing on 91 percent of the state’s sugarcane acreage. The variety LCP 85-384 has dominated the industry for more than a decade, but sugarcane experts have long recommended that growers diversify their acreage. With the release of new varieties, growers have more options when planting. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)

(Radio News 08/12/07) Two years ago one sugarcane variety was growing on 91 percent of the state’s sugarcane acreage. The variety LCP 85-384 has dominated the industry for more than a decade, but is on the decline, says LSU AgCenter sugarcane breeder Dr. Kenneth Gravois. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/13/07) In early December of last year, Louisiana saw some of the coldest temperatures for that time in more than 60 years. The early winter freezes allowed researchers to look at cold tolerance of some new sugarcane varieties, says LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/13/07) Sugarcane growers use glyphosate to ripen their cane. But a smaller dose is used, because glyphosate is a herbicide, explains LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/13/07) With soaring temperatures and even higer heat indexes, it is important for student athletes returning to school and practice to be well-hydrated. Dehydration can lead to many problems, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/13/07) Snacks are an important part of a child’s daily diet. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames suggests trying to incorporate whole grains, fruits, vegetables or beans into your child’s snack-eating plan and using the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid for healthy snack ideas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 08/06/07) Louisiana farmers already have started harvesting some of their corn crop. The state has an exceptionally large crop this year – more than 700,000 acres. But rainy conditions across the state are making it difficult to keep the harvest moving. (Runtime: 1 minute, 8 seconds)

(Radio News 08/06/07) Back-to-school shopping is a great opportunity to teach youngsters about budgeting and money management. Work with your children to develop back-to-school lists and budgets. Be sure to include items such as haircuts, immunizations and fees for extra-curricular activities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/06/07) Efficient harvesting can reduce yield losses in the field. LSU AgCenter agricultural engineer Dr. Roberto Barbosa says proper use of the combine and watching the weather makes for an efficient harvest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/06/07) Many children do not eat breakfast every day. In the back-to-school rush, breakfast often is sacrificed. But LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames stresses it is important to eat a healthy breakfast. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/06/07) Asian soybean rust continues to spread throughout Louisiana and surrounding states. Soybean growers and researchers have been vigilant this year and spotted the disease earlier in sentinel plots in Louisiana. The disease is now being found in production fields in the state. (Runtime: 60 seconds)