(Distributed 02/09/07) More than 200 4-H and FFA members participated in the Northeast Louisiana District Livestock Show held recently (Feb. 1-3) in Delhi. Those young people were similar to hundreds more across the state who participated in district livestock shows and a variety of educational activities as they prepared for the state championship competition beginning Saturday and running through the week (Feb. 10-17) at the 72nd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/07/07) Building energy efficiency into new or renovated homes can pay back the investment, according to Audrey Evans, an energy efficiency expert with the LSU AgCenter.

(For Release On Or After 02/02/07) Most roses will benefit from some pruning now, and some types must be pruned to perform the way we want them to. Hybrid tea and grandiflora roses, in particular, should be pruned every year during the first or second week in February.

(For Release On Or After 02/16/07) Now is an appropriate time to prune summer-flowering trees and shrubs, but you should take care to make sure you do it right. Especially in the case of trees, pruning should generally be done to enhance their natural shape while correcting any problems.

(For Release On Or After 02/23/07) Horticulturists don’t often discuss the fact that many of the plants we grow as ornamentals are considered poisonous. After all, cases of people eating poisonous plants are relatively rare, and there is no need to cause the public undue alarm. But there is a need for people – particularly those with children – to be aware that poisonous plants exist in our landscapes and inside our homes and to know how to deal with the situation.

(For Release On Or After 02/09/07) When you finally reach the "been there, done that" stage with the cycle of planting annuals, you might consider that perennials offer exciting challenges and great fun. February is a good time to transplant or divide perennials already in your landscape, and now through April is an excellent time to plant new perennials.

(Video 02/26/07) It may seem odd to talk about palms in late winter or early spring, but windmill palms can teach a lesson about growing conditions. Palms planted at the same time in the same general area may grow differently depending on how well the soil drains. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)

(Audio 02/26/07) Fertilizer does not go bad if stored properly. Most of the fertilizers we use will absorb moisture out of the air, which makes them difficult to use. For best results, store fertilizer in a sealed plastic bag or sealed plastic container.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/26/07) Organic matter is very valuable in the home garden. When it comes to gardening, organic matter means plant parts such as leaves, sawdust or wood chips and animal manures. This can be made into compost and incorporated into garden beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/26/07) One of the critical parts to successfully growing plants is providing them with the light they need. There are a variety of terms used to describe the type of light a plant prefers. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what "full sun" means. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/26/07) It's too late to plant spring-flowering bulbs, but you may have questions about what is happening to these plants this time of the year. One of those questions may be whether late freezes will damage these plants. Generally, the foliage of these plants is very hardy, so any freezes we may get will not damage it. But flower buds can be damaged by extreme cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/26/07) Most of the hardy perennials growing in landscapes can be cut back and divided this time of the year. Cutting back perennials removes dead growth. But this needs to be done before they put on spring growth. This also is a good time to transplant perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/30/07) I love to garden in shady areas, although I know gardeners who complain they have trouble gardening successfully in the shade. Trouble mostly occurs when sun-loving plants are planted in shady locations. But when the proper plants are selected for shady areas the results can be beautiful and enduring. And let’s face it. I’d much rather work in a shady garden during summer than a sunny one.

(For Release On Or After 03/23/07) Scale insects are one of the more common groups of insects that attack plants. You can find them feeding on trees, shrubs and even indoor plants.

(For Release On Or After 03/16/07) The buck moth caterpillar can be found feeding on trees in spring – particularly oaks such as the live oak and water oak. Populations vary around the state from year to year, but this is an excellent time to start checking your oak trees for signs of infestation.

(For Release On Or After 03/09/07) Pest problems will become more common as we move into the warmer summer moths. Although some gardeners still feel they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or apparent insect damage in their gardens, just seeing an insect or insect damage is not reason enough to spray.

(For Release On Or After 03/02/07) Lawns have their purpose in the landscape. They create a restful contrast to flower beds and other elements in the landscape. Lawns also are often needed for outdoor activities and are indispensable if you have kids. On the other hand, ground covers can add beauty and interest to the home landscape, as well as reduce maintenance, when used in some areas.

(Video 02/19/07) Sago palms are popular plants to use in landscapes around Louisiana. They are not true palms, but are cycads. They are closely related to pine trees and other conifers. One of the common problems with these sagos is a scale insect called the cycad scale. (Runtime: 1 minute, 26 seconds)

(Audio 02/19/07) Now is the time to clip back ground covers – before new growth appears. This helps remove old growth and rejuvenate the plants. It also controls their growth. Finish up this task by the end of February. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/19/07) Sometimes it may be necessary to relocate a shrub or a tree. This is a great time of the year to transplant trees or shurbs. Just be sure to prepare the hole in the new location before you dig up the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/19/07) Bed preparation is an important task before planting. It involves turning the soil, adding amendments and tilling the soil. You can do this in late winter to prepare for spring planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/19/07) Planting a tree is not a difficult task, but it should be done right to ensure a good start for the tree. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says to start by measuring the root ball of the tree. Then dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/19/07) Many landscapes include small decorative ponds or aquatic features. This is a great time to clean ponds, because the foliage and fish in them are not very active. Choose a mild day to get this done. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/12/07) The typical garden hydrangea has a very unique aspect – the color of the flowers is influenced by the pH of the soil. Depending on the soil type, gardeners can manipulate the colors of their hydrangeas by adding aluminum sulfate or lime to their soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/12/07) Hardy fruit trees should be fertilized during the month of February. This encourages good vigor and improves their production. If you are not sure how to fertilize your trees, you can get recommendations by having your soil tested through your LSU AgCenter extension office. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/12/07) Not many plants are sold "bare root" any more, but roses still are commonly grown that way. It is critical to get bare-root roses planted early – by the end of February, at the latest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/12/07) There is a nice selection of warm-season colorful plants for shady areas, but when it comes to color during the cool season, most of the bedding plants prefer sunnier areas. There are a few plants that might work in shady spots, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/12/07) The weeping yaupon holly is a form of the native yaupon holly. It has cascading branches that gracefully grow downward. It also produces wonderful bright red translucent berries in the winter that serve as good bird food. (Runtime: 1 minute, 24 seconds)

(Audio 02/12/07) February is the month to fertilize trees in your landscape. Young trees benefit the most from fertilization. This encourages them to grow faster in those first few years. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains different ways to fertilize trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/05/07) Despite our chilly Louisiana winters and even the hard freezes we could have this time of year, cool-season weeds continue to grow in our lawns. There are a variety of weeds that you may find in your lawns this time of year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

(Audio 02/05/07) Rose bushes are popular in Louisiana landscapes, and now is the time to prune roses. This is particularly important for hybrid teas and grandiflora roses because of the way they grow. Other roses should be pruned to remove dead growth or to shape them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/05/07) Louisiana gardeners use a variety of tropical plants in their landscapes. During the winter, these tropical plants are damaged by cold weather. Whether you should prune these damaged plants now or later depends on what type of tropical plants they are. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/05/07) Spider mites are tiny pests that can attack and damage plants. Infestations tend to be worse on houseplants, since there are no natural predators for the insects indoors. If you have a problem, you may notice pale foliage and tiny spider mites on the under side of the leaves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/05/07) Swiss chard is an outstanding leafy vegetable that is easy to grow. It tastes a little like spinach when it is cooked, but it is related to beets. You can direct-seed it into your garden right now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/05/07) Louisiana gardeners can continue to plant vegetables in their vegetable gardens during February. You can direct-seed root crops in your garden this time of the year. Cole crops also can be planted now, as well as some leafy vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 02/01/07) Louisiana rice producers have approved five-year renewals of check-off fees on their crops to fund research and promotion.

(Distributed 02/02/07) Sisters Michele and Jennifer Hullum spend their afternoons caring for their animals. Both girls are in 4-H and show livestock. And both girls have had to overcome physical challenges. Michele has cystic fibrosis, and Jennifer has Down syndrome.

(Distributed 02/07/07) More than 135 private landowners, loggers and forest industry leaders recently attended the LSU AgCenter’s Central Louisiana Forestry Forum to learn about the challenges still facing the industry more than a year after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

(Distributed 02/08/07) Greenhouse tomato growers can expect hands-on experience during the LSU AgCenter’s 11th Annual Greenhouse Tomato Seminar slated for Feb. 23 at the AgCenter’s Red River Research Station near Bossier City.

(Distributed 02/08/07) Farmers who are considering crops of cotton, corn or soybeans this year will have the chance to get updated information at two LSU AgCenter forums in February. The first session, focused on corn and soybeans, will be held Feb. 13 in the Rayville Civic Center. It will kick off at 8:30 a.m.

(Distributed 02/08/07) An independent lab has determined that rice seed to be sold this year by the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station is free of Liberty Link, according to Dr. Steve Linscombe, the station director.

(Distributed 02/09/07) Southwest Louisiana farmers who are looking for an alternative crop should consider growing sugarcane to meet the increasing demand created by the syrup mill at Lacassine. That was the message Thursday (Feb. 8) at a sugarcane and ethanol forum held in Lake Charles by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 02/12/07) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says following food safety practices can help to ensure you don’t suffer the consequences of foodborne illnesses this Mardi Gras season. Reames says many people often think they have the flu or a 24-hour virus when they actually are suffering from food poisoning.

(Distributed 02/15/07) Students at Arlington Preparatory Academy in Baton Rouge are learning both responsibility and life skills through the school’s unique part of the Louisiana 4-H program. In the past two weeks, goats have been born, bulbs have been planted and livestock has been shown at livestock events on the parish and district levels.

(Distributed 02/15/07) Farmers Dan Bedgood and Erick Cherene of Madison Parish have a quick answer when asked to describe the upcoming growing season in North Louisiana. "A lot of corn," they said in unison. The farming partners were among more than 200 people who attended the LSU AgCenter Corn and Soybean Forum Tuesday (Feb. 13) at the Rayville Civic Center.

(Distributed 02/17/07) The LSU AgCenter honored an outstanding volunteer leader and six 4-H and FFA members Saturday (Feb. 17) for their work with youth livestock projects.

(Distributed 02/23/07) Gov. Kathleen Blanco and several area officials joined a Massachusetts company in a groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony recently (Feb. 16) for two facilities that will use agricultural wastes to make ethanol.

(Distributed 02/27/07) Farmers aired their concerns last week at a Farm Day Forum called by U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany of Lafayette and Charles Melancon of Napoleonville in preparation for the upcoming debate on the 2007 farm bill.

(Distributed 02/27/07) Gardeners eager to get their hands in the soil should plan to attend the Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival March 24-25 in Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.

(Distributed 02/28/07) Forestlands in Southeast and Southwest Louisiana were heavily damaged during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the industry wants to be better prepared in the event of another disaster.

(Distributed 02/28/07) An acreage increase for the medium-grain rice variety Jupiter is likely this year now that it has obtained acceptance by the cereal company Kellogg’s. Those comments about the rice variety developed by the LSU AgCenter came during the North Louisiana Rice Forum Tuesday (Feb. 27) in Delhi.

(Distributed 02/09/07) Photographers still have a few more days to submit photos for possible use in the LSU AgCenter’s 2008 Get It Growing lawn and garden calendar. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 28.

Photos from 2007 LSU AgCenter Livestock Show, including grand champion winners in these categories: Steers, Lambs, Goats, Hogs and Broilers.

Thousands of 4-H and FFA youth from across the state had participated in the 72nd Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. AgCenter photographers capture the excitement and activity at the show.

(Distributed 02/26/07) Consumers are encouraged to go "100% Fad Free" during March Nutrition Month, sponsored by the American Dietetic Association. This year’s theme reinforces the importance of nutrition as a key component of good health along with physical activity, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 02/26/07) March 27 is American Diabetes Alert Day, an annual, one-day call to action for people to find out if they are at risk for diabetes. The Risk Test is an easy way to find out if you are at risk for diabetes. The test is available from the American Diabetes Association online at www.diabetes.org or by calling 1 888 DIABETES.

(Radio News 02/26/07) Soy has many benefits for women. It is derived from soybeans and is found in a variety of different forms including soy milk, nuts, flour and tofu. Experts say it can alleviate symptoms of menopause and prevent bone breakdown. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/26/07) Incidences of school violence and violent behavior in youths have parents looking for ways to teach their children how to avoid this behavior and avoid becoming a victim. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/26/07) The first five years of a child’s life are critical in developing basic skills. LSU AgCenter family specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents should take an active role in teaching their little ones before children start school. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/26/07) A forest products expert wants Louisiana to become proactive in dealing with disasters that affect the state’s forests. Dr. Richard Vlosky says the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is funding the development of the plan, and the LSU AgCenter will take a lead in its implementation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/26/07) Louisiana's forests were heavily damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Combined, the storms damaged 4.4 billion board feet of saw-timber in Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter forest products expert Dr. Richard Vlosky.

(TV News 2/26/07) Could freshwater drum be the heroes of the catfish pond? Research results show freshwater drum, or goo, could control snail populations that inadvertently are causing disease among catfish fingerlings. (Runtime: 1 minute, 29 seconds)