(For Release On Or After 01/26/07) Now is an excellent time to consider adding roses to your landscape, so you can enjoy the beautiful blooms this summer. Before you go to the nursery, however, it’s important to think about the type of roses you want to grow so that you make the proper selections.

(For Release On Or After 01/19/07) We are fortunate indeed to live in a state where the mild winter climate allows us to grow camellias in our landscapes. The dark-green, shiny, evergreen foliage alone is a beautiful addition to our landscapes. Then, during winter, we are rewarded with a fantastic floral display.

(For Release On Or After 01/12/07) The third Friday in January is Arbor Day in Louisiana, which this year falls on Jan. 19. It’s a day we set aside to celebrate and appreciate the role living trees play in improving our lives and our environment, and many people plant trees to celebrate the occasion.

(For Release On Or After 01/05/07) Gardeners are always looking for reliable new plants they can try. When it comes to bedding plants and vegetables, the All-America Selection Winners generally are considered good choices, and four of those have been named for 2007.

(Distributed 01/31/07) The LSU AgCenter and its St. Tammany Master Gardener Association will present the Northshore Garden Show March 17-18 at the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington.

(Distributed 01/31/07) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station is inviting the public to stroll through its camellia gardens. The annual Camellia Garden Stroll at the Hammond Station is set for 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. Feb. 11.

(Distributed 01/26/07) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will host the 2007 Spring Garden Day March 10. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and its Tangipahoa Parish Master Gardener Association, the event will feature a variety of gardening and educational exhibits, plant sales and seminars, as well as information on some of the research being conducted at the station.

(Distributed 01/26/07) Cattle producers are nervous about the upcoming year because the possibility of corn prices exceeding $5 a bushel could mean higher prices for livestock feed. An LSU AgCenter economist recently advised, however, that those fears could be based on some assumptions that may not develop into realities.

(Distributed 01/26/07) Thousands of Louisiana youngsters will gather in South Louisiana Feb. 10-17 as they compete in the 72nd annual LSU AgCenter Spring Livestock. Approximately 1,500 4-H and FFA members are expected to bring about 4,500 animals to the state show, which will be held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 01/25/07) With last year’s state yield record and good prices, Louisiana soybean farmers seem eager to get their 2007 crop planted. During a recent meeting of the Louisiana Soybean Association at the LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research, Extension and Livestock Facility near Alexandria, AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos recalled that the approach to the 2006 crop was not as optimistic.

(Distributed 01/25/07) Two LSU AgCenter faculty members recently were named to short-term, part-time administrative positions in the AgCenter. Dr. Jim Griffin is assistant to the director for plant sciences in the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, and Dr. Bobby Fletcher is assistant to the director for special programs in the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.

(Distributed 01/25/07) The new 13-member Louisiana Rice Research Board took the oath of office in mid-January. The board oversees the use of check-off funds from rice farmers, which are used for research and have funded approximately $1 million in work annually through the LSU AgCenter the past several years.

(Distributed 01/23/07) With the 2007 farm bill on the horizon, speakers at the 2007 AgOutlook conference in Baton Rouge talked about issues the new bill may involve as it makes its way through Congress this year. About 200 members of the Louisiana agricultural community met in the Lod Cook Conference Center on the LSU campus Tuesday (Jan. 23) to hear experts provide their views on what might happen.

(Distributed 01/23/07) The Louisiana Equine Council is planning its first Equine Expo for March 9-11 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. The event will include lectures, riding and training demonstrations, several competitions, a trade show, a parade of breeds and many other activities, according to LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Clint Depew.

(Distributed 01/17/07) The LSU AgCenter will offer forestry forums in the coming weeks to help those in the industry keep up with the latest technological advances, forestry issues and other vital information. The forums will be held Jan. 30 at Woodworth, March 8 in Shreveport and March 23 in Hammond.

(Distributed 01/22/07) Louisiana consumers begin looking forward to crawfish almost as soon as the holidays end. Some producers already are harvesting, and it looks like 2007 will be a good year for crawfish, according to an LSU AgCenter expert.

(Distributed 01/18/07) Before recent rains and low temperatures, many of Louisiana’s strawberry growers were looking forward to an above-average crop. But the cold, wet weather in south Louisiana has slowed down the ripening process, said Dr. Regina Bracy, LSU AgCenter professor and research coordinator of the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 01/17/07) The colder the weather in winter, the better Louisiana soybean farmers like it. That’s because freezing temperatures kill kudzu, a noxious plant that among its many faults harbors the fungus that causes a dreaded disease called Asian soybean rust.

(Distributed 01/17/07) Will Southwest Louisiana farmers benefit from a shift of rice acreage in other farm regions to corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans? The possibilities of such a scenario were detailed by LSU AgCenter experts in a series of meetings for rice farmers held in Southwest Louisiana during early January.

(Distributed 01/11/07) Nutrition researchers in the LSU AgCenter believe a form of starch may have a greater effect on metabolism and fat deposition than other types of dietary fiber. The LSU AgCenter research team has shown that fermentation of natural resistant starch in the large intestine is an important and previously underestimated mechanism in weight management.

(Distributed 01/04/07) A continuous supply of new rice varieties is crucial to the survival of the industry in Louisiana as old varieties become susceptible to disease or just plain lose their production spunk with age. To keep new varieties on the market is a major priority of the LSU AgCenter’s rice breeding program.

(Distributed 01/05/07) Even with freezes and rain in early and mid-December, Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest was shaping up to be one of the best in years. Then more rain came, and what could have been an excellent year quickly turned into just an average one.

(Distributed 01/05/07) Louisiana residents have another source of information on the Louisiana Road Home program – their parish LSU AgCenter Extension offices. LSU AgCenter Extension agents around the state participated in an orientation meeting with representatives of the Road Home Thursday (Jan. 4).

(Distributed 01/05/07) This year’s group of Louisiana Master Cattle Producers will be among those recognized next week when producers from across the state gather in Alexandria.

(Distributed 01/02/07) A variety of insecticides being tested by LSU AgCenter researchers show promise for helping Louisiana rice growers get rid of their No. 1 insect pest – the rice water weevil.

(Distributed 01/25/07) February is American Heart Month. Women throughout America are again asked to "Go Red for Women" by wearing red to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s No. 1 killer. The American Heart Association’s campaign is a call for women to take charge of their heart health.

(Distributed 01/24/07) New this year, U.S. citizens entitled to a tax refund can have their money direct-deposited in up to three different accounts. By using Form 8888, taxpayers can direct refunds to one, two or three accounts, such as checking, health savings and retirement, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 01/24/07) Brace yourself – tax season is upon us. When it comes to getting ready to file your income tax return, remember the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared. That's the advice of LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 01/12/07) Holy premium Batman! Who has the greatest need for life insurance – Batman, Spiderman, Fred Flintstone, Harry Potter or Marge Simpson? "How would you respond?" asks LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 01/12/07) Direct deposit is easier and more convenient than getting a check in the mail. Yet, despite the advantages, many people who rely on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) still receive their payments by check, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 01/10/07) With the start of the new year comes the announcement of the All-America Rose Selections. AARS winners for 2007 are Rainbow Knock Out, Moondance and Strike It Rich.

(Distributed 01/08/07) Owners of compact utility tractors can choose among three types of rear tires and at least five types for the front. The different types of tires serve different purposes, says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(TV News 01/29/07) Rebuilding is slow in Cameron Parish. Less than a dozen new homes have been constructed in the lower part of the parish where Hurricane Rita wiped out many homes. The LSU AgCenter has been stressing stronger and smarter new construction and it soon will have a demonstration home to help guide such efforts. (Runtime: 1 minute, 47 seconds)

(TV News 01/22/07) We are inching our way into crawfish season, and early harvested crawfish already have found their way to consumers. An LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist says consumers can expect a good crawfish crop this year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 27 seconds)

(TV News 01/15/07) Trees are the kings of the landscape, and January is the peak of tree-planting season in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about why and how to plant a tree. (Runtime: 1 minute, 23 seconds)

(TV News 01/01/07) Growers expected the sugarcane harvest to be over by now, but freezes and rain late in the harvest season slowed their progress. Growers were expecting an excellent harvest, but in the end it was just average. (Runtime 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(TV News 01/01/07) In Louisiana, 2006 likely will be remembered as the year after the hurricanes. A relatively ordinary year was a welcome relief to many, including farmers. Overall, 2006 was a good year for many agricultural producers. (Runtime: 1 minute, 33 seconds)

(Radio News 01/29/07) As soon as the holidays end, Louisiana consumers begin looking forward to crawfish. Some producers already have started harvesting, and it looks like 2007 will be a good year for crawfish. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/29/07) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused problems for some crawfish producers, and salty conditions still are affecting a few ponds in the southwestern part of the Louisiana. The storms also moved crawfish consumers around. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/29/07) Salt water poured into southwestern Louisiana when Hurricane Rita came ashore. The salt has caused problems for rice growers and, in turn, has indirectly affected crawfish because of the way they're grown, says LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/29/07) There are ways you can cut your energy bill this winter while staying comfortable. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says looking for a furnace or a heat pump with the Energy Star label is a good start when searching for new appliances. Also, adding insulation can make your home more energy efficient. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/29/07) Homeowners making improvements or repairs to their homes can apply for a federal energy tax credit. The credit is good for improvements made to your primary residence from Jan. 1, 2006, through Dec. 31, 2007. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/22/07) Before Hurricane Rita LSU AgCenter agent Cynthia Richard specialized in family economics. Today her focus has shifted to building stronger and smarter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/22/07) Hurricane Rita destroyed or disabled more than half of the fishing fleet in Cameron Parish and littered the waterways with debris. Working with volunteers, LSU AgCenter fisheries agents recently wrapped up marking and mapping debris in Calcasieu Lake. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/22/07) The LSU AgCenter recently opened a temporary office in Cameron Parish and is working on building a permanent office at its original site in lower Cameron Parish. The new office, called the Chenier House, will be energy efficient and hurricane resistant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/22/07) Africanized honey bees were found in St. Bernard Parish – the first infestation in the eastern part of the state. Dr. Dale Pollet, an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter, speculates the swarm was brought in on a truck or ship post-Katrina. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/22/07) Africanized honey bees have been found in several areas of Louisiana. These bees became more aggressive than European bees through cultural practices and environmental conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/15/07) Ethanol production could influence what crops are grown in Louisiana this year. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry expects an increase in ethanol production capacity in 2007. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/15/07) This winter many people may light their fireplaces in hopes of saving energy, but LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says the way most of us use fireplaces actually works against us. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/15/07) Many homes have gas furnaces and unvented gas space heaters. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says these appliances can leak carbon monoxide if they're not working properly. Reichel says to make sure the flame on the appliance is burning blue. Yellow flame can indicate a problem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/15/07) A horticulturist with the LSU AgCenter encourages you to plant a tree this month. Louisiana celebrates Arbor Day on the third Friday of January. During the winter, trees are dormant, so now is the time to plant so their roots can get established before summer begins. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/15/07) The leaves have fallen. The grass is brown. And January usually is the coldest month of the year. It seems odd, but now is the best time to inject new life into your landscape by planting a tree. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says it is important to make good decisions when planting a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/08/07) 2006 was a quiet year compared to the one that preceded it. The hurricanes in 2005 took a toll on many agricultural producers, but production was good in 2006, and prices were either up or around average for most commodities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/08/07) Last June Congress approved new disaster assistance programs for those involved in agriculture. Two of the programs are designed to help livestock producers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/08/07) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for some new disaster assistance programs. Four of the programs deal with fruit, vegetable or nursery operations. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry explains the programs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/08/07) Freezing temperatures and rain in December and early January affected the state's sugarcane harvest. Around 30 percent of the Louisiana crop was still in the fields when the first freeze came. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/01/07) A Christmas tree is a valued symbol of the holidays and has a prominent place in many homes throughout the month of December. Some of these trees can still have value when the holidays are over. Check with your parish or city government to see if they recycle trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/01/07) Many sugarcane growers tried new varieties this year for their plant cane, and LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says the yields in those varieties early in the harvest season were excellent. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/01/07) LSU AgCenter family economists are encouraging people to take control of their finances in the new year. Dr. Jeanette Tucker says to takes some time after the holidays to evaluate your financial situation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/01/07) Horses can tolerate a range of temperatures. While the days were getting shorter and colder, horses were adjusting, but horse owners need to provide extra care during really cold spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/01/07) Weight loss often is a goal at the start of a new year. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says a resolution to live healthier is a better goal. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/01/07) Parasites usually don’t affect horses during the summer months. In Louisiana, temperatures are too high for the parasites to survive. But LSU AgCenter horse specialist Dr. Clint Depew says parasites are a bigger problem during winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)