(Distributed 06/22/07) Asian soybean rust was observed in both Avoyelles and Rapides parishes on Wednesday (June 20) and confirmed by LSU AgCenter scientists on Thursday (June 21).

(Distributed 06/22/07) Fifty-two more Louisiana farmers, including nine women, have achieved the status of Master Farmer – a title that means they have not only learned the latest in conservation techniques, but they are implementing them on their farms.

(Distributed 06/21/07) oung people from across Louisiana were announced as state winners and alternates in various contests Thursday night (June 21) at the final session of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University in Baton Rouge. In addition, 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 06/19/07) Winners of 4-H scholarships were among those honored during an awards banquet Tuesday (June 19) at 4-H University in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/18/07) The LSU AgCenter local 4-H’ers will help spearhead a collection of care packages for military troops in war zones on Saturday, June 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Distributed 06/15/07) Progress is being made in evaluating and incorporating new technologies to reduce aflatoxin contamination in Louisiana corn fields, and research is being conducted on nematodes and corn hybrid testing, participants learned at the LSU AgCenter’s annual field day at the Northeast Research Station here Wednesday (June 13).

(Distributed 06/14/07)High school teachers across the state who want to learn how to teach their students about money management will have opportunities between June 26 and July 24 from the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 06/14/07) The LSU AgCenter has reactivated for the second year an Asian soybean rust hot line so people can find out the status of this disease in Louisiana. The toll-free number is 1-866-641-1847. Asian soybean rust is a disease that, if not caught early and treated, can spread rapidly and destroy entire soybean fields.

(Distributed 06/12/07) The Louisiana County Agricultural Agents Association honored several LSU AgCenter agents and specialists for their service to Louisiana agriculture during its annual conference earlier this month in Oak Grove.

(Distributed 06/11/07) A guide to pasture condition scoring was among the topics at the Quality Hay Management Alternatives Field Tour held June 9 at the Gordon Raley in Franklin Parish. The tour was sponsored by the LSU AgCenter’s Macon Ridge Research Station in Winnsboro.