(Distributed 06/19/07) Ten adults were recognized for their contributions to the Louisiana 4-H program during an awards ceremony Tuesday (June 19) preceding the opening session of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University program on the LSU campus.

(For Release On Or After 06/01/07) June marks the beginning of hurricane season, and it’s important to understand powerful hurricanes can affect the entire state – not just the southern portions. As you make your plans, remember there are things that need to be done to prepare a landscape for the possibility of storm and things to do when a storm threatens.

(For Release On Or After 06/08/07) One of the most popular summer bedding plants is the periwinkle or vinca. Known for its prolific and long blooming season, it is heat- and drought-tolerant and thrives in our climate.

(For Release On Or After 06/15/07) Adequate moisture is critically important to landscape plants during hot weather, but too much rain or excessive watering also can bring problems. Wet soil combined with high temperatures can create stressful conditions for bedding plants, vegetables, shrubs and even trees – especially those just planted this year.

(For Release On Or After 06/22/07) There is still time to add colorful bedding plants to your landscape, but it’s important for you to choose plants that are able to thrive in the intense heat of a Louisiana summer.

(For Release On Or After 06/29/07) The heat is on, and we can expect daytime highs around 90 or above and nighttime lows in the 70s from now until September.Trees that shade the house during the summer can lower air-conditioning bills by blocking the sun from the windows, exterior walls and roof.

(Audio 06/04/07) Mowing is the main lawn chore during the summer months. You need to mow often enough so that when you do mow you are not cutting off more than a third of the leaf blade. Of course, this will mean mowing at least once a week. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/27/07) If you haven’t paid a lot of attention to sunflowers for your garden lately, you may think only of the gigantic sunflowers that reach for their namesake in the sky – towering to heights of 8 feet or more. You also may think they only come in yellow. But the truth is that today’s gardeners have a lot of choices when selecting sunflowers.

(For Release On Or After 07/20/07) When it comes to vegetable gardening in Louisiana, gardeners should take advantage of our year-round growing season. Yes, even in the torrid depths of summer there are delicious, heat-tolerant vegetables you can plant now to keep your garden productive.

(For Release On Or After 07/13/07) I recently came across some poison ivy as I was working in an out-of-the-way area of my landscape. I keep a sharp eye out for this plant, since I’m quite allergic, and I promptly and ruthlessly deal with any as soon as I see it.

(For Release On Or After 07/06/07) One of the great joys of gardening is discovering new and attractive plants that thrive in our climate. An outstanding summer bedding plant called angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) falls precisely into this category.

(Audio 06/25/07) Gladiolas bulbs are planted in Louisiana landscapes to provide beautiful spikes of flowers in many colors. Once a gladiola finishes blooming, you should cut off the faded flower but leave all the foliage intact so it can provide food for the bulb. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Despite the intense heat of summer, you can continue to plant colorful bedding plants to brighten your summer beds. Be sure to keep them well watered when they are newly planted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Fertilizers are products that add essential minerals and nutrients to the soil. Soluble fertilizers are dissolved in water and applied as a liquid to plants. They provide immediate nutrients to plants, but they do have drawbacks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Tarragon is an herb that is popular in poultry dishes. French tarragon is the classic variety, but it won't grow in Louisiana during the summer. Cooks and gardeners can substitute Mexican tarragon to overcome that obstacle. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/07) Weeding work is never done, but there are ways to suppress weeds. Mulch is one way to keep weeds down. A pre-emergence herbicide also can prevent weeds from taking over beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) Zinnias provide bright colors in the garden and make great cut flowers. Although many zinnias perform poorly during the summer months, Profusion zinnias can stand up to Louisiana's heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) Summer is an excellent time to add plants to an aquatic garden. Plants in good-sized pots can simply be placed into the pond. There are no holes to dig or beds to prepare. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) High temperatures and high humidity can create a dangerous heat index. It's important to take care of yourself when you garden this time of the year. Garden early in the morning or late in the evening and follow the shade around. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) During the intense heat of summer rose blooms are fewer, smaller and poorer in quality. Heat stress causes the drop in production. Even though it may seem like roses could use fertilizer, now is not the time to apply fertilizer to your roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/07) Petunias are a popular summer bedding plant up north, but these plants generally tend to fade in Louisiana's summer heat. Wave petunias, however, will tolerate more heat than most varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) You may notice fine silvery webbing appearing on the bark of trees during the summer. These webs are made by tiny insects called bark lice or psocids. While it looks alarming, these insects won't harm the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) Most of the roses in our gardens today are everblooming roses. But some gardeners still grow once-blooming roses. When these roses finish flowering, it is time to prune them. Just study each plant carefully to decide how to prune it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) June ushers in hurricane season in Louisiana, and strong thunderstorms also are common during the summer months. To prepare your yard for potential storms, check for weaknesses or dead branches in trees. Also, plan what objects need to be picked up in your yard if you know a storm is approaching. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) In horticulture the term sucker is used to describe a strong sprout growing from the base of a tree or the tree's root system. Crape myrtles commonly produce suckers. But there is a way to get rid of these growths. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/07) Home gardeners can grow a number of vegetables from the onion family. These crops are planted in fall and harvested this time of the year. Pull the onion, shallot or garlic bulb out of the ground and let it dry in the sun a few days. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/07) Creating a compost pile is a great way to recycle yard waste. Fallen leaves and grass clippings can be turned into valuable material that can be used in garden bed preparation or as top dressing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/07) Gardeners may notice poorly-performing plants with grayish-green growths on them. These growths, called lichens, often are blamed for harming trees or shrubs. Lichens are not parasites, but they often live on trees that are already unhealthy.

(Audio 06/04/07) A vine-ripened tomato freshly picked from the garden can be a real treat. But harvesting tomatoes at the perfect time is not always possible. If they still need it when you pick them, you can ripen tomatoes indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/07) The vegetables we plant in Louisiana this time of the year have to be able to take the intense heat throughout the summer. We can plant a variety of vegetables such as canteloupe, eggplant and okra. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/01/07) The second annual 2007 Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit will be Aug. 7-9 at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center, according to Dr. Cynthia Pilcher, LSU AgCenter community economic development agent. The summit will focus on ways to enhance tourism in rural areas in the region, which consists of 16 parishes in Louisiana and 17 counties in Mississippi located along the Mississippi River or near the state borders

(Distributed 06/01/07) A web log, better known as a "blog," to monitor progression of a 10-acre field of rice at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station is online for farmers, teachers and anyone curious about the particulars of growing a rice crop.

(Distributed 06/05/07) The June 28 field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station will offer updates from the field, Capitol Hill and the marketplace.

(Distributed 06/05/07) Crawfish and rice might seem like a natural fit, but the two agricultural endeavors sometimes conflict, farmers learned at an LSU AgCenter Master Farmer Field Day held here recently (May 25).

(Distributed 06/01/07) The LSU AgCenter will hold Hurricane Resistance Days at its LaHouse model home site June 14-17.

The LSU AgCenter held its sixth annual 4-H Day at the Capitol June 5, and officials said it continues to be a popular event with young people and legislators from across the state.

(Distributed 06/06/07) Ricky Kilpatrick, LSU AgCenter forestry agent in the Northwest Region, has won a Gold Star Award from Project Learning Tree in recognition of his involvement and support of this national organization.

(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.

(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 06/14/07)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 06/15/07) 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 06/26/07) More than 600 young people across Louisiana will compete in the 38th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show July 9-14 in West Monroe. Coordinated by the LSU AgCenter, the event will be held for the third year in a row at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center.

(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 06/27/07) Home gardeners are invited to a field tour focused on newly named LSU fig varieties and growing tomatoes July 11 at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

(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 06/28/07) Louisiana’s food and fiber service industries were heavily affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Consisting primarily of full-service and fast-food restaurants, the service industries lost 4.2 percent in value-added.

(Distributed 06/29/07) An LSU AgCenter researcher gave a progress report on her project to develop rice with increased protein levels during the Rice Research Station field day Thursday (June 28) here.

(Distributed 06/12/07) Angelonias have been one of the top herbaceous ornamental plants for the past 10 years. Yet, many gardeners may not be familiar with these colorful plants, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 06/12/07) An LSU AgCenter child care expert says looking for the facility’s license is one of the quickest and easiest methods for gauging quality when you are shopping for child care.

(TV News 07/02/07) Louisiana dairy farmers aren't producing as much milk as they were in the early 1980s, but an increase in milk prices isn’t likely to lead to an increase in production. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

(Radio News 07/02/07) Hurricane season is under way, and this year there was even a pre-season tropical storm. LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness specialist Pat Skinner says it is never too early to start preparing for a potential storm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/02/07) LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Donnie Miller studied co-application of the herbicide Roundup with common cotton insecticides, plant growth regulators and micro-nutrients. Co-application can save farmers multiple trips through their fields, ultimately saving them money and wear and tear on their equipment. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 06/04/07) The wheat harvest has started across the state, and growers have a large crop on their hands this year. Louisiana farmers planted more than 220,000 acres of wheat this year – twice as much as last year. High wheat prices encouraged farmers to plant, and their investment is paying off. The fairly mild and dry spring has led to excellent yields in some areas. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Radio News 06/04/07) Some children experience homesickness when they are away for summer camps or other activities. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents must be careful when dealing with such issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/04/07) Louisiana farmers generate a significant amount of "value-added" to Louisiana’s economy. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Matthew Fannin says in 2005 farmers contributed $855 million of this value. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/04/07) Louisiana’s food service industry did not fare well following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Matthew Fannin says Louisiana’s food service industry, which consists of full-service and fast-food restaurants, lost 4.2 percent in value-added in 2005. The biggest short-term challenge for this sector is population. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/04/07) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita minimally affected the value-added forest product sectors in Louisiana. The biggest effect was on forest stocks, according to LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Matthew Fannin. Other sectors saw small loses, he said. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/04/07) The hurricanes in 2005 disrupted Louisiana’s food and fiber sectors. Those sectors lost $300 million in value-added between 2004 and 2005, according to LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Matthew Fannin. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/11/07) Youngsters can fall into a sedentary routine that involves little more than watching television and snacking over the summer . LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says weight gain is sure to follow such a routine. To keep childhood obesity at bay, children should get 60 minutes of moderate exercise everyday. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/11/07) Family vacations can be fun or frantic, but LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says proper planning is essential for keeping it on the fun side. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/11/07) Learning doesn’t stop when the school year ends. Parents need to find productive and fun ways for youngsters to spend their days. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says there are plenty of free activities that can work a child’s mind. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/11/07) High corn acreage is negatively affecting Louisiana soybean acreage. According to LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos, the state's farmers will plant about 10 percent fewer soybean acres than last year -- putting acreage around 700,000. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/11/07) The public can view safer, stronger and smarter building techniques during the LSU AgCenter’s Hurricane Resistance Days at LaHouse – its model home on the LSU campus. The events occur June 14-17. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/18/07) Louisiana has not seen this much corn acreage in nearly 10 years. With the outlook of high prices, the state;s growers planted a large crop for this year's harvest. LSU AgCenter corn specialist Dr. David Lanclos says the 2007 Louisiana corn crop looks exceptional, but the unusually cold spring has affected early-planted corn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/18/07) Louisiana’s 2007 rice crop is in the field. Growers have planted a range of varieties. Growing conditions were unusual in early spring, giving some rice a difficult start, but conditions in May have been ideal for rice. Growers have been pumping more water for irrigation, but that usually increases yields. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/18/07) Lack of export activity in the world rice market is keeping prices from rising too high, says LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk. Prices have been up, and Saichuk says in the long term growers could see some relief from dismal prices in past years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/18/07) Louisiana's 2007 rice acreage remains low for the second year in a row. Acreage typically is around 500,000, but this year the state's rice growers planted around 370,000. Rice experts expected acreage to be higher, but factors such as a seed shortage hindered the expansion. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 06/11/07) Louisiana rice acreage remains low for the second year in a row. The state's planted acreage typically is around 500,000. This year rice growers planted around 370,000 acres. Rice experts expected acreage to be higher, but factors such as a seed shortage hindered the expansion. (Runtime: 1 minute, 22 seconds)

(Radio News 06/25/07) LSU AgCenter researchers are working to reduce aflatoxin in corn. Aflatoxin is a byproduct of the naturally-occurring fungus Aspergillus flavus. Researchers are looking at chemical and biological controls. They also are looking at atoxigenic strains of the fungus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/25/07) It’s midway through the growing season, and most of the state’s corn is in excellent shape. But a pocket of corn in northeastern Louisiana is drying out, because that portion of the state has received very little rain over the past month and half. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/25/07) The LSU AgCenter has been holding financial education training for teachers for five years now. Follow-up research shows that students whose teachers participated in the training posted knowledge gains in personal finance categories. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/25/07) The LSU AgCenter is offering 10 workshops for high school teachers this summer in an effort to help them help their students become more financially literate. The workshops are aimed at free enterprise teachers, because they are required to teach personal finance lessons, but other educators could benefit from the training, as well. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/25/07) The LSU AgCenter tested 77 corn hybrids in 2006. The data generated in these trials is used for recommending hybrids for Louisiana growers. The tests look at factors such as yield, moisture and plant and ear height. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 06/25/07) Most Louisiana corn growers are pleased with the condition of this year's crop. Weather conditions have been favorable in most areas of the state, but there is one dry spot. (Runtime: 1 minute, 24 seconds)

(Radio News 06/18/07) With such a large corn crop on their hands, growers and grain elevator operators could have a difficult time handling the 2007 Louisiana corn crop. LSU AgCenter corn specialist Dr. David Lanclos also says spring conditions that affected planting may help the harvest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/11/07) Asian soybean rust has made an early appearance in Louisiana this year. It was found in early May on kudzu in Iberia Parish. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos says environmental conditions have been right for the development of the disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)