(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)

(Distributed 09/07/07) A tiny pest called the “panicle rice mite” has been found in the southern United States, including the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station at Crowley. The mite has recently been detected in rice plants this summer at research facilities in Texas and Puerto Rico. Before 2007, it was found in a greenhouse in Ohio and has been a major problem in rice fields in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Asia.

(Distributed 09/10/07) A continuation of current strong soybean prices depends on next year’s production, farmers were told at a soybean and energy crop tour held Sept. 6 in Jefferson Davis Parish. Dr. Kurt Guidry, LSU AgCenter economist, said a decrease in soybean acreage and increased demand this year helped boost prices.

(Distributed 09/13/07) Construction techniques used by Cameron Parish residents rebuilding their homes will be featured during a tour of homes on Sept. 23 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The tour’s theme is “Rita Recovery: Rebuilding Safer, Stronger and Smarter,” according to Cynthia Richard, an LSU AgCenter housing agent who organized the event.

(Distributed 12/17/07) The LSU AgCenter kicked off its Little Bookshelf program in St. Helena Parish at the parish health unit in Greensburg on Dec. 12.

(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)

(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.

(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 02/16/07) 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 02/02/07) 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.

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

(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.

(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 02/28/07) 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 02/27/07) 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 02/27/07) 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 02/23/07) 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 02/19/07) Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 72nd Annual LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Livestock Show Feb. 10-17 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/19/07) Six Louisiana youths were recognized for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 72nd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show held Feb 10-17 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(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 02/15/07) 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 02/15/07) 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 02/13/07) For one Tangipahoa Parish 4-H’er, not only is preparing a calf for the livestock show a challenge, it is also a form of therapy.

(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 02/09/07) 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 02/09/07) 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 02/08/07) 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 02/08/07) 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) 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 02/07/07) 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 02/07/07) 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.

(Distributed 02/02/07) The Louisiana Rice Council and Louisiana Rice Growers Association met for organizational sessions recently (Jan. 25) and to get a preview of what to expect from farm policymakers in Washington, D.C.

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

(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.

(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 02/16/07) Spring garden shows are set for Hammond, Covington, Baton Rouge and New Orleans in March and April.