(Distributed 07/16/08) ST. GABRIEL – Sugarcane growers can reduce the cost of producing their crops by following new fertilizer recommendations, researchers said today (July 16) at a sugarcane field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Sugar Research Station here.

(Distributed 07/30/08) The sixth annual LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station field day has been scheduled for Aug. 21 at the AgCenter’s C. DeWitt Livestock Facility.

(Distributed 07/31/08) As rebuilding efforts continue to ramp up in the hurricane-affected areas of Louisiana, the LSU AgCenter has joined with other agencies to help make the job a little easier.

(Distributed 07/25/08) Hot summer weather signals the importance of getting enough fluids to stay hydrated and prevent heat-related illnesses – especially for senior citizens. Older people are at high risk for developing heat-related illness at this time, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/30/08) Trans fats are in the news. And like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, they raise low-density lipoprotein – LDL or “bad” – cholesterol levels in our bodies, which increase the risk of coronary heart disease, says Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. “Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States today,” Reames said.

(Distributed 07/30/08) Even in our summer of financial discontent, many teenagers are still concerned with concerts, cosmetics and who’s kissing whom, but things were different when 70 students from the University of New Orleans’ Classic Upward Bound program recently participated in LSU AgCenter’s “Welcome to the Real World” program.

(distributed 07/30/08) Three Louisiana 4-H members were among competitors from 14 states who participated in the 29th Annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational July 20-24 at West Virginia University’s Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center.

(Distributed 07/29/08) The 2008 Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit will be held Aug. 12-14 at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center in Vicksburg, Miss.

(Distributed 07/29/08) Farmers in North Louisiana heard the latest information about cotton variety trials, insects and weeds from LSU AgCenter faculty at a field tour July 22.

(Distributed 07/29/08) Now that the Asian citrus psyllid has been discovered in Louisiana, LSU AgCenter agents are learning what to look for to help stop it.

(Distributed 07/28/08) NEW IBERIA – Sugarcane farmers heard about alternative crops and new cane varieties under development during field days July 24 and 25 in Iberia Parish. On July 24, farmers met at the Iberia Research Station to see test plots of new cane varieties and sweet sorghum.

(Distributed 07/28/08) People who want to learn more about biodiesel are invited to a workshop at the Rayville Civic Center on Aug. 27. Hosted by the LSU AgCenter, the workshop starts at 8 a.m. and will end at noon. Dr. Bill Carney, LSU AgCenter environmental educator, will give an illustrated talk on biodiesel production.

(Distributed 07/25/08) ST. MARTINVILLE – New sugarcane varieties are increasing yields, but diseases pose a constant threat, farmers were told by LSU AgCenter researchers at a recent sugarcane field day here. The July 18 session was held for farmers in St. Martin, Lafayette and St. Landry parishes. Researchers told farmers that developing new varieties is an ongoing effort.

(Distributed 07/25/08) Shreveport teens are getting a taste of gardening in an LSU AgCenter summer activity – and learning a whole host of science and math concepts in the process. Grace Peterson, LSU AgCenter Family Nutrition Program coordinator, conducts classes for participants in a Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation (SPAR) summer program.

(Distributed 07/24/08) RAYVILLE – Work continues on development of a Clearfield medium-grain rice variety, but an unexpected challenge has delayed the process, an LSU AgCenter rice breeder said at the Northeast Louisiana Rice Field Day here on July 21.

(Distributed 07/23/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will host a garden stroll August 2 from 8:00 a.m. – noon.

(Distributed 07/22/08) Kenneth McMillin, professor in the LSU AgCenter’s School of Animal Sciences, has been selected for a Fulbright Senior Specialist project in South Africa at the University of Stellenbosch for five weeks in July and August.

(Distributed 07/22/08) A 13-year-old Jackson Parish 4-H’er has his own line of daylilies, has already won sweepstakes awards in flower shows, written an article for an international publication and won the best in agriculture award in the state science fair junior division. Nick Walker, an honor roll student and Student of the Year at Quitman High School, also hopes his daylily experimentation may make him a million dollars some day.

(Distributed 07/17/08) The addition of lime to neutralize soil acidity may be required on pastures before grazing forage will be able to benefit from fertilizer, according to LSU AgCenter soil scientist J Stevens.

(Distributed 07/10/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Iberia Research Station will host a sugarcane field day for St. Mary and Iberia parishes starting at 4:30 p.m. on July 24.

(Distributed 07/15/08) Results from the final two days of competition at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been announced.

(Distributed 07/03/08) A new sugarcane variety released earlier this year will be featured at the annual sugarcane field day July 16 at the LSU AgCenter’s Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel. Field tours start at 9 a.m.

(Distributed 07/11/2008) Kylie Ann Averett of Tangipahoa Parish was named the 2008 Premier Exhibitor at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show July 10.

(Distributed 07/14/08) LSU AgCenter experts traveled across the rice-growing area of Southwest Louisiana to meet with farmers and offer advice on improving their crop at two field days on July 8 and one on July 11.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Although most parents tell their children that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, many kids don't listen. Surveys show that as many as 48 percent of girls and 32 percent of boys do not eat breakfast every day.

(Distributed 07/11/08) While older children are preparing to start school in the fall, younger children are eager to learn new things, too. Shopping for back-to-school items is a good time to start teaching your preschooler about spending and saving money, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 07/11/08) When parents read aloud to their children, everyone wins, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White.

(Distributed 07/11/08) The first and most important teachers children have are their parents. It is especially important for parents to read to their baby from birth, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Is your child ready for preschool? In Louisiana a child must turn 4 years old by September 30 to be eligible for preschool services. Preschool in Louisiana is not mandatory; it’s an option.

(Distributed 07/11/08) The emotional days of watching your young child board the big yellow school bus for the first day of school may be long gone, but now you’re watching your young adult embark on an even bigger adventure – going to college.

(Distributed 07/11/08) A bad attitude about school can hinder a child’s future. Parents and caregivers can either help or undermine the importance of doing well, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Snacks should be an important part of a child’s daily food intake. Because children are growing and active, they may need to eat more than three times a day, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/11/08) High heat and humidity during preseason football practice pose a significant danger for heat illnesses and heat stroke. Athletes need adequate fluids for their best performance, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Whether you're going back to school as a student or a teacher, be extra careful in packing your take-along lunch if it sits a long time between the time you make it and eat it.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Most children have not learned enough to be financially independent and successful by the time they enter college. Yet, many teenagers are offered credit cards before they even graduate from high school.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Before the age of school uniforms, my daughter’s middle school girlfriends were wearing a designer brand of jeans. Not wanting to be different, my daughter wanted five pairs of those jeans so she could wear a different pair to school each day.

(Distributed 07/11/08) With the start of school comes the reality of homework. To start the year off right, help students make the most of their study time with a productive study spaces, advises LSU AgCenter 4-H youth development expert Dr. Janet Fox.

(Distributed 7/10/08)Results from the second day of competition (July 9) at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been released.

(Distributed 07/11/08) If your son or daughter will be a junior or senior in high school this fall, you’ll likely start talking about college. You also may be thinking how expensive college is, since cost is a concern for most families, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 07/11/08) The start of school is not the end of the hurricane season. Another three months remain for the season to end on November 30.

(Distributed 07/11/08) More than 224,000 young people in Louisiana and 7 million across the country have found a home in 4-H. The new school year offers the opportunity to join the most popular youth group in the nation, according to the LSU AgCenter’s Dr. Mark Tassin, director of the Louisiana 4-H Youth Development Program.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Many of you already may have talked to your soon-to-be college freshmen about the importance of avoiding drugs, but have you talked to them about the importance of avoiding debt?

(Distributed 7/9/08) WEST MONROE – Results from the first day of competition at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been released.

(Distributed 7/9/08) Dr. Randy Sanderlin, research coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Pecan Station, will discuss pecan scab disease at the 2008 Tri-State Pecan Trade Show and Convention.

(Distributed 7/8/08) LSU AgCenter officials met Monday (July 7) with U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander to stress the importance of federal agricultural research funding.

(Distributed 07/03/08) Rice farmers and industry representatives gathered Wednesday (July 2) at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Field Day to learn about the ongoing research conducted by scientists to improve a vital part of South Louisiana agriculture. The event was the first LSU AgCenter field day that could be watched live on the Internet.

(Distributed 07/03/08) This year the red in your red, white and blue Fourth of July celebration could be a sweet Louisiana watermelon.

(Distributed 07/03/08) With the average credit card holder owing $9,000 and paying $1,200 a year in interest, consumers can benefit by learning tips on managing money provided in an LSU AgCenter financial program.

(Distributed 07/02/08) A “gorilla” of a barnyardgrass and a “tough critter” nematode are two of the problems being tackled by LSU AgCenter researchers as reported at a recent field day at the Northeast Research Station in St. Joseph. Dr. Daniel Stephenson, LSU AgCenter weed scientist, told farmers at the June 24 event that barnyardgrass “is setting up shop” in the neighboring area of the station.

(Distributed 07/02/08) Two campuses of the LSU System recently combined their international programs offices to better serve the needs of faculty, students and citizens in an increasingly global society. The LSU AgCenter and the LSU A&M campus in Baton Rouge announced the merger this summer.

(Distributed 07/02/08) The LSU AgCenter’s annual Northeast Louisiana rice field day will be held July 21 at the Elliot Colvin farm and the Rayville Civic Center.

(Distributed 07/02/08) The No. 1 yard tree problem in Shreveport-Bossier is construction damage, according to Ricky Kilpatrick, LSU AgCenter area forestry agent.

(Distributed 07/01/08) Back by popular demand, the LSU AgCenter will host another set of one-day workshops on how to make your own biodiesel. The choices are July 29, 30 or 31 at the W.A. Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge.

(For Release On Or After 07/25/08) Wherever you go in America, gardeners will tell you about the terrible pest problems they have to deal with. Still, it seems like we have more than our share of insects, diseases and weeds in Louisiana.

(Distributed 07/01/08) The LSU AgCenter has joined forces with Orleans Catholic Charities’ Operation Helping Hand and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program to construct an affordable home uniquely tailored to local needs and risks. The house, dubbed the “Green Dream Home,” is in mid-construction and, until its completion, serves as a teaching tool about best building practices for the New Orleans area.

(For Release On Or After 07/18/08) Many vegetables planted in spring are finishing or already have reached the end of their productive season. Once the harvest is finished, they should be removed from the garden.

(For Release On Or After 07/11/08) Deadheading is an important but often neglected gardening technique. It refers to pruning off old, faded flowers from a plant as it blooms.

(For Release On Or After 07/04/08) Few sights are more thrilling in the garden than rapidly moving hummingbirds darting among the flowers.

(Distributed 07/01/08) Greenhouse tomatoes and a constructed wetland were two of the topics covered at a recent field day and open house at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station in Bossier City. The June 18 event also highlighted research projects at the station on agronomic crops including corn, cotton, wheat, sorghum and soybeans.