(Radio News 11/30/09) The Christmas tree is an iconic symbol of the holidays. The freshest trees can be found at choose-and-cut tree farms. According to LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed, the popular tree on Christmas tree farms in Louisiana is the Leyland cypress. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/30/09) A three-stage lagoon system at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station is treating waste on the dairy farm. The system traps nutrients and breaks them down before they leave the farm through water runoff. If growers can’t reuse excess manure as fertilizer, LSU AgCenter dairy researcher Dr. Vinicius Moreira says environmental problems can occur. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/30/09) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station are helping dairy producers become more efficient while lowering costs. Station director Dr. Mike McCormick says one way is showing them how to cut down on unnecessary nutrients in their herd’s diet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) Louisiana could have fewer acres of wheat. Growers are planting the 2010 crop, and LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell expects to see a drop in acreage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) For a second year in a row, weather has ruined a portion of Louisiana commodities. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike were the culprits last year, but this year farmers don’t have a named storm to blame, just plenty of rain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) Wheat does not like wet conditions, and rain in October and November has delayed planting in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says growers were able to get some of their crop planted during recent dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) Early estimates put rain-related crop damage at $275 million. Many of the state’s commodities were at the height of harvest season when frequent rains started in September. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) Dairy producers have struggled in recent years. Producers in Louisiana face additional obstacles, says LSU AgCenter dairy researcher Dr. Mike McCormick. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/16/09) Strong family ties were an important factor in helping people recover from hurricanes. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser worked on a project that looked at disaster recovery. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/16/09) Family traditions and rituals have been shown to strengthen families regardless of income levels and religious beliefs. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser talks about this during November’s family life month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)