(Distributed 10/23/09) A home remodeling project – and your investment in it – can do so much more than update. It can make your home a healthier place to live and breathe for you and your family.

(Distributed 10/13/09) Many household appliances such as gas heaters and dryers, fireplaces, furnaces and gas ranges operate by burning a combustible fuel such as natural gas, propane, wood or other fossil fuel. Appliances of this type (combustion appliances) need proper venting to operate safely.

(TV News 10/19/09) Recovery is slow in Cameron Parish where residents recently marked the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Rita. The 2005 storm devastated this coastal community, but a groundbreaking ceremony held for a new demonstration home, which also will serve as the LSU AgCenter parish extension office, is offering hope and guidance to the people of the parish. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Distributed 10/16/09) Students at Warren Easton High School in New Orleans along with 10 other schools around the state really know what it means to get down and dirty, thanks to a $25,000 grant secured by the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Development office.

(Video 10/26/09) During the fall, chrysanthemums are a familiar sight in Louisiana. But not all mums are the same. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to choose the appropriate mums for your needs. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Distributed 10/30/09) Well-managed lawns and landscaping are good for the environment as well as being attractive. Bad management, however, can negate a lot of the environmental benefits.

(Distributed 10/29/09) Every November during American Diabetes Month, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames reminds people healthful eating is important for managing diabetes.

(Distributed 10/28/09) Today’s lifestyles might be causing people to miss out on the unique love and belonging that come from family bonds, according to LSU AgCenter family and child expert Diane Sasser.

(Distributed 10/28/09) The LSU AgCenter has received two specialty crop block grants for two research and promotion projects to enhance the competitiveness of Louisiana-grown sweet potatoes and nursery crops.

(Distributed 10/26/09) Louisiana’s agricultural and seafood industries will have a new marketing tool in early 2010 when MarketMaker, a national Internet-driven service, is inaugurated in the state, according to officials with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 10/21/09) Entrepreneurs considering cut flowers as a full-time or part-time business may want to attend the regional “Rolling the Dice with Cut Flowers” workshop Nov. 17-18 at the Hilton Hotel in Memphis, Tenn.

(Radio News 10/26/09) Children look forward to Halloween, and while fun is their priority, parents’ priority should be safety. LSU AgCenter family specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents should take extra precautions with their children on Halloween night. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) The LSU AgCenter’s sugarcane breeding program is important to Louisiana’s sugarcane industry. But the program experienced a set back last year, says LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) Rising prices are a positive point for Louisiana sugarcane growers. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says farmers were growing pessimistic about their outlook. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) Wet weather has been hard on Louisiana sugarcane farmers attempting to harvest their crops. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says rain has caused the stalks of cane to fall over and is making it difficult to get the crop out of the field. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) Early in the growing season it appeared the disease known as rust would be a problem for Louisiana’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre said most varieties showed symptoms of the disease in March and April but that it appears to be less of a problem now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/23/09) An affordable “high-performance” demonstration home in Ponchatoula will be open Nov. 12 for free tours and live demonstrations of home performance testing.

(Distributed 10/23/09) Shrubs are important background plants for any home landscape. They have definite growth habits in height, spread and form.

(Distributed 10/22/09) BOSSIER CITY – Marbling is the No. 1 way to determine quality in a cut of meat, said LSU AgCenter county agent Johnny LeVasseur at the latest monthly Lunch and Ag Discovery program at the AgCenter’s Red River Research Station.

(TV News 10/26/09) Wet weather is affecting Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre reports some farmers are bringing more mud and trash to the mills than sugarcane, which is hurting yields. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 10/21/09) Everything looks good for the Christmas tree crop in Louisiana, according to Dr. Don Reed, LSU AgCenter forestry and wildlife specialist.

(Audio 10/26/09) Gardeners will see many advertisements that try to persuade them to winterize their lawns. This process involves a special type of fertilizer thought to enhance lawns due to its high content of potassium. But it's generally not necessary this time of year in Louisiana lawns.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/09) October is one of the best months for noticing Louisiana’s native wildflowers. Our state has many different types of wildflowers, and they come in a variety of beautiful colors. Hear about the many kinds of wildflowers you are likely to encounter this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/09) October is the perfect time to purchase spring-flowering bulbs. Tulips and hyacinths are two wonderful plants, but they require some special handling in Louisiana. Here are some tips for planting these spring-flowering bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/20/09) A leisurely bicycle tour of Shreveport’s most significant trees will be held Nov. 7, led by Shreveport native Dr. Hallie Dozier, an urban forester with the LSU AgCenter.

(Audio 10/26/09) Fall is a wonderful time for gardeners to purchase cool-season bedding plants that will provide gorgeous color in your landscape well into spring. Consider a few tips when purchasing these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/26/09) Gardeners sometimes wonder if fall is the proper time to fertilize trees. The most appropriate time for tree fertilization is in February. The fall is an ideal time for another type of tree care, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/20/09) To recognize the exceptional contributions made to Louisiana through agriculture, the Louisiana Agri-News Network, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry will honor the 2010 Louisiana Farmer of the Year. Nominations for the award are being accepted now through Dec. 11, 2009.

(Distributed 10/19/09) The LSU AgCenter has approved the release of two new Clearfield lines for the 2010 rice-growing season, according to Dr. Steve Linscombe, LSU AgCenter rice breeder.

(Distributed 10/16/09) The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development have partnered to bring e-business training to north Louisiana beginning Oct. 21.

(Distributed 10/16/09) Azaleas are the most widely planted shrub in Louisiana, but few gardeners would ever think about planting them in the fall because many of the varieties aren’t blooming in the nurseries for gardeners to compare colors.

(Distributed 10/16/09) FARMERVILLE, La. – A youth wetland camp in Union Parish on Oct. 10-11 included a variety of activities to let 4-H’ers know the importance of clean water in an area affected by the gradually diminishing Sparta Aquifer.

(Audio 10/19/09) Caladiums are known for providing shady landscapes with beautiful color in the summer. When fall comes around, however, these plants begin to look lackluster. Caladium tubers should be dug up during the fall so they can be reused in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/15/09) More than 100 commercial turf and landscape professionals from across Louisiana heard about the latest research with ornamental plants and turfgrass at an LSU AgCenter field day Oct. 15.

(Audio 10/19/09) Although wisteria is known for being reluctant to bloom, it also is considered very delightful. Learn how you can trick this flowering vine into blooming more quickly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/09) Louisiana gardeners have many choices for which cool-season bedding plants they can plant during the fall. Here are some examples of hardy plants that will flourish during the mild winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/09) The color of hydrangeas can depend on location as well as soil content. Apply certain substances to soil to control which color your hydrangeas will bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/19/09) Fall months are the perfect time to purchase and plant spring-flowering bulbs. Here are some tips on how to purchase bulbs wisely. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/14/09) The Burden Horticulture Society will conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 to celebrate for the grand opening of Trees and Trails, a 5-mile system of pedestrian, recreational and educational trails located at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in the heart of Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 10/14/09) CROWLEY, La. – Coastal restoration using native marsh plants will be the focus of a field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station Oct. 28.

(Distributed 10/14/09) ZWOLLE, La. – AgCellent Expo, an educational event held at the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Oct. 9, taught students about wildlife and furs, dairy products, nutrition and forestry.

(Distributed 10/08/09) Managing animal waste and finances in these tight economic times will be two topics featured at the LSU AgCenter dairy field day Nov. 12 at the AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station in Franklinton.

(Distributed 10/13/09) The LSU AgCenter, along with a Mississippi agriculture agency and three other southern universities, has been awarded a $518,000 grant to develop an interactive, educational Web site about blueberries. The site’s initial purpose will be to teach people in the southeastern United States how to grow this commodity, which is increasingly popular, and to encourage consumers to eat more blueberries, which are a valuable source of many nutrients and fiber.

(Distributed 10/13/09) Family traditions and rituals have been shown to help strengthen families – both the individual members and the family as a whole, according to LSU AgCenter family life expert Dr. Diane D. Sasser.

(TV News 10/12/09) Weather has delayed Louisiana’s cotton harvest. Farmers are seeing boll rot and expecting yield and quality reductions. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Video 10/19/09) When considering plants that offer fall color you probably visualize pumpkins, chrysanthemums or crotons. On this edition of Get It Growing, however, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores getting fall color from plants you might not have considered. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 10/12/09) Most salvias or sage plants bloom in the fall. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about a popular salvia that, with a small amount of care, blooms in the summer as well as the fall. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Radio News 10/19/09) Think outside the candy aisle when shopping for Halloween treats. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers advice about alternatives to the pounds of candy children get every year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) Although the frequent rains in September were bad for many crops still in the field, the weater was good for Louisiana's pecan crop. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Charlie Graham says the rain was necessary for the pecan hulls to open. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) A professor working in LSU AgCenter’s human ecology department has conducted research on successful marriages and families. Loren Marks says he has found a common thread. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) African-American couples with happy and enduring marriages were the focus of a study by Loren Marks in the LSU AgCenter’s human ecology department. Many of the families he studies were low-income families in urban areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) In 2005 Hurricane Rita destroyed or disabled more than half of the fishing fleet in Cameron Parish. The storm also wiped out the infrastructure. Four years later, the fishing industry is still trying to return to normal. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) Cotton has a long growing season in Louisiana, and this makes it a risky crop to grow. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet says with high production costs and a weak economy many farmers aren’t willing to take that risk. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) With 230,000 acres this year, Louisiana has the smallest cotton crop in recorded history. Acreage has been on the decline in recent years. Growers were shaping up to have a good crop in 2009, but rain has affected the harvest and quality of Louisiana’s cotton. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/21/09) Want a beautiful plant that grows very quickly to look like a tree? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill visits the AgCenter's Hammond Research Station to show off the candelabra plant. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Radio News 10/12/09) The remnants of Hurricane Rita’s destruction are still evident in coastal Cameron Parish four years later. Only about a third of the population has returned to the area. Parish administrator Tina Horn says the Louisiana Recovery Authority is working with the parish to help people pay the additional costs of elevating and fortifying their homes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) Much of the state’s cotton crop should have been harvested by now, but frequent rains during the month of September kept Louisiana farmers out of their fields and jeopardized the crop, according to LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) Rebuilding is still moving slowly in Cameron Parish -- after Hurricane Rita devastated this coastal parish four years ago. The LSU AgCenter is building a demonstration home, called the Chenier House, to offer hope and guidance to residents who want to rebuild. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/12/09) Strawberry harvest season won't be here until the spring, but gardeners who want homegrown berries next year need to plant from now until November. Make sure your beds are well prepared and raised. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/12/09) Many people move their houseplants outdoors for the summer. As the weather cools down, tropical plants should be prepared for a move back indoors, which includes getting them adjusted to lower light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/12/09) Persimmons are an easy fruit to grow, and they're delicious, too. They produce seedless fruit and don't have to be pollinated for production to occur. Many varieties have to become soft before they should be eaten, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/09/09) The Venice Port Complex has donated $7,500 to Plaquemines Parish 4-H, according to Jan Morgan, LSU AgCenter 4-H agent.

(Distributed 10/09/09) Petunias continue to be one of our most popular bedding plants. They long have been relied on for their consistent landscape performance and can be used as either warm-season or cool-season ornamentals.

(Distributed 10/08/09) CROWLEY, La. – Agriculture producers attending an LSU AgCenter seminar Oct. 6 learned how they can make extra income by opening their farms and ranches to tourists. “Across the state, people are learning they can make money off the family farm,” said Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter rural community development agent.

(Distributed 10/08/09) FRANKLINTON, La. – LSU AgCenter 4-H agents, parents and volunteers celebrated National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 26 at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station here.

(Audio 10/12/09) Gardeners can save seeds their plants produce. Although it's not a good idea to try to grow woody plants from their seeds, annual and perennials are wonderful plants to save seeds from. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/12/09) Sweet peas are one of the best flowering annual vines we can grow in Louisiana. The color and the fragrance of these flowers enliven any garden. These vines don't flower until spring, but now is the time to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/06/09) BATON ROUGE – Wood outperforms other building products because it requires less energy to produce, provides better insulation in buildings, stores carbon and can be fabricated into many advanced building products.

(Distributed 10/06/09) Heavy rains since mid-September have severely delayed sweet potato harvest in some northern Louisiana parishes, according to the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 10/06/09)The 13th Louisiana Plant Materials Conference is scheduled for Oct. 29 at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 10/05/09) An $11,600 donation from the Lincoln Health Foundation will provide additional resources for teachers at two Ruston elementary schools for the Take 10! classroom program.

(Distributed 10/05/09) Frequent rains during September and continuing into October have kept cotton farmers out of their fields and have jeopardized the crop, according to LSU AgCenter cotton specialist, Don Boquet.

(Radio News 10/05/09) An LSU AgCenter researcher’s work is benefiting the environment, the oil industry and two Louisiana companies. Dr. Qinglin Wu has developed a process to recycle used plastic containers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/05/09) Parents can help their children develop good eating habits. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says parents should offer their youngsters healthful options. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/05/09) Eating while watching television can become a habit and lead to unhealthy eating habits, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Lifelong eating habits often are learned early. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/05/09) A couple from New Iberia is marketing a composite material developed by an LSU AgCenter researcher. Tony and JoAnn Parker have worked in the oil industry for more than 30 years, and when they read about Dr. Qinglin Wu’s plastic and wood composite pellets, they approached him about testing the product for use during drilling. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/09) With holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people are beginning to think about festive decorations for their homes. Using dried materials found in your yard can add nice touches to your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/05/09) Tropical plants do well in Louisiana during milder weather but decline during the winter. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a plant that looks tropical but holds up well in cold weather. (Runtime: 1:41)

(TV News 10/05/09) An LSU AgCenter researcher’s work is benefiting two Louisiana companies, as well as the oil industry and the environment. Dr. Qinglin Wu in the School of Renewable Natural Resources has developed a process to recycle used plastic oil containers. (Runtime: 1:53)

(Audio 10/05/09) Fall is a good time for gardeners to plant either annual or perennial herbs in their gardens. Be sure to choose herbs that are specific to your cooking needs, and do not plant more than necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/09) Many wonderful vegetables can be planted during the fall. Gardeners can choose from a wide variety of cool-season vegetables, and these vegetables can be planted using either transplants or root crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/05/09) Rose bushes yield some of their most gorgeous flowers through October and November. By this time, gardeners already should have pruned their rose bushes. Deadheading and providing disease prevention treatment are still advised, however. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/02/09) Who knows when we will get another bad storm blowing through Louisiana? We may get just a nasty wind from some front or tornado-like activity. In any case, there will be fallen limbs and branches to deal with.

(Audio 10/05/09) Brown patch is a fungus infection that can affect several types of grass, and St. Augustine grass is a typical victim. Keep watch for discoloration of your lawn, and seek treatment if the problem persists. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed on 10/1/09) NEW ORLEANS – Military families had a chance to enjoy some quality time together at a camp at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans September 18-19.Sponsored by Operation Military Kids, children and their parents got back to nature, complete with the sounds of the zoo animals in the background.

(For Release On Or After 10/30/09) As the weather cools down and nights get nippy over the next few weeks, gardeners need to decide what to do with their outdoor containerized tropical plants.

(For Release On Or After 10/23/09) The pansy is a popular, cool-season annual used to beautify gardens in Louisiana during the fall, winter and spring. Pansies thrive in the chilly nights and cool-to-mild days of our cool season from November to April.

(For Release On Or After 10/16/09) November through February is the prime planting season for hardy trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials in our area, so this is a great time for planning landscaping projects.

(For Release On Or After 10/09/09) In the South, the term “greens” refers to vegetables whose leaves are eaten after they’re cooked until tender. During cool fall temperatures, mustard, turnip, collards and other greens flourish in the vegetable garden.

(For Release On Or After 10/02/09) Many plants seem to save up all summer for the spectacular display of flowers, fruit and foliage showing up in our gardens now. If you want to punch up the color level in your garden from late September through early December, you might consider including some of these trees, shrubs and perennials in your landscape.