(Distributed 01/28/11) She rarely cracked a smile during her hour-long presentation, but internationally renowned animal scientist Temple Grandin cracked up the audience many times with her wry observations on the food industry.

(Distributed 01//27/11) NEW IBERIA, La. – Sugarcane farmers from Iberia, St. Mary and Vermilion parishes heard Tuesday (Jan. 25) from a variety of experts on improving their crop after a harvest with above-average prices.

(Distributed 01/27/11) The LSU AgCenter has received a five-year extension from the Louisiana Board of Regents to continue with the establishment of the Louisiana Institute for Biofuels and Bioprocessing.

(Distributed 01/25/11) WEST MONROE, La. – An LSU AgCenter horticulturist advised 200 gardening enthusiasts which woody shrubs and ornamental plants could be productive in northeast Louisiana landscapes. The presentation was part of a gardening forum sponsored by the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners on Jan. 15.

(Distributed 01/24/11) WEST MONROE, La. – Diversifying efforts needed to protect and maintain economic interests while sustaining forest productivity were the focus of the 2011 Ag Expo Forestry Forum presented by the LSU AgCenter Jan. 15 at the West Monroe Convention Center.

(Distributed 01/21/11) B. Rogers Leonard, an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station in Winnsboro, was among a group of 12 entomologists who received the 2011 Friends of Integrated Pest Management Pulling Together Award.

(Distributed 01/21/11) The LSU AgCenter recently released a handy pocket-size guide to help with identification and control of pests in and around buildings. Titled “Pest Identification Guide for Pests In and Around Buildings,” the publication was supported with funds from the Southern Integrated Pest Management Center and was prepared by experts from the LSU AgCenter, Texas AgriLife, the University of Arkansas, Auburn University, the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee.

(Distributed 01/20/11) DELHI, La. – Nearly 100 farmers heard ways to improve the quality and yield potential of cotton, corn and soybeans from LSU AgCenter experts at a northeast Louisiana crop forum Jan. 18.

(Distributed 01/19/11) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Twelve people were certified as Master Nutrition volunteers after completing an LSU AgCenter program Jan. 12.

(Distributed 01/18/11) A half-day conference on rural poverty will feature two nationally recognized scholars on Feb. 3 in Baton Rouge.