(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 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 09/04/08) The LSU AgCenter has made available a 32-page Storm Recovery Guide for Homeowners to help Louisianians in the cleanup after Hurricane Gustav. This guide is free at any LSU AgCenter parish extension office or research station. If you cannot get to your local office or if the office is temporarily closed, you may order the publication over the Internet.

(Distributed 01/07/08) Renewable energy will be a major focus of the AgOutlook 2008 conference Feb. 25-27 in Monroe. The conference will focus on opportunities a variety of renewable energy sources such as ethanol, biodiesel and other products can provide to increase agriculture’s contribution to the Louisiana economy.

(Distributed 1/4/08) Home gardeners will have the opportunity to attend monthly horticulture programs offered by LSU AgCenter horticulture faculty starting Jan. 25 at the Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center (LaHouse) in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/15/08) Southwest Louisiana farmers are hopeful that rice prices will remain strong, but their optimism is tempered by increased production costs. In a series of rice forums across South Louisiana, LSU AgCenter experts advised farmers on techniques of managing their 2008 crop.

(Distributed 01/25/08) Testing soil and properly managing weeds and insects can help cotton farmers grow a successful 2008 crop, experts told approximately 60 cotton producers and other industry representatives at the Louisiana Cotton Forum held Jan. 23 at the Delhi Civic Center.

(Distributed 01/17/08) Youth from across Louisiana are preparing to compete in the 73rd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show next month at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. LSU AgCenter officials say they expect more than 3,000 youngsters to bring nearly 6,000 animals to the Feb. 9-16 competition.

(Distributed 01/17/08) Twenty-five men and women from across Louisiana began a two-year venture in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program when they attended their first class last week (Jan. 8-10) in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/18/08) A risk management workshop for green industry professionals will be held on Monday, Feb. 11 at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in Hammond.

(Distributed 01/25/08) More than 2,200 first and fourth graders along with 200 teachers and school personnel from eight northeast Louisiana parishes participated in the fourth annual Ag Alley as part of the Ag Expo at the Ike Hamilton Exposition Center in West Monroe Jan. 17-19.

(Distributed 1/4/08) On January 7, the two top college football teams in the nation will battle to see who will win, but for many people devastated by Hurricane Katrina, both are already winners.

(Distributed 01/29/08) Thirteen people from Northeast Louisiana were the first group to be inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame. The 4-H Hall of Fame has been established as part of the celebration of 100 years of 4-H in Louisiana, according to Dwight Landreneau, LSU AgCenter associate vice chancellor.

(Distributed 01/22/08) Although only about 140 miles long, the Atchafalaya River is the fifth-largest ocean-discharging river in North America, said Dr. Andy Nyman, associate professor of wetland wildlife management in the LSU AgCenter’s School of Renewable Natural Resources.

(Distributed 01/25/08) The South remains the wood basket of the world, said William Hubbard, southern regional extension forester from Athens, Ga., at the Forest Landowner Forum held in West Monroe Jan. 19.

(Distributed 01/14/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program is looking for new participants in Caddo and Bossier parishes. This federally funded program, which got its start in 1969 with the national War on Poverty, is designed to enhance the quality of a family’s health. “We are looking to increase our caseload,” said Cathryn Robinson, extension agent and coordinator of the program in the two parishes.

(Distributed 01/31/08) Photographs are being accepted through the end of February for the LSU AgCenter’s 2009 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar.

(Distributed 01/31/08) February is American Heart Month. Women will again “Go Red for Women” by wearing something red or special pin to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s no. 1 killer.

(Distributed 1/4/08) Soybean producers and agribusiness personnel will gather on Jan. 17 near Alexandria to discuss the latest developments in technology for growing soybeans profitably.

(Distributed 01/24/08) Near-perfect growing conditions in the fall have allowed the state’s strawberry growers to produce a good early crop, despite recent freezing temperatures. Regina Bracy, professor and research coordinator of the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station, said low temperatures may increase producer cost but have little effect on quality.

(Distributed 01/25/08) DELHI – Some 130 Louisiana corn and soybean producers attended the 2008 Louisiana Corn and Soybean Forum Jan. 15 to learn the latest in research for growing profitable crops.

(Distributed 01/25/08) ABBEVILLE – The Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau has honored Howard Cormier, LSU AgCenter county agent in Vermilion Parish, with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

(Distributed 01/24/08) Farmers and agribusiness personnel discussed an expected shortage of soybean seed for the crop to be planted in the 2008 growing season during recent soybean meetings in Central Louisiana.

(Distributed 01/18/08) With the New Year come announcements of ornamental plant winners. One popular competition is the All-America Rose Selections. AARS winners for 2008 are Mardi Gras and Dream Come True.

Seminar to be held Satudray, February 23, 2008

(Distributed 01/15/08) The church and reception hall are reserved, the dress is selected, the invitations are addressed, the photographer and caterer are ready. You might even have your new residence “ready-to-go.”

(Distributed 01/31/08) Whether you’re house hunting or having a house built, consider the many options available that help protect the structure against severe weather and related disasters. LSU AgCenter Disaster Programs Coordinator Pat Skinner explains a few basic techniques.

(Distributed 02/19/08) Officials with the LSU AgCenter and the Ascension Parish Council have signed an agreement to extend the lease of the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center for the annual statewide 4-H and FFA livestock show for two more years with the option for another two years.

(Distributed 02/27/08) Master Farmer Phase I training via distance learning will be offered by the LSU AgCenter on March 5-7 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sites available for producers in north Louisiana include the Scott Research and Extension Education Center in Winnsboro, West Carroll Parish Extension Office in Oak Grove, Red River Research Station in Bossier City and the Grant Walker Educational Center in Pollock.

(Distributed 02/01/08) Commercial tomato growers will learn the latest about the greenhouse tomato industry at the 12th annual Tomato Field Day at the Red River Research Station in Bossier City on Feb. 29.

(Distributed 02/04/08) Rice farmers are looking forward to the 2008 growing season as prices continue to rise, but the uncertainty of a pending farm bill remains.

(Distributed 02/18/08) Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 73rd Annual LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Livestock Show Feb. 9-16 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/12/2008) The 2008 Bonne Terre Garden Fair will be held Saturday, May 3, at Southdown Plantation in Houma.

(Distributed 02/16/08) Six 4-H and FFA members and a volunteer leader were honored Saturday (Feb. 16) for their outstanding work with youth livestock projects.

(Distributed 02/20/08) The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Equine Council (LEC) are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Louisiana Horse Expo on March 8-9 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/25/08) Three LSU AgCenter scientists were honored at by the Rice Technical Working Group. They are Dr. Chuck Rush, professor in the Department of Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology, and Dr. Richard Dunand, retired plant pathologist at the AgCenter’s Rice Research Station in Crowley, with Distinguished Service Awards. Dr. Don Groth, plant pathologist at the Rice Station, received the Distinguished Rice Research and Education Award.

(Distributed 02/04/08) Ag Adventures, an educational experience in agriculture for fourth graders, attracted 700 students Jan. 28-29 at the Northeast District Livestock Show Barn and Civic Center in Delhi. Showcased were poultry, rice, livestock and horses.

(Distributed 02/18/08) A groundbreaking new Web site that provides a gateway to Cooperative Extension Service experts from across the country will officially launch this week. Billed as a “next gen Google,” the site dubbed eXtension.org promises to be a gateway to answering all of life’s little questions – from parenting to saving and investing, gardening, controlling fire ants, caring for livestock, running a business and much more.

(Distributed 02/27/08) The 9th Annual Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival will be held in Lake Charles on March 29-30 at Burton Coliseum at 7001 Gulf Highway.

(Distributed 02/27/08) Learn the basics of athletic field maintenance at an LSU AgCenter workshop to be held at the University of Louisiana-Monroe Malone Stadium on March 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Dr. Buck Bounds, a Master Gardener and retired professor at ULM, will give the introduction.

(Distributed 02/20/08) The LSU AgCenter and EPA Region VI will conduct a series of three workshops across the state to help local officials and consultants develop storm water management plans and make sure the ones they have will fulfill the requirements of the new storm water permit.

(Distributed 02/21/08) BOSSIER CITY – A capacity crowd of 50 people gathered at the Red River Research Station Feb. 13 to learn about blackberries – the fruit, not the mobile telephone/e-mail device.

(Distributed 02/08/08) Camellia enthusiasts are invited to “Camellia Morning at Burden,” Feb. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge. The three-hour event will include a slide presentation, a tour and a pruning and propagation demonstration.

(Distributed 02/07/08) How many acres of cotton will be planted in 2008 in Louisiana is anybody’s guess at this point. But no matter how many are planted, farmers can save money by using best management practices for bug control, according to Dr. Ralph Bagwell, LSU AgCenter entomologist.

(Distributed 02/16/08) Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday (Feb. 16) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 73rd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/20/08) Roll with the Changes is the theme of the 24th annual Ark-La-Tex Forestry Forum to be held Thursday, March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Airport Financial Plaza in Shreveport.

(Distributed 02/19/08) Educational access to underserved areas is increasing with the LSU AgCenter’s participation in the Rural Community College Initiative, educators learned Feb. 12 at a meeting of RCCI updates and recommendations.

(Distributed 02/01/08) Hannah Montana gave a breathtaking performance at the Regional Livestock Show in Lafayette recently (Jan. 25). That’s the Santa Gertrudis cow owned by LSU AgCenter 4-H student Brett Broussard of Kaplan – and not the pop-star performer.

(Distributed 02/15/08) Louisiana consumers have an average credit score of 672. At 20 points below the national average of 692, Louisiana ranks near the bottom nationally, with 48 states having higher average credit scores, according to the Experian National Score Index.

(Distributed 02/08/08) One of the most powerful ways to increase your financial security and grow wealth over time is to develop a savings habit. Form that habit by “paying yourself first” and saving regularly.

(Distributed 02/27/08) Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well-being, as well as your wallet. That’s why the theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month observed in March is "Nutrition: It’s a Matter of Fact."

(Distributed 03/05/08) It is the beginning of another pecan season, and faculty at the LSU AgCenter Pecan Station in Shreveport greeted it Feb. 28 with a spring seminar attended by 35 growers.

(Distributed 03/03/08) DERIDDER – Fifty forest landowners and industry leaders learned about the potential of using low-grade wood products to produce biofuels during the Beauregard Forestry Association annual meeting Feb. 23.

(Distributed 03/05/08) The Louisiana Association of Extension 4-H Agents touted accomplishments and expressed appreciation to those in attendance at the annual Louisiana School Boards Association Board of Directors and Superintendents’ Breakfast during LSBA’s 71st convention Feb. 29.

(Distributed 03/05/08) The LSU AgCenter will bring the "magic" of agriculture back to its Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge this spring as it presents its annual "AgMagic" event April 21-27. The successful interactive educational event on the university campus in Baton Rouge is in its fifth year and is designed to give children and adults a fun way to learn that food, clothing, lumber and other products all are part of the complex system involving agriculture and natural resources.

(Distributed 03/07/08) After five successful years on the LSU campus, this year’s sixth annual Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show is set to burst on the scene in full color on March 29-30.

(Distributed 03/07/08) Richard Fontenot can’t sit still for very long. With more than 2,500 acres to farm, he can’t afford to. But his efforts and contributions to Louisiana agriculture led to the Ville Platte farmer being named the 2008 Louisiana Farmer of the Year. Other finalists recognized were Tommy LaBorde of Hamburg and Eric Morrow of Ponchatoula.

(Distributed 03/07/08) Intermittent rains didn’t stop commercial tomato growers from viewing outdoor exhibits and touring the greenhouse tomato operation during a tomato field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station in Bossier City on Feb. 29.

(Distributed 03/07/08) Whether you like them fried, boiled or in a stew, crawfish are a Louisiana favorite. And for the next few months, crawfish can be found on dinner tables and in backyard boils across the state. Crawfish not only taste great, they're good for you, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 03/14/08) Dyeing Easter eggs is fun, but because eggs are perishable, they require safe handling. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames details important safety precautions.

(Distributed 04/09/08) Members of the 2008 USA Rice Leadership Development class toured the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station April 3.

(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 01/05/07) 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 01/17/07) 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 01/11/07) 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 01/05/07) 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 01/26/07) 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 01/23/07) 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 01/26/07) 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 01/31/07) 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 01/02/07) 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 01/04/07) 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 01/17/07) 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 01/26/07) 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 01/05/07) 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 01/22/07) 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 01/25/07) 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 01/25/07) 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 01/17/07) 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 01/25/07) 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 01/18/07) 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 01/31/07) 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 01/12/07) 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 01/12/07) 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 01/25/07) 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 01/08/07) 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.

(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 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 02/12/07) 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 02/27/07) 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 02/15/07) 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 02/02/07) 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 02/08/07) 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 02/09/07) 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 02/07/07) 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 02/08/07) 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 02/13/07) 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 02/17/07) 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.

(D