(Distributed 12/19/05) "Where we are matters," said building expert Joseph Lstiburek during a recent seminar, stressing, "We need a Louisiana way of dealing with construction." Lstiburek, a principal of Building Science Corp. of Westford, Mass., and an international expert on moisture-related building problems, recently led a two-part seminar on designing and building for extreme climates. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter, the program was held in Baton Rouge last week (Dec. 15).

(Distributed 12/19/05) Research on West Nile virus has moved back to the front burner at the LSU AgCenter with the recent arrival of Dr. Wayne Kramer from Nebraska. Kramer, an entomologist and mosquito expert, most recently led the West Nile surveillance effort in the Nebraska Department of Health.

(Distributed 12/16/05) As the cleanup from this summer’s hurricanes continues, LSU AgCenter agents are helping coordinate the work of people who are coming to the rescue. Among those were 30 students from The Ohio State University who arrived in Louisiana earlier this week (Dec. 11-17) ready to roll up their sleeves and pitch in to clean up parts of hurricane-ravaged South Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/16/05) The sound of rain falling Wednesday night (Dec. 14) was sweet as a symphony to Gary Wicke, an LSU AgCenter county agent in Cameron Parish. Reducing salt contamination in the marsh from Hurricane Rita will improve chances for cattle forage to regrow. The sooner that happens, the better, Wicke said.

(Distributed 12/15/05) LSU AgCenter coastal resources agent Mark Shirley had hoped to bring a group of students back to a plot near Holly Beach where they had planted marsh grass during the 4-H Marsh Maneuvers program in July. But, after driving for several miles on La. 82 between Holly Beach and Johnson’s Bayou last weekend, Shirley gave up on his hope to find the transplanted grass, which apparently fell victim to Hurricane Rita’s wrath.

(Distributed 12/14/05) Residents in this Caddo Parish town are looking to the LSU AgCenter to help them make their town a better place to live, work and play. Vivian is a town of about 4,000 residents, and 30 of them recently graduated from an LSU AgCenter Community Leadership and Economic Development class.

(Distribued 12/14/05) Louisiana 4-H’ers are using some of the lessons they’ve learned about helping others to help people in the state, as well as around the globe, this year.

(Distributed 12/14/05) It could be another five years before farmers in developing countries can grow Golden Rice to help malnourished people, according to the German biochemist who started work on the project 15 years ago.

(Distributed 12/12/05) LSU AgCenter county agent Eddie Eskew has been honored with the Rice Industry Award for his work in Jefferson Davis Parish.

(Distributed 12/12/05) The holiday foods many people enjoy this time of year aren’t just tasty treats. They’re also part of a food and fiber sector that contributes handily to Louisiana’s economy.