(Distributed 11/23/05) As the temperatures fall and holiday shoppers head for the malls, many people’s thoughts turn to decorating their homes for the holidays. Many Louisiana families will turn to natural trees as part of those decorations, and LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed offers tips on picking out the perfect tree, as well as keeping it looking perfect all season long.

(Distributed 11/22/05) The LSU AgCenter’s 2006 Get It Growing calendar provides a variety of special features for Louisiana gardeners, and it’s available for holiday gift-giving. Now in the second year of publication, the Get It Growing calendar is packed with gardening hints and tips specifically written for Louisiana’s growing conditions and climate.

(Distributed 11/22/05) Overly enthusiastic holiday spending can push a family into financial problems – particularly if they’re already facing extra expenses or loss of income following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.On the other hand, realistic holiday expectations and wise management of your time, money, energy, talent and skills can help you have happy holidays and avoid overspending, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/21/05) Ten 4-H’ers represented Louisiana at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Ky., last week, and one of them was among the national champions selected.

(Distributed 11/21/05) While people have been slow to return to New Orleans, one population inhabiting the city in large numbers is the pesky phorid fly, according to an expert with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/18/05) Many families across the state and across the nation face the stressful situation of houseguests who still can’t go home because of devastation from thisi summer's hurricanes. All of them need to make sure they appropriately deal with the stress brought on by such situations, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/15/05) The LSU AgCenter is giving Louisiana photographers a chance to show off their work in its 2007 Get It Growing lawn and garden calendar. Approximately 40 nature photos will be selected for the calendar, and entries are welcomed from anyone who is interested.

(Distributed 11/15/05) Nominations for the 2006 Louisiana Farmer of the Year are now being accepted. The award is given to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of agriculture.

(Distributed 11/11/05) The LSU AgCenter is presenting a series of workshops in southeastern Louisiana designed to help hurricane victims with cleanup and a variety of other topics. The workshops range in scope from chainsaw safety to financial management.

(Distributed 11/05/05) Almost a year after Dr. Ray Schneider discovered the country’s first known occurrence of Asian soybean rust, LSU AgCenter researchers identified the disease again in nearly the same place.