(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 09/13/07) 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 09/10/07) 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 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.

(Distributed 02/02/07) Sisters Michele and Jennifer Hullum spend their afternoons caring for their animals. Both girls are in 4-H and show livestock. And both girls have had to overcome physical challenges. Michele has cystic fibrosis, and Jennifer has Down syndrome.

(Distributed 02/01/07) Louisiana rice producers have approved five-year renewals of check-off fees on their crops to fund research and promotion.

Photos from 2007 LSU AgCenter Livestock Show, including grand champion winners in these categories: Steers, Lambs, Goats, Hogs and Broilers.

(Distributed 02/19/07) Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 72nd Annual LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Livestock Show Feb. 10-17 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/08/07) Farmers who are considering crops of cotton, corn or soybeans this year will have the chance to get updated information at two LSU AgCenter forums in February. The first session, focused on corn and soybeans, will be held Feb. 13 in the Rayville Civic Center. It will kick off at 8:30 a.m.

(Distributed 02/15/07) Students at Arlington Preparatory Academy in Baton Rouge are learning both responsibility and life skills through the school’s unique part of the Louisiana 4-H program. In the past two weeks, goats have been born, bulbs have been planted and livestock has been shown at livestock events on the parish and district levels.

(Distributed 02/07/07) Building energy efficiency into new or renovated homes can pay back the investment, according to Audrey Evans, an energy efficiency expert with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 02/09/07) More than 200 4-H and FFA members participated in the Northeast Louisiana District Livestock Show held recently (Feb. 1-3) in Delhi. Those young people were similar to hundreds more across the state who participated in district livestock shows and a variety of educational activities as they prepared for the state championship competition beginning Saturday and running through the week (Feb. 10-17) at the 72nd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/28/07) Forestlands in Southeast and Southwest Louisiana were heavily damaged during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the industry wants to be better prepared in the event of another disaster.

(Distributed 02/27/07) Gardeners eager to get their hands in the soil should plan to attend the Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival March 24-25 in Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.

(Distributed 02/28/07) An acreage increase for the medium-grain rice variety Jupiter is likely this year now that it has obtained acceptance by the cereal company Kellogg’s. Those comments about the rice variety developed by the LSU AgCenter came during the North Louisiana Rice Forum Tuesday (Feb. 27) in Delhi.

(Distributed 02/09/07) Southwest Louisiana farmers who are looking for an alternative crop should consider growing sugarcane to meet the increasing demand created by the syrup mill at Lacassine. That was the message Thursday (Feb. 8) at a sugarcane and ethanol forum held in Lake Charles by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 02/19/07) Six Louisiana youths were recognized for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 72nd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show held Feb 10-17 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Over the last 10 years, a new revolution in herbaceous annual and perennial plants for landscape use have been developed, released and extensively marketed, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 02/16/07) March is a critical month for vegetable gardens – early for planting some veggies and late for raising others. With proper timing, gardeners can increase potential yield and decrease production problems, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Gardening enthusiasts have always enjoyed hearing about and raising All-America Rose Selections, All-America Selections (which include bedding plants, flowers and vegetables) and other award-winning landscape plants each year. One of the newer groups of winning plants is the All-American daylilies.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Spring garden shows are set for Hammond, Covington, Baton Rouge and New Orleans in March and April.

(Distributed 02/16/07) One group of roses that is not necessarily new but has been receiving more and more attention over the last few years is the modern-type landscape shrub roses. These roses have great potential, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Our warm-season lawn grasses are now showing spring re-growth across much of the state, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske warns against rushing out and applying fertilizers that will cause too much growth.

(Distributed 02/26/07) March 27 is American Diabetes Alert Day, an annual, one-day call to action for people to find out if they are at risk for diabetes. The Risk Test is an easy way to find out if you are at risk for diabetes. The test is available from the American Diabetes Association online at www.diabetes.org or by calling 1 888 DIABETES.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Pecan trees are sometimes infested by dot-size insects called pecan phylloxera in April. The feeding of these minuscule insects can produce round galls one-fourth to 1 inch in diameter on twigs and leaves in late April, May and early June.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Fire blight disease can be extremely damaging to some varieties of apples, pears and mayhaws. Other plants susceptible to fire blight include crabapple, hawthorn, cotoneaster, quince, pyracantha, loquat and blackberry.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Mulching is one of the most important tasks for a successful landscape. Ornamental plants benefit greatly from it. Mulching should be part of garden maintenance at least twice a year, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Homeowners planting a spring lawn should start no sooner than it would be safe to transplant out garden tomatoes. This is the earliest Louisiana gardeners should consider starting a lawn, although you can lay dormant sod during the winter, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Cannas are "great old gardens plants" that have enjoyed a rebirth of popularity because of the introduction of new varieties, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Most spring and early summer flowering shrubs break the usual rule for pruning. Unlike trees, which normally should be pruned in winter, spring bloomers should be pruned after they finish flowering.

(Distributed 02/16/07) It’s not impossible to grow grass in the shade, but it does take a willingness to change one’s mindset. That’s the prescription from LSU AgCenter Northwest Region horticulture agent Denyse Cummins.

(Distributed 02/16/07) Poison ivy is a year-round problem in Louisiana. It gets us in the spring and summer when it’s out in full glory but also in the winter when we spend so much outside once the days cool off.

(Distributed 02/26/07) Consumers are encouraged to go "100% Fad Free" during March Nutrition Month, sponsored by the American Dietetic Association. This year’s theme reinforces the importance of nutrition as a key component of good health along with physical activity, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 03/22/07) The LSU AgCenter has established an endowed scholarship to honor a longtime employee who completed her career as its director of corporate relations. The scholarship, which was set up in the LSU School of Human Ecology, is a memorial to Ganelle S. Bullock.

(Distributed 03/06/07) The Louisiana Civil Service League recently honored an LSU AgCenter employee with its Charles E. Dunbar Career Service Award. Mary Baronet, a 25-year employee of the LSU AgCenter, was the honoree.

(Distributed 03/15/07) The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Mosquito Control Association are sponsoring a workshop March 20-22 in Alexandria for those interested in being certified as commercial pesticide applicators in mosquito control and public health.

(Distributed 03/28/07) The 2007 USA Rice Leadership Development Class visited the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station last week (March 18-23) on its tour of the Louisiana and Texas rice industry.

(Distributed 03/08/07) You may know how and when to plant your pansies and petunias, but do you think about a little stretching exercise before heading out into the garden? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says that’s just one of the important "healthy gardening" tips you should consider before starting your spring chores.

(Distributed 03/28/07) Spring is here, the weather is warm and sunny, and the plants and trees have budded out and started to bloom. Among all that activity, you’re probably also seeing more bees and other insects, LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet said.

(Distributed 03/16/07) Collegiate 4-H members from 34 schools in 27 states converged on St. Bernard Parish last month to lend a helping hand in the recovery effort.

(Distributed 03/07/07) A renowned public health educator and researcher will address several facets of childhood obesity March 19 as part of an annual endowed lecture series on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. Dr. Theresa Nicklas will deliver the 2007 Patrick Lecture on the topic of "Overweight, Undernourished and at Risk: Tackling Today’s Childhood Nutrition Problems."

(Distributed 03/16/07) Organizers of the state's first Equine Expo last weekend (March 9-11) are calling the event a success and say plans are under way for next year.

(Distributed 03/21/07) Officials recently broke ground for a new office building and meeting center that will help the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station implement plans for increasing its focus on urban horticulture and landscape maintenance. At the March 16 ceremony, officials said the construction of the 3,700-square-foot facility is the first step toward what is expected to be an increasing volume of research and educational programs related to the state’s "green industry."

(Distributed 03/15/07) A March 21 tour for cattle and forage producers will include remarks from a variety of experts, as well as pasture and forage demonstrations.

(Distributed 03/16/07) The 4-H outdoor skills program is among the fastest growing programs in some areas of the state, and hundreds of youngsters from Southeast Louisiana recently gathered to take part.

(Distributed 03/02/07) For more than 33 years, Vendal Fairchild has worked the fields of Northeast Louisiana – growing corn, soybeans and rice on nearly 2,500 acres. His proficiency as an agricultural producer was rewarded Friday (March 2) when he was named the 2007 Louisiana Farmer of the Year

(Distributed 03/13/07) The 10th Annual Louisiana 4-H Foundation Charity Golf Tournament will be Thursday, April 5, at Carter Plantation in Springfield, La., according to Eric A. Eskew, executive director of the foundation.

(Distributed 03/12/07) The LSU AgCenter will present the "magic" of agriculture and natural resources again this spring as its annual "AgMagic" events unfold April 23-29 in the Parker Coliseum on the university campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 03/15/07) A deer management and food plot workshop for hunters will be held March 28 north of Lafayette.

(Distributed 03/30/07) Louisiana and its neighboring states have the potential to raise nonfood crops for biofuels because they have suitable available land and a long growing season, according to Dr. Michael Blazier, assistant professor of forestry at the LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station near Homer.

(Distributed 03/20/07) During the week of April 16-20, school children in every parish will learn lessons about Louisiana’s wetlands, and some will actually participate in wetland renewal projects at neighboring wetland sites. These lessons and activities are all part of "Youth Wetlands Week," which educators at the LSU AgCenter hope will become an annual event in the state.

(Distributed 03/28/07) Cattle producers who don’t grow clover are passing up a good chance to improve their profits, a retired Texas A&M forage specialist said recently (March 21) at a field day at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette research farm. The field day was a cooperative effort between ULL, the LSU AgCenter and the Pennington Seed Co.

(Distributed 03/07/07) The LSU AgCenter is partnering with an area newspaper in a project to help students, parents and teachers with the learning process. Teaming with the Lafayette Daily Advertiser, the LSU AgCenter is sponsoring Kid Scoop, which appears in the newspaper every Tuesday.

(Distributed 03/28/07) Dyeing and decorating eggs is enjoyed by many families at Easter. Because eggs are perishable, it is necessary to follow food safety precautions when using them as part of the holiday festivities, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 03/27/'07) Many families face tough decisions when shopping for child care, but LSU AgCenter child-care expert Cheri Gioe says there are resources to help them make the best decisions. Agencies known as Child Care Resource and Referral Programs are located in various areas across Louisiana.

(Distributed 03/30/07) Choose Louisiana strawberries for a nutritious and delicious treat, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Strawberries contain several nutrients, minerals and non-nutritive chemicals that are important for human health.

(Distributed 04/20/07) The LSU AgCenter will launch a financial education program for K-12 school system employees as part of Jump$tart Your Money Week April 23-27.

(Distributed 04/18/07) Family and friends of the late Bob R. Jones recently celebrated the renaming of the LSU AgCenter’s Idlewild Research Station to honor his legacy.

(Distributed 04/23/07) Because of the success of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, the LSU AgCenter has scheduled a variety of model farm field tours this spring and summer for producers needing to complete the second phase of the program.

(Distributed 04/18/07) More than 200 4-H members, junior leaders and adult leaders from Bienville, Claiborne, Lincoln, Union and Webster parishes will learn about electric energy, safety and conservation at the annual 4-H Energy Day on Saturday, May 12, at 9:30 a.m. at Claiborne Electric.

(Distributed 04/27/07) As corn acres rise, cotton acres are plummeting. Many farmers who typically plant cotton are planting corn this year because of high prices for corn. Last year, Louisiana farmers planted 620,000 acres of cotton. This year, they may plant only half that amount, said LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Sandy Stewart.

(Distributed 04/25/07) Young people and adults are seeing the "magic" of agriculture this week at the LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic events in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 04/25/07) In the 70-something years since a Louisiana man first gathered turtle eggs along the railroad track and sold the hatchlings as pets, the turtle industry in Louisi