(Distributed 02/10/12) Two former presidents and the current president of the Institute of Food Technologists will be featured at the 2012 Louisiana Food Processors Conference March 14-15 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/09/12) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a forestry forum Feb. 23 at the evacuation shelter adjacent to the LSU-Alexandria campus.

(Distributed 02/09/12) As high-speed (broadband) Internet connections are being made available to rural areas of Louisiana, the LSU AgCenter is preparing residents to take advantage of this resource through the Connect My Louisiana educational program.

(Radio News 02/09/12) LSU AgCenter researchers are working on ways to make crawfish production less expensive and more efficient. Bait is a major expense of crawfish production. While crawfish harvests can start as early as November or December, attracting crawfish is more difficult in colder waters says LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Robert Romaire. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 02/09/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – TransGenRx, a Baton Rouge biopharmaceutical manufacturing company started through licensing agreements with the LSU AgCenter, announced recently that it entered into an agreement with Novocyt, LLC to produce several members of a family of growth factor proteins intended for use in new human biopharmaceuticals.

(Distributed 02/09/12) Durel Romaine started harvesting crawfish in December, and so far the catch has been dismal. His ponds near Kaplan have been affected by drought and saltwater intrusion.

(Distributed 02/08/12) Show your Valentine how much you care by surprising her or him with a special treat – luscious red fruit.

(Distributed 02/08/12) NEW ROADS, La. – More than 70 LSU AgCenter county agents, Master Gardeners, parents and teachers heard a California gardener tell about the benefits of school gardens and how to get them started and sustaining them.

(Audio 02/13/12) Fire blight is a rare bacterial disease that affects plants in our landscape. Pears and apples have problems with the disease as well as some ornamentals such as Indian hawthorn. Control is difficult, so prune off any signs of this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/13/12/) Caladiums are great plants for shady areas. April is a good time to plant caladium tubers into your landscape. You can get a head start with your tubers by planting them in flats. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/13/12) Some of our spring-flowering bulbs actually bloom during the winter, but many wait until March and April. If a late freeze threatens, don't worry about their foliage, but you should cut any flowers that are blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/13/12) Ground covers are low-growing plants, such as monkey grass, used to cover large areas of a landscape. They are evergreen, but should be cut back from time to time. February and March is a good time to do this task. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/13/12) While we try to plant the right tree or shrub in the right location, sometimes they don't work in that area. The solution is transplanting. This is best done for hardy trees and shrubs during the winter when they are dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/08/12) It’s been a poor start to Louisiana’s crawfish harvest. Drought in the summer and fall led to low survival and reproduction of crawfish. Those that did survive were slow to emerge from their burrows. But as demand picks up this month, there is optimism that so will the catch. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Video News 02/07/12) Safer, fresher, more healthful food is the focus of much of the research of LSU AgCenter food scientists. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that researchers are working on ways to up the nutritional content of popular foods while improving quality. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Radio News 02/06/12) Durel Romaine farms rice and crawfish around Kaplan. Saltwater intrusion has been a problem for him and other farmers who rely on fresh water from the Mermentau Basin for their crops. Recent rainfall that drenched the southwestern part of the state was badly needed, but farmers say they still could use more. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Distributed 02/05/12) By February many people may have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions to live healthier. LSU AgCenter food scientists can’t make you go to the gym or eat more fruits and vegetables, but they are trying to make foods more healthful.

(Distributed 02/03/12) The LSU Board of Supervisors approved the merger of the LSU AgCenter’s Department of Veterinary Science into the School of Animal Sciences at its meeting Feb. 3.

(Distributed 02/03/12) When the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map in January, it prompted quite a bit of conversation in the horticultural world. The new map had been long-awaited and was the first update since 1990. It indicates the average minimum winter temperatures for all areas of the United States.

(Distributed 02/03/12) February, American Heart Month, signals the importance of taking steps to prevent heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women.

(Distributed 02/01/12) NAPOLEONVILLE, La. – Landowners and farmers learned about controlling animal pests, especially coyotes and wild pigs, at a field day held recently (Jan. 23) by the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant .

(Video 2/6/12) If you search your local nurseries, you can find lesser known plants that add nice variety to your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the beautiful, but not well known, Nemesia can work well as a cool-season bedding plant or as a potted plant. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 1/30/12) Plants can be grown for different reasons -- for instance, simply beautifying your landscape. Occasionally, though, we find plants that have dual uses. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of these multipurpose plants. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Distributed 0202/12) Students in Tallulah experience 4-H with a technology twist

(Distributed 02/02/12) The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station plays a vital role in the horticulture and landscape industries of the state, according to Regina Bracy, resident coordinator at the station.

(Distributed 02/01/12) Three workshops will provide information on managing legal risk for forest landowners and foresters in Arkansas and Louisiana.

(For Release On Or After 02/24/12) Using ground cover plantings in landscapes is becoming increasing popular. Areas planted with ground covers establish landscape effects that are impossible to create with grass – and generally require far less maintenance.

(For Release On Or After 02/17/12) Now is an appropriate time to prune summer-flowering trees and shrubs. This includes such trees as crape myrtles, vitex, pomegranate, mimosa, tung tree, elderberry and parkinsonia, and shrubs such as abelia, buddleia, althea, hibiscus, tibouchina, indigo, Turk’s cap, Confederate rose, oleander, fire bush, duranta, Mexican heather, buttonbush, and thryallis.

(Distributed 01/31/12) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the Tangipahoa Master Gardeners are sponsoring their annual camellia garden stroll from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Hammond Research Station.

(For Release On Or After 02/10/12) Around the world, there is no better loved or more recognizable flower in the plant kingdom than the rose. It you are thinking about adding roses to your garden, here’s some information that will help you get them off to a good start.

(For Release On Or After 02/03/12) Last fall, the LSU AgCenter announced three outstanding Louisiana Super Plant selections for Louisiana landscapes. If you haven’t planted them yet, February is an excellent time to add these beautiful plants to your gardens.

(Distributed 01/27/12) RAYVILLE, La. – LSU AgCenter rice breeder Steve Linscombe told north Louisiana rice farmers at their annual meeting on Jan. 26 that grain quality is becoming more important to buyers.

(Video News 01/30/12) Strawberries are a springtime staple, but these berries already are plentiful this year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports warm weather is making strawberries abundant now. (Runtime: 1:23)

(Distributed 01/27/12) CROWLEY, La. – Dr. Mike Strain, commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, told rice farmers at a Jan. 25 meeting of the Louisiana Rice Council and Louisiana Rice Growers Association that he is working to address the problem of saltwater entering irrigation ditches.

(Distributed 01/27/12) Pruning is one of the activities that many home gardeners have questions about. When to prune? How to prune? Why prune?

(Audio 02/06/12) Louisiana celebrated Arbor Day last month, but February is still a good time to plant trees. Planting now allows trees to settle in and send out roots before summer starts. Hear more to learn how to plant a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/06/12) The availability of aluminum ions in the soil dictates what color hydrangea flowers will be. You can change the flower color this month by either adding aluminum sulfate or lime. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/06/12) Not many plants are sold with bare roots, but you can still find roses sold this way. They are highly perisable. You must plant bare-root roses this month while they are still dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/26/12) Retail garden center owners, wholesale nursery growers and landscapers are cautiously optimistic about having a good year in 2012, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.

(Audio 02/06/12) Louisiana gardeners looking to plant cool-season bedding plants in shady areas have a few options. Among plants that will take colder temperatures and less sunshine are cyclamen and primroses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/06/12) February is a good month to prune a variety of hardy fruit trees. It's important to remember that different types of trees are pruned differently. So learn how to properly prune the trees you have. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/26/12) The mild weather across Louisiana makes it feel more like spring than winter. Another sign that this isn’t your typical winter is the abundance of strawberries. Although growers started harvesting early varieties in November, the normal seasonal onset of colder temperatures usually causes a dip in production, according to LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station Director Regina Bracy.

(Distributed 01/25/12) RAYVILLE, La. – Research by the LSU AgCenter is the reason ConAgra built a state-of-the-art sweet potato-processing facility near Delhi, state Sen. Francis Thompson, of Delhi, said at a farm forum.

(Audio 1/30/12) Tropical plants are popular across Louisiana, but cold weather can damage these plants. We grow both herbaceous and woody tropicals, and when you prune off any winter damage depends on what type of tropical plant you're dealing with. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/30/12) Many people have plants indoors during winter. The lack of wind, rain and predatory insects can allow indoor pest problems to thrive. Spider mites often are found on indoor plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/30/12) February can be a cold month, but there are hardy vegetables that can be planted into the vegetable garden. Some things to consider planting include beets, cabbage, cauliflower and kale. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/30/12) Swiss chard is a great leafy vegetable. It is closely related to the beet but actually is grown for its foliage. Swiss chard is easy to grow and can be planted from seeds or transplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/30/12) The United States is divided into hardiness zones. Louisiana falls into zones 8 and 9. You can figure out what zone you garden in by how low your winter temperatures get. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 1/23/12) Many native Louisiana plants need special care to help them thrive. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good idea to plant yaupon holly – a tough native plant that doesn’t need pampering. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Distributed 01/24/12) WEST MONROE, La – For more than 2,000 first-and fourth-graders from northeast Louisiana, the LSU AgCenter’s Ag Alley at the 30th annual Ag Expo on Jan. 18-19 offered a chance to get up close and personal with plants and animals.

(Distributed 01/24/12) WEST MONROE, La. – With excess houses on the market and no immediate sign of increased housing construction, forestland owners and others were told to be patient at the 2012 Ag Expo Forestry Forum presented by the LSU AgCenter Jan. 20 at the West Monroe Convention Center.

(Radio News 01/24/12) By late January many people may have abandoned their resolutions to live healthier. LSU AgCenter food scientists can’t make you go to the gym or eat more fruits and vegetables, but they are trying to make foods more healthful by reducing sodium, fat and cholesterol and increasing fiber. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Video News 01/23/12) As farmers reduced the amount of tillage they did in their fields to conserve soil, they began relying on herbicides to remove winter weeds from their fields. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that removing these weeds now will give crops a healthy start. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Distributed 01/23/12) Louisiana rice farmers overwhelmingly agreed to continue paying a nickel for every 100 pounds of rice for research and 3 cents per hundred pounds for promotion for the next five years.

(Distributed 01/20/12) B. Rogers Leonard, associate vice chancellor for research at the LSU AgCenter, has been named the first recipient of the Insect Research and Control Conference Award for Excellence in Cotton Integrated Pest Management.

(Distributed 01/20/12) One of the great flowers that continues to be popular in our Louisiana landscapes is perennial verbena.

(Distributed 01/19/12) The LSU AgCenter will be presenting two short courses on food processing sanitation control and safety.

(Audio 01/23/12) Camellias are beautiful shrubs that bloom in the winter. You can plant camellias now and see plants in bloom at nurseries or garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/23/12) Everblooming roses need to be pruned back in late January or early February. Roses can still be blooming this time of the year, but you can cut those flowers and bring them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/23/12) Winter vegetables gardens have fewer problems with pests. You may still see caterpillars, aphids, slugs and snails in your gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/23/12) During the winter, we probably have more container plants inside our homes. These plants need proper watering to keep them healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/23/12) Insect problems on indoor plants can become worse than problems outdoors. These indoor plant pest generally have no predatory pests or weather conditions to keep them under control. Scales can be particularly bad on indoor plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/13/12) OPELOUSAS, La. – Farmers received recommendations and advice from LSU AgCenter experts at a wheat and soybean production meeting Jan. 12.

(Distributed 01/13/12) We are midwinter in Louisiana, and this is the time when crape myrtle pruning becomes commonplace. Unfortunately, these are among the most abused trees in Louisiana’s residential and commercial landscapes. Crape myrtles need only occasional pruning, in most cases, to obtain the desired landscape effect.

(Distributed 01/13/12) LAFAYETTE, La. – Eleven men and women were honored on Jan.12 for completing the Louisiana Master Farmer Program part of the annual convention of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts. “This is one of the most rewarding things we do – recognize farmers who have gone through this rigorous program,” said Bill Richardson, LSU AgCenter chancellor.

(Video News 01/16/12) Soybean growers from three states met in north Louisiana for a soybean forum. Market outlooks and priority issues for growers were discussion topics. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was there. (Runtime: 1:44)

(Radio News 01/13/12) Planting for crops such as corn and soybeans is still a couple of months away, but farmers can prepare their fields now for those spring plantings by starting off with a clean seedbed. LSU AgCenter weed scientist Jim Griffin says that means removing winter weeds. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Video 01/16/12) Winter creates visions of dead or dying plants. But that’s not the whole picture. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can grow plenty of colorful plants – even with colder weather. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Distributed 01/12/12) BUNKIE, La. – Two rice varieties developed by the LSU AgCenter have been approved by the Kellogg Co. for use in their products, rice farmers learned at a meeting here Jan. 11.

(Video News 01/09/12) Burning a sugarcane field is a long-standing practice among farmers. But how they burn has evolved over the years to make it cleaner and safer. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that researchers are looking at reducing emissions from this and other agriculture practices.

(Distributed 01/11/12) A referendum will be held Jan. 17 for the renewal of a rice check-off program in existence for the past 40 years. Balloting will be conducted at the LSU AgCenter extension offices in parishes with more than 50 rice producers, including Acadia, Evangeline, St. Landry, Jefferson Davis, Vermilion and Calcasieu parishes, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

(Radio News 01/11/12) This year’s outlook is favorable for soybeans. Growers from Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi gathered in Oak Grove, La., for the Tri-state Soybean Forum. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Audio 01/16/12) Irish potatoes are a wonderful cool-season crop that can keep our vegetable gardens productive through late winter into spring. They are a nutritious vegetable and are easy to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/16/12) Very few plants need to be fertilized during the winter season. Cool-season flowers and winter vegetables are two exceptions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/16/12) January is a good time to prune plants such as shade trees. These trees are leafless now, and the advantages to pruning them now are a reduction in weight on the branches and an easier view of the structure of the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/16/12) Beets are a nutritious root crop with edible foliage. They are direct-seeded into the vegetable garden and can be planted this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/16/12) With colder weather in January, gardeners may not want to work out in their yards. This month is the prime time to plant hardy trees and shrubs into landscapes. Arbor Day in Louisiana is celebrated on the third Friday in January. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/10/12) The deadline for submitting photos to be considered for the LSU AgCenter’s 2013 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar is rapidly approaching. Although 2012 just arrived, it’s already time to begin work on next year’s calendar. Photographers interested in having their photos considered for the calendar must submit them by Jan. 31, 2012.

(Distributed 01/10/12) The deadline for submitting photos to be considered for the LSU AgCenter’s 2013 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar is rapidly approaching. Although 2012 just arrived, it’s already time to begin work on next year’s calendar. Photographers interested in having their photos considered for the calendar must submit them by Jan. 31, 2012.

(Distributed 01/10/12) The deadline for submitting photos to be considered for the LSU AgCenter’s 2013 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar is rapidly approaching. Although 2012 just arrived, it’s already time to begin work on next year’s calendar. Photographers interested in having their photos considered for the calendar must submit them by Jan. 31, 2012.

(Distributed 01/10/12) BATON ROUGE – Youth from across Louisiana are preparing to compete in the 77th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show next month at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 01/09/12) OAK GROVE, La. – An LSU AgCenter economist gave an outlook for the 2012 soybean market at the Tri-State Soybean Forum on Jan. 6.

(Distributed 01/06/12) CROWLEY, La. – U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany said Thursday (Jan. 5) that the upcoming effort to pass a new farm bill will be a difficult struggle that threatens to divide commodity groups.

(Distributed 01/06/12) A workshop that addresses the financial concerns and challenges of graduating high school seniors and their parents will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tara High School in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/06/12) Happy New Year! It's time for new projects, new resolutions and making plans for another gardening season in Louisiana.

(Distributed 01/06/12) ABBEVILLE, La. – An LSU AgCenter workshop that will provide information for raising cocahoe minnows as baitfish for recreational anglers will be held at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 17, at the Vermilion Parish Extension Office.

(Video 01/09/12) Certainly, not as many plants bloom during the winter as at other times. But the cyclamen is a popular winter-blooming plant that will keep its flowers through most of the spring as well. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to take care of this spectacular winter bloomer. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Distributed 01/05/12) Making sure that children get a head start on reading was the goal of the LSU AgCenter Little Bookshelf recent book donation to infants and toddlers at YWCA Head Start sites in Baton Rouge.

(Audio 01/09/12) A big challenge of growing plants inside is providing adequate light. Plants need light to create their food. Make sure plants are near windows. Cleaning windows can help plants get the light they need. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/09/12) Parsley is a useful herb for cooking or embellishing a plate. You can choose between curly or flat-leaf varieties. Now is a good time to plant parsley. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/09/12) Most Louisiana vegetable gardeners buy transplants of eggplants, peppers and tomatoes in the spring. But you can grow transplants from seed this time of the year. They will need special care. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/09/12) Gardeners can plant cool-season bedding plants through the month of March. Some plants will do better if planted now. Try cool-season Louisiana Super Plants such as Camelot foxglove and Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/09/12) Spring bulbs are typically planted in the fall. Tulips and hyacinth, however, are refrigerated until winter. Now is the time to get them out of the refrigerator and plant them in the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/27/12) There is an invisible pest living in the soil of our vegetable gardens. For many Louisiana gardeners, high population levels of nematodes can reduce the vigor and productivity of their vegetable plants.

(For Release On Or After 01/20/12) If you are considering planting a hedge, now is a great time to get it done. This allows the shrubs to take advantage of the less-stressful conditions during the cool season to get established in the landscape. Newly planted hardy shrubs will not be bothered by winter freezes.

(For Release On Or After 01/13/12) The third Friday in January is Arbor Day in Louisiana – a day we set aside to celebrate and appreciate the role living trees play in improving our lives and our environment. Many people plant trees to celebrate the occasion.

(For Release On Or After 01/06/12) All-America Selections is a non-profit organization that tests newly developed seed-grown varieties of bedding plants and vegetables in garden plots all across the United States. Duplicating conditions in the average home garden, the testing program is independent and unbiased.

(Distributed 12/30/11) Redbuds are one of our more popular early spring-flowering small trees. The most common redbud species is the Eastern redbud – Cercis canadensis –the one we primarily plant in Louisiana.

(Video 01/02/12) Indoor plants can be very temperamental. That’s why some people choose fake plants that look real. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a real plant that, believe it or not, is almost as indestructible as a silk or plastic one. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Video News 12/26/11) 2011 was a challenging year for agriculture. Weather extremes affected many major crops. As the year comes to a close, LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard looks back on how farmers fared. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Distributed 12/23/11) Although poinsettias are typically associated with the holidays, another group of plants to consider are the Thanksgiving and Christmas cactuses. These are highly recommended for long-term enjoyment.

(Radio 12/30/11) When the holidays are over and the decorations have come down, LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Don Reed says your Christmas tree can still have value. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/27/11) At the start of a new year, people make resolutions to live healthier. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames has advice to help you make healthful choices in 2012. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Radio News 12/26/11) Hard freezes that can occur in Louisiana in January and February can damage citrus trees. LSU AgCenter county agent Alan Vaughn says protecting a tree from a freeze starts before winter. (Runtime:1:05)

(Audio 01/02/12) Lawns don't require much care in the winter, but winter weeds may grow in a dormant lawn. You can take care of these on a mild day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/02/12) Roses can be purchased in local garden centers, but more varieties are available online or through mail order catalogs. Plant them soon to give them the best start. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/02/12) Cool-season bedding plants brighten up the winter landscape. Plants like pansies and violas can be planted now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/02/12) The poinsettia is the premier plant for decorating during the holidays. These plants are hard to grow in Louisiana, so it's best to compost these plants after the holidays. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/02/12) Louisiana vegetable gardens can remain active in January. The vegetables we plant must be able to tolerate the cold. Vegetables that fit in that category include root crops and leafy vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/22/11) 2012 crop outlook is similar to 2011. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says commodity prices will drive where acres go next year, and these prices have come down. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Video News 12/21/11) Changing the way farmers feed their dairy cows can lower their costs without reducing milk production. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says researchers with the LSU AgCenter are working on methods to help farmers produce milk more efficiently. (Runtime: 1:22)

(Distributed 12/21/11) In a year marked by drought and floods, Louisiana farmers still managed to have a good year in 2011. Dry weather allowed for easy and efficient harvests of most crops, and overall yields were respectable despite challenges.

(Radio News 12/21/11) In a year marked by drought and floods, farmers in Louisiana still managed to have a good year in 2011. Dry weather allowed for easy and efficient harvests of most crops, and overall yields were respectable despite challenges. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said one downside was some flooded or drought-damaged crops never did get harvested. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Video 12/26/11) Potted plants need the right kind of soil to help them grow to their full potential. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to choose the right potting soil for your needs. (Runtime: 1:52)

(Distributed 12/20/11) A series of clinics in January sponsored by the LSU AgCenter for rice farmers will provide information on disease, weed and insect control, fertilization, a rice market outlook and new varieties.

(Distributed 12/20/11) RAYVILLE, La. – A forum to discuss issues facing farmers will be held Jan. 24 at the Rayville Civic Center.

(Video 12/19/11) What do you need to be doing for roses during the winter? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to do and what not to do when caring for your roses. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Distributed 12/20/11) Winter doesn’t seem like prime time for pests, but our habits around the holidays and during cold weather could bring bugs into our homes. Christmas trees, firewood, potted plants, decorations from the attic – these all can harbor a host of insects, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring.

(Audio 12/19/11) Winter doesn’t seem like a prime time for pests, but our habits around the holidays and during cold weather could bring bugs into our homes. When freezes threaten, people bring in their tender potted plants, and with them insects says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Audio 12/26/11) Bunching onions and shallots were planted in late summer or early fall. These plants may be getting big enough to harvest now. Hear more to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/26/11) Knowledgeable gardeners refrigerated tulip and hyacinth bulbs back in fall. Now through early January is the time to plant those bulbs. You can force the hyacinth bulbs indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/26/11) If you used poinsettias, Christmas cactus or a living Christmas tree to decorate with during the holiday season, you may be wondering what to do with them. Some can be saved, others should be tossed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/26/11) Most gardeners use tropical plants in their landscapes, so it typical to see freeze damage occur on them. It takes a few days for damage to appear, so wait to prune them. Woody tropical plants shouldn't be pruned until new growth appears in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/26/11) Gardeners may still have roses blooming during late December. Taking care of them this time of the year does not require a lot of effort. While they continue to bloom, deadhead them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/16/11) A burning sugarcane field releases a sweet, smoky smell, but it also sends particles and greenhouse gases into the air. LSU AgCenter chemist Jim Wang monitored a burning field to determine what is released during a burn. It is part of a larger study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to learn more about how sugarcane production affects the environment. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Distributed 12/16/11) Most Louisiana gardeners know about the new Louisiana Super Plants program launched by the LSU AgCenter in 2010. This program highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes. The AgCenter announces new selections each spring and fall. We still have time to add cool-season flowers to the landscape.

(Distributed 12/16/11) WELSH, La. – Entomologists continue to monitor the eastward progress of the Mexican rice borer.

(Distributed 12/16/11) The third annual Arbor Day at Burden Center has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to celebrate Arbor Day in Baton Rouge. Visitors will be invited to plant a tree in the Burden woods and participate in a 5-K Fun Hike through the Trees and Trails system.

(Distributed 12/15/11) Whether you’re Christmas shopping for organic foods or you have fall vegetables to sell, the LSU AgCenter’s MarketMaker website is the place for you.

(Distributed 12/15/11) Gary Hay has been named the new director of the LSU AgCenter School of Animal Sciences effective Jan. 1, 2012. He had been serving as interim director since May 1, 2009, when he replaced Paul Humes, who retired on April 30, 2009 after 41 years with the AgCenter.

(Video News 12/15/11) Pies, candies and even side dishes and salads are laced with pecans during the holiday season. This nut figures large in Louisiana cuisine. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a pecan processing facility to see how the season is going. (Runtime: 1:27)

(Distributed 12/15/11) AUSTIN, Texas – LSU AgCenter entomologist Natalie Hummel was accepted for the USA Rice Leadership Program. Nobel Guedon of Natchez, Miss., who farms in Louisiana, also was accepted into the program.

(Distributed 12/15/11) AUSTIN, Texas – The LSU AgCenter announced the release of two new rice varieties on Dec. 8 during the USA Rice Federation Outlook Conference.

(Distributed 12/14/11) WEST MONROE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host an exhibit called Ag Alley to help people learn about agriculture as part of the 30th annual Ag Expo at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center on Jan. 20-21 and two days before, Jan. 18-19, for first- and fourth-grade students in the area.

(Radio News 12/14/11) The Mexican rice borer, a pest that threatens the state sugarcane crop, is moving east into sugar production areas. The insect was first detected in Louisiana two years ago in Calcasieu Parish but has now been confirmed in Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Beauregard parishes as well says LSU AgCenter entomologist Gene Reagan. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Audio 12/19/11) Many of the gardening products such as water-based herbicides and insecticides can freeze if left outdoors during winter. Make sure you store them where this won't be an issue. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/19/11) In Louisiana, we still have weeds in the winter. The means gardeners will have to weed their flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Weed killers can be used on lawn weeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/19/11) Apple is not a common fruit tree in Louisiana, but there are varieties that can be grown successfully in the state. Winter is a great time to plant apple and other hardy fruit trees in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/19/11) Gardening catalogues arrive in the winter. They are full of beautiful photographs and great descriptions that can be tempting. Just make sure the plants or seeds you order are suitable for your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/19/11) Deciduous shade trees provide great shade in the summer while allowing the sun to shine through in winter. They do leave us with a blanket of leaves on our yard. Don't throw these leaves out, but rather use them as mulch or compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 12/12/11) Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest is ahead of schedule. Dry weather is helping farmers move quickly through their fields and harvest clean cane. An early harvest reduces the risk of a freeze damaging the cane. (Runtime: 1:24)

(Distributed 12/13/11) In years past, December was not the month to say a lot about strawberries in Louisiana, but with growers planting newer varieties that produce earlier, it’s becoming the norm.

(Radio News 12/14/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station held a field day to show dairy farmers pasture and grazing techniques that can help their cows produce milk more cheaply and efficiently. Station coordinator Mike McCormick explains. (Runtime: 1:10 seconds)

(Radio News 12/13/11) In the southeast portion of the state, LSU AgCenter researchers are helping Louisiana’s dairy industry survive despite challenges like high prices for fuel, feed and fertilizer. Milk prices have been high, but Mike McCormick, coordinator of the LSU AgCenter's Southeast Research Station, says that hasn’t helped producers. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 12/13/11) The LSU AgCenter hosted a ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 13, for a new Animal and Food Sciences Laboratory Building on the Baton Rouge campus. The new two-story, 48,000-square-foot building will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the AgCenter’s School of Animal Sciences and Departments of Veterinary Science and Food Science.

(Distributed 12/12/11) FRANKLINTON, La. – Participants at the LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station Field Day on Dec. 8 heard about the latest studies on pasture-based dairying being conducted at the facility.

(Distributed 12/09/11) B. Rogers Leonard, an award-winning entomologist, has been named the new associate vice chancellor for research in the LSU AgCenter effective Jan. 1, 2012. He will also have the title of associate director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station.

(Distributed 12/09/11) Mulching flowers, trees and shrubs is a great sustainable landscape practice when done correctly.

(Radio News 12/09/11) More than four million pounds of pecans will be cracked, processed and packaged at Bergeron Pecans in New Roads this year. Pecan prices rose sharply early in the season, with China buying a large supply of the nuts. Lester Bergeron says this slowed his business, but with the holidays here, demand is picking up. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 12/09/11) ROBERT, La. – Students from two Tangipahoa Parish elementary schools got out of the classroom for a wetlands education at the Shell Robert Training Facility on Dec. 6.

(Radio 12/08/11) Perishable pies can present a food safety challenge during the holidays. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames says pumpkin, custard, cream and even pecan pies shouldn’t be left out indefinitely. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Audio 12/12/11) Louisiana gardeners are lucky to be able to grow camellias. These plants bloom during the winter when not much else does. Check for tea scale, and water them if we get a dry spell. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/1/2/11) Gardeners move many plants indoors for the winter. Taking care of these plants requires thought and effort. Remember, they need light and water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/12/11) Fall color isn't as common in Louisiana as in other parts of the country. Gardeners may be alarmed to see the leaves on evergreens change colors. This may be a reaction to cold weather, and not cause for concern. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/12/11) Hard freezes can occur regularly in December. Tropical plants can be damaged if not protected during freezes. Covers, mulch and lights provide warmth for plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/12/11) Gardeners watch for freezes during the winter in an effort to protect tender plants. When wondering whether to take a plant indoors or cover it, look at the actual temperature, not the wind chill temperature. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/12/11) With colors ranging from dazzling red to creamy white, the poinsettia is maybe the most popular of all Christmas plants. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to best care for your poinsettias throughout the holiday season. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Distributed 12/06/11) For some in the Baton Rouge area, the Christmas season officially began at the LSU AgCenter Poinsettia Open House at the Burden Research Center.

(Distributed 12/06/11) Research management during an economic slowdown will be featured at the 2012 Ag Expo Forestry Forum presented by the LSU AgCenter from 1 to 5 p.m., Jan. 20 at the West Monroe Convention Center.

(Audio 12/06/11) Daily deal websites have become very popular, allowing shoppers the opportunity to try new businesses or visit favorites at a discounted price. LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker says you need to read the fine print before purchasing these online deals. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed12/05/11) Frugal shoppers looking to snag a bargain on a beauty treatment, travel package or a fancy dinner at a new restaurant can spend a lot of time browsing daily deal sites on the Internet.

(Video News 12/05/11) Bright orange and yellow citrus fruits can evoke feelings of sunny, summer days, but satsumas, navels and grapefruit are at their peak during the winter season. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited groves in the heart of Louisiana’s citrus-growing region. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Radio News 12/05/11) Many people will gain a small amount of weight during the holidays according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. She has some strategies to help you maintain your weight throughout the holidays without depriving yourself. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 12/02/2011) The LSU AgCenter is looking for photos for its 2013 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar and is inviting the public to participate. Although 2012 has yet to arrive, it’s already time to begin production of the 2013 edition of the popular gardening calendar. The first step in that process is asking professional and amateur photographers from across Louisiana to submit photographs for consideration, and the deadline for submission of entries is Jan. 31, 2012.

(Radio News 12/02/11) Visitors to the poinsettia open house at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Research Center were greeted with sea of red, pink and white poinsettias. Also for sale and on display were unusual ones with speckled colors or ruffled bracts. Jeff Kuehny, director of the Burden Center, conducts a survey of new poinsettia varieties, and while the unusual ones always catch peoples’ eyes, most tend to stick with tradition. (Runtime: 1:30 seconds)

(Distributed 12/02/11) After the investments in land and equipment, tow of the largest costs have each year are in fertilizer and seed. That's where Rick Mascagni's research benefits Louisiana corn growers.

(Distributed 12/02/11) Frost has settled over the majority of the state. This means many of our warm-season lawn grasses are going dormant for the winter. December begins the bleak time of the year for warm-season turfgrasses in Louisiana.

(Radio News 12/01/11) Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest is ahead of schedule. Dry weather is helping farmers move quickly through their fields and harvest clean cane. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says an early harvest reduces the risk of a freeze damaging the cane. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Video 12/5/11) Just because a Christmas tree looks good, doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to find a fresh tree and how to properly maintain it so it lasts longer. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 12/01/11) Eighteen winners of this year’s Louisiana 4-H Educational Awards Trip were honored at an awards luncheon at the LSU Faculty Club on Nov. 22.

(Audio 12/05/11) Gardeners can add cool-season bedding plants to their winter flower gardens. Plants such as pansies, snapdragons and dianthus enjoy cool days and colder nights. Try the 2011 fall Super Plant Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/05/11) Garden equipment such as lawn mowers may not be used much over the winter. Be sure to store this equipment properly. Also have items repaired during the off season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/05/11) We use a wide variety of plants to embellish our homes during the holidays. Pick healthy plants so they will last throughout the season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/05/11) Selecting a fresh, healthy Christmas tree and taking proper care of it will help it last throughout the holiday season. Christmas tree farms allow customers to cut down fresh trees. At a tree lot, look for healthy needles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/01/11) With nearly 35 million Christmas trees sold in the United States every year, there still may be room for a few more growers, according to LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Don Reed.

(Audio 12/05/11) Louisiana gardeners can still grow vegetables in December. Plant cold-hardy vegetables such as beets, cabbage and carrots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/30/11) Louisiana 4-H will conduct its first Day of Service on Sat., Dec. 3, to show that one day can make a difference in the life of an individual, a community and a state.

(Radio 11/29/11) At Star Nursery and Farm in Belle Chase, workers are busy packing and shipping boxes of satsumas. Joseph Ranatza, a fifth-generation citrus grower, says this year the quality is high and volume is plentiful. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Radio News 11/28/11) Many families looking for the perfect Christmas tree will visit a tree farm this year. Choose-and-cut farms are a fun way to buy a tree and provide good income for growers, says LSU AgCenter forestry and wildlife specialist Don Reed. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 11/28/11) The Louisiana 4-H Poultry Judging Team placed fourth overall at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 16-17.

(For Release On Or After 12/30/11) Pruning is one gardening job that often neglected because gardeners are not exactly sure what to do. There is a great deal of confusion about how to prune, when to do it and even why pruning is done.

(For Release On Or After 12/23/11) I recently received a copy of a book called “The Garden in Winter.” Imagining what I would see inside, I opened the book, and the pictures were just what I had expected.

(For Release On Or After 12/16/11) The pace of things tends to slow down a bit this time of year in the garden. Although we may continue to plant, prepare beds, harvest winter vegetables and enjoy cool-season flowers, most gardeners find this a more relaxed time of year.

(For Release On Or After 12/09/11) Paperwhite and amaryllis are two bulbs that are popular for forcing in Louisiana during the winter. Forcing bulbs means growing them to bloom earlier than they would under normal landscape conditions. Paperwhite bulbs and amaryllis bulbs are commonly available from November to late December. Forcing them for bloom during the winter is not difficult, and the results are beautiful.

(For Release On Or After 12/02/11) As cold winter weather begins to settle in over the state this month, we can expect freezing temperatures in the 20s and even occasionally the teens for the next few months. With cold weather comes concern for tropical plants in our landscapes.

(Video News 11/28/11) Many Louisiana wheat farmers had to wait to plant their crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that dry weather kept farmers out of their fields. (Runtime: 1:14)

(Video 11/28/11) Want interesting indoor greenery that’s not difficult to care for? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why a tough tropical plant called pothos is the perfect choice. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Video 11/21/11) The saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” That slogan could apply to the obscure columbine. Not many Louisiana gardeners have ever heard of it. Until now. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the Swan columbine is a great Louisiana Super Plant worthy of the spotlight. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 11/23/11) HAMMOND, La. – An LSU AgCenter water resources scientist is trying to keep Louisiana in compliance with the 1972 Clean Water Act by testing plant mats in a pond at the Hammond Research Station.

(Radio News 11/23/11) The hunt for the perfect Christmas tree generally starts soon after the Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing and pies have been put away. The first thing to do when picking a tree, whether at a retail outlet or a choose-and-cut farm, is to look for ones that will fit your space, says LSU AgCenter wildlife and forestry expert Don Reed. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Distributed 11/23/11) This time of year the LSU AgCenter Dairy Store gears up for holiday sales, said Chuck Boeneke, dairy science professor. The store keeps a mail-order list and ships across the contiguous United States and is taking orders now.

(Distributed 11/23/11) November, December and into mid-January are excellent times for planting trees in Louisiana. During this period, the soil is still warm, encouraging vigorous root growth, and trees will have several months to get established before summer’s heat.

(Audio 11/22/11) The LSU AgCenter dairy store is known for its in-house-made ice creams, but even as temperatures fall, there are still reasons to visit the store located on South Stadium Dr. on LSU’s campus. Chuck Boeneke, dairy science professor, said this time of the year, the store is gearing up for holiday sales. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 11/18/11) MANY, La. – 4-H members comprised six of the eight Sabine Parish students who received the Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders awards, a program sponsored by Chesapeake Energy Corp.

(Audio 11/18/11) Fried foods carry an unhealthful perception. Many cooks fry their turkeys on Thanksgiving. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says a fried turkey isn't as unhealthful as it might sound. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 11/18/11) Louisiana sugarcane farmers are harvesting their crop ahead of schedule, and they expect to be out of the fields sooner than usual.

(Audio 11/28/11) Landscapes can stay attractive throughout the winter. Your garden may need some grooming and maintenance this time of the year, such as removing old growth from summer perennials and bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/18/11) The ideal planting time for cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana runs from late September through early December. Some of our common cool-season flowers prefer the earlier planting dates, and some do better with the later planting dates.

(Audio 11/28/11) Gardeners use fertilizer to provide nutrients to plants. Nitrogen helps to stimulate vigorous growth. Plants going dormant do not need fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/28/11) The ideal time to plant trees in Louisiana is from November to March. To properly plant a tree, start by measuring the root ball. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/28/11) Three outstanding plants have been named fall 2011 Super Plants. They include Belinda's Dream rose, Swan columbine and Redbor kale. Try these plants in your landscape this season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/28/11) Late November to early December is a good time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in our landscapes. These plants go through a root growth phase this time of the year, which helps establish them before they start growing foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/11) The potential for foodborne illness lurks around the Thanksgiving meal. For cooks starting with a frozen turkey, the first step in preparing the bird is properly thawing it. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames says cooks can use three methods to thaw their turkey; the first is in the refrigerator. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 11/17/11) OAK GROVE, La. – Producers from Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi will have an opportunity to hear the latest in soybean research during the 2012 Tri-State Soybean Forum on Friday, Jan. 6, at 8 a.m. at the Thomas Jason Lingo Center in Oak Grove.

(Video News 11/16/11) A tour titled From Cow to Cone took dairy industry professionals through the research at the LSU AgCenter’s on-campus dairy facilities. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard toured the dairy farm and creamery and has this report. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Distributed 11/16/11) Fried turkey is not as unhealthful as it sounds – if you don't eat the skin of the bird, according LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. In fact, experts recommend not eating the skin no matter how a turkey is prepared.

(Distributed 11/16/11) Diabetes is now considered an epidemic in the United States, and nearly 26 million children and adults are living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/16/11) Trying to keep the University Lakes in Baton Rouge clean and healthy is a goal of LSU AgCenter researcher Yi Jun Xu, associate professor in the School of Renewable Natural Resources.

(Distributed 11/15/11) Many people face the holiday season afraid they will gain weight. And that is a fear with some merit, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. There are temptations galore, and many people gain a pound or two – but usually not any more.

(Audio 11/21/11) Weeds, diseases and insects are fewer in the winter vegetable garden. Still, gardeners need to look out for pests such as aphids, caterpillars, snails and slugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/21/11) Paperwhites are among the easiest spring-flowering bulbs to force to bloom for the winter in our homes. Bulbs are available loose or in kits. Following a few tips will help the plants grow and bloom beautifully. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/21/11) Tropical container plants can be damaged by winter freezes. Many gardeners move tender plants indoors this time of the year. Prepare the plant before the move by washing the plant off and getting it acclimated to lower light conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/21/11) Leaves are falling from decidious trees. Don't bag up leaves and throw them away. These leaves can be used for mulch or made into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/21/11) Many of the herbs Louisiana cooks enjoy are hardy and can be grown during the winter. All herbs need a sunny location and a well-drained bed or container. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/15/11) Louisiana cooks will find the cost of the basic Thanksgiving dinner down this year. An LSU AgCenter survey shows the 2011 Thanksgiving market basket will average $39.10 for 10 people. That’s a decrease of $1.49 from last year’s Baton Rouge average of $40.68. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/14/11) Louisiana cooks shopping for Thanksgiving will find the costs of basic dinner items down this year. The 2011 Thanksgiving market basket will average $39.10 for 10 people, according to an LSU AgCenter survey.

(Audio 11/14/11) Farmers typically plant Louisiana’s wheat crop in October and early November, but dry weather has delayed planting this year. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Ed Twidwell estimates about half of the crop has been planted. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Video 11/7/11) If you’re craving hardy, home-grown vegetables like lettuce, you might consider planting a fall vegetable garden. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the vegetable section at a local nursery and explains how to select lettuce plants and how to properly pick them when you’re ready for your salad. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Distributed 11/11/11) Top officials at the LSU AgCenter and Pennington Biomedical Research Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Nov. 11 to join forces in a five-year initiative to fight obesity in Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/11/11) It’s time to think about choosing this year’s Christmas tree. But before you do, there are a few things to consider.

(Distributed 11/11/11) The LSU AgCenter is honoring six individuals and four teams of faculty members for outstanding service to extension and research at a ceremony on Dec. 2.

(Distributed 11/11/11) The recruitment process for the 2012-2013 class of the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program has begun, according to Bradley Leger, the program’s coordinator.

(Distributed 11/11/11) Ornamental kale and cabbage are becoming increasingly popular as fall bedding plants in Louisiana. Alternatives to garden mums and pansies, these plants have feathery leaves with robust colors that make them well suited for landscape and container plantings.

(Distributed 11/10/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – AgMagic at the State Fair is taking children through a journey of Louisiana agriculture and economically beneficial commodities they may use every day.

(Distributed 11/10/11) NEW ORLEANS, La. – About 40 students gathered in the lunch room at Langston Hughes Academy charter school recently (Nov. 8) to sample and rate potential menu items made from local products.

(Distributed 11/09/11) A citrus disease fairly new to Louisiana may cause problems for commercial growers, but not so much for backyard growers, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

(Audio 11/14/11) Fall is a great time to add hardy fruit trees to the landscape. Louisiana gardeners can plant a wide variety of fruit trees and shrubs, but you must choose ones that are suitable for our climate. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/14/11) One of the most beautiful roses available for Louisiana gardeners is Belinda's Dream. This rose has the toughness of a Knock Out rose with flowers that look like hybrid tea roses. It's a fall 2011 Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/14/11) Louisiana gardeners rarely grow columbines, but a new Louisiana Super Plant selection can change that. The Swan columbine is a beautiful plant that is more robust and has larger flowers than other columbines. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/14/11) The amaryllis is a spring-blooming plant that is hardy in Louisiana. Bulbs are available but they should not be planted into the garden now. Pot them in a container, and force them to bloom indoors. Next year, bulbs treated that way this year can be planted into your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/14/11) Redbor kale is a Louisiana Super Plant selection for fall 2011. This ornamental vegetable is beautiful and edible. Plant it this time of the year for an attractive tall plant in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/08/11) Crawfish farmers have been flooding their fields in preparation for the current season, but in Vermilion Parish a lack of water and saltwater intrusion are complicating the crop. LSU AgCenter coastal area agent Mark Shirley explains. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Video 11/08/11) Sweet potatoes are more than just a Thanksgiving dish. They have become a year-round staple. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports Louisiana growers have a good crop of sweet potatoes this year. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Video 11/1/11) Now is a great time to plant cool-season flowers. But as you pick your plants at the nursery, don’t be confused by all the vibrant colors. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shares some important tips to help you choose the right colors for your cool-season flower beds. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Distributed 11/04/11) Sasanquas are one of our most popular flowering shrubs for the late fall through early winter. Also known by the scientific name Camellia sasanqua, sasanquas are typically smaller-growing than the plants we normally call camellias. They also have more finely textured foliage. They bloom from mid-October through December or January.

(Distributed 11/04/11) LSU AgCenter employees from across the state brought home awards from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents conference held Oct. 24-27 in Omaha, Neb.

(Distributed 11/03/11) For an urban university, it may be a well-kept secret that some of the best dairy products in Louisiana are produced on the LSU campus.

(Radio News 11/03/11) Dairy farmers, processors and others from Louisiana’s dairy industry toured the LSU AgCenter’s dairy farm and creamery on the LSU campus. Gary Hay, director of the School of Animal Science, said the Cow to Cone field day was to show people in the dairy industry the research on campus that is benefiting them. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Video 11/02/11) The sun was perched behind a cloud as participants of the Hammond Research Station’s landscape horticulture field day toured the station’s shade garden and learned about high-performing varieties of caladiums, hostas and impatiens. A focus of the station is to evaluate how well bedding plants, perennials and roses in do in landscapes. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Distributed 11/02/11) Agriculture is a multi-billion dollar industry in Louisiana. To acknowledge the exceptional contributions of its farmers, the Louisiana Radio Network, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry will honor the 2012 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.

(Distributed 11/02/11) MANSURA, La. – The Louisiana 4-H Museum is offering “Discovery Days,” an educational program series for groups of children ages 3-8.

(Audio 11/07/11) Camellias are beautiful shrubs that bloom during the winter when not much else is blooming. They can suffer from infestations of the insect tea scale. Symptoms include a white fuzzy appearance on the underside of the leaf. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/07/11) Lawn grasses go dormant and turn brown during the winter. If you want a green lawn over the next few months, plant ryegrass. A ryegrass lawn will require maintenance through the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/07/11) Gardeners can plant cool-season bedding plants in November. Many of these plants will provide color now and through the winter, then put on a beautiful display in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/07/11) November is a great month to plant spring bulbs in your landscapes. By now, the soil has had a chance to cool down from the summer. Check nurseries for these bulbs, and remember tulips and hyacinths need refrigeration before planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/07/11) Lettuce harvested fresh from the garden has an outstanding flavor. Gardeners can grow lettuce this time of the year. Leafy lettuce and semi-heading varieties grow best in Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/02/11) THORNWELL, La. – Birdwatchers from 23 states and two countries converged on rice fields in Jefferson Davis Parish to get a glimpse of the small, elusive bird called the yellow rail.

(Distributed 10/31/11) ABBEVILLE, La. – Jayla Campbell, an eighth-grader from North Vermilion Catholic School, had never carved a pumpkin before the 4-H workshop held Monday (Oct. 31) at the Vermilion Parish Extension Office.

(Distributed 10/31/11) The LSU AgCenter’s 2011 poinsettia open house is set for Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Burden Center located at 4560 Essen Lane near the junction of I-10 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 10/31/11) Landscapers, grounds crews, nursery staffs and others heard updates on research projects at the Hammond Research Station landscape field day on Oct. 18.

(For Release On Or After 11/25/11) If you are considering replanting a lost hedge, now is a great time to get the job done. A common part of landscapes, hedges generally are created by planting a row of shrubs or small trees.

(Video 10/31/11) The relatively unknown bush clover is a drought-tolerant bush that blooms vibrant purple flowers throughout the fall. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that these low-maintenance plants are a great addition to any landscape. (Runtime: 1:39)

(For Release On Or After 11/18/11) Flowers are the delight of gardeners. Their beautiful colors, shapes and fragrances are the inspiration for gardening efforts by countless hobby horticulturists. There is more to flowers, however, than meets the eye – or the nose. Your taste buds can also appreciate the many edible flowers that we can grow.

(For Release On Or After 11/11 /11) The vegetables we grow in Louisiana during the cool season are some of the most delicious and nutritious that our home gardens can produce. Many of the vegetables we planted in late summer and early fall are ready to harvest – or will be soon. It is important to harvest vegetables at the proper stage for best results.

(For Release On Or After 11/04/11) Louisiana gardeners seldom grow columbines (Aquilegia species and hybrids) in their flower gardens. This is likely due to unfamiliarity with columbines – there is no tradition of using columbines here in the Deep South – and lack of availability in local nurseries.

(Radio News 10/31/11) Louisiana sweet potato growers are harvesting an average to above average crop. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Tara Smith says good weather during the harvest season has helped farmers get their potatoes in. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Audio 10/28/11) The LSU AgCenter has released three new Louisiana Super Plants for fall 2011: Belinda’s Dream rose, Redbor kale and Swan columbine. These plants have undergone extensive research and are considered high-performing plants for all areas of Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/28/11) Your landscape can include many trees and shrubs that will provide significant color in fall and winter year after year.

(Distributed 10/27/11) Baton Rouge area students learned about the importance of wetlands as part of Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day on Oct. 20 at the Hilltop Arboretum.

(Distributed 10/27/11) MOUTON COVE, La. – Vermilion Parish 4-H leaders have been teaching two new words to 4-H Club members throughout the parish: resilient and subsidence.

(Audio 10/31/11) Gardeners looking for fall bedding plants should consider two Louisiana Super Plants. The Amazon dianthus and Camelot foxglove were fall 2010 super plants, but they should be readily available at nurseries and garden centers again this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/31/11) Many deciduous trees will start to drop leaves in November. Those leaves are valuable to gardeners. Consider raking them up and using them as mulch, and remember if you let them stay on the lawn, they can damage the grass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/31/11) Leaves on evergreens can change colors and drop. Gardeners who notice yellowing leaves on their evergreens should not be concerned if the plant appears otherwise healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/31/11) Louisiana Super Plants program promotes outstanding plants for Louisiana landscapes. Selections for this year include Belinda's Dream rose, Redbor kale and Swan columbine. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/31/11) Gardeners can plant a number of cool-season vegetables into their vegetable gardens in November. Many popular vegetables such as leafy vegetables, root crops and cole crops can tolerate cold weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 10/26/11) Switchgrass could be another source of energy from Louisiana and another source of income for landowners. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard spoke with a researcher growing switchgrass with pine trees. (Runtime: 1:54)

(Distributed 10/26/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – Socioeconomic status, rather than race, has the strongest effect on student achievement, according to a recent study conducted in the LSU School of Human Resource Education and Workforce Development.

(Distributed 10/25/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – In an effort to promote healthful eating habits and to provide food for those struggling in poverty, students at Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School learned about making the right choices related to food selections and conducted a food drive for the Baton Rouge Food Bank.

(Radio News 10/25/11) The Louisiana 4-H Museum is now offering “Discovery Days,” an educational program series for groups of children ages 3 - 8. Children can learn about health and nature during these one-hour programs which include hands-on activities, stories, songs and rhymes. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 10/24/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – The pecans may be smaller this year because of the drought, but the quality should be good, according to Randy Sanderlin, LSU AgCenter pecan specialist. The 2011 drought caused some trees to shed nuts in August. Yield will be affected statewide, but particularly in northwest Louisiana where the drought was more extreme.

(Radio News 10/24/11) Beautiful plants and the research that goes into them were on display at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station’s annual landscape horticulture field day. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings says a focus of the station is to evaluate bedding plants, herbaceous perennials and roses in landscape situations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/21/11) Costumes and candy go hand in hand on Halloween, but LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames suggests making some treats toys this year. Research shows children enjoy non-food favors just as much as candy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/20/11) Last fall, the LSU AgCenter announced a new plant marketing and promotion program called Louisiana Super Plants. The program identifies superior plants for Louisiana landscapes and assures wholesale growers are growing and retail nurseries are carrying the selections. Then, we get the word out to the gardening public about these outstanding plants.

(Distributed 10/20/11) Even though it’s early in the citrus season, producers say they have had a good growing season and expect an above-average crop this year.

(Video 10/24/11) The plant nandina is also called heavenly bamboo. It’s a tough, versatile shrub that can provide nice fall color. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains important differences among a number of nandina varieties. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Radio News 10/19/11) Pink abounds in October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. LSU AgCenter nutritionists are promoting a healthful diet that can help prevent breast cancer and other forms of the disease. Heli Roy says the amounts and types of dietary fat you consume are important in cancer prevention. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Video 10/17/11) If you’re looking for a plant that blooms during the fall every year, then sedums would be a dependable choice. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how these tough plants come in different sizes and shapes. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Audio 10/24/11) Louisiana wildflowers put on an outstanding display in the fall. Look around and notice what's out there - wonderful plants like the narrow-leaf sunflower and asters. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/19/11) The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Wetlands Program will host a Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day at Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

(Audio 10/24/11) In fall, you may hear about winterizing your lawn. This means applying the mineral nutrient potassium to the lawn. All plants need potassium, but winterizing the lawn is optional. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/24/11) Before you go to the nursery to purchase cool-season bedding plants, consider preparing your beds first. This way you'll only buy the plants needed to fill those beds. Think about a color scheme and how much mulch you will need to cover the beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/24/11) Storms and high winds are common in Louisiana in the summer. Trees in your landscape may have suffered broken limbs. This is a good time to inspect your trees that may have been damaged. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/24/11) Chrysanthemums symbolize the fall season in flower beds. They are triggered to bloom when the nights are long. You can find blooming plants available, but choose a plant with plenty of unopened buds so you can have a long season of color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 10/18/11) Trail riders, horse trainers and wanna-be cowgirls gathered with their horses at Parker Coliseum on LSU’s campus to learn to become Master Horsemen. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Distributed 10/19/11) POLLOCK, La. – AT&T Louisiana donated $25,000 on Oct. 14 to the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center Multipurpose Building Project.

(Radio News 10/17/11) An LSU AgCenter forestry researcher is working on expanding Louisiana’s energy portfolio. Michael Blazier says Louisiana is fourth in the nation in terms of its fossil fuel production, and in its potential for producing biofuels from diverse biomass. Blazier is looking at growing switchgrass for bioenergy. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Distributed 10/14/11) The LSU AgCenter School of Animal Sciences will hold its “From Cow to Cone” dairy education day at the 4-H Mini Farm Building on Nov. 2.

(Audio 10/17/11) Spring-flowering bulbs are available at nurseries and garden centers. Most spring bulbs are planted in November or December. Hyacinth and tulip bulbs should be chilled in the refrigerator and planted in late December or January. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/17/11) It's time to check your flower beds if your summer bedding plants are fading. Plant cool-season plants that will provide color through fall and winter and into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/17/11) Caladiums have gone dormant by now. The tubers can be saved from year to year. Dig up your tubers this month, and let the foliage dry. Store them inside your home so they can survive through the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/17/11) Gardeners can change the color of their hydrangeas this month by applying lime or aluminum sulfate. Hydrangeas provide beautiful blooms during the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/17/11) Scale insects are difficult to diagnose on plants. Once they are visible, they have settled on the plant and never move again. They also protect themselves with a shell and don't really look like bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/14/11) Are you looking for something new to try in your cool-season landscape this fall and winter? There is much to select from in the way of annual flowers for planting during the cool season of the year. Most of us know about pansies, snapdragons, petunias, garden mums and older varieties of dianthus, but there is much more.

(Distributed 10/13/11) Forage research and the importance of protein for dairy cattle will be highlighted at the LSU AgCenter dairy field day Dec. 8 at the Southeast Research Station in Franklinton.

(Distributed 10/10/11) JENA, La. – Nineteen LaSalle Parish residents and elected officials have graduated from Lead LaSalle, a leadership and community development program of the LSU AgCenter and the LaSalle Economic Development District.

(Radio News 10/10/11) Participants of the LSU AgCenter's Master Horseman program attend eight, three-hour sessions where they learn knot tying, nutrition, groundwork and establishing communication and trust with their horse. LSU AgCenter horse specialist Neely Heidorn says that horse people tend to learn from other horse enthusiasts. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 10/10/11) ZWOLLE, La. – About 250 third-graders from eight schools in Sabine Parish learned about forestry, wildlife and furs, horses and gardening at the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta on Oct. 7.

(Radio News 10/07/11) The outbreak of Listeria has raised food safety concerns. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames says Listeria is a common microorganism. Most Listeria does not cause illness, but Listeria monocytogenes, found in the Colorado cantaloupes blamed for the outbreak, is deadly. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 10/07/11) Fall is not complete without a visit to a corn maze or pumpkin patch. People in Louisiana who are looking for these activities can find them on the Internet, according to LSU AgCenter public relations and information specialist Pam Hodson.

(Distributed 10/07/11) JENNINGS, La. – Five agricultural aviation companies that serve the agricultural industry in Louisiana got their equipment tested recently (Oct. 4) at the Jennings airport with the help of the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

(Distributed 10/07/11) Encore azaleas have gathered consideration attention over the past 10 years, but we need to remember we had great, fall-flowering – sometimes referred to a multi-seasonal-flowering – azaleas before the Encore varieties. Another azalea group widely planted in Louisiana for fall blooming is the Robin Hill hybrids.

(Distributed 10/06/11) MARSH ISLAND, La. – Herry Utomo, molecular geneticist at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station, looked over his crop of lush spartina, or smooth cordgrass, with satisfaction.

(Video News 10/10/11) Drought conditions throughout most of the summer affected yields of Louisiana’s soybean and cotton crops. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that despite challenges, yields are fair. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 10/06/11) When asked what Halloween means, kids usually put candy at the top of their list. But research shows that given a choice between treats and toys, kids will often prefer the toys, according to Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. She encourages people to choose miniature toys, stickers and nonfood favors as their treats to dispense to the costumed beggars who come to their doors on Halloween.

(Distributed 10/05/11) The LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse will host two fall-themed events called “Haunted LaHouse” Thursday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 29.

(Radio News 10/05/11) Louisiana’s cotton harvest started back in September with good harvesting conditions, but LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse says drought conditions during much of the growing season caused about $26 million in damage to the crop. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Video 10/10/11) Louisiana Super Plants are outstanding plants for landscapes throughout the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the Super Plant Redbor kale is an ornamental plant as well as an edible vegetable. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Distributed 10/05/11) The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Wetlands Program will host a Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum in Baton Rouge on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

(Audio 10/10/11) Gardeners often put their container plants outside for the summer. When winter approaches, move your plants to a shady location. This will prepare them for the move back inside. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/10/11) October brings relief from summer heat. It can be one of our drier months, too. But with cooler weather we may forget our plants still need water. If a dry spell occurs during the next few weeks, be sure to irrigate the plants in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/10/11) Louisiana deciduous trees drop most of their leaves in November and December. Plan now to use these leaves as mulch or to turn them into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/10/11) Many of the herbs that Louisiana cooks enjoy using grow well in winter. Check local nurseries for transplants of popular herbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/10/11) Louisiana vegetable gardeners can plant strawberry plants in fall. If you want strawberries in spring, plant them soon. Look for Louisiana varieties at local garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/04/11) Farmers are close to wrapping up their soybean harvest. Harvest conditions have been ideal, but the growing season was not. Much of the state suffered with drought during spring and summer. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy explains. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 10/04/11) The Louisiana 4-H Foundation has joined an online shopping mall hosted and sponsored by nonprofit organizations for the purpose of raising funds.

(Distributed 10/04/11) Some people may be wondering if they should ever eat cantaloupe again. But LSU AgCenter food scientist Marlene Janes says she certainly plans to, although she recommends taking precautions.

(Distributed 10/04/11) MONROE, La. – Expanding the outdoor recreation industry on agricultural lands brings in revenue to help local economies, experts said at a paddling and canoeing business opportunities workshop.

(Distributed 10/04/11) Former Baton Rouge resident Kellett Hathorn will be posthumously inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame on Oct. 7 for his lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H.

(For Release On Or After 10/28/11) We’ve become accustomed to running out and buying flats or pots of blooming bedding plants to create “instant flower gardens.” This last-minute approach, however, will simply not work when using spring-flowering bulbs in the landscape. If you want beautiful beds of daffodils, tulips or Dutch irises next spring, you should think about planting them now.

(DIstributed 10/04/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold their annual landscape horticulture field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on October 18.

(For Release On Or After 10/21/11) Cooler mornings in October make it a joy to get out and work in the home vegetable garden. A number of delicious and nutritious vegetables will thrive in the coming cool season. Indeed, some of our favorite vegetables can only be grown in Louisiana from October through April.

(For Release On Or After 10/14/11) Redbor kale is the first edible Louisiana Super Plants selection. It is an incredible multiuse annual for the cool-season flower or vegetable garden. Although perfectly edible, it is so attractive it is being promoted as an ornamental for planting in flowerbeds.

(For Release On Or After 10/7/11) Belinda’s Dream rose is the first Louisiana Super Plant selection to be announced for the fall 2011 season. With beautiful flowers, excellent disease resistance and a bushy growth habit, it well deserves the recognition.

(Video News 10/03/11) A grant will help Louisiana and other southeastern states develop biofuels. LSU AgCenter researchers working on the energy crops of sugarcane and sweet sorghum will benefit from the grant. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 2:02)

(Distributed 10/03/11) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded the LSU AgCenter a five-year $17.2 million grant to speed up the process for developing biofuels and biochemicals from sugarcane and sweet sorghum.

(Distributed 10/03/11) With an eye to the future of bioenergy, the LSU AgCenter will offer four workshops for forest landowners and agricultural producers to help them identify opportunities in emerging markets for converting wood or agricultural crops into energy.

(Radio News 10/03/11) The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the LSU AgCenter a $17.2 million grant to work with 16 other partners in eight states on developing biofuels and biochemicals from energy cane and sweet sorghum. Vadim Kochergin, the director of the Louisiana Institute for Biofuels and Bioprocessing, has been working on this process for several years at the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 10/03/11) The LSU AgCenter is strengthening its programs on human nutrition, Chancellor Bill Richardson said during a forum on childhood obesity in New Orleans Sept. 29.

(Distributed 09/30/11) Cool-season bedding plants continue to be popular in Louisiana. Most home gardeners do more warm-weather than cool-weather flower gardening, but we all need to realize that we have many great cool-season flowers that will do well in our climate from mid-fall through late spring.

(Distributed 09/29/11) The LSU AgCenter will conduct a one-day comprehensive workshop on how to make your own biodiesel fuel from used vegetable oil on Nov. 12 at the W.A. Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 09/28/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Burden Research Center in Baton Rouge and the Burden Horticulture Society will sponsor their corn maze each Saturday through October, according to Jeff Kuehny, resident director at Burden.

(Audio 10/03/11) Cool-season bedding plants offer beautiful color. Sweet peas also offer wonderful fragrance. Sweet pea seeds can be found at gardening centers, and the plants need something to climb on while growing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/03/11) Look around and you may notice beautiful things in nature you can use to decorate your home. Leaves and seed pods can be made into wreathes and arrangements that will stay attractive throughout fall and into the holiday season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/03/11) As the weather cools in October, lawns begin growing more slowly. But you still have to watch out for lawn diseases such as brown patch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/03/11) Roses begin blooming beautifully in October. This month can be dry, so water them if we have dry spells. Also, deadhead roses to keep them attractive and to show off the new growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/03/11) October is a good time to start planting cool-season vegetables. Gardeners can plant cole crops such as cabbage and broccoli. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/3/11) There are many different types of crape myrtles scattered across Louisiana lawns and landscapes. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, the new Delta Jazz has a notable feature not found on other crape myrtles. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Distributed 09/28/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – Do you think food, clothing, lumber and other products only come from a store? Come to AgMagic at the State Fair to see and learn where your food and fiber really come from.

(Radio News 09/27/11) LSU AgCenter economists estimate that the 2011 drought has caused $390 million in damage to Louisiana agriculture. Kurt Guidry says crops and farmers were affected in three different ways. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 09/27/11) Improved soil fertility could boost yields in crops such as corn and soybeans and reduce nitrogen runoff into local water bodies. That’s the premise behind the research of LSU AgCenter scientist Brenda Tubaña.

(Radio News 09/26/11) Beef cattle research at the LSU AgCenter's Hill Farm Research Station is looking at cow size and cow efficiency. Researcher Ryon Walker says projections about world population in 2050 prompted him to study how cow size may affect the efficiency of raising cattle. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 09/26/11) Food safety is increasing in global importance and complexity said David R. Lineback, senior fellow at the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the University of Maryland at College Park.

(Distributed 09/26/11) Louisiana soybean farmers are moving into the final stages of harvest with mixed results in their yields, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 09/23/11) FARMERVILLE, La. – State Rep. Hollis Downs has established the first-ever endowment for a Louisiana parish 4-H program by donating $10,000 to Union Parish 4-H on Sept. 22.

(Radio News 09/23/11) Drought over the past year in north Louisiana prompted LSU AgCenter researcher Ryon Walker to conduct a study on feeding protein supplements to cattle. Because of the lack of rainfall, hay production was low, and Walker said cattle producers were feeding their herd older, lower-quality hay. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 09/23/11) September begins the transition to cool weather and fall activities in the Louisiana landscape. It is important to get started with cool-season flowers and bed preparation, assess your lawn status, consider mulching for trees and shrubs, and more.

(Video News 09/23/11) Poultry and beef producers depend on LSU AgCenter research to help them grow their livestock efficiently. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the Hill Farm Research Station in Homer where these two animal crops figure prominently in the station’s research. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Video 9/26/11) Are you afraid to grow roses because you heard it was difficult? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains there’s no need to have any fear about growing Belinda’s Dream roses. They’re the latest Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 09/22/11) The LSU AgCenter will host a roundtable discussion on Oct. 24, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to inform consumers about the importance of technology and how to make informed choices regarding the selection and use of wireless plans.

(Radio News 09/21/11) Patsy Poche is passionate about reading to young children. As a member of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, she is working with the LSU AgCenter’s Little Bookshelf program, which helps provide books to parents of newborns. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 09/21/11) If you live in southern Louisiana and have noticed large numbers of tiny reddish-brown ants in or around your home running around in a crazy manner, then perhaps the hairy crazy ant has moved in with you, says LSU AgCenter scientist Victoria Bayless.

(Audio 09/26/11) Summer-blooming bulbs are popular in Louisiana landscapes. By this time of the year some of them are fading. Trim away old leaves and cut back stalks to keep them looking attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/26/11) Garlic is a staple in Louisiana cooking. Gardeners can have a steady supply by growing it themselves in their winter gardens. Growing garlic does require patience. Harvest will occur in late April or May. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/26/11) Louisiana iris are wonderful perennials grown in the state. Their growing season starts in October, so now is a good time to dig up and divide these plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/26/11) Gardeners who planted warm-season bedding plants in May, may see these plants fading this month. You can evaluate your plants and start planning your fall beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/26/11) It's still hot in September, so now is still a good time to see where you may need shade in your landscape. Shade trees can reduce energy bills and make outdoor spaces more pleasant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/21/11) The LSU AgCenter is releasing the latest of its helpful resources for Louisiana gardening enthusiasts – the 2012 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar. The calendar is packed with photos, gardening hints and monthly tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill that are specifically written for Louisiana’s growing conditions and climate.

(Distributed 09/21/11) The LSU AgCenter is releasing the latest of its helpful resources for Louisiana gardening enthusiasts – the 2012 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar. The calendar is packed with photos, gardening hints and monthly tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill that are specifically written for Louisiana’s growing conditions and climate.

(Distributed 09/20/11) CARENCRO, La. – Louisiana cattle owners stand to benefit from the Texas drought because ranchers in the Lone Star State are selling cattle and will eventually have to restock, cattle experts said at the Acadiana cattle field day held Saturday (Sept. 17).

(Distributed 09/20/11) The LSU AgCenter will participate in the implementation of the Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia, West Africa, through a recent award from the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission in Liberia.

(Radio News 09/20/11) Poultry litter can be a valuable fertilizer to farmers. LSU AgCenter poultry researcher Bill Owens is studying stacking poultry litter in the poultry house between flocks. (Runtime:1:15)

(Radio News 09/19/11) Poultry houses sit among the rolling hills of north central Louisiana. Poultry is the state’s most valuable animal crop. Researchers at the LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station are trying to find ways to make poultry production less expensive. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Video 9/19/11) Some herbs are hardy, and you can plant them during cold months with no problem. Others are less tolerant of the cold and should be planted now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill helps you choose the best garden herbs for your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Distributed 09/20/11) Researchers from the LSU AgCenter are participating in a three-year, $12.2 million grant through the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) to evaluate the effects of the 2010 Macondo oil spill on coastal ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico.

(Distributed 09/20/11) Teachers, bankers and other community leaders met at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge on Sept. 15-16 to “Prepare Louisiana for Real Life” at the 2011 Financial Education Summit.

(Distributed 09/19/11) HOMER, La. – Recent droughts have forced producers to use carryover hay from previous years or purchase lesser-quality hay, and the LSU AgCenter is looking for ways to increase feed efficiency.

(Distributed 09/19/11) CROWLEY, La. – Farmers and agriculture industry representatives met Friday (Sept. 16) with Congressman Charles Boustany to express frustration with the increased burden of more federal regulations.

(Distributed 09/16/11) The LSU AgCenter is helping youngsters become healthier and more physically active, and children’s health is the focus during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in September.

(Video News 09/16/11) Tropical weather is always a threat to the state’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that the recent tropical storm did affect this year’s and next year’s crops. (runtime: 1:26)

(Radio News 09/16/11) LSU AgCenter programs are helping youngsters become healthier and more physically active. September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The number of overweight and obese children is alarming, says Anne Kean, who manages the LSU AgCenter’s Body Walk program. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 09/16/11) As we head toward fall, you may want to consider ground covers for those problem areas in your landscape. You may have shady areas that can no longer support lush turfgrass. Maybe you have a sloping area where mowing is difficult. Planting a ground cover may be an option.

(Distributed 09/16/11) ABBEVILLE, La. – Vermilion Parish officials dedicated a traveling classroom Sept. 14 to teach children about the importance of conservation and Louisiana’s wetlands.

(Distributed 09/15/11) CROWLEY, La. – The Mexican rice borer continues to expand its territory in Louisiana after migrating from Texas.

(Distributed 09/15/11) MANSFIELD, La. – The International Paper Foundation contributed $5,000 toward Louisiana 4-H Camp educational programs at a breakfast reception Aug. 24.

(Audio 09/19/11) By the end of summer, plants growing in containers may have outgrown those containers. Consider repotting them if they appear pot-bound. Choose a new container about 2 to 4 inches larger than the container a plant is growing in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/19/11) The azalea lace bug is a common insect pest that attacks azaleas. The symptom is tiny white specks on the upper surface of the leaf. Turn over the leaf and look for dark spots. Gardeners have several insecticides available to control lace bugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/19/11) Many gardeners throw away the organic waste generated by their landscapes. Grass clippings, leaves and small twigs can be recycled through composting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/19/11) For generations, spring was the prime blooming season for azaleas. But since breeders have developed plants that will bloom in the fall as well as the spring, you can enjoy their beauty this time of year, too. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/19/11) Caladiums are valuable bedding plants for providing color in shady areas. Many gardeners dig up the caladiums before winter and replant the tubers the following year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 09/13/11) Plants have withered under hot, dry conditions that have dominated much of the summer. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that these plants have become a less-attractive food source for wildlife in Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Distributed 09/13/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter 4 H program has received a second consecutive Walmart grant for teaching healthy living choices to youngsters.

(Distributed 09/09/11) The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations passed its version of a bill for federal funding to agricultural programs on Sept. 7 that puts back $1.2 million to the LSU AgCenter’s budget that had been taken away in an earlier U.S. House version.

(Radio News 09/09/11) Tropical Storm Lee dumped rain across much of Louisiana’s sugarcane belt. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois surveyed damage across the state. Downed cane is harder to harvest, but Gravois says the dry, sunny days that followed the storm did help. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 09/09/11) Planting palms in home landscapes has gained considerable interest in the past few years for several reasons. For one, many new, exotic palm species and varieties are more readily available. But because cold temperatures the past couple winters damaged some of the species, people are searching for the most reliable palms

(Video 9/12/11) Bugs have been multiplying during the summer. In most cases, you’ll have to use some type of insecticides to protect your vegetable and fruit plants. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, it’s important to use the safest, most appropriate insecticides for your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Distributed 09/08/11) GUEYDAN, La. – Timing of harvest aid application to a maturing soybean crop is critical, according to an LSU AgCenter expert.

(Video News 09/07/11) One way to get students excited about learning is to get them away from their desks and actively involved with experiments. The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H program is showing teachers how to conduct more science experiments in their classrooms. (Runtime: 1:54)

(Radio News 09/07/11) No longer is tailgating simply grilling burgers by the stadium. It’s an elaborate affair in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames says the carefree attitude of tailgating should not lead to carelessness when it comes to food safety. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Audio 09/12/11) The weather in September can by dry, and October tends to be our driest month of the year. Gardeners may be tempted to water less frequently as the weather cools, but if conditions are dry, watering still will be necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/12/11) Louisiana gardeners rely on mulch to help control weeds. Mulches will break down over time, so it may be time to refresh the mulch around beds, trees and shrubs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/12/11) Seasons are beginning to change, but lawns haven't slowed down yet. If the weather remains dry and hot during the month, you may notice chinch bug damage in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/12/11) Days are getting shorter, and fall is around the corner. While it can still be warm here this time of the year, plants need to prepare for winter. This means it's getting too late to prune many plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/12/11) Summer's intense heat begins to dissipate in September, allowing gardeners more time in their yards. This is a good time to prepare beds for fall vegetables and cool-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/07/11) Scientists have found that hiding a toxin within yeast and cellulose powder bait holds promise in destroying termite colonies.

(Distributed 09/06/11) HOMER, La. – LSU AgCenter scientists will present the latest information on the two new poultry demonstration houses, managing switchgrass in pine forests for the biofuels market, and beef cattle and forage management at the Hill Farm Field Day on Sept. 15. Registration is at 11 a.m., lunch will be served at noon, and the event starts at 1 p.m.

(Distributed 09/06/11) Sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois reports on the damage to Louisiana's sugarcane by Tropical Storm Lee.

(Radio News 09/06/11) Louisiana’s drought has affected crops and livestock. It’s also affecting the state’s wildlife, particularly deer. LSU AgCenter wildlife specialist Don Reed says this summer’s dry weather has decreased the food supply for deer. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 09/02/11) Over the next several days, Tropical Storm Lee will drench most of Louisiana’s crawfish-producing parishes with rainfall ranging from several inches to possibly more than 20 inches in some isolated areas.

(Video 09/05/11) The desert rose – as the name suggests – is a tough, hardy plant. It doesn’t need much water in the summer, produces beautiful flowers and has an interesting sculpture-looking trunk. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this unique container plant that looks like a miniature tree. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Distributed 09/02/11) The LSU AgCenter has been promoting research-based best management practices in the home landscape for several years to inform residents on how to properly manage their landscape plants. Many problems associated with landscape plants can be overcome easily if proper practices are maintained.

(Distributed 09/01/11) A teacher gave instructions for a science experiment, watching as another teacher pushed a nail connected to a wire into an apple. The teacher wasn’t talking to her students. She was instructing other teachers.

(Radio News 09/01/11) A teacher gave instructions for a science experiment, but she wasn’t talking to her students. She was instructing other teachers. About 125 teachers gathered on LSU’s campus for LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Energy Program. The teachers received an energy curriculum and instruction on conducting experiments relating to renewable and nonrenewable energy and conservation. (Runtime: 2:05)

(Distributed 09/01/11) One of the benefits weed scientists enjoy is the ability to evaluate various compounds or technologies prior to their commercialization. In addition to potential benefits, they also identify potential pitfalls. These can include crop injury, carryover effects to subsequent crops and effects from off-target applications.

(Distributed 08/31/11) Louisiana rice farmers are helping Texas ranchers by providing rice straw to be used as cattle feed in the drought-stricken Lone Star State. The Texans are baling the rice straw for hay and hauling it back to Texas.

(Distributed 08/31/11) Tropical storm season is about the worst time of year for a marsh to burn because of the possibility of a tropical storm surge flooding the soil, according to Andy Nyman, LSU AgCenter associate professor in the School of Renewable Natural Resources.

(Audio 09/05/11) While it still feels like summer in September, plants are preparing for fall and winter. This means gardeners should be cautious about fertilizing certain plants and lawns that need to be hardy heading into winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/05/11) The load of pecan nuts on trees may be fairly heavy in September. As trees get older, the branches get longer and may snap from the weight of the pecans. It is normal even for healthy branches to break. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/05/11) Wet and hot conditions in late summer can cause mushrooms to pop up in lawns. These can be a nuisance, but they don't hurt our lawns. Homeowners also may notice slime mold on their grass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/05/11) Shallots and green onions are popular and easy to grow in home gardens. Growing them does require patience, however. If you plant them now, you won't harvest until spring. You can plant these vegetables using sets. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/05/11) Mature trees are a valuable part of any property. When building a new home or renovating on a lot with trees, make sure to protect the trees from construction damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/31/11) A bowl of cereal can be a great way for school children or anybody to start the morning. Studies show that cereal eaters have better nutrient intakes because cereals provide an important selection of nutrients, said LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.Studies also show cereal can help with weight control.

(Distributed 08/31/11) Three LSU AgCenter administrators have been selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree.

(Radio News 08/30/11) A bowl of cereal can be a great way to start the morning. LSU AgCenter research reveals the healthful benefits of eating cereal. AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says the study suggests that cereal can help with weight control. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 08/30/11) Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate can present numerous challenges to agricultural producers. Numerous insects thrive in this environment and can prove difficult and costly to manage.

(Distributed 08/30/11) Reading to the Heart, the Louisiana sustainable community project, is a five-year literacy program in its final year, but in search of ways to continue helping students increase reading skills.

(Distributed 08/29/11) OAK GROVE, La. – Researchers from the LSU AgCenter’s Sweet Potato Research Station showed growers how to optimize production at a field day on the Lee Jones and Sons Farm on Aug. 24.

(For Release On Or After 09/30/11) Lawn care definitely changes as the weather begins to cool, and by October the growth of warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, centipede, Bermuda and zoysia begins to slow down. As a result, now is not a good time to do anything that would disrupt or damage the turf such as filling, aerification or dethatching.

(For Release On Or After 09/23/11) Many summer-blooming annuals, perennials and vegetables are setting seeds now, and you can harvest the seeds, store them and then grow a new crop of plants for your garden next year. This can be fun, save a little money and allow you to share seed with gardening friends.

(For Release On Or After 09/16 /11) September is one of our most active months for tropical storms and hurricanes. Although parishes in the southern portion of the state are most vulnerable, these powerful storms can and do produce high winds and heavy rains as they move north. And tropical storms aren’t all we have to worry about. Violent summer storms can produce high winds and tornados as well.

(For Release On Or After 09/09/11) One of the most common questions I receive from gardeners is, “What kind of fertilizer should I use?” The gardeners generally assume there must be an easy answer for this if they just tell me what kind of plant they are growing.

(For Release On Or After 09/02/11) In late summer gardeners need to think about two important points of landscape maintenance – fertilizing and pruning. This time of year is the latest we should fertilize lawns, hardy shrubs and ground covers in the landscape. Now is also the time to prune many shrubs, cut back overgrown tropicals and trim some bedding plants.

(Distributed 08/29/11) LAFAYETTE, La. – Louisiana’s First Lady honored a Lake Charles woman Aug 25 for her volunteer work with 4-H.

(Distributed 08/29/11) FOLSOM, La. – Come out to the LSU AgCenter’s first polo tournament on Oct. 2 and watch a few chukkers of this equine sport and help raise money for extension horse programs.

(Distributed 08/26/11) BATON ROUGE – The LSU AgCenter will conduct an eight-week Master Horseman program for adults in the Baton Rouge area, with the first class Sept. 27 at Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 08/26/11) The new Drift series roses were created in response to increased consumer demand for smaller, everblooming plants. Drift roses fit a special niche in the shrub-rose market. These roses are from Conard-Pyle/Star Roses, the same folks that gave us the Knock Out series of low-maintenance landscape roses.

(Radio News 08/25/11) The Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition and the LSU AgCenter will host the 2011 Financial Education Summit Sept. 15-16 at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge. LSU AgCenter economist Jeanette Tucker helped organize the event. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Video News 08/25/11) Louisiana rice farmers are more than halfway through their harvest. Weather created challenges for growers throughout the season, but LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that rice plants seem to have rebounded. (Runtime: 1:53)

(Video 8/29/11) On this edition of Get It Growing, we look at a climbing vine that displays a wonderful profusion of large, colorful flowers. It’s the Alice Dupont mandevilla, and it blooms abundantly during the summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips on growing this graceful, colorful, trellis vine. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio 08/29/11) Transplants have been coddled at the nursery and aren't ready to go straight into the garden. You need to harden them off first by gradually exposing them to more sunlight and less water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/29/11) Home vegetable gardens are very active in September. Gardeners can grow a mix of warm-season and cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/29/11) Late August is a stressful time of the year in our landscapes, but it also is a good time to walk around and evaluate how plants performed throughout the summer. What you learn will help you make planting decisions for next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/29/11) Coleus are among those plants grown not for their flowers but for their colorful foliage. Many coleus varieties are adapted for full sun, but one variety must be grown in the shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/29/11) Homeowners have several options for their grass clippings. One is to keep them on the lawn. This should only be done if you mow frequently. Another is to bag the clippings and use them in a compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/24/11) The Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition in partnership with the LSU AgCenter will host the 2011 Financial Education Summit at the Crowne Plaza hotel Sept. 15-16 in Baton Rouge.

(Radio News 08/23/11) Residents of Louisiana are aware of the potential for natural disasters in the state. With hurricane season becoming more active, LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker encourages residents to put together a grab and go box that contains important documents that can help get your life in order after a disaster. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 08/23/11) John W. Finley, head of the LSU AgCenter Department of Food Science, has been named a fellow of the American Chemical Society.

(Video 08/22/11) Many plants don’t perform well in poorly drained areas. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one that will not only thrive in soggy areas, but will also grow to towering heights while showing off giant, beautiful blooms. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Distributed 08/23/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – The Food Initiative Taskforce (FIT) for Kids taught 20 youth ages 11 to 16 how to eat healthful this summer.

(Distributed 08/23/11) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Natural deer food may be in short supply this year because drought is causing acorns to drop early, and hogs are competing for them.

(Distributed 08/22/11) A two-day workshop on developing outdoor recreation on agricultural lands has been scheduled for Sept. 28-29 at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, La.

(Radio News 08/22/11) Irene is the first hurricane of the season. Although predictions have it hitting the East Coast and steering clear of Louisiana, an active hurricane is a reminder to be prepared for a potential storm. Part of the preparation is having a three-day emergency food supply for everyone in your home. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames explains. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Radio News 08/22/11) The Rice Verification Program started more than a decade ago to help LSU AgCenter specialists confirm under real-world conditions their recommendations for rice production. Certain farms are selected each year to participate. LSU AgCenter agent Barrett Courville was in Allen Parish for the harvest of a verification field. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 08/19/11) LAFAYETTE, La. – A $10,000 donation by the TransCanada pipeline company will help fund construction of a multi-purpose building at the LSU AgCenter Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock, La.

(Radio News 08/19/11) After the difficult season, Ben Leonards, who farms in Allen Parish, is wrapping up his rice harvest. Extreme heat coupled with dry weather affected his crop. To keep water on his fields Leonards had to run his pump through much of the summer. Despite the challenges, he is seeing good yields, but he had hoped for better. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 08/19/11) Late summer through fall when temperatures begin to moderate and growing conditions become more favorable is one of the best times of the year to plant flowering perennials. This includes plants such as purple coneflower, Shasta daisies, gaillardia, rudbeckia, daylilies, verbena and more.

(Distributed 08/17/11) With blueberry production increasing at a rapid rate in southeastern states, the LSU AgCenter and other land grant universities are providing much-needed information for producers and consumers through All About Blueberries, a webpage on the website, eXtension.org.

(Audio 08/22/11) Gardeners growing ever-blooming roses in their landscapes should prune plants in late August or early September. The pruning provides a chance to shape plants before the roses bloom again in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/17/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – Just because a tree has turned brown or dropped leaves during a drought does not mean it is dead.

(Audio 08/22/11) Ajuga is a ground cover that has purple-tinted leaves. It is low-growing and loves the shade. Although it can be prone to fungal infection, certain varieties have better disease resistance than others. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/22/11) Palms can grow across the state, and summer is an ideal time to plant them. To maintain palms, prune old fronds that have turned brown. You also can prune off flower clusters. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/22/11) August is the last month to fertilize Louisiana lawns. Lawn fertilizers will work for several months. By October, we need our lawns to slow down and prepare for winter. No matter when you do it, fertilizing is an option not a necessity. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/22/11) Aquatic features are great in landscapes. They are easy to add and not too difficult to maintain. Those with existing aquatic gardens should make sure the ponds stays clean and has a balanced ecosystem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/17/11) MANSURA, La. – The Louisiana 4 H Hall of Fame now has 12 additional members after an induction ceremony held Aug. 13 at the Louisiana 4 H Museum.

(Distributed 08/15/11) Vadim Kochergin, a researcher with the Audubon Sugar Institute, has been named the director of the Louisiana Institute for Biofuels and Bioprocessing, effective Aug. 15. Both institutes are part of the LSU AgCenter.

(Radio News 08/15/11) Children often come home from school hungry. Youngsters need more than three meals a day so snacking is important. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says to be sure to choose healthy snacks that will help provide the nutrients youngsters need. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/15/11) While youngsters are packing up their backpacks, parents may be packing up lunch bags. Students need something nutritious to sustain them throughout the day, but they also need something safe says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 8/15/11) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime: 1:26)

(Distributed 08/15/11) NEW ORLEANS – Young chefs from four southern states recently competed in the second annual Louisiana 4-H Seafood Cook-off, with the Mississippi team taking top honors.

(Distributed 08/12/11) OAK GROVE, La. – Ways to enhance tourism resources and create new ones in rural areas of Louisiana and Mississippi were featured at the 2011 Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit held Aug. 9-11.

(Radio News 08/12/11) Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. Now that school is starting, parents should make sure their children get a healthful breakfast which can translate into greater success in school. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 08/12/11) Louisiana farmers are more than halfway through the corn harvest. A dry spring and early summer were hard on the crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Distributed 08/12/11) Cristina Sabliov, associate professor in the LSU AgCenter Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering, has received the 2011 New Holland Young Researcher Award.

(Distributed 08/11/12) Copper plants are great foliage plants for the landscape. These go by the scientific name of Acalypha, and they really put on a fantastic show in late summer and fall. You can choose from a tremendous number of these varieties – some old, some new. Proven Winners has introduced several the past few years, and we also have a number that are industry standards in Louisiana – such as Louisiana Red and Opelousas Red.

(Distributed 08/11/11) Raw and undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness, and cooking meat and poultry to recommended temperatures will kill bacteria and decrease the risk of foodborne illness, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food specialist Beth Reames.

(Audio 08/15/11) Ferns are great plants for shady areas in landscapes. Gardeners looking to work in the shade during the hot months or other times of the year will enjoy having ferns. Trim out any dead fronds, and make sure they have adequate mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/15/11) In Louisiana, pears ripen in August and September. Signs that the fruit are ripening include a change of color. They may also soften slightly. Don't let them get too soft. Pears ripen better off the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/10/11) A new chemical for stink bug control on rice has been given federal approval on a limited basis for Louisiana farmers. The chemical Tenchu, made by Mitsui, will be available to treat up to 50,000 acres in Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Natalie Hummel.

(Audio 08/15/11) Milkweed is a perfect plant for attracting monarch butterflies to your garden. It blooms all summer long and is a robust plant. But remember you can't spray insecticides on the milkweed because pesticides can harm caterpillars that will become butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/15/11) For most plants, the hottest time of the year is not the time to divide them. But Louisiana iris are dormant now, and it is the perfect time to dig them up and divide any large clumps. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/15/11) After a summer of vigorous growth outside, a container plant may have outgrown its pot. Signs of a pot-bound plant include roots growing out of the drainage hole or roots on the surface of the soil. Repot a plant to a larger container if you see these issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/10/11) Louisiana corn farmers are wrapping up a difficult year. Dry conditions throughout most of the growing season put stress on the crop.

(Radio News 08/10/11) Corn farmers are wrapping up a difficult year. Dry conditions throughout most of the growing season put stress on the crop. Conditions have been ideal for harvest. LSU AgCenter feed grain specialist John Kruse says the harvest has been mixed with good yields on irrigated corn and average-to-poor yields on dryland corn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

POLLOCK, La – Ask any geologist, and they will tell you their job rocks. Chesapeake Energy Corporation’s geologists feel the same way. Their passion for geology, coupled with a companywide education program, created the This School Rocks interactive presentation, which introduces geology and mineral development to students from elementary to high school.

(Distributed 08/09/11) Two LSU AgCenter researchers recently received more than $87,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support economic opportunities for agricultural producers and businesses.

(Distributed 08/08/11) MANSURA, La. – Exhibit enhancements are under way at the Louisiana 4-H Museum. “The new pieces will create a dynamic, self-guided experience for museum visitors,” said museum coordinator Rose Anne St. Romain. “They will be completed by September 30.”

(Video 08/08/11) Flowers are not the only way to achieve beautiful color in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a dependable, tall-growing plant with beautifully colored foliage. (Runtime: 1:28)

(Distributed 08/05/11) BOSSIER CITY, La. – LSU AgCenter wildlife specialist Don Reed will conduct a deer management meeting Aug. 22 in Bossier City.

(Video News 08/05/11) The latest cotton and soybean research was showcased at a recent LSU AgCenter field day. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on the research aimed at helping farmers make better planting and management decisions. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Distributed 08/05/11) Late August and early September are the time to begin preparing for fall blooms on your roses. Rose flowering and overall performance aren’t great during Louisiana summers, but each year we have the potential to have great fall blooms due to the cooler conditions and typically drier weather.

(Radio News 08/05/11) Information gained from soybean demonstration plots and new disease management strategies are helping farmers grow better soybeans. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy is conducting a soybean study at the Dean Lee Research Station. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Radio News 08/04/11) Louisiana’s soybean crop suffered from drought stress early in the growing season, but LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy says conditions are improving. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 08/04/11) Twenty-three youth from around the state participated in the 2011 Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program Summer Institute held July 18-22 on the LSU-Baton Rouge campus, according to LSU AgCenter program coordinator Bradley Leger.

(Distributed 08/04/11) Cathleen Williams, an associate professor in the LSU AgCenter School of Animal Sciences, has been named the 2011 winner of the Land O’Lakes/Purina LLC Teaching Award in Dairy Production, which is presented by the American Dairy Science Association to recognize outstanding teaching of undergraduate students in dairy science.

(Distributed 08/04/11) The LSU AgCenter will host an on-farm sweet potato field day Aug. 24 in northeast Louisiana.

(Radio News 08/03/11) A series of research trials will help farmers gain a better understanding of the factors that affect cotton variety performance. LSU AgCenter agronomist Brooks Blanche is conducting the research, which includes a study of cotton varieties and planting dates. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 08/02/11) HOMER, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station has scheduled a field day for Thursday, Sept. 15.

(Audio 08/08/11) Eggplants and bell peppers are important in Louisiana cuisine, and gardeners may still have these vegetables in their gardens. If the plants are kept in good shape, they'll produce another crop when the weather begins to cool. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/08/11) Pecans are forming and growing on pecan trees. Dry conditions could cause pecans to drop prematurely, and the heavy weight of pecans could cause branches to break. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/08/11) The colorful foliage of coleus works well in the summer flower garden. To take care of these plants this time of the year, cut off their flowers to allow them to grow more foliage. Fertilizer will help them grow more vigorously. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/08/11) Hanging baskets allow people a different perspective on plants. If you have plants that have overgrown their baskets, trim them back. For trailing plants that have grown too long, wrap the plants back up in their pots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/08/11) Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on plants. Because they are hard to see, they can build up a large population before gardeners realize it. White flies also are small insects. Both spider mites and white flies attack a wide variety of plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 08/26/11) We are fortunate that everblooming roses produce two really great seasons of bloom in Louisiana. The first outstanding season occurs in spring and early summer from April to early June. Roses continue to bloom through the summer, but the flowers produced in mid- to late summer generally don’t have the quality of the flowers produced earlier.

(For Release On Or After 08/19/11) Reading garden books has always been a favorite pastime of mine, and I still keep my most useful references close at hand. But I have to admit that more and more I find myself doing research on my computer. The amount of information on the Internet about gardening is nothing short of awesome.

(Video News 08/02/11) Weather delayed planting of this year’s Louisiana sweet potato crop, but farmers managed to get it in the ground. The demand for sweet potatoes has been on the rise in recent years. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that Louisiana growers and a new processing facility are working to meet that demand. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 08/02/11) ST. JOSEPH, La. – With help from a grant from the United Soybean Board, the LSU AgCenter is looking at best management options to maximize soybean yield in Louisiana.

(For Release On Or After 08/12/11) Bromeliads are a wonderful group of tropical or semi-tropical plants that are very popular container plants. Because they are easy to grow, colorful and stay in bloom for a long time, they are also commonly used by florist as gift plants. As a result, even people who are not familiar with bromeliads sometimes find themselves the owner of a plant they do not know how to grow.

(For Release On Or After 08/05/11) When gardeners get together and someone compliments a plant, it’s not unusual for the admirer to be offered a “piece” to take home and root. Sharing plants is one of the pleasures of gardening. Getting that piece – or cutting – to survive and grow into a new plant is the challenge.

(Distributed 08/01/11) ARCADIA, La. – Jurors Empowering Teens, a Bienville Parish program the LSU AgCenter oversees, completed its fourth year July 29 as 12 youth who are employed by the police jury completed their summer jobs.

(Radio News 08/01/11) Louisiana saw unusual weather in the spring with high temperatures followed by unseasonably cold weather and extremely dry conditions. This affected the emergence, growth and development of crops planted during this period and has caused plants to mature at different rates. LSU AgCenter entomologist Rogers Leonard explains. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 08/01/11) Seed treatments have replaced many soil insecticides that farmers use to control insects that attack cotton seedlings. LSU AgCenter entomologist Rogers Leonard says the seed treatments provide some level of insect control, but it’s not always enough. (Runtime: 1:15)