(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)
(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)
(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)
(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 12/26/11) 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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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 12/22/11) 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)
(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 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)
(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)
(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)
(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)
(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)