(Distributed 07/30/08) Even in our summer of financial discontent, many teenagers are still concerned with concerts, cosmetics and who’s kissing whom, but things were different when 70 students from the University of New Orleans’ Classic Upward Bound program recently participated in LSU AgCenter’s “Welcome to the Real World” program.

(Distributed 07/29/08) Farmers in North Louisiana heard the latest information about cotton variety trials, insects and weeds from LSU AgCenter faculty at a field tour July 22.

(Distributed 07/29/08) The 2008 Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit will be held Aug. 12-14 at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center in Vicksburg, Miss.

(Distributed 07/29/08) Now that the Asian citrus psyllid has been discovered in Louisiana, LSU AgCenter agents are learning what to look for to help stop it.

(Distributed 07/28/08) NEW IBERIA – Sugarcane farmers heard about alternative crops and new cane varieties under development during field days July 24 and 25 in Iberia Parish. On July 24, farmers met at the Iberia Research Station to see test plots of new cane varieties and sweet sorghum.

(Distributed 07/28/08) People who want to learn more about biodiesel are invited to a workshop at the Rayville Civic Center on Aug. 27. Hosted by the LSU AgCenter, the workshop starts at 8 a.m. and will end at noon. Dr. Bill Carney, LSU AgCenter environmental educator, will give an illustrated talk on biodiesel production.

(Distributed 07/25/08) ST. MARTINVILLE – New sugarcane varieties are increasing yields, but diseases pose a constant threat, farmers were told by LSU AgCenter researchers at a recent sugarcane field day here. The July 18 session was held for farmers in St. Martin, Lafayette and St. Landry parishes. Researchers told farmers that developing new varieties is an ongoing effort.

(Distributed 07/25/08) Shreveport teens are getting a taste of gardening in an LSU AgCenter summer activity – and learning a whole host of science and math concepts in the process. Grace Peterson, LSU AgCenter Family Nutrition Program coordinator, conducts classes for participants in a Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation (SPAR) summer program.

(Distributed 07/25/08) Hot summer weather signals the importance of getting enough fluids to stay hydrated and prevent heat-related illnesses – especially for senior citizens. Older people are at high risk for developing heat-related illness at this time, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/24/08) RAYVILLE – Work continues on development of a Clearfield medium-grain rice variety, but an unexpected challenge has delayed the process, an LSU AgCenter rice breeder said at the Northeast Louisiana Rice Field Day here on July 21.