(Distributed 10/29/08) A former 4-H’er found out the lessons he learned in his Bossier Parish 4-H club 50 years ago came in handy halfway around the world in helping a war-torn nation. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Lane Killen, who now resides at Fort Polk in Vernon Parish, used his knowledge of raising sheep and leadership in his job as an agricultural adviser on the Diyala Provincial Reconstruction Team in Iraq from May 10, 2007, to March 16, 2008.

(Radio News 10/27/08) LSU AgCenter researchers are looking for alternative sources of energy. High diesel prices are hurting farmers, but experts say new sources of energy might be as close as the farmers' fields. LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Don Boquet says farmers are reluctant to grow crops for biofuel because of the lack of processing facilities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/27/08) A plot of sweet sorghum towers over other crops at the LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research Station near Alexandria. LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Don Boquet is studying the sorghum as a potential biofuel source. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/27/08) Fall is a great time to plant shrubs and trees into your landscape. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a purplish-looking plant that can be grown as a shrub or as a tree. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Radio News 10/27/08) The invasive species giant salvinia has been spreading through Louisiana’s waterways for nearly a decade. The plant reproduces rapidly and chokes the life out of the ponds and lakes it infests. LSU AgCenter weed scientist Dr. Dearl Sanders says homeowners with ornamental ponds actually started the spread of the aquatic weed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/27/08) Researchers with the LSU AgCenter are trying a biological method to control the aquatic weed giant salvinia. It's a weevil that destroys the invasive weed by biting off the bud of the plant, according to LSU AgCenter weed scientist Dr. Dearl Sanders. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/27/08) Hurricanes Gustav and Ike damaged many trees across the state. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says this could increase insect activity in trees. Beetles are attracted to decaying wood as a place to lay their eggs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/27/08) Persimmons are popular fruit trees you can plant in your home orchard. They are easy to grow and they are not prone to any major insect or disease problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/27/08) Although our trees really don't begin dropping their leaves until November, you can start thinking about what to do with these leaves when they fall. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends composting them or using them for mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/27/08) Hydrangeas are unique plants that come in lovely shades of blue or pink. They are unusual because the availability of aluminum in the soil dictates their color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)