(Distributed 04/18/12) The LSU AgCenter will spotlight Louisiana agriculture in a fun, interactive educational setting during its annual AgMagic event April 23-29 at the Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. AgMagic is designed to give children and adults an enjoyable way to learn how food, clothing, lumber and other products are all part of a complex agricultural system. It also shows them the important connections among agriculture, the environment and their lives.

(Distrubuted 04/18/12) The LSU AgCenter recognized 17 new members of its Patent and PVP Club at a reception April 17 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 04/17/12) A new sports drink is hitting the market, and its origins are in Louisiana. It’s called EX5. The “5” refers to the drink’s five benefits – quicker recovery, less sodium, lower calories, more electrolytes and less sugar, says inventor Brian Brothers, of Covington, La.

(Distributed 04/17/12) Louisiana rice farmers are wrapping up their planting season, marked by heavy rainfall in some areas and warm temperatures.

(Distributed 04/17/12) JEANERETTE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station will hold a field day for beef cattle producers on May 5.

(Distributed 04/17/12) WINNSBORO, La. – Despite a dry planting season this past fall and a relatively wet and warm winter growing season, Louisiana wheat farmers can expect to harvest a good crop, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

(Distributed 04/17/12) The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will host an open house for nursery, landscape, retail garden center, irrigation and related industry professionals.

(Distributed 04/16/12) MANSURA, La. – A dozen supporters of 4-H will be honored May 19 when they are inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be from 1-3 p.m. at the 4-H Museum at 8592 La. Highway 1, also the LSU AgCenter Extension Office for Avoyelles Parish.

(Distributed 04/13/12) From now until early May, a tiny black fly known as the turkey gnat can cause problems for birds, especially caged or cooped poultry. The swarming of these gnats can disturb poultry and cause them to injure themselves or pile up on each other, which can lead to suffocation and death, said LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Theresia Lavergne.

(Distributed 04/13/12) The LSU AgCenter Burden Center is moving forward with its plans to become more of a Baton Rouge destination than just a research station through the help of private donations.