(Video News 12/04/12) 4-H club days are more exciting at schools in Madison Parish where a mobile technology lab is changing the way meetings are conducted. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard explains. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Distributed 12/11/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisianians battling crazy ants now have a new weapon with the announcement of a special label to use the insecticide Termidor on crazy ants in Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring.

(Audio 12/31/12) Weed control is still necessary during winter. Cool-season weeds can withstand Louisiana's relatively mild winters. Lawn weeds are more obvious this time of the year, so consider controlling them with broadleaf weed killers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) Nurseries and garden centers are stocking roses that Louisiana gardeners can plant this time of the year. If mail-ordering roses, you need to get them in as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 12/31/12) Many of Louisiana’s crops had record or near record high yields in 2012, and sugarcane is no exception. Most of the crop is in, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says farmers have been pleased with the harvest. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Audio 12/31/12) Gardeners should have planted their cool-season bedding plants by now. These plants will need water and fertilizer to keep them looking fresh during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) With the holidays over, you may wonder what to do with the plants used to decorate during the Christmas season. Poinsettias should be composted, but Christmas cactus can live for many years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/31/12) January is usually the coldest month of the year in Louisiana. Vegetables planted this month must be able to withstand the cold. Some root crops and leafy vegetables can be direct seeded. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/28/12) HAMMOND, La. – Winter is here, and this leads to many questions about protecting landscape plants during the cold months of December, January and February.

(Distributed 12/21/12) WEST MONROE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct several educational programs during the 2013 Ag Expo scheduled for Jan. 18-19 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center.

(Video 12/31/12) Holly plants have always been synonymous with the Christmas season — because of their deep green foliage and bright red fruits. But even though Christmas and New Year’s Day are almost past, you can still plant these festive trees and shrubs in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some of the best holly plants available at your local nurseries right now. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Video News 12/21/12) 2012 was a good year for Louisiana farmers. They benefited from high yields and prices. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Audio News 12/21/12) Farmers have harvested approximately 80 percent of the state’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says it’s been an ideal harvest. (Runtime: 1:10 seconds)

(Distributed 12/21/12) HAMMOND, La., -- Plucking fresh fruit from your own orchard can be a delicious way to add beauty and taste to your home landscape. The best time to plant fruit trees in Louisiana is now through January. Plant now, and you can pick your own fruit at home later.

(Distributed 12/20/12) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct six clinics for rice farmers to provide growers with valuable information for the 2013 crop.

(Audio 12/20/12) Drought conditions and a hurricane didn’t keep Louisiana farmers from having a really good year. Many of the state’s major commodities saw record yields and historically high prices. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said good production practices and a lot of luck with the weather helped. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 12/20/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Oysters and prunes may not have a lot in common, but in Subramaniam Sathivel’s lab, these are two of the products chefs are working with to develop new foods for consumers. The LSU AgCenter food engineer specializes in cryopreservation and shelf stabilization of foods.

(Video News 12/19/12) As women age, they are at risk for osteoporosis and can lose strength, balance and flexibility. An LSU AgCenter nutrition agent is helping women in her community become "Strong Women." LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard attended one of their workout sessions. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Audio 12/19/12) Rock 'n' roll music from the 60s plays from an iPhone as women – most of them retired – gather in a circle for their morning workout. This is a Strong Women class, part of a national program that promotes strength training for midlife and older woman. LSU AgCenter nutrition agent Debbie Melvin started the class five years ago in Lafourche Parish to help women in her community improve muscle mass, bone density and overall function as they age. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 12/19/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Despite drought conditions and a hurricane, 2012 was an excellent year for Louisiana farmers. Many of the state’s major commodities saw record yields and historically high prices. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said good production practices and a lot of luck with the weather helped.

(Distributed 12/18/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter scientists are working with researchers at Columbia University and Iowa State University on an environmentally friendly substance that could be used to clean up oil spills.

(Audio 12/24/12) Late December to early January is the time to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs that have been chilling in the vegetable bins of your refrigerator. It is too late to buy bulbs because they haven't been properly chilled. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) After the holidays, people wonder what to do with the plants they used to decorate their homes. Poinsettias are not easy to grow in the landscape, so they should be discarded. Keep your holiday cactus because it will bloom for you year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) There is nothing like fresh food from the garden. This time of year can be busy, but don't forget to harvest vegetables that are growing in your garden. Listen more to hear how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) Tropical plants can be damaged during winter freezes. You will need to prune freeze damage. Prune the herbaceous tropical plants, such as gingers, soon after the damage occurs. Wait to prune woody tropicals until spring when new growth would start to appear. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/24/12) Don't be surprised if you have roses blooming for Christmas. They don't require a lot of effort this time of the year. Deadhead them as they continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/18/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and Southern University Agricultural Center recognized staff and faculty members for outstanding service and research at a joint conference on Dec. 17-18.

(Distributed 12/14/12) CLINTON, La. – Learning to burn safely was the main topic of the State Prescribed Burning Certification workshop held at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station on Dec. 12-14.

(Audio News 12/14/12) Oysters and prunes may not have a lot in common, but in Subramaniam Sathivel’s lab, these are two of the products chefs are working with to develop new foods for consumers. The LSU AgCenter researcher specializes in cryopreservation and shelf stabilization of foods. He is partnering with Motivatit Seafoods to help them produce oyster and spinach ravioli. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 12/14/12) HAMMOND, La. – Sasanquas are one of our most popular flowering shrubs for late fall through early winter. They go by the scientific name of Camellia sasanqua.

(Audio News 12/13/12) The LSU AgCenter is starting food business incubator – a shared facility where food companies can come to develop food products for the wholesale market. Gaye Sandoz will coordinate it. The incubator will be housed on campus. The location will allow faculty from the LSU AgCenter’s food science department and LSU’s business department to consult with incubator’s tenants. Sandoz also will offer marketing support. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Audio 12/17/12) Amaryllis is a wonderful spring-flowering bulb. The bulbs are dried by growers for shipping, making them ready to bloom around Christmas. Pot them indoors now, and save the bulbs for planting in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/13/12)BATON ROUGE, La. – Buck moths on the wing in December conjure up thoughts of buck moth caterpillars in the yard in spring. And large numbers of buck moths flying in south Louisiana this season suggest buck moth caterpillars will abound next spring, according to experts at the LSU AgCenter.

(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana landscapes have fewer pest problems in winter than in summer, but weeds can still be an issue for some gardeners. Mulch and weed killers can keep cool-season weeds under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/13/12) Seed companies send out their catalogues this time of the year. They are filled with wonderful plants. If you are considering order from a catalog or online, make sure the plants your chose are suitable for Louisiana and your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 12/24/12) Now’s a great time for cool-season vegetables. You can have even more of a good thing by carefully maximizing the vegetables you grow in your rows. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains this efficient process called intercropping. (Runtime: 1:16)

(Video 12/17/12) Most plants are fertilized during spring. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why some plants need to be fertilized during winter. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Distributed 12/13/13) CORONADO ISLAND, Calif. – Don Groth, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist, received the Rice Industry Award at the annual USA Rice Outlook Conference. In addition, Ernest Girouard, coordinator of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, received the Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award.

(Audio 12/17/12) Louisiana gardeners must protect their tropical plants during freezing weather. Container plants can be brought inside. Plants in the ground can be mulched or covered. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/17/12) Pecans are popular in holiday baking. The holiday season also is a good time to plant pecan trees. Pecan trees grow large, and the wood is brittle. Be sure not to plant them close to homes or structures. Also, choose the right variety for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two LSU AgCenter faculty members were recognized for receiving professorships at a reception on Dec. 7.

(Audio 12/12/12) Many individuals are limited to their homes, hospital rooms or nursing homes, and this can be particularly tough during the holidays says LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser. Those who are homebound may feel a loss of control over their environment, and that loss is compounded this time of the year. If you know someone in this situation, make time to visit them if possible. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Audio News 12/12/12) The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but for many, this time of the year can bring stress and anxiety. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser says trying to achieve the perfect holiday can bring about worry and tension. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 12/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but for many, this time of the year can bring stress and anxiety. “Everything is red and green about the holidays, but a lot of people are experiencing the blues,” said LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser.

(Distributed 12/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – For the past month, Louisiana strawberry growers have been producing a nice crop, and as long as the weather is cool, berries should continue to be available, according to Regina Bracy, resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 12/11/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fruit and vegetable growers from across the state attended a fall field day at Burden on Dec. 10 to learn about the latest research being conducted by the LSU AgCenter.

(Video 12/10/12) Indoor greenery can add a nice accent to your home’s interior while improving the air quality. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to dracaenas — a beautiful group of plants that offer a nice diversity of choices. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio News 12/10/12) Technology may be blamed for contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic, but LSU AgCenter agents are using it to help combat the problem. Nutrition agents in 10 parishes will use iPads to teach third-graders health and nutrition lessons with a program called Body Quest, Food for the Warrior. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser explains. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 12/07/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is in the process of establishing a food business incubator and has hired a veteran food consultant to coordinate it.

(Video 12/3/12) If you’re searching for a unique gift, you might consider a Get It Growing calendar or a living Christmas tree this season. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, they’re both gifts that certainly keep giving throughout the year. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Audio 12/10/12) Gardeners who have left over seeds from spring and summer planting can store them in a cool, dry place for use next year. A vegetable bin in a refrigerator is a good place to keep them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/07/12) HAMMOND, La. – As we approach the end of fall and the beginning of winter, we may have oak leaves and pine needles lying around in our landscapes in abundance. What can we do with these products? How about using them for mulch in our landscape beds, around our trees and in our vegetable gardens?

(Distributed 12/07/12) Landowners interested in outdoor recreation, horse owners, and others interested in existing outdoor enterprises are invited to attend a horseback riding workshop in conjunction with the Ag Expo in West Monroe on Jan. 18.

(Audio 12/10/12) Evergreens don't always stay completely green. In winter some evergreen leaves can take on a purple hue or turn orange, yellow and scarlet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/06/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – It may be the ultimate “silver bullet” – an extremely small particle made of iron coated with ceramic and silver and finally a powerful drug that can find its way through the human body to target a deep infection – and treat it.

(Audio 12/10/12) All the leaves trees drop this time of the year should be reused in our landscapes. They can be used as mulch around flowers, vegetables or shrubs. Leaves can also be turned into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/12) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow camellias. They are wonderful winter-blooming shrubs. Winter also is a great time to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/06/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Technology may be blamed for contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic, but LSU AgCenter nutrition agents are using it to help combat the problem. Extension agents in 10 parishes will use iPads to teach third-graders health and nutrition lessons with a program called Body Quest

(Audio 12/10/12) Freezing temperatures can damage some of the tender plants used in Louisiana landscapes. But gardeners must remember they need to look at the real temperature, not the wind chill, while determining when to protect plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/06/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana’s cotton crop has been picked, baled and ginned. Large rectangular bales sitting by the fields are a common sight during the harvest season. But in some areas of the state, round bales are replacing the more familiar cotton modules.

(Distributed 12/05/12) MARINGOUIN, La. – School gardens in Point Coupee Parish can make improvements in technology thanks to a $10,000 grant to purchase needed equipment.

(Distributed 12/04/12) CROWLEY, La. – Two scientists at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station were honored Nov. 26 with named professorships. LSU AgCenter crawfish researcher Ray McClain was named to the Doyle Chambers Distinguished Professorship, and LSU AgCenter molecular biologist Herry Utomo was named to the F. Avalon Daggett Professorship in Rice Research.

(For Release On Or After 12/28/12) Our winter landscapes look decidedly different from our landscapes in summer. The major reasons for this are that many of our shade trees drop their leaves in winter, and in their leafless state their appearance is stark and bare. In addition, our lawn grasses go dormant and turn brown.

(For Release On Or After 12/21/12) This time of year when we have brought many of our container tropicals inside for the winter, we need to be on the lookout for pest problems. When they do happen, indoor pest infestations can be devastating if not dealt with promptly, effectively and safely.

(For Release On Or After 12/14/12) The majority of plants in our landscapes are completely winter hardy. The primary concern during freezes is our tender plants in the ground or in outdoor containers. These plants – native to tropical regions of the world where it never freezes – do not have the ability to protect themselves from sub-freezing temperatures. If we want them to survive freezing temperatures during winter, we must provide protection for them.

(For Release On Or After 12/07/12) We use a variety of decorative plants to dress up our homes during the holidays. Poinsettias, holiday cactuses and living Christmas trees, in particular, play an important part in decking the halls. How well you care for them once you get them home has a lot to do with how long they will stay attractive.

(Distributed 12/04/12) SPRINGFIELD, La. – Elementary school students from Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes learned the importance of wetlands during Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day on Nov. 29 at Tickfaw State Park.

(Audio 12/03/12) Winter gardening activites don't really stop, but they do slow down. You can put away lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. Make sure you store these tools properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Gardeners can keep their beds blooming with cool-season flowers. Consider planting Louisiana Super Plants such as Amazon dianthus, Swan columbine and Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Plants such as poinsettias and Christmas cactuses brighten our homes during the holidays. Make sure you take care of these plants to get the most out of them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) When buying a real Christmas tree, make sure you are buying the freshest available. Check the tree's needles and fragrance. Also, consider getting a tree from a choose-and-cut tree farm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/03/12) Vegetable gardeners can remain active through winter. Many wonderful vegetables only grow during this time of the year. Consider planting beets, carrots and cabbage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)