(Video News 07/13/12) Gardening enthusiasts didn’t have to get their hands dirty at the LSU AgCenter’s Garden Fest at Burden Center. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard attended the event, which included field tours, taste testing and a plant sale. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video News 07/11/12) The Louisiana rice crop is maturing early this year thanks to a mild winter and spring. But these weather conditions also may have helped a rice disease thrive. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Radio News 07/09/12) Louisiana’s rice crop is maturing ahead of schedule. Growers were able to take advantage of mild conditions and plant early. The disease blast has caused problems this year, but LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk says farmers haven’t had too many other issues. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Audio 07/06/12) Rice farmers always have to contend with diseases, but the disease rice blast typically isn’t a big problem for them. This year is different, and farmers are seeing an unusual amount of blast in their fields. LSU AgCenter rice breeder and rice station director Steve Linscombe explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/02/12) Picture-perfect triangles of watermelon entice Adam and Andrew Manuel. The brothers were trying different varieties with names like Sangria, Tiger Gold and Dessert King, and Adam’s preference wasn’t the obvious choice. The Manuels were attending the Garden Fest at LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center with their grandmother. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video News 07/02/12) Lawmakers are shaping farm policy, but a new farm bill could decrease protection for Louisiana growers. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Radio News 07/02/12) Louisiana’s cotton crop is off to a good start. Farmers were able to plant early, and June rains helped growth, says LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse. (Runtime: 1:10)