October
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Louisiana dairy farmers hang on despite high feed, fuel, fertilizer costs
(Distributed 11/02/12) FRANKLINTON, La. – While many agricultural producers have experienced improved conditions over the past few years, dairy farmers still are trying to recover from the hard years, especially 2009, according to LSU AgCenter researcher Mike McCormick, resident coordinator at the Southeast Research Station.

Cattle ranchers learn basics of marsh burning
(Distributed 10/31/12) GRAND LAKE, La. – Cattle owners and ranch managers in Cameron Parish learned the basics of smoke management in prescribed burns used to control coastal marsh vegetation. Niels De Hoop, LSU AgCenter forestry specialist, said prescribed burning is a tool used by foresters, sugarcane farmers, and in marshland for cattle at a meeting here on Oct. 30.

Rice board approves funding 17 research projects for $1.3 million
Linda Z and Jackie L

(Distributed 10/31/12) CROWLEY, La. – The Louisiana Rice Research Board met Oct. 29 to decide how funds from checkoff money should be spent on research projects to benefit fellow farmers. The board approved $1.3 million in funding for 17 projects, after hearing several hours of presentations from LSU AgCenter scientists.

LSU AgCenter helps improve Internet access in rural areas
(Distributed 10/31/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is working with residents in certain rural areas of Louisiana who are still experiencing difficulty receiving broadband Internet services.

Sorbet violas, beautiful new Super Plant
Sorbet Viola
(Video 11/5/12) The LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill highlights the tough and beautiful Sorbet viola. (Runtime: 1:50)
Scientists study potential value of switchgrass in Louisiana
harvesting switchgrass
(Distributed 10/30/12) ARCHIBALD, La. – Michael Blazier is familiar with growing trees. As an LSU AgCenter forestry researcher, he has been involved in many timber-related projects that have helped determine the most efficient methods for producing quality lumber. Now, he is working on growing switchgrass, a fast-growing native plant that shows promise as a biofuel feedstock.
Food Day event teaches students about nutrition, food security
(Audio News 10/26/12) Students at Glasgow Middle School in Baton Rouge learned about the importance of healthful eating and food security during the school's Food Day celebration. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Kiki Fontenot was in the first booth students came to, handing out the tools to help them start a salad. (Runtime: 1:10)
AT&T gives $25,000 to new building at 4-H camp
Group Shot
(Distributed 10/26/12) POLLOCK, La. – A donation by AT&T will help fund the first phase of construction of a multipurpose center at the LSU AgCenter 4-H Camp Grant Walker. Sonia Perez, AT&T president for Louisiana operations, presented a $25,000 check to Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension, on Oct. 25.
Students learn nutrition, gardening at Food Day
Kiki Fontenot
(Distributed 10/25/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Students at Glasgow Middle School streamed out of their gymnasium with hands full of fruit, vegetables, seeds and sandwiches. The sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders were participating in the school’s Food Day program.
Evergreen sweetbay magnolia gets La. Super Plant distinction
(Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners looking to plant an evergreen tree should consider the evergreen sweetbay magnolia. The tree is native to the state and is a Louisiana Super Plant selection for fall 2012. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Don't leave leaves on lawns
(Audio 10/25/12) In November leaves start falling from deciduous trees. Don't leave thick layers of leaves on your lawn or ground covers. You can pick up fallen leaves with a bag attachment on a mower and use the leaves for mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Sorbet violas, Cool Wave pansies make ideal cool-season plants
cool wave pansies
(Distributed 10/25/12) HAMMOND, LA. – The ideal planting time for cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana runs from late September through early December. Some of our common cool-season flowers prefer the earlier planting dates and some prefer the later planting dates.
Classes use nutrition lesson to teach Web skills
(Distributed 10/25/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is helping individuals get comfortable using the Internet while also teaching them about nutrition guidelines.
Prepare to harvest fall tomatoes
(Audio 10/29/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a crop of fall tomatoes. It's too late to plant them this season if you didn't do that already, but those who did grow a crop should harvest their tomatoes before a frost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)