(Video News 10/15/12) A poorly maintained football field could be as dangerous as a 300-pound defensive tackle. The LSU AgCenter established the Field of Excellence program to improve high school football fields. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Video News 10/22/12) Louisiana’s cotton harvest has had some delays. Cotton must be dry when picked, and rain has come just frequently enough to keep farmers out of the fields. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Video 10/01/12) You may be wondering what to do with those round green balls you see on your crape myrtles. Those are seed pods that form after blooms fade away. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill answers some common questions about crape myrtle seed pods. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Video 10/15/12) Crape myrtles grow well in Louisiana. Now is a great time to plant them and other hardy trees. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a strikingly attractive new crape myrtle called Black Diamond. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video 10/8/12) You can find cool-season vegetables at your local nurseries. Now is the time to get them planted. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides some tips for planting cole crops like cabbage and broccoli. (Runtime: 1:44)

(Video 10/22/12) 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 Conversation Piece azalea, a beautiful blooming machine. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Distributed 10/03/12) WINNSBORO, La. – A poorly maintained football field could be as dangerous as a 300-pound defensive tackle. Having healthy turf on a high school field helps the athletes play stronger and safer.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Distributed 10/16/12) NEW ORLEANS – Orleans Parish 4-H club members at Success Preparatory Academy in New Orleans took time away from regular school activities on Oct. 10 to build robots as part of the National Youth Science Day Ecobot Challenge.

(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)

(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)

(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.

(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)

(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)

(Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners may notice yellow leaves on their evergreens. Sometimes this can indicate a problem, but this time of the year it is likely old leaves dying and then falling off the plant. This is natural part of the plant's lifecycle. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/29/12) Gardeners can keep their vegetable gardens active during winter by planting cool-season vegetables in late October or early November. Listen to hear which vegetables can tolerate the cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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.

(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.

(Distributed 10/23/12) BATON ROUGE, La. — Scientists at the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station have been known for genetic research on farm-raised fish, but that research is evolving into genetics in the biomedical arena.

(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.

(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)

(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.

(Video 10/29/12) Fall means some nice colors on trees and plants in Louisiana. If you’re one who complains there’s not enough color, you can do something about it. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shows you some plants that can make your landscape burst with those warm fall shades of orange, red and gold. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio News 10/19/12) LSU AgCenter researchers are using the poultry demonstration houses at the Hill Farm Research Station to test a new type of poultry bedding product made of recycled cardboard. LSU AgCenter animal scientist Bill Owens says the makers of the product claim it does a better job of absorbing ammonia than conventional litter. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 10/19/12) Each fall, trial gardens, such as those located at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station, compile results from entries and name the best-performing of the new plants for the next year.

(Audio News 10/18/12) Timber is highest grossing agricultural commodity in Louisiana, but that doesn’t stop forestry researchers at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station from looking at new ways to increase its value. Michael Blazier is studying pine trees mixed with hardwood trees such as red oak. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Audio 10/22/12) Gardeners transitioning their bedding plants may want to plant the hardy Louisiana Super Plant Sorbet viola. It is considered the best viola out there. Look for Louisiana Super Plant displays at garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/12) Shade trees may need some care after a long summer. Trees that were affected by Hurricane Isaac may need pruning. Call a licensed arborist to help tackle this task. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/12) Scales are common insects are a wide variety of ornamental plants. They don't move much on plants and protect themselves under a waxy coating, so you may not notice them. Scales can be controlled with horticulture oils. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/12) If you look around this time of the year you may notice native wildflowers coming into bloom. You can find a variety of flowers. If you find some you like, plant your own wildflower meadow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distibuted 10/17/19/12) BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU AgCenter held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Model School and Children’s Garden at Burden on Oct. 16.

(Audio 10/22/12) Winterizers are advertised this time of the year, but they are optional here in Louisiana. If you do winterize, chose one with low nitrogen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/17/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Several Louisiana organizations concerned with food production and distribution have planned a Food Access Summit Nov. 7 at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. The purpose is to promote communication among these various groups.

(Distributed 10/17/12) HAMMOND, La. – Plants, shrubs, diseases and plant growth regulators were among the topics presented at the landscape field day held at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station on Oct. 11.

(Distributed 10/16/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will offer two training courses for housing professionals seeking a Mold Remediation Contractor license, lead renovator certification by EPA and Louisiana Residential Contractors continuing education units and who are interested in unbiased, building science-based information and insights.

(Audio10/15/12) Spring-flowering bulbs are available at nurseries this time of the year. October until early December is a good time to plant most bulbs. Tulips and hyacinth need to be refrigerated and planted early next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio10/15/12) In October, gardeners can start transitioning their flower beds to cool-season plants. Look at nurseries or garden centers for the Louisiana Super Plant Sorbet viola.

(Distributed 10/15/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – If you have questions about sick plants or garden pests and can’t find the answer, then come ask the LSU AgCenter “plant doctor” for a free diagnosis at the Lowe’s Garden Center at Siegen Marketplace in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Oct. 27.

(Distributed 10/12/12) HAMMOND, La. – A few cool fronts have already moved across the state, and we soon will have cooler temperatures that will favor the establishment and growth of cool-season flowers.

(Distributed 10/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter entomologist Tim Schowalter has been selected to be among the first group of Fellows named by the Ecological Society of America, the world’s largest professional organization for ecologists and environmental scientists.

(Audio 10/12/12) Rain slowed the state’s cotton harvest. Cotton needs ample time to dry out before farmers can pick it, and it seems once the cotton dries out, rain falls again. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse says even with frequent rain, the weather hasn’t been too hard on the crop. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 10/04/12) GRAMERCY, La – Over 500 students from kindergarten through second grade attended the St. James Parish Ag Day on Oct. 3 to learn where their favorite t food comes from, according to LSU AgCenter county agent Kenneth Guidry.

(Distributed 10/11/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – A Louisiana man will be posthumously inducted in the National 4-H Hall of Fame on Oct. 12 in Chevy Chase, Md. Leroy Robbins, from East Baton Rouge Parish, is one of 16 inductees.

(Distributed 10/11/12) RAYNE, La. – Classes for the first phase of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program will be held this fall.

(Distributed 10/10/12) HOMER, La. – LSU AgCenter scientists gave advice on how to make more money to forest land owners, cattle producers and poultry producers gathered for the Hill Farm Research Station field day Oct. 9.

(Distributed 10/10/12) LSU AgCenter researchers are looking at eight key racial and ethnic groups in the Gulf of Mexico region to document their ties to the oil and gas industry and to examine the experiences of each group.

(Distributed 10/10/12) The LSU AgCenter will conduct a one-day comprehensive workshop on how to make your own biodiesel fuel from used vegetable oil on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the W.A. Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge.

(Audio 10/15/12) Caladiums are a great bedding plant for shady areas. Gardeners can dig caladium tubers this time of the year and store them for next year. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/15/12) Hydrangeas are popular shrubs for shady areas. They are deciduous, dropping their leaves in winter. You can change the color of your hydrangeas by adding aluminum sulfate or lime to your soil in October and again in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/15/12) Gardeners can have beautiful blooming azaleas in fall. The Encore azaleas will bloom over multiple seasons. The Robin Hill azalea, Conversation Piece, has been designated a Louisiana Super Plant and will bloom in spring and fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/05/12) The most popular and widely sold variety of Robin Hill azalea in Louisiana is Conversation Piece. It has been named our first LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plant for this fall.

(Audio 10/01/12) Sweet peas are a cool-season annual vine that can be planted in the fall. They bloom in March and April and have a wonderful fragrance and beautiful colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 10/04/12) Having healthy turf on a football field is about more than just good looks. It also helps the athletes play stronger and safer. Weeds or holes in the field can trip players. Compacted ground can lead to injuries. The LSU AgCenter is working with high school coaches through their Field of Excellence program to improve their playing surface. (Runtime: 145)

(Audio 10/01/12) Find decoration inspiration in nature. Seed pods, acorns and pine cones can all be used to decorate your home. Look around outside to find what could make your inside more beautiful. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/03/12) SCHRIEVER, La. – New crops for new uses was the focus of a field day at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service Sugarcane Research Unit on Oct. 2.

(For Release On Or After 10/26/12) The Sorbet series violas are the best-flowering violas in LSU AgCenter trials. As a result, they are a fall 2012 Louisiana Super Plants selection. These vigorous plants produce inch-wide, bright flowers that cover the plant from late fall through spring.

(For Release On Or After 10/19/12) There are many reasons why we shouldn’t let weeds grow in our landscapes. Weeds, particularly in flowerbeds, shrub plantings and ground covers, cause landscapes to look unattractive and neglected.

(For Release On Or After 10/12/12) Conversation Piece azalea (Rhododendron ‘Conversation Piece’) is the first Louisiana Super Plants selection to be promoted for the fall 2012 season.

(For Release On Or After 10/05/12) It seems that everywhere you look in October you see chrysanthemums blooming. Widely available and relatively inexpensive, they are almost indispensable for providing quick color in the fall landscape.

(Distributed 10/03/12) FOLSOM, La. – Heavy rains prevented play of the polo match at the second annual Clover Cup on Sept. 30, which was a fundraiser for LSU AgCenter equine programs. But the festivities continued with a party, hat contest and a presentation on the sport.

(Audio News 10/3/12) Dearl Sanders calls himself a bug chauffeur. The LSU AgCenter scientist is trying to move as many salvinia weevils as he can. He was near Houma working with crews from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to harvest and distribute weevils to combat the invasive aquatic plant giant salvinia which is clogging waterways across the state.(Runtime: 2:00)

(Audio 10/08/12) Tropical plants that spent the summer outdoors need to get ready for winter. Light conditions are lower indoors so prepare them by moving them to a shady location for a month or so before taking them inside. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/12) Many of the annual flowers that are grown during the summer set viable seeds. Gardeners can collect these seeds, store them during the winter, and then plant them out next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/12) Many herbs can be planted in Louisiana in the fall. A few herb plants will generally provide all that you need. Consider planting dill, fennel, thyme and oregano. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/08/12) Spring is strawberry season in Louisiana. But if you want those berries next year, you need to plant them soon in a well-drained, sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/12) Brown patch is a fungal disease that is common on Louisiana lawns, particularly St. Augustine. Brown patch likes mild and moist conditions. A lawn fungicide can control this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/01/12) In October, the vegetable garden transitions to cool-season vegetables. This month gardeners can plant cole crops such as cabbage and broccoli. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/02/12) HOUMA, La. – Dearl Sanders calls himself a bug chauffeur. The LSU AgCenter scientist is trying to move as many salvinia weevils as he can to combat the invasive aquatic plant giant salvinia, which is clogging waterways across Louisiana.

(Audio 10/01/12) Fall is a big blooming period for Louisiana roses. Keep your rose bushes in good shape to get a grand floral display this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/02/12) The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Development department recently joined nine other states in a partnership with UnitedHealthcare to help fight childhood obesity.