(Distributed 12/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are trying to determine if using unmanned aerial vehicles, sometimes known as drones, can help farmers monitor their crops for potential problems.

(Distributed 12/19/13) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct a series of rice clinics in January throughout the rice-growing areas of Louisiana to help farmers get ready for the upcoming crop year.

(Distributed 12/18/13) BOSSIER CITY, La. – A team of water resource experts will be based at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station to help farmers manage irrigation and maintain the quality of water associated with agricultural activities.

(Distributed 12/17/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two international scientists recently completed projects they’ve been working on in LSU AgCenter labs for the past three months as part of the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program.

(Distributed 12/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Faculty and staff members at the LSU AgCenter and the Southern University Agricultural Center received awards for exceptional extension and research programs at a joint annual conference on Dec. 16-17.

(Distributed 12/16/13) Pines are one of the many great native tree species in Louisiana. Several species of pine trees are native to our state.

(Distributed 12/13/13) HAMMOND, La. – Louisiana iris is our state wildflower. Five species of these native plants are collectively referred to as Louisiana irises – Iris brevicaulis, Iris fulva, Iris giganticaerulea, Iris hexagona and Iris nelsonii. All five species occur in south Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/12/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The deadline for nominations for the 2014 Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction has been extended through Dec. 30. Application or nomination forms can be obtained online at www.LSUAgCenter.com/AgHallofDistinction or at any LSU AgCenter parish extension office.

(Distributed 12/12/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A group of 34 Louisiana 4-H members joined more than 1,000 delegates from across the United States to participate in the National 4-H Congress Nov. 29-Dec. 3 in Atlanta.

(Distributed 12/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – As congress moves toward its holiday recess, Louisiana farmers are left waiting to see what the new year will bring in terms of a new farm bill.