(Audio News 12/26/13) Youngsters on all-terrain vehicles are common in Louisiana, and some kids across the state may have even gotten one for Christmas. Several 4-H agents participated in a training program so they can go back into their parishes and hold ATV safety training courses for youth. One mistake organizer David Boldt says he sees too often is youngsters starting out on ATVs that are too big. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Video 12/25/13) Not sure when to get that plant into the ground? The 2014 Get It Growing calendar explains when to plant and how to care for your flowers and vegetables. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, the calendar has valuable tips that will help the gardener throughout the year. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 12/27/13) Dwarf flowering tobacco is a nicotiana. This is a good alternative, cool-season bedding plant for south Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/23/13) HAMMOND, La. – Happy New Year! It is time for new projects, new resolutions and making plans for another gardening season in Louisiana. We may not realize how fully blessed we are in this great state to be able to grow some of the landscape plants that are available to us.

(Distributed 12/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – For all major agricultural commodities, 2013 was a good year, making it the second year in a row Louisiana farmers saw high yields and good prices, according to LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry.

(Distributed 12/20/13) Trailing type pansies were new to the market in 2012. The development of these pansies involved more than 10 years of breeding.

(Audio News 12/20/13) For all major commodities, 2013 was a really good year, making it the second year in a row Louisiana farmers saw high yields and good prices. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 12/20/13) HAMMOND, La. – Arbor Day, in Louisiana the third Friday in January, is designated as a day for planting trees. In Louisiana, January is considered the best month to do this.

(Audio 12/30/13) Lawns are relatively carefree during winter. You may notice winter weeds popping up this time of the year. You don't have to wait until spring to use a lawn weed killer. You can do it on a mild day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/30/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of cool-season bedding plants. Many of them will be blooming now. If you deadhead them, that will encourage them to continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/30/13) The cold weather of January limits what vegetables can be planted this month. Some root crops are hardy and can be planted this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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.

(Audio 12/30/13) The mild winters we have in Louisiana means we can plant hardy plants like shrubs or roses. January is a good time to plant roses, particularly if you are mail ordering them. They are usually shipped bare-root, and its best to handle bare-root roses this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/30/13) If you wondering what to do with holiday plants after the holidays, well it depends which kind you have. Poinsettias should be discarded, but a Christmas cactus or living Christmas tree can be enjoyed for years to come. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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.

(Video News 12/19/13) LSU AgCenter researchers are working with tiny particles, called nanoparticles, to help improve medical and agricultural issues. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with two scientists working in nanotechnology. (Runtime: 2:05)

(Video News 12/19/13) Cattle production has decreased in the past few years. The LSU AgCenter is working to help beef cattle producers raise cattle in challenging economic times. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:49)

(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.

(Video 12/23/13) During the holiday season, you will see Christmas cactuses for sale in nurseries, home improvement stores and even supermarkets. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for your Christmas cactuses during the holiday season and throughout the year to help them do their best for years to come. (Runtime: 1:36)

(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.

(Video 12/16/13) During this time of year, brown and red foliage on many plants can indicate cold damage. But, as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, hardy shrubs are different. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Audio 12/23/13) If you wanted tulips and hyacinths blooming in your spring garden and haven't chilled bulbs, it is too late. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs must be refrigerated before they can be planted out into our landscapes. If you have some chilled, you can plant them during the next few weeks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/23/13) Some of the plants we use to decorate during Christmas, like poinsettias, should be discarded after the holiday season. The Christmas cactus is one that can live year after year. Move them to a window that gets lots of sun and water regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/23/13) Many plants in the landscape are hardy in the winter, but tropical plants can be damaged by freezes. Herbaceous tropicals show their damage immediately. Damage on woody tropicals won't be evident until spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/23/13) Gardeners may not think about planting roses in December, but this is a good time to do it. Rose bushes even make nice gifts. Roses are blooming now at the nursery, making it easier to select the variety you want. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/23/13) Louisiana cooks like to use green onions. They are easy to grow and simple to harvest. Hear more to learn about growing green onions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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.

(Audio News 12/16/13) A team of LSU AgCenter scientists is designing nano-delivery systems for biomedical, food and agricultural applications. These nano-delivery systems have the potential to heat and destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy cells, to target pesticide applications to plants to avoid drift, to improve food safety and to pinpoint where medicine is received in the body. (Runtime: 2:00)

(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.

(Distributed 12/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Attendees at the recent Louisiana Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association meeting heard presentations on new ways of marketing their products and how to avoid liability on the farm and in the marketplace during the winter meeting at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens on Dec. 4.

(Audio 12/16/13) Deciduous shade trees are known for changing colors. A few evergreens will do this as well. Some varieties of azaleas and nandinas will turn colors. This change doesn't mean there is a problem with the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/16/13) Many gardeners store their garden chemicals in outdoor sheds. Water-based chemicals can freeze if the weather gets cold enough. This could cause the container to burst and spill the contents. Make sure liquid materials are stored in an area where they won't freeze. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/16/13) Camellias are wonderful winter-flowering shrubs. They don't require a lot of care, but may need water during dry spells. Also keep in mind that their flowers could be damaged by freezes, but buds are hardy. Also watch out for camellia tea scale. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/16/13) Deciduous trees are wonderful in the landscapes. They provide great shade in summer and let the sun shine through in winter. But all the falling leaves have to be dealt with. Consider using the leaves as mulch or turning them into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/16/13) Gardeners can save seeds from seed packages or from plants. The seeds need to stay viable. Drying them and storing them in the refrigerator will keep the seeds fresh. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Every year 4-H members from across the state look forward to the Louisiana 4-H educational awards trip, said LSU AgCenter youth development instructor Tanya Giroir.

(Distributed 12/06/13) ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Eric Webster, LSU AgCenter weed scientist, was honored here Dec. 5 with the Rice Industry Award at the USA Rice Federation’s Outlook Conference. Also honored was Elton Kennedy, Louisiana rice grower and rice mill owner.

(Distributed 12/06/13) The Chinese pistache (Pistachio chinensis) is a medium-sized ornamental shade tree known for spectacular orange, red and crimson fall foliage colors.

(Video News 12/05/13) Tomatoes and peppers are being replaced with satsumas and navel oranges at roadside fruit and vegetable stands. Consumers can find Louisiana citrus this time of the year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a grower. (Runtime: 1:57)

(Distributed 12/06/13) HAMMOND, La. – Amaryllis is a popular holiday plant. Bulbs are commonly available from November to late December. Forcing them to bloom during winter is not difficult, and the results are beautiful.

(Distributed 12/05/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Drought conditions in most of the cattle-producing states during portions of the past three years are influencing current price and future prices of beef, according to LSU AgCenter economist Ross Pruitt.

(Video News 12/05/13) The holidays are here, and decorations are going up. A poinsettia can help make your home festive. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard looks at picking out and caring for this holiday plant. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Distributed 12/04/13) PORT ALLEN, La. – South Louisiana grain farmers are expected to benefit from the presence of a new tenant at the Port of Baton Rouge, according to LSU AgCenter economist Mike Salassi.

(Audio 12/10/13) Lawns may need some care during winter. One thing to watch for is leaves. If leaves stay on the lawn too long, they can damage it. Also weed issues can be addressed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/13) Fall, winter and early spring are good times to plant hardy fruit trees. Peaches are a wonderful fruit to grow in the home garden. Hear more to learn about growing a peach tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/13) Louisiana has relatively mild winters. This allows weeds to survive and grow this time of the year. Keeping beds well mulched is a good defense against weeds. Weed killer also can be used. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/13) Gardeners watching the weather need not worry about wind chill. Wind chill is how cold it feels to people. Plants do not need to be protected if the temperature is above freezing, even if the wind chill will be below freezing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/03/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The annual forestry forum held in conjunction with the AgExpo at the West Monroe Convention Center is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 17.

(Distributed 12/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A team of researchers from the Center for Natural Resource Economics and Policy in the LSU AgCenter Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness has received a three-year award of more than $750,000 to study the value of the environmental monitoring system in the Gulf of Mexico.

(Audio 12/10/13) Freezes are likely this time of the year. Gardeners will need to protect tropical plants when freezes occur. Covers and Christmas lights can keep the plants warm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/03/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Burden Museums and Gardens has planned a day of family fun with a variety of activities and Smokey Bear at the fourth annual Arbor Day celebration on Jan. 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

(Audio 12/09/13) We use a wide variety of plants to embellish our homes around the holidays. Proper care will keep them attractive throughout the season. Take care when transporting these plants. Also place them in a sunny spot away from warm vents or a fireplace. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 12/02/13) What started as a 4-H project 45 years ago has long been a family business for John Rogers. Rogers works with his mom, brother and their wives and children to tend to their 20-acre citrus grove in Terrebonne Parish. Rogers started harvesting his fruit about a month ago. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Video 12/09/13) You may be noticing some blooms on roses right now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for your roses during the fall and winter months to help them grow their best. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 12/02/13) Dreary, cold days of fall don’t have to be lacking in color. The Cassia splendida, also called golden wonder tree, surprises you with bright yellow flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for this beautiful tree. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 12/02/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU AgCenter rice geneticist has obtained a $450,000 federal grant to improve American rice varieties with tolerance to saltwater and drought.

(Audio News 12/02/13) You can find poinsettias filling nurseries and garden centers this time of the year. With its bright red bracts and dark green leaves, the poinsettia is a Christmas favorite. If you are looking to use poinsettias to decorate your home during the holidays, choose ones that will last throughout the season. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 12/02/13) New to the plant market a few years ago is the great October Magic series of Camellia hiemalis developed by Bobby Green of Green Nurseries in Fairhope, Ala.

(Distributed 12/01/13) HAMMOND, La. – Winter is here, and this time of year brings questions about protecting landscape plants during the cold months of December, January and February.

(Audio 12/09/13) Gardeners in Louisiana can produce a fall crop of tomatoes. With a freeze in November, many tomato plants are probably done. If you still have tomatoes, pick them before the next freeze. They can ripen indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/09/13) There is still time to plant cool-season bedding plants in your landscape. Prepare the beds before planting by digging up old plants and turning the soil. Some plants to consider include foxgloves, violas and the new Super Plant, Diamonds Blue delphiniums. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/09/13) Cut Christmas trees are an important part of holiday traditions. Keeping a tree fresh and alive is important. To do this, chose wisely, and always keep it in water. Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 12/13/13) Of the many kinds of plants we use to decorate our homes for the holidays, the holiday cactuses possess a special beauty. And yes, despite the fact that these plants don’t have spines, they are true cactuses.

(Audio 12/09/13) Cold temperatures don't mean you can't have vegetables in winter. A variety of vegetables can withstand winter weather. Hear more to learn which vegetables you can plant this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 12/27/13) Although we can’t grow the sugar maples that produce that delicious syrup here in Louisiana, a wonderful variety of maples can be used as shade trees and ornamentals in our landscapes. Now through February is a great time to plant them.

(For Release On Or After 12/20/13) November through February is the best time to plant pecan trees. But before you decide to add a pecan tree to your landscape, there are some things to consider.

(For Release On Or After 12/06/13) An easy-to-make garland might be just what you need to spruce up your front entrance before your holiday company arrives. It just so happens that December is an ideal time to prune conifers. Instead of throwing away what you prune from these plants, use them to make festive garlands.