(Video News 01/10/13) Farmers hoping for a new farm bill in 2012 never got one. Instead, farmers will be operating under most of the same policies they have been working under since 2008. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video News 01/25/13) Childhood memories of her grandfather’s chicken flock in the Netherlands prompted Kim Kramer to turn her shed into a chicken coop. Three years later, “the girls,” as she calls them, are a part of her family. Kramer and her husband Chris Mores and their three boys are part of a growing number of city dwellers who have backyard flocks. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video News 01/29/13) Sophisticated pedometers and smart phones can help people keep their healthy living resolutions. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard tells how. (1:55:)

(Video News 01/08/13) Not only chefs have a hand in food product development. An LSU AgCenter food engineer is helping companies make their foods safer and fresher. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Distributed 01/31/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Until rice mills start to offer incentives for quality grain, farmers will continue to choose varieties based on yield, LSU AgCenter rice breeder Steve Linscombe told his colleagues from rice-growing regions across the United States.

(Audio News 01/31/12) A new pilot plant at the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute functions much like a sugar mill, but this facility will produce syrup that can be turned into biofuels and biochemicals. The recently commissioned plant will be a centerpiece for research, education and outreach for the emerging biorefining industry in the Southeast. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Distributed 01/31/12) NEW ORLEANS – Getting back to nature and spending time in the great outdoors is an activity that some inner- city youth in New Orleans are making part of their childhood.

(Distributed 01/30/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the Tangipahoa Master Gardeners are sponsoring their annual camellia garden stroll from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 01/28/13) WINNSBORO, La. – LSU AgCenter entomologist David Kerns was honored Jan. 18 in a ceremony recognizing him as the Jack Hamilton Regents Chair in Cotton Production in the AgCenter.

(Distributed 01/25/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is offering two new short courses for tree care and landscape professionals. The first course, Introduction to Arboriculture, will be held Feb. 18-22.

(Distributed 01/25/13) ST. GABRIEL, La. – The fledgling biofuels and bioprocessing industry in the South took a step forward Friday, Jan. 25, with the formal commissioning of a pilot plant at the LSU AgCenter Audubon Sugar Institute.

(Audio 01/28/13) Late January is a good time to prune everblooming roses. How far back you cut the roses depends on much their size needs to be controlled. Remember, pruning helps them bloom better. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/25/13) HAMMOND, La. – No specific set of rules will cover all pruning. The important consideration should be preserving the natural form of a particular species.

(Distributed 01/25/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced plans to increase lead safety and awareness of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule by mailing postcards to uncertified renovation contractors as a reminder of their obligation to become certified and by increasing its monitoring and enforcement activities.

(Distributed 01/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Heavy rains that soaked south Louisiana in early January were not what strawberry farmers needed.

(Audio 01/28/13) Light is a plant's food, so it is critical for the plant to grow and thrive. If you have indoor plants this winter, make sure they are near a window where they can get plenty of light. Clean windows or prune plants to let more light in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/13) If you can't find things to do in the landscape, consider planting ground covers. These plants establish well during cooler months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/28/13) There will be plenty to do in the garden in late March and April, so take time now to prepare beds. If adding beds or planting into existing beds, turn soil and add organic matter. (Runtime: 60 econds)

(Audio 01/28/13) Gardeners typically buy roses growing in containers, but garden centers do have bare-root roses. These plants are perishable and must be planted this month or next. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/24/13) WEST MONROE, La. – Keeping sites productive in today’s economy is an important consideration to managing forestlands, according to LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Mike Blazier.

(Distributed 01/23/13) RAYVILLE, La. – Louisiana rice farmers heard Tuesday, Jan. 22, that federal regulations for large fuel storage tanks on farms and ranches will go into effect May 15 unless Congress can be convinced to delay the measures for another year.

(Audio News 01/22/13) Childhood memories of her grandfather’s chicken flock in the Netherlands prompted Kim Kramer to turn her shed into a chicken coop. Three years later, “the girls,” as she calls them, are a part of her family. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 01/23/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Winter wheat is one of the few crops currently in the ground and subject to the adverse effects of flooding.

(Distributed 01/22/13) WEST MONROE, La. – Trail rides and other horse-related enterprises are big business across the country, particularly in the South. “Trail riders spend $50-$70 million yearly,” said Clint Depew, retired LSU AgCenter equine specialist.

(Distributed 01/21/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Farmers getting ready to plant their cotton and small grain crops this year got advice from a full slate of LSU AgCenter experts on Jan. 17 at the Dean Lee Research Station.

(Audio 01/18/13) New Year’s resolutions often revolve around weight loss. Many people dust off their sneakers and hit the road or the gym, and more people are incorporating technology into their get-fit goals. High-tech pedometers and smart phone apps can provide motivation to get moving. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Heli Roy says adding 2,000 extra steps can help individuals maintain weight. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 01/17/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Several LSU AgCenter experts will discuss their research projects for rice, corn, soybean and cotton farming at the 16th Annual National Conservation Systems Conference on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

(Distributed 01/17/13) HAMMOND, La. – Some people consider roses to be hard to grow. This is not true. Difficulty in growing roses is a common misconception that many gardeners have a hard time believing.

(Distributed 01/17/13) DELHI, La. – An irrigation workshop will be held Feb. 5 in Delhi.

(DIstributed 01/16/13) HAMMOND, La. – Government officials, community leaders and educators discussed the current situation and the future of Internet connectivity in rural areas of Louisiana at the Connect My Louisiana broadband summit held on Jan. 15.

(Distributed 01/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Hundreds of youth from across Louisiana will be gathering in Gonzales next month for the 78th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

(Distributed 01/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The 2013 class of Louisiana Master Farmers was recognized at a luncheon sponsored by the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – What does it take to get started in production agriculture? The LSU AgCenter‘s Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program will provide some answers for high school students who apply and are accepted into the 2013-2014 class.

(Audio 01/21/13) Camellias are in bloom right now. It is great to see their flowers in the dead of winter. January is a good time to plant them. Because the plants are blooming, you can see which color you prefer to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Gardeners should avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs and trees this time of the year. These plants have already set their flower buds, so pruning now would remove flowers. This includes plants such as azaleas, hydrangeas and gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is providing mentoring services for moms with local support in Iberia, St. Mary and St. Martin parishes.

(Audio 01/21/13) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to be able to grow vegetables year round. While gardeners will see fewer problems in the garden in winter, pest problems can still pop up. Keep the garden mulched and weeded. Also look out for caterpillars, aphids, snails and slugs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Container plants populate homes during winter. Remember these plants need adequate moisture. Water them thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/21/13) Despite the name Irish potatoes, potatoes are actually native to South America. They are a cool-season crop. Gardeners can plant seed potatoes now into a well-drained, sunny location. Be patient. It may take a while to see growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/11/13) KAPLAN, La. – An LSU AgCenter economist told Vermilion Parish farmers that they have more reasons to be more optimistic this year than they had in 2012.

(Distributed 01/15/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – This winter’s flu outbreak has been widespread, and children are particularly vulnerable to flu, colds and other illnesses this time of the year. Parents can help their youngsters fight off infections by providing them with a healthful diet.

(Video 01/21/13) Even though it’s wintertime, you can still incorporate color into your home setting. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the use of combination planters as a way to establish color on a patio or deck and as a way to grow vegetables or herbs that can please the palate. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Video 01/14/13) Now’s a great time to plant hardy trees and shrubs. Small trees can add a nice accent to home landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the blue point juniper – a lovely evergreen tree. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Audio News 01/15/13) This winter’s flu outbreak has been widespread, and children are particularly vulnerable to flu, colds and other illnesses this time of the year. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West says parents can help their youngsters fight off infections by providing them with a healthful diet. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 01/14/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Dwight Landreneau, LSU AgCenter associate vice chancellor and associate director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, has announced plans to retire June 1, 2013.

(Audio 01/14/13) Swiss chard and beets are two of the vegetables that gardeners can plant in January. Beets are grown for their roots, while Swiss chard is grown for its leaves. Remember, beets need to be spaced properly to make a nice root. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) Winter is a good time to prune a wide variety of plants in your landscape. Deciduous shade trees are leafless, allowing you to see the structure of the tree more clearly. You do not want to prune spring-flowering shrubs now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/11/13) CROWLEY, La. – The possibility of selling American rice to China is becoming more likely as trade negotiations progress, according to the director of the USA Rice Federation.

CROWLEY, La. – As Mardi Gras gets closer, many in Louisiana look forward to consuming their favorite crustacean, the crawfish. While it is still early in the season, there have been indicators that this year’s supply will be improved when compared to last year’s.

(Distributed 01/11/13) HAMMOND, La. – Our great dogwoods (Cornus florida) once reigned supreme as one of the traditional Southern landscape plants. Dogwoods are deciduous, spring-flowering trees native to the eastern half of the United States and grow to a height of 30 feet. They are beautiful plants for partially shady, understory and sandy soil areas.

(Distributed 01/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana photographers who want to submit photographs for the LSU AgCenter 2014 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar have only a few weeks to enter.

(Distributed 01/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The fourth annual Arbor Day celebration at Burden that was set for Jan. 19 has been rescheduled due to weather concerns. The new date for the activities is Sat., Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Audio 01/14/13) Gardeners may have a lot of plants inside their homes during winter. This can lead to pest problems. Look out for mealy bugs - cottony white bugs that suck sap out of plants. Control them with a horticulture oil or houseplant insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) When it comes to fertilizing, common sense can dictate when to do it. The best time to fertilize a plant is early in its season. When plants are dormant, don't fertilize them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/14/13) The winter months are the ideal time to plant hardy trees in Louisiana. In our state, Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in January. If you are considering planting shade trees or decorative trees, do it for Arbor Day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/08/13) Farmers are disappointed that Congress couldn’t pass a new farm bill in 2012 and instead extended the 2008 Farm Bill, which technically expired in September. LSU AgCenter economist Mike Salassi says this puts farmers in a difficult position as they make planting decisions for this year. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 01/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Farmers are disappointed that Congress couldn’t pass a new farm bill in 2012 and instead extended the 2008 farm bill, which technically expired in September. LSU AgCenter economist Mike Salassi says this puts farmers in a difficult position as they make planting decisions for this year.

(Distributed 01/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a Connect My Louisiana summit on the importance of being connected to the Internet on Jan. 15 in the Southeast Region Office at the Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 01/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, has announced plans to retire Sept. 15, 2013. He will continue in his present duties until July 1.

(Distributed 01/04/13) HAMMOND, La. – Many residents of southeast Louisiana may not know that the LSU AgCenter has an agricultural experiment station in this area. It’s devoted to horticulture research and extension programs to aid commercial nursery and landscape professionals, along with homeowners.

(Audio 01/07/13) Fall-planted parsley performs better than the herb planted in winter. That doesn't mean you can't plant parsley transplants now. Wait for a mild spell to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) To get the best blooms, plant foxgloves, holly hocks and delphinium by early February. Also, consider planting the Super Plant Camelot foxglove. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 01/03/13) ST. GABRIEL, La. – The LSU AgCenter Audubon Sugar Institute will hold a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 25 to mark the completion of a pilot plant dedicated to producing biofuels and biochemicals from agricultural crops and byproducts.

(Audio 01/07/13) Rye grass is a cool-season temporary grass. It allows homeowners to have a green lawn during the winter. It must be maintained, which includes mowing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) It takes about six to eight weeks to raise tomato transplants. If you plan to grow your own transplants, you may want to start soon. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/07/13) Gardeners planted most of their spring-flowering bulbs in fall. Two notable exceptions are tulips and hyacinth. These bulbs need to be chilled before they can be planted into the landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/25/13) Now is an excellent time to consider adding roses to your landscape. For many gardeners, particularly those just getting into roses, a rose is a rose. But several different categories or types of roses are available, and within each type are numerous varieties.

(For Release On Or After 01/18/13) The presence of birds is almost universally welcome among gardeners. Their contribution of movement, color, sounds and pest control to the landscape are unique and desirable.

(For Release On Or After 01/11/13) Many gardeners consider snails and slugs to be the most disgusting pests in the garden. I could live with their looks if they just didn’t cause so much damage.

(For Release On Or After 01/04/13) January and February are excellent months to plant trees in Louisiana. If you’re thinking about adding shade trees, small spring- or summer-flowering trees or trees for screening, head out to local nurseries and purchase and plant trees in the next few weeks.

(Video 01/01/13) Eventually, most gardeners have to apply some type of treatments to control insects, weeds and disease. Some of the chemicals are pre-made and measured; others have to be mixed. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the importance of using the proper sprayers for various lawn and garden applications. (Runtime: 1:39)