(Video News 05/31/13) Wheat suffered from rain and cold during the winter and spring. And while the cold appears to gone, rain is now complicating the harvest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Video News 05/16/13) Just as cooks are getting ready for grilling season, beef prices are on the rise. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that several factors are causing the increase. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Distributed 05/31/13) HAMMOND, La. – The largest Louisiana landscape evaluation of ornamental plants, especially annual flowers and herbaceous perennials, is located at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station on Old Covington Highway just east of Hammond.

(Audio News 05/30/13) A wet winter has set up Louisiana for a weak wheat crop. Wheat was planted in the fall and endured frequent rains through much of its growing season. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 05/30/13) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Field Day on June 26 will feature the latest in research tailored at helping Louisiana rice farmers.

(Distributed 05/30/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter School of Renewable Natural Resources will host the fourth Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium on Aug. 1-2, 2013, at the Lod Cook Conference Center on the LSU Campus.

(Distributed 05/30/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Rice farmers joined an LSU AgCenter reception for legislators and their staffs on May 28. The event, held at the Pentagon Barracks near the Capitol, featured a new line of Louisiana-grown rice products by Louisiana Rice Mill.

(Distributed 05/29/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and Pennington Biomedical Research Center are embarking on an ambitious nutrition education program in West Carroll Parish, starting June 1. Anchored by the town of Oak Grove, West Carroll sits in Louisiana’s Delta region where the incidence of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity are higher than in other areas of the state.

(Audio 05/29/13) Hurricane season begins June 1. After a devastating tornado in Oklahoma, people in Louisiana may be wondering how they can protect themselves from a storm’s winds. LaHouse, the LSU AgCenter’s showcase home and landscape resource center on the LSU campus, has a closet that doubles as a storm shelter. (Runtime: 1:50 seconds)

(Distributed 05/28/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter personnel are looking for Asian soybean rust in kudzu and soybean sentinel plots across the state.

(Video 05/13/13) Flowers aren’t the only source of color in your landscape during the summer months. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill presents some great choices for colorful and attractive foliage that will stand up to the heat. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Distributed 05/27/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Cattle industry experts are becoming increasingly concerned about cattle parasites’ resistance to dewormers – a condition known as anthelmintic resistance.

(Distributed 05/27/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – While it has been three years since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, scientists are still researching to determine its impact on the plants and animals that inhabit the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico.

(Distributed 05/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – After the devastating tornado in Oklahoma, people in Louisiana may be wondering how they can protect themselves from a storm’s winds. LaHouse, the LSU AgCenter’s showcase home and landscape resource center on the LSU campus, addresses storm safety issues, according to Claudette Reichel, extension housing specialist.

(Distributed 05/24/13) ABBEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana County Agents Association honored two of its members on May 21 at the organization’s annual convention.

(Distributed 05/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – This year will mark the 99th time 4-H Club members will compete in a variety of contests and hold elections for statewide officers on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 05/24/13) MAMOU, La. – LSU AgCenter rice experts speaking at the Evangeline Parish Rice Tour on May 23 said this year’s rice crop so far has been unusual and difficult.

(Distributed 05/24/13) HAMMOND, La. – Vinca is the most popular, most sold and most planted warm-season bedding plant in Louisiana. We sometimes call this plant periwinkle.

(Distributed 05/22/13) LAFAYETTE, La. – Joey Durel, Lafayette city-parish president, wants to make sure the local Master Gardeners organization will have a major role at the new 100-acre park commonly known as the Horse Farm.

(Distributed 05/23/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – With the heat of summer here and people headed outside to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures, it may seem like a great time to take your dog for a run. But is it safe?

(Audio 05/27/13) Construction on a property can damage the trees on it. Before building or doing renovations on a lot with existing trees, safeguard the trees. Consult an arborist to devise a strategy for saving the trees.

(Audio 05/27/13) Warm summer months are the best time to plant palms in Louisiana. This gives them time to settle in before the cold of winter. Look at hardiness and growth habit when deciding what palm to plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/27/13) Hyacinth bean is a great summer-flowering vine. It produces spikes of lavender flowers and attractive seed pods. Plant seeds in May, and be sure to have a large trellis or arbor for it to grow on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/21/13) ST. JOSEPH, La. – Research at the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station on corn, cotton and soybeans will be featured at the pest management and crop production field day on June 19.

(Audio 05/27/13) The sound of water can have a cooling effect during summer. If you have an aquatic garden in your landscape, do try to keep it clean and healthy. Submerged plants help keep algae from growing in the water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/27/13) Crape myrtles are the most popular summer-flowering tree in Louisiana. They have few pest problems, but one issue is the crape myrtle aphid. It sucks the sap from the tree and excretes a substance that causes sooty mold to grow on the trees.

(Distributed 05/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Wholesale beef prices are at historically high levels. This may affect summer cookouts as consumers can expect to see higher prices at the grocery store. LSU AgCenter livestock economist Ross Pruitt said drought in the Midwest in 2012 led to a shortage of hay and higher corn prices. This in turn is affecting beef prices.

(Distributed 05/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are studying a bird species that lives only in coastal marshes to try to determine how it may be affected the by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.

(Distributed 05/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – For almost 20 years a group of volunteers has made life easier for those with gardening questions and others in need of an extra set of hands to help with a big seminar.

(Audio 05/20/13) Late May is a good time to plant summer bulbs. Some to consider include calla lilies, canna, caladiums and gingers. Look for them in local nurseries and garden centers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/17/13) HAMMOND, La. – Spring blooms on roses came late this year due to unusually cool conditions in March and April. But May flowering has been outstanding throughout Louisiana. In most home landscapes, roses perform their best at first flowering in spring and at fall bloom in October.

(Video 05/27/13) One of the most graceful plants of summer is the Lily of the Nile or agapanthus – with its striking blue or white flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to different-sized agapanthus plants and explains how to take care of them. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Audio News 05/17/13) Wholesale beef prices are at historically high levels. This may affect summer cookouts as consumers can expect to see higher prices at the grocery store. LSU AgCenter livestock economist Ross Pruitt said drought in the Midwest led to a shortage in hay and higher corn prices. This in turn is affecting beef prices. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 05/17/13) LAFAYETTE, La. – Building a pond requires more than just digging a hole and waiting for rain, LSU AgCenter experts said at a pond seminar recently (May 14). Planning and following basic guidelines can prevent problems.

(Video 05/20/13) Salvia is an incredible summer plant that offers a wide variety of colors and styles. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some beautiful salvia species and explains the best places to plant them. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Audio 05/20/13) Cooked greens are a traditional part of Louisiana cuisine. Most of the leafy greens we use are grown in winter. If you are looking for greens in summer, you can try Malabar and New Zealand spinach or amaranth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) If you grow plants in containers, you will need to clean these pots from time to time. Plastic pots are easy to clean, but terra cotta pots may need a little more help. Listen to learn how to properly clean your pots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) Black spot is the leading fungal disease on roses in Louisiana. Some of the roses we use are more tolerant to black spot. Hybrid teas and grandifloras can be put on a regular spray schedule to control this disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/20/13) Spanish moss is associated with Louisiana - often seen hanging from the branches of live oaks or cypress trees. It does not hurt the trees it grows on. It makes its own food through photosynthesis. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/15/13) MAMOU, La. – The Evangeline Parish Rice Tour will be held May 23 starting at 8 a.m. The first stop will be at Hebert Farms off Bieber Road. Signs will be posted to indicate the location, approximately 4.7 miles west of La. Highway 13.

(Audio 05/13/13) Newly planted trees will need special care their first summer in the ground. Pay close attention to watering young trees during drier periods. Hear more to learn good techniques for watering trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/15/13) MANY, La. – Poultry producers are getting help to face the expected challenge of inspections by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

(Distributed 05/14/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Children from all regions of Louisiana are learning about science, math and other subjects while watching their food grow in school gardens, according to LSU AgCenter county agent Miles Brashier, of Pointe Coupee Parish.

(Distributed 05/14/13) HAMMOND, La. – More than 200 Louisiana Master Gardeners braved downpours to be recognized for their volunteer efforts at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station on May 10.

(Distributed 05/13/13) MANSURA, La. – A dozen new inductees into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame were recognized at a ceremony at the 4-H Museum here on May 11 for their work with 4-H clubs across the state.

(Distributed 05/13/13) The LSU AgCenter 4-H program will share in a $2 million grant from the Walmart Foundation to help teach healthy living and eating choices.

(Distributed 05/10/13) HAMMOND, La. – Althea goes by the scientific name of Hibiscus syriacus. When they look at althea, most gardeners are reminded of the hibiscus family, to which this popular, Southern heritage plant belongs. These plants are also known as rose of Sharon.

(Distributed 05/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will host a Lead Certified Renovator Training course on Thursday, May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(Distributed 05/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Small studies on alligator nutrition have been ongoing at the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station, but with the addition of new facilities, those projects can be expanded, according to LSU AgCenter assistant vice chancellor Phil Elzer.

(Distributed 05/09/13) Barbe Elementary School in Lake Charles received a gold award of distinction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service’s HealthierUS Schools Challenge Tuesday (May 7) at the Calcasieu Parish School Board meeting. The award recognizes schools that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity.

(Audio 05/07/13) Consumers looking to decrease their intake of sugar have several non-nutritive sweeteners to choose from. Non-nutritive sweeteners include saccharine, aspartame, stevia and sucralose. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Audio 05/13/13) It is too late to plant Irish potatoes, but gardeners can get ready to harvest them. When the plants turn yellow and start to die off, that is the time you will get mature potatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) The Bandana series lantana and the Little Ruby alternanthera are great summer bedding plants for Louisiana landscapes. Both also are Louisiana Super Plants for spring 2013. Consider planting them in May. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) Gardeners planted cool-season bedding plants back in the fall. These are flowers that like cold nights and cool days, so they will start fading soon. Pull them out when this happens and put in some warm-season plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/13/13) Hydrangeas and gardenias put on their best show in May. You may see a few yellow leaves on them, but this isn't of concern. You can shape them up after they bloom, and be sure to give hydrangeas water during summer dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 05/06/13) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. The Aphrodite althea is a Super Plant that provides incredibly large and beautiful flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains proper care for this beautiful shrub. (Runtime: 1:42)

BATON ROUGE, La. – Food, music and hayride tours will be featured at the annual Garden Fest at Burden on June 15 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge.

(Video News 05/07/13) Cotton is no longer king among crops in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that acreage has fallen dramatically over the past ten years. (Runtime: 1:27)

(Distributed 05/07/13) SHREVEPORT, La. – Pecan growers meeting at the LSU AgCenter Pecan Research Station May 3 heard that proposed federal regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act could have a major effect on their operations.

(Distributed 05/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Five 2013 state 4-H Commodity Ambassador contests named 15 winners on Tuesday, April 16, on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. In all, 80 4-H’ers from across the state competed in the chicken, egg, seafood, sugar and turkey ambassador contests.

(Distributed 05/07/13) MANGHAM, La. – Students and parents gathered at Mangham Elementary School on April 25 to participate in Family Nutrition Night, an innovative, hands-on experience as part of the school wellness program.

(Distributed 05/16/13) LAFAYETTE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant will hold a pond management seminar May 14, starting at 6:30 p.m.

(Audio 05/06/13) Louisiana will likely have the lowest number of cotton acres in recorded history this year. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist and entomologist David Kerns is expecting farmers to plant no more than 150,000 acres. A decade ago the state’s farmers were planting as much as 800,000 acres of cotton. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 05/03/13) HAMMOND, La. – If you like the flowering habit of shade-loving impatiens, you’ll be excited to know that a new type of impatiens is on the market that will thrive in our Louisiana summer heat and humidity – SunPatiens.

(Audio 05/06/13) The warmer the weather gets, the less effective lawn herbicides become. If you need to treat your lawn for weeds, do it soon to get the best control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/02/13) On an unseasonably cold day in late April, a group of high school students from Washington, D.C., got into Lake Pontchartrain to help save the wetlands that border it. The 10th-graders were on a service-learning field trip from Washington International School to learn about and help restore Louisiana’s wetlands. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Video News 05/02/13) Students from Washington, D.C., traveled to New Orleans to help repair a damaged wetland. The project was part LSU AgCenter’s Youth Wetlands Week. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this story. (Runtime: 1:52)

(Distributed 05/02/13) CROWLEY, La. – Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency met for a two-day (April 30-May 1) whirlwind tour of Louisiana agriculture with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the LSU AgCenter to give the EPA an understanding of the state’s unique challenges.

(Distributed 05/02/13) NORCO, La. – On an unseasonably cold day in late April, a group of high school students from Washington, D.C., got into Lake Pontchartrain to help save the wetlands that border it.

(Video News 05/03/13) The value of agriculture to Louisiana’s economy set a record last year. High prices and excellent production combined to make it an outstanding year for the state’s agricultural industry. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this story. (Runtime: 2:06)

(Audio 05/06/13) Several diseases can infect tomato plants, and buckeye rot is one of the worst. This disease causes lesions on the tomato itself. Discard any fruit that has evidence of buckeye rot and spray your tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) The Aphrodite althea is a Louisiana Super Plants selection for spring 2013. This plant can be used as a large shrub or small tree. It is related to hibiscus and has wonderful large flowers that bloom throughout summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) Houseplants that have spent the winter indoors could use some time outside. Make the move gradual by first putting them in a shady area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/06/13) Cooking with home-grown herbs is a great way to add flavor to your food. If you have cool-season herbs growing in your yard, harvest them before they give way to the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 05/10/13) Louisiana gardeners crave color in the landscape. When thinking about landscape color, we often tend to focus mostly on annual bedding plants. These plants are bred and selected to produce outstanding displays of color.

(For Release On Or After 05/31/13) You’ve got to think that a vegetable with a name like yardlong bean would be incredibly productive – and you would be right. This vegetable originated in southern Asia and is now grown extensively in Asia and Europe.

(For Release On Or After 05/24/13) Nearly any plant may be grown outdoors in a container as long as you provide the requirements that the plant needs. Even commonplace plants take on a distinctive quality in containers.

(For Release On Or After 05/17/13) As the weather warms up, insect problems increase. Many gardeners still feel they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or some apparent insect damage in their gardens or landscapes. But just because you see an insect is not reason enough to spray.

(For Release On Or After 05/03/13) Lots of new planting gets done every spring. Proper watering can make the difference between life and death to newly planted lawns, trees, shrubs and ground covers as well as bedding and vegetable transplants.