(Video 03/19/14) The cold winter hasn’t done much damage to the state’s wheat crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that the crop is in good shape heading into spring. (Runtime: 1:20 seconds)

(Video 03/19/14) The cold, wet winter is hampering spring planting. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that corn planting is behind schedule and fewer acres than expected may be planted if the state doesn’t soon see warmer, drier weather. (Runtime 1:20 seconds)

(Video 03/05/14) Rare and endangered birds are making a comeback in Louisiana with the help of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the LSU AgCenter. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report on the effort to bring back the whooping crane.(Runtime: 2:20 seconds)

(Distributed 03/31/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Although agriculture is a vital $11.8 billion industry in Louisiana, many children do not realize the role it plays in their daily lives.

(Audio 03/31/14) The cold winter didn’t kill crawfish, but it has significantly slowed their growth. LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Greg Lutz says the crawfish in the pond are about the same size they were in December, and he doesn’t expect them to do much catching up. (Runtime: 1:22)

(Distributed 03/31/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden has received a $20,000 donation from Weyerhaeuser through its Giving Fund for construction of a pavilion that will expand the Trees & Trails educational program.

(Distributed 03/28/14) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Louisiana sugar producers may one day have a stake in the U.S. plastics industr, with the help of LSU AgCenter researchers.

(Distributed 03/28/14) Most folks do not know about cat whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus).

(Distributed 03/28/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana’s wetlands are places to work, visit and enjoy. They are also places to learn. During the week of April 21-25, the LSU AgCenter’s Youth Wetlands program will be recognizing these diverse environments statewide through a variety of classroom lessons and wetlands activities.

(Distributed 03/28/14) HAMMOND, La. – Since the debut of a landscape horticulture research and extension program at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station seven years ago, gardens supporting the research at the station continue to expand.

(Distributed 03/25/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Appreciating the cultural diversity of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico region could aid in understanding how the oil industry has affected society, says sociologist Mark Schafer.He is studying how various demographic groups in the region have changed over the years.

(Distributed 03/27/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Only three billion of the seven billion people in the world are well-nourished, according to Lindsay Allen, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service Western Human Nutrition Research Center. She said this is a problem in both wealthy and poor countries.

(Distributed 03/26/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana State University Library recently completed digitizing approximately 20,000 pages of the “Sugar Bulletin,” the monthly publication of the American Sugar Cane League.

(Distributed 03/26/14) CROWLEY, La. – Dustin Harrell, LSU AgCenter agronomist at the Rice Research Station near Crowley, is participating in a multi-state study on arsenic in rice to determine if levels of the element are higher in different varieties and to see if varied flooding methods affect arsenic content

(Audio News 03/26/14) For the second year in a row, the value of agriculture to Louisiana's economy reached a record high. LSU AgCenter economist John Westra said the state's agriculture culture was $11.8 billion in 2013.

(Audio 03/24/14) The stinging buck moth caterpillar can pose a hazard to people and pests. If you see them in your trees, you can get a pest service to come and spray them before they make their way down. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/1714) Sago (Say-go) palms grow well in Louisiana. But they are particularly dangerous to dogs this time of year. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that danger and what you can do about it, as well as some other Sago plant care tips, on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime 1:39 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/14) It is a wise to hire an arborist to inspect trees on property you are planning to purchase. The trees may need care that could create costs in the future. (Runtime 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/24/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – For the second year in a row, Louisiana farmers had record-breaking values for many of their commodities, which led to a new high value of $11.8 billion for the agriculture sector of the Louisiana economy in 2013 – up 3.8 percent from 2012.

(Distributed 03/21/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Unusually cold temperatures in north Louisiana parishes are expected to have killed 90 percent of the salvinia weevils used to combat the invasive aquatic plant giant salvinia, which is clogging waterways across Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter weed scientist Dearl Sanders.

(Distributed 03/21/14) A Louisiana Super Plant to consider for this spring is the Bandana lantana.

(Distributed 03/21/14) HAMMOND, La. – Six bedding plants have been named national All-America Selection winners for the 2014 gardening season. They include Serenita Pink angelonia, Florific Sweet Orange New Guinea impatiens, Sparkle White gaura, NuMex Easter ornamental pepper, Akila Daisy White osteospermum and African Sunset petunia.

(Distributed 03/21/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden has received a $10,000 grant from Dow Chemical through its DowGives program for construction of a Children’s Garden Outdoor Classroom to serve as a teaching shelter, sound barrier and protection from the sun.

(Distributed 03/19/14) WINNSBORO, La. – About one percent of Louisiana’s corn crop is in the ground. This is unusual for mid-March when farmers typically have much of the crop planted.

(Distributed 03/20/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Commercial greenhouse vegetable production is becoming increasingly popular in Louisiana. While there are benefits to local production, even small-scale growers must learn how to prevent and manage diseases.

(Distributed 03/19/14) HAMMOND, La. – For nearly a decade, those involved in the forest industry have suffered considerable losses, but experts say the current trends seem to be brighter with more interest in wood products.

(Video 03/10/14) Japanese magnolias are beautiful spring-flowering trees, and now is a good time to plant them. With a variety of flower colors and styles, they are a striking sight in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains where to plant your Japanese magnolia and how to take care of it. (Runtime 1:38 seconds)

(Distributed 03/19/14) HOUMA, La. -- The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant held a seafood summit March 12 and 13 to provide information to help coastal residents who make their living from the seafood industry.

(Audio News 03/19/14) Less than one percent of Louisiana’s corn crop is in the ground. This is unusual for mid-March when farmers typically have much of the crop planted. Cold and wet weather has kept farmers out of their fields. (Runtime: 1:20 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/14) Deadheading your flowers prevents them from making seeds and encourages them to continue to produce blooms. It's just not necessarily to make the flower bed look pretty. Different types of flowers should be deadheaded more often than others. Listen to learn more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/31/14) It’s a great idea to get tomatoes into your garden during this time. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the many types of tomatoes you can choose for your early planting. (Runtime: 1:55 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/14) A stiff north wind whipped through a wet wheat field. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Josh Lofton says the field on the AgCenter’s Macon Ridge Research Station is thriving despite a damp and cold winter. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Video 03/24/14) Flowering bulbs are a natural part of spring. You might wonder: “Will my potted tulips or daffodils keep growing, or can I replant them?" On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill answers those questions and talks about the general care of these beautiful plants. (Runtime: 1:40 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/14) Thrips are very tiny insects that invade the flower buds of our roses. They usually are a problem on spring and early summer flowers. Controlling them can be difficult, but there are a few insecticides you can use. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/24/14) March is still too early to replace the tropicals that were killed by the winter freezes. They like to be replanted when the weather is nice, warm and settled. Trimming them back, however, can be done around this time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/17/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 500 gardeners from throughout the Southeast are expected in Baton Rouge for the Southern Region Master Gardener Conference Oct. 21-24.

CROWLEY, La. – Rice farmers across Louisiana learned how the new farm bill will affect their operations in a series of meetings held by the LSU AgCenter and the USA Rice Federation. Large crowds showed up for the meetings held in Abbeville, Kinder, Crowley, Alexandria and Rayville.

(Audio 03/10/14) Lawns start to wake up in March. Home gardeners may be anxious to fertilize their lawns during this phase, but doing so can be detrimental to the grass. Wait until April to fertilize. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/14/14) Blooming from late March to early May, the Louisiana iris is a floral ambassador that has carried our state’s name all over the world.

(Distributed 03/14/14) BATON ROUGE, La – A distinguished researcher and educator will talk on improving the quality of diets across the globe on March 26 as part of an annual endowed lecture series on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 03/14/14) HAMMOND, La. – Gardeners who have shied away from growing roses because of the fungicides and care needed to grow them can take heart in a recently completed research project conducted by the LSU AgCenter and the American Rose Society at the Gardens of the American Rose Center in Shreveport.

(Distributed 03/14/14) POLLOCK, La. – The Louisiana 4-H program has again received the $30,000 Eat4-Health grant through National 4-H and United Healthcare.

(Distributed 03/14/14) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The 2014 Central Louisiana Garden Expo will be held at the State Evacuation Shelter in Alexandria on April 11-12.

(Audio 03/17/14) There are many different types of fertilizers. All plants need the same essential elements, so all of your plants can be fertilized with the same general fertilizer. The type of area where a plant is located indicates the type of fertilizer to use. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 3/17/14) Spraying fruit trees has to be done preventively. It must be done long before the problems with pests show up. Different fruit trees need to be sprayed at different times. Listen to learn more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/14) Brown patch is a common fungus that attacks lawns. This happens when the weather is cool and moist. Controlling brown patch will help ensure healthy grass for your lawn. Listen to learn more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/17/14) March and April are the months that people plant their plants. Now is the time to prepare the area where you will plant. This corresponds to how well the plants will do. Listen to learn more about the process of preparing beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/13/14) NEW ORLEANS, La. – The 2014 New Orleans Spring Garden Show will be held at the City Park Botanical Garden April 5-6 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.

(Distributed 03/13/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – A field day for people who raise sheep and goats is scheduled for April 26 at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on Skip Bertman Dr.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Although Congress passed the Food Safety Modernization Act in 2010, the Food and Drug Administration is still in the process of developing rules to enforce the law. The rules seek to enhance safety regulations by requiring more documentation and shifting the focus to prevention rather than response.

(Distributed 03/12/14) WINNSBORO, La. – LSU AgCenter experts will conduct a wheat and oat field day on April 16 at the Macon Ridge Research Station just south of Winnsboro, La.

(Distributed 03/12/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – A Lead Certified Renovator Training will be held at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center on the LSU campus on March 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(Distributed 03/12/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – A training session on mold control and remediation will be held at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center on the LSU campus March 19-21 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.

(Distributed 03/11/14) JEANERETTE, La. – More than 150 people attended the 2014 Beef Cattle Producers Annual Spring Field Day held at the LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station on March 8.

(Distributed 03/07/14) Mayhaws are one of the most widely known of the native fruit tree species found in Louisiana.

(Distributed 03/07/14) SHREVEPORT, La. – The director of the Louisiana Forestry Association said companies using Louisiana wood products to make biofuels want to know how they can make sure feedstocks are obtained from sustainable sources.

(Audio 03/10/14) Perennials are plants that last year after year. They provide a colorful variation in your gardens. Dividing these perennials and spreading them out can make your landscape diverse in texture. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/10/4) Mulches are extremely useful and valuable. Decaying mulch will make soil richer and more fertile. Listen to learn more about how mulch has a positive effect on your gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/07/14) WINNSBORO, La. – To help farmers sort through the hundreds of apps available to aid with agricultural production, an LSU AgCenter soil scientist has begun posting online reviews.

(Distributed 03/07/14) HAMMOND, La. – Spring is near. We have many wonderful plants coming into flower and foliage this time of year, but our landscapes also have diseases, insects and weeds that need to be monitored and dealt with when appropriate.

(Distributed 03/07/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The 12th annual Baton Rouge Spring Garden Show is set for March 29-30 at the John M. Parker Coliseum on Highland Road in Baton Rouge.

(Audio 03/10/14) Vegetable transplants that are purchased from greenhouses are not accustomed to the real world. Make sure to properly care for these plants so that they grow to be as healthy as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/06/14) WEST MONROE, La. – The Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners will hold their sixth annual plant sale at the West Monroe Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 5.

(Distributed 03/06/14) WINNSBORO, La. – There’s a new pest infiltrating Louisiana sorghum crops, and producers should be on the lookout, according to LSU AgCenter scientists.

(Audio 03/10/14) March is a great time to fertilize the shrubs in your landscape. Some shrubs may not need the extra fertilizer. Testing the soil in your landscape can be very helpful to know how to fertilize. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 03/05/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Over the past few weeks, the winter wheat crop has gone through the gamut of late winter and early spring conditions, said LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Josh Lofton.

(Audio News 03/05/14) Sara Zimorski and Carrie Salyers suit up in white costumes with crane head gloves to interact with an experimental flock of whooping cranes in White Lake Wetland Conservation Area near Gueydan. Both are biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and are working with the flock to reestablish a population of whooping cranes in Louisiana. (Runtime: 2:10)

(Distributed 02/28/14) Osteospermums are becoming more popular as cool-season-to-warm-season transition bedding plants in the landscape. These plants are commonly referred to as African daisy.

(For Release On Or After 03/28/14) As we move into April, we can enjoy the peak blooming season of our cool-season annuals. But it’s not too early to begin to plan our summer gardens. If you have empty flower beds, you may even begin to plant summer flowers in late March in south Louisiana or early to mid-April in north Louisiana.

(For Release On Or After 03/21/14) Mention blooming wildflowers, and most people think of country meadows and drives along rural roads. Wildflowers, however, are to be found everywhere, including cities and suburbs as well as in the country.

(For Release On Or After 03/14/14) Gardening is no different from any other human endeavor. Whether you want to repair your own car or cook a fancy meal, you must understand the information and techniques that have to be learned and done properly.

(For Release On Or After 03/07/14) The term “crape murder” has been coined to describe the cutting back of crape myrtle trees. Although perhaps a little overly dramatic, it is in use by horticulturists across the Southeast wherever crape myrtles are a popular and common tree.

(Audio 03/03/14) Cool-season weeds are active in lawns, flower beds and vegetable gardens this time of the year. You don't want to allow these weeds to flower and set seeds. Get rid of them as best you can to keep them under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/14) Perennials are grown for their beautiful foliage or flowers and can live for many years in our landscapes. This gives them an advantage over annuals. Look for perennials growing in gallon containers at nurseries. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/14) Herbicides come in two basic categories, post-emergence or pre-emergence herbicides. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before weeds occur. Spray it on a clean bed to keep weeds from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/03/14) You may see plants like dianthus and pansies blooming in flower beds and consider planting some this time of year. The best of those were planted in fall or winter. Beds planted with these flowers this month will never achieve the look of earlier planted beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/03/14) Now is a good time to begin getting your yard into better shape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how late February is a great time to trim ground cover or add some of these plants to your landscape. (Runtime: 1:50 seconds)