(Video 09/17/14 )Soybean harvest is underway in Louisiana. Rain has slowed the harvest, but farmers are seeing outstanding yields for the third year in a row. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report.

(Video 09/03/14) Louisiana farmers are harvesting their rice crop … when they get a break from the frequent rain. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a rice field still wet from the previous day’s downpour.

(Video 09/03/14) Louisiana’s corn crop is coming in. Good weather during the growing season has translated into good yields. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report.

(Video 09/15/14) Native Louisiana plants can be excellent choices for landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests the American beautyberry as a great native selection. It’s a shrub that produces beautiful berry clusters – great for cut-flower arrangements.

(Video 9/29/14) Some vines can grow out of control, taking over everything. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the Rose of the Montana or antiginon – a beautiful flowering vine that attracts wildlife and is easy to manage.

(Distributed 09/26/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in the process of changing rules and regulations regarding the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which are also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones. These changes are of concern to the agricultural interests in Louisiana, including the LSU AgCenter, because the agriculture community has embraced this new technology and found many valuable uses for it.

(Distributed 09/15/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Cheers erupted as a remote-controlled door on a cage closed. A small ruby-throated hummingbird was inside at a feeder. Students in the LSU College of Agriculture’s School of Renewable Natural Resources were trapping hummingbirds at a residence in Baton Rouge on Sept. 12 to help with banding them and to gather information about each bird

(Distributed 09/30/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – A group of about 20 food industry professionals from Kazakhstan visited the LSU AgCenter’s Food Incubator and Aquaculture Research Station on Sept. 30.

(Distributed 09/19/14) HAMMOND, La. – Fall is starting, and this time of year is great for gardening and planting. Some outstanding plants you can add to your landscape for this fall and future years are Louisiana Super Plants.

(Distributed 09/19/14) Garden mums are among the most-popular landscape plants in the fall. These plants are also known as chrysanthemums, and some folks in north Louisiana and other parts of the state refer to them as “pinks.”

(Distributed 09/29/14) Mesa gaillardia has been named a Louisiana Super Plant for this fall. Also called blanket flowers, it is a native perennial that can be grown as an annual or a short-lived perennial in Louisiana.

(Distributed 09/26/14) Marrero, La. – At-risk young people in the greater New Orleans area are gaining life skills from the LSU AgCenter in addition to culinary training provided by Café Hope, a farm-to-table restaurant.

(Distributed 09/26/14) HAMMOND, La. – As we enter fall, many home gardeners consider adding new plants to dress up the landscape. Two great plants for fall are celosia, which some of us also call cockscomb, and ornamental peppers.

(Distributed 09/26/14) EVERGREEN, La. – The Louisiana sweet potato harvest has gotten underway, and early indications are this year’s crop will be good for growers.

(Audio 9/29/14) The tropical hibiscus can survive a mild winter in Louisiana if it is well mulched and covered. Make sure the shrub is planted in a sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/29/14) The Monarch Butterfly migrates from Southern Canada through Louisiana and into Mexico. Plant nectar plants such as lantana and zinnias for them to feed on as they move through. Also plant milkweed to encourage new generations of the butterfly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/29/14) If you need to repair your lawn, try to lay sod within the next few weeks. When repairing a lawn you should remove the dead grass completely, rake the soil to loosen it, and then lay sod that fits perfectly into the area. Listen to learn how to plant a new lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/29/14) Don’t let the cooler weather fool you; October is one of the driest months. Remember to water plants thoroughly and occasionally as needed. Pay careful attention to anything that’s been newly planted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/29/14) NASA discovered that houseplants have the ability to remove a wide variety of toxins from the air. Indoor plants that can keep the air inside your home pure include the spider plant, the peace lily, and the Chinese evergreen. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/24/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The traditional stereotype for cattle with high Brahman influence has been that the meat is too tough. But with improved genetics, that seems to be changing.

(Distributed 09/23/14) MANGHAM, La. – Cattle producers drove as far as 100 miles to get the latest research-based information that included pharmaceutical best management practices, buying and retaining replacement heifers and pasture weed control at the second annual northeast Louisiana beef and forage field day at the Goldmine Plantation.

(Distributed 09/19/14) NEW ORLEANS – Jolie Bensen Hamilton and Sarah Elizabeth Dewey teamed up four years ago to start their own wholesale apparel design company, Jolie and Elizabeth. Yesterday evening (Sept. 18) the two marked the occasion of manufacturing their 10,000th dress, each one designed and made in New Orleans.

(Video 9/22/14) Cole crops like cabbage and cauliflower are great vegetables to grow during the fall. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explains the proper way to get them into the ground so they produce well for you.

(Distributed 09/18/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Enrollment in Louisiana 4-H Clubs continues to grow, with a total of 46,232 youth participating in state 4-H Clubs this year. Club membership included more than 45,100 students last year and 42,960 in 2012.

(Distributed 09/17/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Changing people’s perceptions of how foods taste – or even how foods feel in the mouth – can help direct them to more healthful food choices, said Witoon Prinyawiwatkul, a researcher in the LSU AgCenter School of Nutrition and Food Sciences.

(Distributed 09/16/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Most cases of foodborne illness can be prevented if foods are carefully cooked and stored. Still, it is relatively easy to spread bacteria like salmonella that can cause food poisoning.

(Audio 9/22/14) Garlic is indispensable to the Louisiana vegetable garden because it brings a lot of flavor to food. Types of garlic that may be planted now include Italian garlic, creole garlic, and elephant garlic. This garlic will be harvested next May. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/22/14) Divide, or separate, plants to create more copies and to control the size of the plant. This should be done when the plant is most dormant. Plants that are dormant during this time of the year include Louisiana irises, daylilies, Easter lilies, and calla lilies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/22/14) Although it is still too hot to plant shade trees, evaluate your home and decide if you would like to plant some later. Shade trees next to the home can really help with utility bills. Take this time to think about where you would like the tree and what size the tree needs to be. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/22/14) Take notes on how well each bedding plant performed throughout the summer. Keep track of which plants survived the heat, rain, insects, and diseases. Your notes will help when deciding which plants to plant next spring and summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/22/14) After a long summer, potted plants may become pot-bound and begin to stress. Check to see if the roots have completely filled the container. If so, repot the plant in a container about 4 inches larger than the previous pot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/15/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter's ties with other countries could be instrumental as LSU seeks to increase international involvement and better prepare students for a global workforce, according to LSU Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Stuart Bell. He was among the featured speakers at the AgCenter's Sept. 9 Global Agriculture Hour, which is a new monthly event that highlights the significance of international activities to Louisiana agriculture.

(Distributed 09/15/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dairy Store is now open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Gary Hay, director of the School of Animal Sciences, said the store extended its hours to better serve its customers.

(Distributed 09/15/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Growing interest in making fresher, more healthful food available in Louisiana communities has led the LSU AgCenter to implement the Louisiana Harvest of the Month pilot program in three Louisiana schools – Dufrocq Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Andrew H. Wilson Charter School in New Orleans and North Bayou Rapides Elementary School in Alexandria.

(Distributed 09/15/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center will host its seasonal Saturday open house on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Distributed 09/12/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Agricultural producers, beekeepers and pesticide applicators are working together in an effort to minimize the damage chemicals may have on honeybee populations in Louisiana.

(Distributed 09/12/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU Board of Supervisors authorized creation of the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation at its Sept. 12 meeting in Baton Rouge. The new unit will merge the LSU AgCenter’s Organization Development and Evaluation office and the College of Agriculture’s agricultural and extension education program

(Distributed 09/12/14) Of all the perennial verbenas on the market today, the outstanding variety continues to be Homestead Purple. And this Verbena canadensis is truly perennial.

(Distributed 09/04/14) LAKE ARTHUR, La. – With good moisture and light pest pressure, this year’s Louisiana soybean crop has the potential for another record-breaking year, according to LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ron Levy.

(Distributed 09/12/14) HAMMOND, La. – American beautyberry is a great Louisiana native shrub that deserves o increased use. Plants have abundant fruit production in the fall, and with their wildlife benefit, they fit well into a woodland garden setting.

(Distributed 09/11/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, will celebrate National 4-H Week Oct. 5-11 by sponsoring in a variety of activities focusing on science, community enhancement and a healthy lifestyle.

(Distributed 09/11/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 35 may be eligible to participate in the Louisiana Moms and Babies Study (LAMBS), which is examining nutrition and infant growth.

(Distributed 09/11/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Preparing 300 farm workers to do their job safely in two days requires planning and patience, but when those workers don’t speak English, it takes much more.

(Distributed 09/10/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Four years ago, as nearly 5 million barrels of oil flowed into the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, desperate cleanup crews applied dispersants to break up the oil that people worried would have profoundly negative effects on coastal wetlands and wildlife.

(Distributed 09/10/14) DELCAMBRE, La. – A new boat dock, fishing pier, boat launch and farmer’s market pavilion, which was dedicated on Sept. 6, was the culmination of a project begun after hurricanes Ike and Rita devastated this coastal town. The dedication was during the first Seafood and Farmer’s Market of the shrimp season, and attendance hit 4,000 people.

(Audio News 09/10/14) School is back in session, and student athletes are returning to the playing fields. While temperatures are likely to begin dropping this month, it is still very hot outside. Denise Holston-West, a registered dietitian with the LSU AgCenter, said staying properly hydrated is important for student athletes. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Audio 9/15/14) A Louisiana Super Plant, gaillardia Mesa is an outstanding bedding plant for fall, but will continue to flower throughout spring and early summer. The series has three flower colors, Mesa Bi-color, Mesa Yellow and Mesa Peach. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 9/15/14) Peppers are great vegetables. But you can also grow ornamental peppers that produce colorful, decorative little fruits. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explores some different types of ornamental peppers and how to care for them.

(Audio 9/15/14) Fall azaleas have been common in Louisiana for years. Most fall-blooming azaleas produce a nice display in the fall and another display in the spring. Listen to learn which types of azaleas are most popular during this time of year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/15/14) Caladiums provide color to flower beds throughout the summer, but they go dormant in the fall. Before the foliage disappears, dig up the tubers and store them through the winter. This will allow you to replant them year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/15/14) Everybody who gardens should have a compost pile. If you have enough space in your yard, create a compost pile before the leaves begin to fall. Listen to hear instructions on how to easily construct a compost bin for your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 9/15/14) There are two generations of azalea lace bugs, and the second generation appears in early fall. Azalea lace bugs can be identified by tiny white spots on the upper surface on the leaf and brown spots underneath the leaf. Treat with an insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/09/14) HAMMOND, La. – Louisiana homeowners should be on the alert for a small insect called chilli thrips that feeds on the young, tender parts of many plants, according to Yan Chen, an entomologist at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 09/08/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – School is back in session, and student athletes are returning to the playing fields. While temperatures are likely to begin dropping this month, it is still very hot outside. Denise Holston-West, a registered dietitian with the LSU AgCenter, said staying properly hydrated is important for student athletes.

(Audio 09/08/14) Mulches are used in flower beds and around shrubs. They bring a great look to your landscape and also enrich the soil. Their most important job, however, is to prevent weeds from growing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/05/14) Cassia, now more commonly called by the scientific name of Senna, is a great fall-flowering large shrub-like plant for Louisiana.

(Distributed 09/05/14) OAK GROVE, La. – Landowners in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi can learn how to earn additional income from their agricultural lands, recreational property or timberland during an outdoor business workshop on Oct. 16

(Distributed 09/05/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – With annual damage estimates at nearly $1.5 billion nationally, and with a population of over 400,000 in Louisiana, wild hogs drew wide interest at a natural resource symposium on Aug. 29.

(Distributed 09/05/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana horse owners need to inspect alfalfa hay bales for blister beetles, which are tiny, toxic and potentially fatal, said LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker. As few as 25 ingested beetles can be toxic to an average-sized horse, and poisoned animals can die within 72 hours.

(Distributed 09/05/14) HAMMOND, La. – Perennials are plants that live for three or more years and often require two or more years from seed to flower. Gardeners are showing renewed interest in non-woody, herbaceous perennials because they often need less maintenance, less water and fewer pesticides than annual bedding plants.

(Audio 09/08/14) Lawns still need to be mowed often this time of year. Make sure to weed, water and mow regularly so the lawn stays healthy for those cold winter months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/08/14) Fall-, winter- and spring-flowering trees and shrubs have already set their flower buds for next year. Pruning these plants now will cause the flowers to be less abundant during blooming seasons. Listen to learn more about when and how to prune. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/08/14) A lot of gardening is done during September and October. During this time, summer plants are coming to an end, and it's time to plant those fall vegetables and flowers. Gardens need to be prepared for the new plants to produce abundantly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/08/14) Fall is right around the corner, and fertilization in preparation for fall is important. Fertilizer is important in spring and summer, but not as much in fall and winter. Listen to learn more about how to fertilize for fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/04/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is offering Master Horseman classes in three locations across the state starting Sept. 8 and 22, according to Neely Walker, extension equine specialist.

(Distributed 09/04/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Beginning in the fall of 2011, Raj Singh, the LSU AgCenter’s “plant doctor,” began seeing an increase in the number of calls about damage to boxwoods.

(Distributed 09/03/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – An exhibit commemorating 100 years of the Cooperative Extension Service in Louisiana will open at the LSU Hill Memorial Library on Sept. 22.

(Distributed 09/03/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – When people notice lichens on their trees, shrubs and other plants, they become concerned that they have problems. But they shouldn’t worry, said LSU AgCenter plant scientist Raj Singh.

(Distributed 09/13/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Food Incubator has received a $25,000 grant from the Louisiana Economic Development Business Incubation Support Program. The funds were awarded through the Louisiana Business Incubator Association in August and will be used to purchase faster, more efficient processing equipment.

(Distributed 09/03/14) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will hold its annual landscape horticulture field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on Oct. 9.

(Distributed 09/03/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will conduct a mold control and remediation training course on Oct. 21-23 at LaHouse in Baton Rouge. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.

(For Release On Or After 09/26/14) November through February is the prime season for planting hardy trees, shrubs and ground covers in Louisiana. So now is an excellent time to assess your landscape situation and begin to make plans.

(For Release On Or After 09/19/14) Plantings of caladiums generally begin to look tired and less attractive in late September or early October. When they do, it’s time to decide what you want to do with them.

(For Release On Or After 09/12/14) Each spring and fall LSU AgCenter horticulturists unveil Louisiana Super Plants selections for that season, and gaillardia Mesa series has been named a Louisiana Super Plants selection for fall 2014.

(For Release On Or After 09/05/14) Although September weather is often still hot, vegetable gardeners begin to anticipate the cooler weather to come. It is now that we begin to focus on planting cool-season vegetables that will grow and produce during the fall, winter and spring.

(Audio 09/01/14) During this time of year pecan trees are getting ready to drop their nuts. Pecan trees alternately have large crops one year and small crops the next. The brittle wood on pecan trees during those large-crop years becomes very fragile, and branches often fall. The bigger your yard, the safer it is to have a pecan tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/01/14) Fungi that live in your lawn help deteriorate the grass clippings. The rainy weather causes the fungi to sprout and create mushrooms. The mushrooms aren’t usually dangerous, but some may be poisonous. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/01/14) Great fall vegetables can still be grown to produce vegetables before the first big freeze of the winter. Transplanting these vegetables now is the easiest and smartest way to get a fall crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/01/14) Bunching onions should be planted now so they can grow throughout the winter. You can buy them from your local nursery and plant them within the next few months. Listen to learn more about bunching onions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/01/14) Tree roots can be a lot shallower than you think. Shallow roots call for special care because certain tasks around the tree, like sidewalk construction or digging, can easily harm the roots. Listen to learn more about how to prevent root damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video: 09/01/14) Tropical cannas produce beautiful flowers in some of the hottest conditions. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to promote better blooming on these plants and how to control persistent insect problems. (Runtime: 1:39 seconds)