(Distributed December 2003) Thumbing through colorful catalogs and dreaming of the season's harvest is one way to make winter seem a little warmer and move a little faster says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 12/11/2003) Sweet potatoes or yams are extremely versatile. They can be decorative, but they also are nutritious and offer many health benefits to consumers.

(Distributed 12/19/2003) OAK GROVE – Youth from Northeast Louisiana are learning what it means to build a safer community with the help of the LSU AgCenter, the National Crime Prevention Council and the Teens, Crime and Community Organization.

(For Release On Or After 12/12/03) Cooking is a part of the holiday season, and many recipes call for chopped parsley. Easily grown, parsley should be planted in everyone’s cool-season herb garden.

(For Release On Or After 12/19/03) Have you ever wondered why poinsettias bloom now rather than for the Fourth of July? And have you ever thought about how plants know when the seasons are changing?

(For Release On Or After 12/26/03) The basic techniques of gardening today are not that much different from those our great-grandparents used. Still, technology and the age of communication are definitely changing the way we live, work and garden.

Decorative plants, such as poinsettias, holiday cactuses and living Christmas trees, play an important part in decking the halls for the holidays.

(Distributed 12/01/03) The votes have been tallied, and the public has spoken – or at least they’ve responded to a survey to say the state of Louisiana should buy Elmer’s Island and keep it relatively primitive.

(Distributed 12/04/03) The LSU AgCenter is among the recipients of a $1.57 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation that will fund a five-year research and educational program on obesity to benefit children living in the Delta Region of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.

(Distributed 12/03/03) Outbreaks of foodborne diseases caused by fresh fruits and vegetables, such as the recent case of hepatitis A-contaminated green onions, are relatively rare in the United States.

(Distributed 12/23/2003) Registration is under way for the 2004 AgOutlook Conference Jan. 15 in Monroe.The conference, which will precede the opening of AgExpo 2004 in Monroe, will give Louisiana farmers and agribusiness leaders an opportunity to continue discussing issues facing agriculture and working toward solutions to the problems they face.

(Distributed 12/22/2003) POLLOCK – Several underprivileged Louisiana youth will be able to attend the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Camp this summer as a result of a donation from two inmate organizations from the Dabadie Correctional Center in Pineville.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) ALEXANDRIA – Producers from across the state gathered here last week to learn about more efficient ways to produce, use and store quality forage on their farms.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) BATON ROUGE – The LSU AgCenter honored four individuals and a team of research faculty members with its top awards during ceremonies Monday (Dec. 15) on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) The LSU AgCenter recently launched a diabetes education program in Lafourche Parish that will be taken statewide next year.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) A new piece of federal legislation should improve the quality and accuracy of credit information, provide more protection for consumers and improve access to financial services, according to an LSU AgCenter family economist.

(Distributed 12/12/2003) Two new seed treatments offer significant potential for corn producers, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Jack Baldwin.

(Distributed 12/11/2003) Family and Consumer Education volunteers play a vital role in the mission of the LSU AgCenter across the state.

(Distributed 12/11/2003) A new ropes course at the LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock can help group members and individuals learn about team-building and trust, as well as build self-esteem.

(Distributed 12/11/03) The 2004 Louisiana Corn Forum is scheduled for Jan. 23 at the Rayville Civic Center in Rayville.

(Distributed 12/11/03) After a semester of painstaking effort to prepare museum-quality displays of Louisiana insects, LSU entomology students generally have faced a disheartening finale – when their collections end up in the trash bin.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) Soldiers with the National Guard's 528th Engineering Battalion Company C were deploying for Afghanistan Wednesday (Dec. 10). But before they left, members of the LSU AgCenter's 4-H Clubs in West Carroll Parish helped give them a hearty send-off.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) Soldiers with the National Guard's 528th Engineering Battalion Company C were deploying for Afghanistan Wednesday (Dec. 10). But before they left, members of the LSU AgCenter's 4-H Clubs in West Carroll Parish helped give them a hearty send-off.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) The president of Character Counts! met recently with officials of the LSU AgCenter and others to discuss the success of the nationally known character education program in Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) The LSU AgCenter’s cookbook "Serving Louisiana" has sold more than 10,000 copies and is in its second printing.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) It’s the time of year when corn producers start making decisions about the seed they’ll use for next year’s crop, and LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Jack Baldwin says Louisiana farmers should consider variety selection as one part of their plans to manage corn borers.

(Distributed 12/10/2003) The fall harvest season is near its end for this year, but farm safety still needs to be on the minds of farmers and farm workers, according to agents and specialists with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distribute 12/05/2003) The LSU AgCenter and LSU’s Earl K. Long Hospital have joined forces to help those whose health is at risk because of poor nutrition.

(Distributed 12/05/2003) Delia "Dede" Nunez of Cameron has been named one of six national outstanding adult volunteer leaders in 4-H wildlife and fisheries projects.

(Distributed 12/05/03) Eight 4-H’ers recently represented Louisiana at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Ky., and several came home with national honors.

(Distributed 12/04/03) Louisiana foresters will have the chance to participate in a series of classes along with others from across the South beginning Feb. 3.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Holiday shoppers looking for unique gifts might consider gardening tools or special bulbs and other plants materials.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Although the end of 2003 is rapidly approaching, you still have time to take advantage of some great tax breaks for which your employer may pick up the tab for expenses, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed Decemeber 2003) Kids enjoy being holiday helpers. "This holiday season, let your children share in planning and preparing food for these special occasions," suggests LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Chain saws are popular homeowner tools – especially in the South where we have lots of trees and lots of storms. Homeowners have many options in chain saws, and the first decision is between an electric or gasoline model, according to Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer with the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) With the onset of winter comes cooler weather and special environmental conditions that can challenge the performance of even the newest cars, according to LSU AgCenter engineer Dr. Dan Martin. With some forethought and advance maintenance, many of these obstacles can be overcome and prevented.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Overly enthusiastic holiday spending can push a family into financial difficulty. The challenge of managing holiday spending is to enjoy the spirit of the season without paying for it months or even years later, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Grandparents, mom and dad, brother and sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, teacher, friends: the gift list – and the cash register receipt – get longer every year. "The holidays are a great time to discuss spending with the younger set," says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed December 2003) LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser offers a way to cope with holiday stress. "It may not be a cure, but it can sure help! And it just takes 10 minutes a day."

(Distributed December 2003) Chain saws tend to require more maintenance than most other lawn and garden equipment. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the saw and make it easier to start but also make your work easier, says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed December 2003) Gasoline is one of the most hazardous substances most people have to deal with. We tend to take it for granted since it is so common and familiar, but we should pay it more respect, warns Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Most people face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight. The good news is that although many people gain, research suggests that the gain will probably be only 1 pound, not 5, notes LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) Though a sign of the season, poinsettias actually can be grown year round. Poinsettias are the featured plant in retail garden centers, florist shops and grocery stores from mid-November through December. Proper selection and care are important when choosing the holiday decoration, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 11/23/2003) Childhood obesity has substantially increased across all racial and ethnic backgrounds since the 1970s. "It is a serious condition that can lead to hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and to an increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries," warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed December 2003) A quality caregiver makes all the difference during the early years of a child’s development, so parents need to look for indications of quality when entrusting their children to others, says LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed December 2003) Giving your child the highest quality of care is a primary concern for you – and it also should be a major concern for your child-care provider, according to LSU AgCenter expert Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed December 2003) The almond is one of the oldest and most widely grown of all of the world's nut crops. The monosaturated fat in almonds is good for you. "Almonds have long been considered valuable commodities," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed December 2003) Holiday observances may be challenging for families in which one or both adults has a child or children from a former relationship. Unresolved feelings, animosity and mixed loyalties can sidetrack what should be a happy time, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Diane D. Sasser.

(Distributed December 2003) Loquat, sometimes called Japanese plum or Japanese Medlar, is an attractive small tree or shrub that is frequently planted in landscapes as an ornamental in Louisiana. The nice thing about loquat is that it can be used as an edible landscape plant, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed December 2003) The Louisiana Turfgrass Association will hold its one-day winter turf conference January 13 on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. The association works closely with the LSU AgCenter to promote and improve professionals in the turfgrass management business, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed December 2003) Saving seed for next season is usually not a good idea. "You may well get mostly parent-like throwback that doesn’t look all that good," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed December 2003) Shopping for quality child care? There are things you can do to become a better consumer of quality child care and at the same time help your children by providing the very best in caregiving, according to LSU AgCenter specialist Dr. Becky White.

(Distributed December 2003) Chain saws are popular tools for both homeowners and professionals since they have so many uses. "But, they’re potentially dangerous and must be used carefully to avoid serious injury, says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.