(Distributed 10/24/2003) Fall is usually a time to let the turf slow down, toughen up and get ready for winter and dormancy. Don’t push extra growth or do anything to the grass that requires growth repair for the fix, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) On cool, moist days, we may see mushrooms sprouting up or doughnut-like rings of dying or dark green grass developing on the lawn. These doughnuts are referred to as fairy rings, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(For Release On Or After 11/07/03) Container-grown tender tropical plants commonly are placed outside for the summer – where they provide a beautiful addition to decks, patios and porches. But these plants will not withstand freezing temperatures and must be brought back inside the house for the winter. Like children going back to school, they generally are not too happy about it either.

(For Release On Or After 11/21/03) Botany lessons often help gardeners understand some of the underlying reasons why plants behave the way they do. When growing a plant that is expected to produce fruit, knowing something about the reproductive workings of the plant is in the gardener’s best interest. Otherwise, you could be in for disappointment.

(For Release On Or After 11/28/2003) Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. But the strenuous activities also can cause problems. Sore muscles, aching backs, blisters and even sprains are common complaints of the weekend gardener.

(For Release On Or After 11/14/2003) Fresh, ripe strawberries are a favorite with just about everybody, and now is a great time to plant them into your garden so they’ll be ready next spring.

(Distributed 11/19/2003) Fourth graders in the East Feliciana Parish schools are getting some hands-on experience to help them to pass the science section of the mandatory LEAP test. But they aren't alone. What one LSU AgCenter agent began as a local program five years ago now is available statewide.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse may be less costly in the future. Dr. H.Y. Hanna, an LSU AgCenter scientist, is studying how spacing between bags that hold the plants affects the amount of heat required to produce tomatoes in greenhouses.

(Distributed 11/07/03) "Let’s go fishing" are the buzz words around the elementary and junior high schools in Plaquemines Parish – thanks to LSU AgCenter 4-H agent Wayne Burgess and some outstanding volunteers who conduct an aquatic education program. But the youngsters learn a lot more than how to fish.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana’s "green industry" continues to be one of the leading economic contributors among the state’s agricultural commodities, according to a study completed recently by the LSU AgCenter. The study shows a direct economic contribution of $2.2 billion annually in Louisiana from the industry that includes wholesale production and retail distribution of commercial nursery products, landscape and horticultural services, golf course maintenance and related expenditures

(Distributed 11/25/2003) A series of workshops on "Serving Food Safely" recently were launched as a collaborative effort of the land-grant universities in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. The workshops are targeted at staff members and volunteers at food banks and similar "food recovery" agencies and are designed to ensure the meals supplied to those who might otherwise go hungry are handled appropriately.

(Distributed 11/10/03) Louisiana farmers and agribusiness leaders will have the opportunity to continue discussing issues facing agriculture and working toward solutions at the 2004 AgOutlook Conference in Monroe. Operating under the theme of "Agriculture for the Future," the conference is set for Jan. 15, 2004.

(Distributed 11/26/2003) Louisiana 4-H "Good Providers," state contest winners and adult leaders received awards at an annual recognition luncheon in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans Tuesday (Nov. 25).

(Distributed 11/20/2003) Members of 4-H Clubs across Louisiana are learning what it means to be good citizens, and they’re showing it through a variety of community service projects.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana pecan producers like Ben Littlepage are optimistic about this year’s crop after suffering the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili last year. This year’s pecan harvest in Louisiana is estimated to be nearly 17 million pounds – more than double the 6.9 million pounds of pecans harvested last year.

(Distributed 11/26/2003) You may just think of them as delicious treats, but some of Louisiana’s traditional favorites for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners also contribute handily to the state’s economy. Agricultural products and natural resources contribute billions of dollars to Louisiana's economy all year round, according to figures from the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/26/2003) The LSU AgCenter held a groundbreaking ceremony this week (Nov. 24) for a new research and extension center building near Clinton.

(Distributed 11/25/2003) The LSU AgCenter has scheduled its 2003 Poinsettia Open House for Dec. 9-10 on the campus in Baton Rouge. The annual event provides poinsettia growers and the public with an opportunity to view some of the latest poinsettia varieties and to see the results of LSU AgCenter research with the plants.

(Distributed 11/25/2003) Louisiana catfish producers who lost money on their commodity in 2002 may get some of it back. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has certified a petition for catfish producers in 18 states who filed for financial aid under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program.

(Distributed 11/25/2003) The LSU AgCenter is among the sponsors for the 2003 Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show Dec. 3-5 in Mobile, Ala.

(Distributed 11/24/2003) The state’s first freezing temperatures of the year are a reminder that plants, pets and pipes must be protected from the harsh conditions of winter, according to experts in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/19/2003) New federal regulations are about to make it possible for most Americans to switch wireless and wired phone carriers without losing the phone numbers their friends and relatives know by heart. That’s predicted to be a good thing for consumers, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/19/2003) Representatives from the Cooperative Extension Services in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi met last week (Nov. 13) in Oak Grove to discuss how and when they will bring educational and outreach programs to the economically depressed Mississippi Delta region. The meeting came about as the result of an agreement signed this spring in which universities in the three states agreed to share knowledge and expertise to bring such programs to the region.

(Distributed 11/19/2003) Tree farming is a good alternative for landowners to consider in making long-term investments in their land resources, but some knowledge is required to protect that investment. Providing such knowledge was the purpose of a recent meeting in Marksville coordinated by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/14/2003) Horses have to rely on their owners for food, water and shelter, so it’s important to see that those needs are met – particularly at times like this when dry weather leads to a shortage of pasture grass, says LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Steven S. Nicholson.

(Distributed 11/14/03) A drier-than-normal fall has been a boon to most Louisiana farmers, allowing easy harvest of cotton and sugarcane. Dairy farmers, on the other hand, would like to see rain.

(Distributed 11/12/03) Despite a 10 percent reduction in the amount of sugarcane coming off Louisiana’s fields this harvest season, the state’s growers are running ahead of schedule and enjoying improved sugar yields per ton of cane.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Three new, early-ripening varieties of satsuma mandarins have given Louisiana producers a head start on the state’s annual citrus harvest. Louisiana Early, Early St. Ann and Brown Select – all developed by the LSU AgCenter – are being accepted enthusiastically by both growers and the buying public, according to Dr. Wayne Bourgeois, resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter’s Citrus Research Station at Port Sulphur.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Although there’s not an imminent danger, some scientists say a widespread disease or bioterrorism attack could wipe out significant portions of the U.S. farm animal population. That's where the National Animal Germplasm Program comes in.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana cattle producers are excited about the market news that beef cattle prices recently hit record high prices for fat cattle, feeder cattle and calves.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Participants heard reports on a variety of research during a field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station last week. Topics covered during the Oct. 30 event ranged from the importance of conducting research in cooperation with other universities to the need for farmers to be concerned about biosecurity in their operations

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Every year some 500 Americans die suddenly in their homes from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. A little knowledge about the gas and taking some simple precautions can help reduce the chances of a dangerous situation happening in your home, says LSU AgCenter housing professor Dr. Claudette Reichel.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Figs are one of the earliest fruits cultivated in the United States. They are nutrient-dense, versatile and very easy to pack and transport, says LSU AgCenter nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) With fall comes yard and garden cleanup – especially leaves. For many homeowners, a leaf blower can be an efficient and effective grounds maintenance tool, according to Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Diabetes is a serious, chronic – lifelong – and incurable disease. Because there is no cure, people with diabetes must learn to manage the disease and take care of themselves properly, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) A recent study revealed that fat, energy, sodium and saturated fat intake were higher, and vitamin A and C intakes were lower, on days when diners ate fast foods. "The increased consumption of fast food and the increased energy and fat intakes may be related to increasing problems with overweight and obesity seen today," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Thousands of Louisianians enjoy hunting this time of year. Most hunt safely, but chances are that if an accident happens, it’s because someone ignored safety rules, says LSU AgCenter hunter safety expert Dr. Don Reed.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) In many neighborhoods, the roar of lawnmowers has been joined by the howl of leaf blowers. "The primary complaint with leaf blowers is noise," says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) LSU AgCenter 4-H Foundation Executive Director Johnny Arceneaux announces the installation of eight new foundation youth trustees and four adult trustees. The Louisiana 4-H Foundation inducted the new personnel at its September 9th board meeting.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Three Regional 4-H/FFA Beef Leadership Camps successfully trained more than 300 participants in the Junior Beef projects, Character Counts and Leadership development, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H Animal Science professor Dr. Terry Dumas.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) You can trim and edge mechanically with a string trimmer or edger or chemically with a non-selective herbicide. Dr Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station, says each method has advantages and disadvantages.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Digging ditches and trenches is a fairly common but nevertheless unpleasant do-it-yourself job. All of the do-it-yourself methods involve hard work, but some are not as hard as others, according to Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) If your bills are piling up, you can't make all of your payments on time and you're thinking about paying one credit card balance with a cash advance from another, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says it's time to organize your credit payments and develop a plan for reducing your bills.

(Distributed 10/21/2003) Sweet potatoes are not very sweet or moist when first dug. It takes six to eight weeks of proper curing and storage before they have the sweet, moist taste and texture desired when baked, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Many landscape trees are planted from fall through the winter in Louisiana. "Homeowners need to be aware of some of the common mistakes made in planting, establishment and follow-up care of trees," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Carbonated beverage intake has increased significantly among America’s youth over a 20-year period. One soft drink a day has been linked to 60 percent increase in the development of obesity over time, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) Flowering kale and cabbage are becoming increasingly popular as fall bedding plants for Louisiana. An alternative to garden mums and pansies, these plants have feathery leaves of robust colors that make them well suited for landscape and container plantings, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) It's that time of year when stores are luring holiday shoppers. But before you get caught up in the frenzy, LSU Agricultural Center home economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says you should take stock of how much money you have available for holiday spending.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) As American families and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, cooks head to the kitchen to prepare bountiful meals. One item not on the grocery list, but that should be in the kitchen, is food safety, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 10/24/2003) One of South Louisiana’s favorite holiday dishes is deep-fried whole turkey. For a great-tasting bird, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers food safety and nutrition tips.