(Distributed December 2004) Winter weeds started germinating in October. Come late winter, retailers will be pushing weed and feed fertilizers to control them. Not an enthusiast for weed and feed, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske advises caution.

(Distributed December 2004) Poinsettias are one of the most popular holiday plants in the United States. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings tells how to make a wise choice when selecting one.

(Distributed December 2004) It is not uncommon for homeowners to look at a lawn problem and call someone for help. Before calling, though, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske recommends taking a closer look and making notes.

(Distributed December 2004) Our warm-season grasses don’t like low temperatures. In fact, some may show some off-color because of chilling stress that might start from 54 to 60 degrees F, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed 12/20/04) Farmers in the South Louisiana’s rice-growing parishes can start the year the first week of January with informational meetings presented by the LSU AgCenter to bring them up to date on the latest agricultural developments.

(Distributed 12/17/04) Christmas will be brighter for some East Carroll Parish residents thanks to the LSU AgCenter and the New Orleans Hornets basketball team.

(For Release On Or After 06/25/04) During the summer, dry conditions and high temperatures may make it necessary to irrigate established trees, shrubs, lawns and flower and vegetable gardens.

(For Release On Or After 12/17/04) The pace of things in the garden tends to slow down a bit this time of year, but taking care of a few things now can save you time and money later.

(For Release On Or After 12/31/04) Pruning often is neglected because gardeners are not exactly sure what to do. There is a great deal of confusion about how to prune, when to do it and even why pruning is done.

(For Release On Or After 12/17/04) The pace of things in the garden tends to slow down a bit this time of year, but taking care of a few things now can save you time and money later.

(For Release On Or After 12/31/04) Pruning often is neglected because gardeners are not exactly sure what to do. There is a great deal of confusion about how to prune, when to do it and even why pruning is done.

(For Release On Or After 12/24/04) Orchids are tough, resilient plants that produce beautiful flowers and are not really challenging to grow – if you just learn what growing conditions they prefer.

(For Release On Or After 12/10/04) Most plants in our landscapes are completely winter hardy, but some tender plants need to be protected from freezing temperatures.

(For Release On Or After 12/03/04) Your gardens are full of plant materials that can add unique beauty to your holiday decorations.

(Distributed 11/30/04) Louisiana 4-H’ers recognized as this year’s "good providers," as well as others from across the state who excelled in various projects, were honored last week in New Orleans.

(Distributed 06/29/04) Entergy Louisiana was recognized for completing a $100,000 pledge to the Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center – nicknamed LaHouse – at a reception on the LSU campus Monday (June 28).

(Distributed 06/25/04) CROWLEY – The LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station will hold its annual Rice Field Day on July 1. Events will include tours of fields where research is being conducted, a poster display, an "Ask the Plant Doctor" session and a variety of speakers to provide the latest information on the rice industry.

(Distributed June 2004) 4-H'ers from across Louisiana gathered in Baton Rouge June 22-25 for 4-H University. The LSU AgCenter event gave more than 1,800 young people and adults involved in the 4-H program a chance to learn while also having fun. For example, one of the activities helped 4-H'ers learn about urban forestry while providing them a chance to explore treetops using zip lines and rope swings. The youngsters also had opportunities to show off their talents in assemblies, to compete for

(Distributed June 2004) 4-H'ers from across Louisiana gathered in Baton Rouge June 22-25 for 4-H University. The LSU AgCenter event gave more than 1,800 young people and adults involved in the 4-H program a chance to learn while also having fun. For example, one of the activities helped 4-H'ers learn about urban forestry while providing them a chance to explore treetops using zip lines and rope swings. The youngsters also had opportunities to show off their talents in assemblies, to compete for

(Distributed 06/25/04) BATON ROUGE – Young people from across Louisiana were named state winners and alternates in various contests Thursday night (June 24) at the final session of the LSU AgCenter’s "4-H University" in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 6/25/04) Carl Meaux of Lafayette is happy to learn that electronics are being used in conjunction with other fields to make life easier for people living in Louisiana.

(Distributed 06/22/04) Twenty-eight Louisiana 4-H’ers who excelled in project work and recordkeeping, served as club officers or otherwise distinguished themselves during their years in 4-H were announced as scholarship winners Tuesday (June 22) during 4-H University in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/16/04) LSU AgCenter Master Gardener volunteers recently took a small part in a research project that could someday help to reduce water pollution.

(Distributed 12/02/04) The LSU AgCenter’s 2005 Get It Growing Calendar offers Louisiana gardeners something special, and it’s available for holiday gift-giving.

(Distributed 12/02/04) The 2004 Crawfish Expo is set for Thursday (Dec. 9) at the Acadia Parish Rice Arena adjacent to the LSU AgCenter’s Acadia Parish Extension Service office on Cherokee Drive.

(Distributed 06/16/04) Louisiana was set for what appeared to be a record-breaking year in corn production. Then the rains came, and now the crop is "fair to poor," an LSU AgCenter corn specialist said during a field day here last week.

(Distributed 06/15/04) Hundreds of young people from across the state will converge on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge next week for the first "4-H University." The LSU AgCenter event, formerly known as 4-H Short Course during its 90-year history, will bring about 1,800 young people to the state’s capital June 22-25 for educational programs, competition in various events and other activities.

(Distributed 12/06/04) Cooling rice and other crops quickly after harvest is the first step to getting the grain to a proper moisture level, an expert said at a recent seminar on grain drying sponsored by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 06/01/04) Stress can lead poultry to "pick" at one another, and LSU AgCenter poultry expert Dr. Theresia Lavergne says the problem seems to be occurring around the state.

(Distributed 12/07/04) The LSU AgCenter is hosting a Jan. 20 meeting for those interested in its Master Farmer or Master Cattle Producer programs.

(Distributed 12/09/04) It’s going to be a short harvest season for sugarcane, according to an LSU AgCenter expert who says the harvest usually runs past Christmas and often into the New Year, but this year many mills will close by the middle of December.

(Distributed 12/10/04) Louisiana nature photographers will have an opportunity to show off their work and earn recognition if their photos are selected for the LSU AgCenter’s 2006 Get It Growing gardening calendar.

(Distributed 12/10/04) Louisiana 4-H’ers are making a difference in peoples’ lives across the state – and around the country – during the holidays and all year long.

(Distributed 12/10/04) The USA Rice Federation honored a former LSU AgCenter administrator and a number of others during the Rice Outlook Conference earlier this week in New Orleans.

(Distributed 12/13/04) The LSU AgCenter recognized four individuals and a team of faculty members with its top research and extension awards during its 2004 annual conference Monday (Dec. 13).

(Distributed 12/14/04) Turnout for the 2004 Crawfish Expo held Thursday (Dec. 9) in Crowley exceeded expectations, according to organizers of the educational event and trade show.

(Distributed 12/17/04) An update on the Asian soybean rust fungus that has been identified in several southern states will be a highlight of the Tri-State Soybean Forum and Southern Soybean Conference Jan. 7 in Dumas, Ark.

(Distributed 12/21/04) The largest aquaculture trade show in the Western Hemisphere will highlight the 2005 meeting of the USA Aquaculture Society in New Orleans Jan. 17-20, according to Dr. Robert Romaire, resident director of the LSU AgCenter’s Aquaculture Research Station in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 12/22/04) Producers from across the state gathered here earlier this month to learn about more efficient ways to produce, use and store quality forage on their farms.

(Distributed 12/21/04) The largest aquaculture trade show in the Western Hemisphere will highlight the 2005 meeting of the USA Aquaculture Society in New Orleans Jan. 17-20, according to Dr. Robert Romaire, resident director of the LSU AgCenter’s Aquaculture Research Station in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 12/17/04) The LSU AgCenter and Southern University AgCenter have assigned new personnel to this area in an attempt to improve the lives of residents living here. The three new staff members are located in the Thomas Jason Lingo Community Center in Oak Grove and will work on projects designed to help improve the area’s economy, as well as the health of those living here.

(Distributed December 2004) December is a good time to collect and look through nursery catalogs, browse gardening magazines and search the Internet for possibilities of planting fruits and nuts in your yard, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed December 2004) The Louisiana Turfgrass Association (LTA) will hold a one-day winter turf conference January 11 on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. The association works closely with the LSU AgCenter to improve professionals in the turfgrass management business, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed December 2004) Tomatoes are the quintessential garden plant, which has fans as loyal and vocal as bleed purple and gold for the LSU Tigers. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske is a rabid tomato fan who has his favorites.

(Distributed December 2004) As children grow and develop so do their opinions about foods – what should be eaten, how to eat it and a host of other issues. The challenge is not to panic or worry as these changes occur, says an LSU AgCenter expert.

(Distributed December 2004) 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, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed December 2004) This holiday season, let your children share in planning and preparing food for these special occasions. "Kids enjoy being holiday helpers," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed December 2004) Overly enthusiastic holiday spending can push a family into financial difficulty, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed December 2004) Grandparents, mom and dad, brother and sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, 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 2004) Giving money to charities is a holiday custom, but cash is not the only way to help out the less fortunate, says LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Charitable organizations gladly may accept other types of contributions.

(Distributed December 2004) Young children, who today spend most of their waking moments in child-care programs, need to have the knowledge and security of a reminder from home, says LSU AgCenter expert Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed December 2004) Good test scores, quality workmanship, respectful students and employees - all of these have something in common. The link is ethical character, says LSU AgCenter state 4-H character education coordinator John Arceneaux.

(Distributed December 2004) Millions of Americans follow the latest fad diets to lose weight. The problem is, most of these diets don’t provide lasting results, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed December 2004) One diet has been found to be especially helpful in fighting cancer, heart disease and atherosclerosis. Its effectiveness comes from food rich in phytochemicals, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed December 2004) Although poinsettias are typically equated with the holidays, another group of plants to consider are the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed June 2004) Louisiana Class A licensed child-care facilities are required to provide meals and snacks to children enrolled in their care, and those meals and snacks need to be not only nutritious but safe.

(Distributed June 2004) When toddlers finally learn to use the toilet, it is cause for celebration. But tackling this issue can be frustrating for children, parents and child-care providers, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed June 2004) Confused about carbs when you read food labels? Many products now list the number of net carbs or number of impact carbs, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.