(Distributed January 2005) Athletic turf is often abused. Many people think that grass just grows and grows, and you can’t wear it out. The truth is that most fields are overused and undermaintained, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2005) Consumers often ask about the safety of using plastic wrap or plastic containers in microwave ovens. According to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, only plastic containers or packaging labeled "microwave safe" should be used in microwave ovens.

(Distributed 01/20/05) More than 50 graduates of the Master Cattle Producer program received diplomas at a ceremony held Saturday (Jan. 15) during the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association convention here.

(For Release On Or After 01/21/05) The camellia is a shrub that brightens our winter gardens with huge, beautiful flowers, and now is an excellent time to select blooming camellias and plant them into your landscape.

(For Release On Or After 01/07/05) A variety of beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables were named All-America Selections winners for 2005.

(For Release On Or After 01/14/05) At the beginning of a new year it’s tempting to look back on the previous year and think of ways to do things better in the coming year. A worthy goal for gardeners is to keep better records of their gardening activities.

(For Release On Or After 01/28/05) It would be hard to dispute that the most popular summer-flowering shrub is the rose. To keep them looking their best, now is the time many of them need to be pruned.

(Distributed 01/20/05) Interest is keen in new rice varieties being released for seed production this year by the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station.

(Distributed 01/06/05) Canadian officials recently confirmed a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as "mad cow disease," in an Alberta dairy cow little more than a year after a cow in the state of Washington was diagnosed with the disease – the only U.S. case so far.

(Distributed 01/21/05) The LSU AgCenter will have a $1 million endowed position in cotton production as the result of industry donations honoring a man who was one of the driving forces in Louisiana cotton production.

(Distributed 01/11/05) Corn, rice and soybean producers will get the latest information needed to grow productive crops at two forums hosted by the LSU AgCenter in February.

(Distributed 01/25/05) Thousands of youngsters from across the state are working toward competing in the LSU AgCenter’s 70th annual Livestock Show Feb. 5-12.

(Distributed 01/27/05) What critter has no name, eats rice plants and has the potential to make farmers see red?

(Distributed 01/27/05) This year’s Louisiana strawberry crop started coming in a little earlier than usual, and officials say the state’s farmers are hoping for a good crop.

(Distributed 01/24/05) Extracting vitamin E from rice bran may become more cost effective and provide an expanded market for the rice byproduct if research in the LSU AgCenter’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering proves out.

(Distributed 01/14/05) Americans are opening their hearts and wallets, generously giving millions of dollars to relief effort in the countries pummeled by the recent tsunami in southern Asia.

(Distributed 01/06/05) Youth and adults will have a new path of learning to travel when they visit Ag Alley at Northeast Louisiana Ag Expo 2005 Jan. 21-22 at the Monroe Civic Center.

(Distributed 01/26/05) Leaders of the rice industry this week urged Louisiana producers to persevere but brace themselves for possible price support cuts.

(Distributed 01/13/05) An LSU AgCenter volunteer has received national recognition for her work in the Louisiana 4-H youth development program.

(Distributed 01/25/05) Thousands of youth and adults learned about Louisiana agriculture after they traveled down the LSU AgCenter’s Ag Alley this past weekend (Jan. 21-22).

(Distributed 01/04/05) Experts will share information on Asian soybean rust with farmers and agribusiness leaders during the annual meeting of the Louisiana Soybean Association Jan. 18 at Alexandria.

(Distributed 01/14/05) "I’m here to try to get an overview of what is coming in the way of markets, how the U.S. market is perceived around the world," said Tommy Ellett of Angelina Plantation in Monterey, La.

(Distributed 01/28/05) The third annual Louisiana Food Processors Conference and exposition has been set for Feb. 16-17 at the C.B. Pennington Jr. Conference Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/05/05) It may be only the beginning of January, but the crawfish season already is off to a good start, according to LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz, who predicts an abundant crop this year.

Photos from "Ag Alley" in Monroe. See related story titled "Youth, Adults Learn About La. Agriculture In 'Ag Alley.'"

(Distributed 01/25/05) The LSU AgCenter will host the Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium July 19-20 at the Lod Cook Conference Center and Hotel on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/11/05) Rice farmers across South Louisiana recently returned to school for lessons in the latest techniques of planting, pest control, fertilizer applications and fighting diseases.

(Distributed 01/21/05) The LSU AgCenter will provide the latest information for cotton producers in the state as it hosts the 2005 Louisiana Cotton Forum Feb. 3 in Monroe.

(Distributed 01/27/05) Greenhouse tomato growers will learn how to grow more profitable crops during the LSU AgCenter’s 9th Annual Greenhouse Tomato Seminar slated for Feb. 25.

(Distributed 01/27/05) What critter has no name, eats rice plants and has the potential to make farmers see red? The answer, according to Dr. Boris Castro, LSU AgCenter entomologist, is a tiny fly.

(Distributed 01/20/05) The LSU AgCenter gained additional support for its Louisiana House educational project Thursday (Jan. 20) – as construction on the facility progresses and its opening to the public is anticipated later this year.

(Distributed 01/28/05) Young people from across Louisiana gathered for a fun-filled weekend to learn sewing skills, develop creative talents and practice leadership skills during fashion camp at the Grant Walker 4-H Education Center Jan. 21-23.

(Distributed January 2005) Few treatments are required by warm-season grasses that go dormant in winter. The wrong treatments at the wrong time can create a weak and lethal situation, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2005) The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will be released early next year. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the guidelines are considered to be the best science-based dietary advice available for Americans over the age of 2.

(Distributed February 2005) Exercise is a vital partner to good nutrition. Many people are beginning to enjoy the benefits of aquatic exercise, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed January 2005) Folate or folic acid is a B vitamin found in some foods and vitamin supplements. This vitamin can help prevent up to 70 percent of birth defects of baby’s brain and spine, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed January 2005) St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is one of our two most popular lawn grasses in Louisiana. It is widely adapted to the humid Deep South, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed February 2005) A new federal law, known as Check 21, makes it easier for banks to electronically transfer check images instead of physically transferring paper checks. Because of Check 21 and other check-system improvements, your checks may be processed faster – which means money may be deducted from your checking account faster, according to LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed January 2005) Policies that exclude sick children from child-care centers may seem like a hassle to a working parent with a sick child, but those policies are put in place to protect other children, says LSU AgCenter expert Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed January 2005) If you’re in the market for child care, it’s important to learn about the options. That will help you to pick the best setting for your child, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed January 2005) As the New Year begins, so returns the threat of too much rain for the Bayou State. With the distinction as the nation's "wettest" state, Louisiana must always be on guard for the potential for flooding, according to LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed February 2005) Tax refund anticipation loans allow people to borrow against an expected federal and/or state income tax refund. RALs are extremely high-cost bank loans that last about 10 days and are secured by the taxpayer’s expected tax refund, explains LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed February 2005) Child care is very expensive, but there is some tax relief available to help with that burden, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed February 2005) If you worked last year, even part time, and earned a low income, the Internal Revenue Service could owe you money, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management professor Dr. Ann Berry.

(Distributed January 2005) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy recently examined the controversy over dietary herbal products containing caffeine and ephedra. The products are popular for weight loss, but not necessarily safe.

(Distributed January 2005) Too many New Year’s resolutions start out with a bang, but fizzle quickly. To give your New Year’s resolution for being a healthy weight more sizzle, develop a long-term plan that starts with small daily changes, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed February 2005) Reservists and National Guard families whose loved ones have been activated often face financial hardship in addition to the stresses of separation, notes LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed February 2005) Computers have become an integral part of our lives – and they have benefits for adults and children alike!

(Distributed January 2005) It’s important to follow a healthy eating plan, because improper dieting can rob your body of the nutrients and energy it needs, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed January 2005) If your family ate together for a holiday meal, eat together after the holidays, advises LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed January 2005) For years, South Louisiana has been known for good food, good friends and New Orleans. That continues to be true, but now it’s also known for producing some of the best hay in the country.

(Distributed February 2005) If you are under the age of 40, you probably think the topic of long-term care doesn’t apply to you. "But it does," says LSU AgCenter family economics specialist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed January 2005) It is said that "compost happens," but there are better ways to manage a compost pile than just to let it happen, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed February 2005) With each new year, new ornamental plants are released. All-America Rose Selection winners for 2005 include four varieties that should do well in Louisiana, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed February 2005) February is a good time to plant fruit and nut trees. Planting trees in February allows roots to become established before shoot growth begins in the spring, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.