(Distributed January 2006) At the start of the year, several new varieties of ornamental plants debut. Winning rose varieties are among the most anticipated.

(Distributed 01/25/06) The LSU AgCenter will offer forestry forums across the state over the next few weeks to help those in the industry keep up with the latest technological advances, tax issues and other vital information.

(Distributed 01/19/06) Another group has successfully completed an extensive educational program designed to help them be better cattle producers. The 2005 class of the Master Cattle Program received diplomas at the recent Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association Convention in Alexandria.

(Radio News 1/9/06) It was a good production year for many farmers. Crops such as soybeans and rice saw record or near-record yields. But depressed commodity prices and high production costs offset the positive production. Runtime: 60 seconds.

(For Release On Or After 01/13/06) Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is almost indispensable for many traditional Louisiana dishes. It’s a member of the carrot family native to Europe that’s generally grown in Louisiana as a cool-season annual from October through May.

(For Release On Or After 01/27/06) Cool days and chilly nights are just the kind of weather lettuce enjoys. Lettuce is a vegetable that is easy to grow, delicious and so attractive that any gardener – whether you have a vegetable garden, flower garden or even a garden in containers on a balcony – should include it in the garden.

(For Release On Or After 01/06/06) A variety of beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables were named All-America Selections winners for 2006, and some of them are suitable for growing during the cool season in Louisiana.

(For Release On Or After 01/20/05) Arbor Day is celebrated in Louisiana year on the third Friday in January. This date is set aside to encourage people to plant trees.

(For Release On Or After 02/24/06) Using ground-cover plantings in landscapes is becoming increasing popular, and early spring is a good time to plant them. Planting ground covers now will provide them with a chance to settle in and become somewhat established before hot weather arrives.

(For Release On Or After 02/17/06) February weather often includes heavy and frequent rain, and this should remind us that Louisiana has a relatively wet climate. It is important for gardeners to realize that plant selection and the gardening techniques we use are largely influenced by the generous amount of rain we get during other parts of the year.

(For Release On Or After 02/03/06) Some plants have public relations problems through no fault of their own. The worst situation exists when a plant becomes associated with an event that is sad or distressing. For example, the lovely calla lily has almost become a cliché for funerals.

(For Release On Or After 02/10/06) Although our lawns are still dormant this month, you can begin to plan your strategy to have an attractive, healthy lawn this summer.

(For Release On Or After 01/06/06) A variety of beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables were named All-America Selections winners for 2006, and some of them are suitable for growing during the cool season in Louisiana.

(For Release On Or After 01/27/06) Cool days and chilly nights are just the kind of weather lettuce enjoys. Lettuce is a vegetable that is easy to grow, delicious and so attractive that any gardener – whether you have a vegetable garden, flower garden or even a garden in containers on a balcony – should include it in the garden.

(For Release On Or After 01/13/06) Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is almost indispensable for many traditional Louisiana dishes. It’s a member of the carrot family native to Europe that’s generally grown in Louisiana as a cool-season annual from October through May.

(For Release On Or After 01/20/05) Arbor Day is celebrated in Louisiana year on the third Friday in January. This date is set aside to encourage people to plant trees.

(Distributed 01/26/06) Thousands of youngsters from across the state are working toward competing in the 71st annual LSU AgCenter Spring Livestock Show Feb. 11-18. Approximately 1,500 4-H and FFA members are expected to bring about 4,500 animals to the state show, which will be held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 01/12/06) Louisiana corn and cotton producers will learn the latest in research designed to help them grow profitable crops during the 2006 Louisiana Corn and Cotton Forums slated for Feb. 7 at the Delhi Civic Center.

(Distributed 01/27/06) Thousands of people learned about where food and fiber come from as they strolled through the LSU AgCenter’s Ag Alley here Jan. 20-21. The exhibits were part of the 24th Annual Ag Expo in Monroe.

(Distributed 01/27/06) Louisiana’s agricultural producers already faced problems including drought, high fuel and fertilizer costs and low prices for their commodities in 2005 – even before the hurricanes struck, an LSU AgCenter economist said Friday (Jan. 27).

(Distributed 01/13/06) A popular series of monthly educational programs for home gardeners that started last year will be continued in 2006. Dubbed "Through the Garden Gate," the programs are short, mid-day educational sessions held the third Thursday of every month at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/19/06) The LSU AgCenter will host the 2006 Louisiana Master Gardener State Conference April 20-22 at the Holiday Inn South in Baton Rouge. The conference in April takes the place of one originally scheduled for September, which was canceled after Hurricane Katrina struck the state.

(Distributed 01/11/06) Experts say Asian soybean rust is here to stay, which means producers will have to maintain vigilance over their crops to keep the fungus at bay.

(Distributed 01/11/06) Eager to get a feel for recovery work, nine students from McDaniel College in Maryland are spending two weeks with LSU AgCenter agents lending a hand in the cleanup following Hurricane Katrina.

(Distributed 01/27/06) Enjoying fresh Louisiana strawberries at Christmas isn’t yet a tradition, but it could have been this year. Experts with the LSU AgCenter say favorable weather and new strawberry varieties helped farmers start bringing the crop in earlier than usual this year.

(Distributed 01/19/06) An LSU AgCenter agent has been recognized with one of the top awards from the Louisiana Sweet Potato Association.

(Distributed 01/30/06) Photographers still have a little time to submit work to be considered for use in the LSU AgCenter’s 2007 Get It Growing lawn and garden calendar.

(Distributed 01/19/06) As crawfish season nears, consumers have many questions. What will the crawfish be like this year? How much will crawfish cost? Because of last year’s weather – both hurricanes and drought conditions – those questions do not have clear answers, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 01/10/06) Rice farmers whose fields have high salt levels from Hurricane Rita’s storm surge should avoid plowing their fields, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 01/05/06) Twenty-five men and women from across Louisiana began a two-year venture in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program when they attended their first classes this week (Jan. 3-5) in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 01/04/06) The LSU AgCenter is bringing its Ag Alley and Body Walk exhibits to the North Louisiana Ag Expo 2006 Jan. 20-21 at the Monroe Civic Center. Coordinated by the LSU AgCenter, Ag Alley is a combination of several "alleys" filled with information about different commodities grown in Louisiana. This is the third year Ag Alley is making an appearance at the Ag Expo.

(Distributed 01/30/06) Greenhouse tomato growers can expect "hands on" experience during the LSU AgCenter’s 10th Annual Greenhouse Tomato Seminar slated for Feb. 24 at the AgCenter’s Red River Research Station.

(TV News 1/2/06) An ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure when it comes to building homes that stand in the path of a hurricane. Stronger and smarter is the message building specialists are sending to builders and homeowners. (Runtime: 1 minute 34 seconds)

(Radio News 1/9/06) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita exposed how vulnerable standard buildings can be to powerful storms. A lesson from these storms is to build stronger and smarter, the experts say. Runtime: 60 seconds.

(Radio News 1/9/06) Representatives with the U.S. Department of Energy toured the LSU AgCenter’s showcase home, known as LaHouse, and said this structure shows what homeowners can do to streghten their homes and make them more efficient. Runtime: 60 seconds.

(Distributed January 2006) Louisiana’s relatively mild winters and its Mardi Gras season keep most folks from singing the blues after the Christmas holidays. Yet, often packed away with the holiday decorations is the interest in volunteer activities.

(Distributed January 2006) Snapdragons are one of the popular cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana. They provide nice landscape color from February through April, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed January 2006) To get the most out of a garden, you can extend the growing season by sheltering plants from cold weather in winter and early spring, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2006) Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

(Distributed January 2006) Pruning shears are an important tool for most homeowners and grounds maintenance professionals. They are useful for trimming trees and shrubs and for harvesting fruits, vegetables and flowers.

(Distributed January 2006) Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says declining levels of physical activity may help explain why childhood metabolic diseases are becoming more common.

(Distributed January 2006) Although manufacturers are doing their part to reduce corrosion of lawn and garden equipment, how well you maintain your tools will determine their useful life.

(Distributed January 2006) It’s not easy becoming an ex-smoker if you’re a woman. Women are less successful in quitting smoking than men, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed January 2006) A New Year’s resolution for many Americans is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many Americans are unable to keep that resolution.

(Distributed January 2006) January in Louisiana is rather bleak, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says we still can enjoy a fair amount of gardening.

(Distributed January 2006) It’s time to start some of Louisiana’s favorite vegetables from seed, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Tomato seeds are planted seven to nine weeks before the anticipated time of transplanting to the garden, according to Koske, who also says eggplant and bell pepper seeds should be planted about eight to 10 weeks before transplanting.

(Distributed January 2006) Recent clinical trials and ongoing studies have emphasized the importance of physical activity or combined physical activity and improved diet in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

(Distributed January 2006) The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize that no matter the source – whether carbohydrate, fat or protein – calories do count when it comes to weight management.

(Distributed January 2006) As 2006 begins, well-meaning people will write or at least compile a mental list of New Year’s resolutions. A number of the resolutions may be repeated from last year’s list, which was quickly discarded when, at last, it became impossible to keep.

(Distributed January 2006) We’ve heard it many times that a healthy diet should include plenty fruits and vegetables. Also, variety is very important to get all the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy.

(Distributed January 2006) Commercial organic vegetable production is catching on in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter commercial vegetable expert Stephen Crnko shares his strategy for growing a successful organic crop.

(Distributed January 2006) When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Distributed January 2006) Mayhaws are one of the most widely known of the native fruit tree species found in Louisiana. Interest in mayhaws has been building over the last 20 years, and these plants are now managed in fruit orchards around the state.

(Distributed January 2006) Mid-spring through summer is the best time for sodding, but dormant-season sodding can be successful, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Planting dormant grass is simply riskier.

(Distributed February 2006) The 4-H livestock show season is upon us and offers an opportunity for the showcasing of the youth exhibitors and their animals. Parish shows are the first step of the journey followed by the district and state shows.

(Distributed February 2006) Take advantage of the fact that this year Valentine’s Day occurs a couple of weeks before Mardi Gras and share your heart with others. That’s the advice of LSU AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed February 2006) February is American Heart Month. Women throughout America will again "Go Red for Women" by wearing red to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s No. 1 killer.

(Distributed February 2006) Getting the right start in the spring is especially important for a productive garden, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed February 2006) February is the best time to prune most fruit trees in Louisiana. The coldest part of winter is usually over, and trees will soon be growing and can heal pruning injuries.

(Distributed February 2006) February is American Heart Month. Women throughout America will again "Go Red for Women" by wearing red to raise awareness of heart disease, women’s No. 1 killer.

(Distributed February 2006) Louisiana gardeners are getting "itchy green thumbs" about now, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. They want to jump-start their spring gardens.

(Distributed February 2006) The answer to the hungry question, "Is it Done Yet?" is the basis of a national campaign to encourage the use of food thermometers when preparing meat, poultry and egg dishes, to prevent foodborne illness.

(Distributed February 2006) February and March signal the beginning of spring in many parts of Louisiana – at least in terms of home landscape activities.

(Distributed February 2006) February starts the Louisiana vegetable gardening season. This is especially true for the southern parishes.

(Distributed February 2006) Snap beans are adapted to a wide range of soils in Louisiana and make an excellent crop for the home garden. Their freshness is a real treat at the dinner table.

(Distributed February 2006) Don’t let food poisoning be a memento of the Mardi Gras season," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames. "By following some simple practices, you can enjoy the festivities without suffering from foodborne illnesses."

(Distributed February 2006) Millions of Americans are on the latest fad diets to lose weight. The problem is, most of these diets don’t provide lasting results, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed February 2006) March is National Nutrition Month and is sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association. This year’s theme is "Step Up to Nutrition & Health."

(Distributed January 2006) When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Distributed January 2006) Although manufacturers are doing their part to reduce corrosion of lawn and garden equipment, how well you maintain your tools will determine their useful life.

(Distributed January 2006) Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

(Distributed January 2006) To get the most out of a garden, you can extend the growing season by sheltering plants from cold weather in winter and early spring, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed January 2006) A New Year’s resolution for many Americans is to lose weight. Unfortunately, many Americans are unable to keep that resolution.

(Distributed January 2006) Pruning shears are an important tool for most homeowners and grounds maintenance professionals. They are useful for trimming trees and shrubs and for harvesting fruits, vegetables and flowers.

(Distributed January 2006) We’ve heard it many times that a healthy diet should include plenty fruits and vegetables. Also, variety is very important to get all the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy.

(Distributed January 2006) The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize that no matter the source – whether carbohydrate, fat or protein – calories do count when it comes to weight management.

(Distributed January 2006) Recent clinical trials and ongoing studies have emphasized the importance of physical activity or combined physical activity and improved diet in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

(Distributed January 2006) It’s not easy becoming an ex-smoker if you’re a woman. Women are less successful in quitting smoking than men, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed January 2006) January in Louisiana is rather bleak, but LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says we still can enjoy a fair amount of gardening.

(Distributed January 2006) Commercial organic vegetable production is catching on in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter commercial vegetable expert Stephen Crnko shares his strategy for growing a successful organic crop.

(Distributed January 2006) When you see mold on food, is it safe to cut off the moldy part and use the rest? For most foods the answer is no, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(Distributed January 2006) At the start of the year, several new varieties of ornamental plants debut. Winning rose varieties are among the most anticipated.

(Distributed January 2006) Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says declining levels of physical activity may help explain why childhood metabolic diseases are becoming more common.

(Distributed January 2006) Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

(Distributed January 2006) As 2006 begins, well-meaning people will write or at least compile a mental list of New Year’s resolutions. A number of the resolutions may be repeated from last year’s list, which was quickly discarded when, at last, it became impossible to keep.

(Distributed January 2006) Snapdragons are one of the popular cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana. They provide nice landscape color from February through April, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed January 2006) Mid-spring through summer is the best time for sodding, but dormant-season sodding can be successful, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Planting dormant grass is simply riskier.

(Distributed January 2006) Louisiana’s relatively mild winters and its Mardi Gras season keep most folks from singing the blues after the Christmas holidays. Yet, often packed away with the holiday decorations is the interest in volunteer activities.

(Distributed January 2006) It’s time to start some of Louisiana’s favorite vegetables from seed, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Tomato seeds are planted seven to nine weeks before the anticipated time of transplanting to the garden, according to Koske, who also says eggplant and bell pepper seeds should be planted about eight to 10 weeks before transplanting.

(Distributed January 2006) Mayhaws are one of the most widely known of the native fruit tree species found in Louisiana. Interest in mayhaws has been building over the last 20 years, and these plants are now managed in fruit orchards around the state.

(Distributed January 2006) Commercial organic vegetable production is catching on in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter commercial vegetable expert Stephen Crnko shares his strategy for growing a successful organic crop.

(TV News 1/23/06) As crawfish season nears, consumers have many questions. What will the crawfish be like this year? How much will crawfish cost? Because of last year’s weather events – hurricanes and drought conditions – these questions do not have clear answers. (Runtime: 1 minute 36 seconds)

(Radio News 1/9/06) Construction continues on the LSU AgCenter’s showcase home, the Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center. The special features of the structure could influence techniques and components used to rebuild hurricane-damaged areas. Runtime: 60 seconds.

(Radio News 1/9/06) Temperatures often dip below freezing in Louisiana during January and February. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says there are several things you can do to protect your plants from potential freezes. Runtime 60 seconds.

(Radio News 1/9/05) The trend of low commodity prices and high input costs are likely to continue to plague farmers into 2006. An LSU AgCenter economist says he expects this year to be similar to the last. Runtime: 60 seconds.

(Radio News 1/23/06) Experts say Asian soybean rust will always be a concern for soybean growers. The disease was recently found in Texas. LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr Boyd Padgett says this raises new concerns because of spring and summer winds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 1/23/06) The use of harvest aids was an important topic at the 2006 Tri-state Soybean Forum. Using harvest aids can be an important step for some soybean growers, said LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Jim Griffin.

(Radio News 1/30/06) In the rolling hills of East Feliciana Parish stands Solitude Hill, a 370-acre timber farm. Linda Carruth began planting trees on this farm in 1980. Back then her one concern was the trees, but now her priorities have changed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 1/9/06) Winter provides an opportunity to get your lawn in good shape. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says to remove leaves from lawn and start a compost pile. Your compost could be ready for mid-spring. Runtime 60 seconds.

(Radio News 1/9/06) Think there is nothing to do in the yard or garden this time of the year? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says you should think again. Runtime 60 seconds.

(Radio News 1/23/06) Crawfish season is around the corner, and consumers are wondering how the hurricanes affected the crop. Hurricane Katrina missed most crawfish producing areas, but Rita hit dead on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 1/9/06) 2005 was a mixed bag for agriculture in Louisiana. For most commodities the problems weren't with the crops. Instead, they stemmed from the prices. (Runtime: 1minute 21 seconds)

(Radio News 1/30/06) Thirty-one percent of families experience a decrease in income when a loved one is called up for active military duty. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says there are things families can do to prevent or minimize financial difficulties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 1/23/06) Refund anticipation loans allow people to borrow against an expected tax refund, but LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says these loans are not a quick solution for cash-strapped individuals. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 1/30/06) Picture a tree farm. The first thing you see, of course, is the trees. But then you add a stream, some good roads and wildlife. Such a farm stands in the rolling hills of East Feliciana Parish. Linda Carruth began planting trees on this farm in 1980. Back then her one concern was the trees, but now she sees the bigger picture. (Runtime: 1 minute 29 seconds)

(Radio News 1/23/06) Last year’s dry summer and fall will likely affect this year’s crawfish crop. LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz said drought could mean low survival rates of the crawfish and a short season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 1/9/06) Temperatures often dip below freezing in Louisiana during January and February. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says there are several things you can do to protect your plants from potential freezes. Runtime 60 seconds.

(Radio News 1/30/06) Most states are free of the cattle disease brucellosis. If a state loses its brucellosis-free status, it can have serious consequences for the cattle industry. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 1/9/06) It was a good production year for many farmers. Crops such as soybeans and rice saw record or near-record yields. But depressed commodity prices and high production costs offset the positive production. Runtime: 60 seconds.

(Radio News 1/30/06) Growing timber is about more than just trees to many tree farmers, and a variety of educational programs help farmers see the big picture. Many tree farmers take part in efforts such as the Master Tree Farmer and Master Wildlifer programs. LSU AgCenter forestry agent Brian Chandler explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)