(Distributed 07/27/06) Scientists from the LSU AgCenter this week started planting grass as the first step in a research project designed to evaluate its ability to protect earthen levees on the Gulf Coast. The plant, which already is used widely for erosion control and is known to have some repellent qualities to termites, is vetiver grass.

(Distributed 07/26/06) Teachers across Louisiana went back to school this summer to receive training that will help them teach financial management in their classrooms.

(Distributed 07/26/06) The LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research and Extension Center will host its annual Row Crop Field Day Aug. 24. The field day will feature information on cotton, corn and soybeans,

(Distributed 07/26/06) LSU AgCenter scientists confirmed Wednesday (July 26) that Asian soybean rust was found on soybeans in Rapides Parish. This is the first finding of the disease on soybeans in Louisiana for 2006. It had been found about a month ago on kudzu, a plant that can host the disease, in Iberia and Lafayette parishes.

(Distributed 07/26/06) Homeowners in South Louisiana and elsewhere in the Gulf South who are rebuilding after last year’s hurricanes have opportunities to add more termite protection to their homes, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 07/26/06) Recent rainfall is causing problems for rice farmers across Louisiana after they planted the smallest crop on record this year, according to the LSU AgCenter rice specialist.

(Distribtued 07/21/06) Louisiana farmers for years have focused more on drainage than irrigation. But practices have changed with changing weather.

(Distributed 07/20/06) Two new sugarcane varieties released earlier this year and "energy cane" were featured at the LSU AgCenter’s annual sugarcane field day on July 19 at the Sugar Research Station at St. Gabriel.

(Distributed 07/18/06) About 500 young horse enthusiasts participated in the LSU AgCenter’s 2006 State 4-H and FFA Horse Show at the Ike Hamilton Exposition Center here July 10-15.

(Distributed 07/18/06) LSU AgCenter agents from St. Bernard Parish recently conducted a six-week learning camp for students who have returned to their homes in one of Louisiana’s more devastated areas from last years hurricanes.