(Distributed March 2006) Gardening can be a great learning experience for children, even the very young. It gives them an opportunity to watch life unfold and develop, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed March 2006) Many ways are available to contribute to the economic well-being of your family, parish, state and country. Producing fresh, healthy garden produce is just such a way, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed March 2006) March is a critical month in our vegetable gardens - early for some things and late for others, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distribtued March 2006) Many homeowners have several small engines in the garage or tool shed on equipment like a lawnmower or string trimmer. Some may also have a garden tiller, a hedge trimmer, a lawn edger or a chainsaw. Most of these small engines have an air filter.

(Distributed 03/15/06) One gleaming ship stands out among the others in a Plaquemines Parish shipyard crowded with boats damaged by last year’s hurricanes. That vessel, the Pat-Al, went back in the water this week thanks to a device known as a Marine Travelift and the generosity of people from Alaska.

(For Release On Or After 03/10/06) Lawn grasses around Louisiana begin to wake up from winter dormancy and turn green in March, so now is a good time to plan your strategy for having an attractive, healthy lawn this summer.

(For Release On Or After 03/17/06) A common question around here this time of year is whether it’s spring yet. If you look around now, it’s obvious the seasons are changing.

(For Release On Or After 03/03/06) Mention blooming wildflowers and most people think of country meadows and drives along rural roads. Wildflowers, however, are to be found everywhere, including cities and suburbs.

(For Release On Or After 03/24/06) It’s time to plant tomato transplants into the garden, especially in South Louisiana. North Louisiana gardeners may want to wait another week or two to be cautious. But, either way, early planted tomatoes produce more and higher quality tomatoes.

(For Release On Or After 03/31/06) Gardening activities and maintenance always increase in the spring. That’s why it is so important to make sure your landscape is designed in a way that does not demand more time than you are able to provide.

(Distributed 03/17/06) With only 10 certified organic growers in Louisiana, selling organically grown produce is easy. That’s what more than 65 people learned Wednesday (March 15) at a seminar held by the LSU AgCenter and its Lafayette Master Gardeners.

(Distributed 03/17/06) An acclaimed financial advisor and author will be the keynote speaker for a special sesson on "After the Hurricanes: Rebuilding Communities and Strengthening Families" March 29 in Baton Rouge. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Credit Bureau of Baton Rouge Inc., the session will begin at 1 p.m. March 29 in the Lod Cook Conference Center on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 03/14/06) As New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region struggle to recover from last year’s hurricanes, help continues to arrive, and LSU AgCenter faculty members continue to assist in coordinating those efforts. Among the latest to help was a group of students from Penn State University, who gave up their spring break last week (March 4-10) to visit the New Orleans area and help to get the city back up and running.

(Distributed 03/10/06) The LSU AgCenter will bring the "magic" of agriculture back to its Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge April 24-30. Known as "AgMagic," the successful event is in its third year. It is designed to help children and adults understand that food, clothing, lumber and other products all are part of the agricultural system.

(Distributed 03/14/06) A team of LSU AgCenter scientists that released 17 major rice varieties in 14 years received the Distinguished Rice Research and Education Team Award at the meeting of the Rice Technical Working Group held recently (Feb. 26 – March 1) in Houston.

(Distributed 03/22/06) Approximately 1,900 Louisiana 4-H members, volunteers, parents and agents participated in the 4th annual 4-H Game with the Hornets March 18 in New Orleans. Parishes with the highest attendance were East Carroll, St. John, East Baton Rouge, Washington, Plaquemines and St. Charles. 4-H’ers were featured in various special events, including a high-five greeting of players, the color guard, a group photo with the Honeybees and a center-court recognition at halftime.

(Distributed 03/06/06) The images of children sitting idle moved Tennessee high school student Emily Hollingsworth to take action, and Hollingsworth inspired a whole community.

(Distributed 03/06/06) The LSU AgCenter will offer a Master Farmer Model Farm Field Day March 23 in Ville Platte. The field day is intended for rice and cattle producers from the Vermilion-Teche and Mermentau watersheds who are enrolled in the Louisiana Master Farmer Program and Louisiana Master Cattle Producer Program.

(Distributed 03/10/06) Years of budget cuts have taken their toll on the LSU AgCenter, and Friday (March 10) its chancellor received approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors to proceed with a plan for financial "exigency."

(Distributed 03/17/06) Avoyelles Parish is known as the Cajun Crossroads and home to a diverse agricultural economy. It’s where you will find Larry Sayes doing what he does best – growing bumper crops of corn, cotton and soybeans on nearly 3,000 acres. Sayes does it so well he was named the 2006 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.

(Distributed 03/06/06) LSU AgCenter experts at its Red River Research Station gave greenhouse tomato growers some new ideas to save money and boost production at a recent field day (Feb. 24).

(Photos Posted 03/31/06) Nationally acclaimed financial adviser Ric Edelman spoke about hurricane recovery March 29 at an LSU AgCenter meeting focused on rebuilding communities and families.

(Distributed 03/08/06) Insects don’t watch the calendar. Instead, weather is a big factor in their life cycles. So this year’s mild winter and the rising temperatures we’ve seen lately have set up a perfect scenario for early emergence of spring pests, according to an LSU AgCenter expert.

(Distributed 03/30/06) LSU AgCenter scientists are nearing the end of a two-year weed control study designed to help Louisiana iris growers save money. It is the only weed control study in the state concentrating on field production of Louisiana iris, and its purpose is to increase yields and reduce weed competition.

(Distributed 03/24/06) The once-common practice of rotating cattle pastureland with rice fields is still a good idea that makes agricultural sense. Dr. Johnny Saichuk, LSU AgCenter rice specialist, told approximately 40 people at an LSU AgCenter Master Farmer Field Day Thursday (March 23) that the rice-cattle rotation was once widely used throughout Louisiana.

(Distributed 03/22/06) Two LSU AgCenter faculty members received awards at the annual meeting of the American Forage and Grassland Council earlier this month (March 10-14) in San Antonio, Texas.

(Distributed 03/17/06) Prices for timber products should begin a slow improvement once the market absorbs the wood being salvaged from hurricane-ravaged forests, a Mississippi professor predicted at the LSU AgCenter Forestry Forum held recently in Shreveport.

(Distributed 03/17/06) Floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the surrounding area suppressed fire ants in some areas and eradicated them in others, according to experts from the LSU AgCenter. As families move back into the devastated areas, they’re offered a unique opportunity – a red-imported-fire-ant-free landscape, said Dr. Linda Bui, an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/08/06) The Botanical Garden in City Park will once again be the site of the New Orleans Spring Garden Show on April 1-2. This year’s show – the 27th annual event – will go on despite last year’s hurricanes, flooding and the massive cleanup effort.

(Distributed 03/29/06) Farmers with rice fields in southern Vermilion Parish should make sure salinity levels in their irrigation water is safe, even if their soil shows a low salt level, LSU AgCenter scientists advised at a meeting here Wednesday (March 29).

(Distributed 03/17/06) LSU AgCenter experts are preparing to monitor for Asian soybean rust in Louisiana this year as the fungus threatens to enter the state from a new direction – the west. The rust disease, which is spread by windborne spores, is feared because it’s hard to detect until it’s too late to do anything to stop it.

(Distributed 03/10/06) The 2006 Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival April 8-9 will provide the opportunity for area residents to buy plants and gardening accessories and get free advice on making things green again in their recovery from Hurricane Rita’s devastation, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/14/06) Camp Lagniappe, an outdoor challenge and relationship development program for military youth, will kick off Operation Military Kids in Louisiana April 8-9.

(Distributed March 2006) Eating well and being physically active are keys to better health. Following the Dietary Guidelines can help Americans "Feel better today. Stay healthy for tomorrow," according to a slogan of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(Distributed March 2006) Many people likely think that excessive eating and zero exercise are the sole culprits for weight gain. The reality is that as few as 100 calories a day can make a major difference in weight gain or loss, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed March 2006) Six C.E. Byrd High School students have won honors in the national Foundations for Life character essay contest.

(Distributed March 2006) You can eat healthy and watch your weight when dining out if you know how. Most restaurants are glad to prepare food the way you want it. You can even call ahead to make sure that the restaurant can accommodate your special requests.

(Distributed March 2006) Consumers who make only the minimum payment on their credit card bill each month can expect to write bigger checks. That’s because many credit card issuers are increasing their minimum payment amounts.

(Distributed March 2006) A huge pool of potential volunteers and social activists in the United States – 26 million young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 – remains untapped.

(Distributed March 2006) Special rules for victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma will ease the eligibility requirements for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

(Distributed March 2006) Older adults who consume nearly three servings of whole-grain foods daily are significantly less likely to have "metabolic syndrome," a condition that increases the chances of developing diabetes and heart disease.

(Distributed March 2006) A number of tax benefits are available to volunteers. Donors and volunteers can deduct out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the services given to a charitable organization if they itemize deductions on their tax returns.

(Distributed March 2006) It is easy for parents to get so busy they neglect to carve out some "fun time" with their kids. Building a little family time into daily life isn’t easy, but it can be done if parents allow themselves the freedom to relax with their kids, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White.

(Distributed March 2006) "Go fly a kite!" Although the expression is usually derisive, it could be good advice, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed March 2006) Although homeowners have a wide choice of products to use in their lawns and gardens, sometimes a hand-cranked spreader for granular fertilizers and pesticides is more practical than a wheeled model, according to an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed March 2006) One of the things that separate good gardeners from those who are not such good gardeners is experience, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed March 2006) Louisiana may soon have a new way for you to determine how well your child-care program measures up. LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe says the state is on a mission to develop a child-care rating system that could help you compare the quality of one center to another.

(Distributed March 2006) On March 28 the American Diabetes Association will issue its annual alert to locate the millions of Americans with undiagnosed diabetes. The event is a one-day call-to-action held on the fourth Tuesday every March for people to learn if they are at risk for diabetes.

(Distributed March 2006) The Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 and the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 provide certain tax breaks to help victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

(Distributed March 2006) More than half of all taxpayers pay a tax preparer to file their tax returns. Before using a commercial preparer, however, find out if there is a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site nearby that can help you prepare your taxes for free, advises LSU AgCenter family economics professor Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed March 2006) Shopping for a riding mower or mowing tractor requires several choices – including the transmission, according to an engineer with the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed March 2006) Louisiana farmers and agricultural researchers now can obtain estimates of daily evapotranspiration, thanks to a new tool available through the LSU AgCenter's Louisiana Agriclimatic Information System.

(Distributed March 2006) It happens often when children receive a gift. The youngsters often are happier playing with the box than the present. Although amused at first, the gift-givers may soon suspect that their money was ill-spent.

(Distributed March 2006) A Newellton resident won Best of Show at the 20th annual Louisiana State Pecan Show held January 20-21.

(Distributed April 2006) Louisiana gets a lot of rain, but it isn’t spaced out uniformly. Sometimes there’s too much rain, and other times there are periods of drought. Plants do better, however, with a more uniform water supply.

(Distributed April 2006) Front-wheel-assist (FWA) is a popular option on many compact utility tractors, and it’s standard equipment on several models. It’s also available on some lawn and garden tractors.

(Distributed April 2006) Youth across the nation will observe National & Global Youth Service Day April 21-23 with service and civic activities.

(Distributed April 2006) If you have a small garden, or if you have a larger garden and are energetic, a powered rotary tiller is not always necessary, according to an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed April 2006) Focusing on health and on changing behavior, instead of on weight loss, is the apparent key to better health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed April 2006) Spring has sprung, and the grass is now growing. But, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske, there is usually no good reason to push early growth with lots of fertilizer.

(Distributed April 2006) Pecan trees are sometimes infested by dot-size insects called pecan phylloxera in April. The feeding of these minuscule insects can produce round galls ¼- to 1-inch in diameter on twigs and leaves in late April, May and early June.

(Distributed April 2006) Nearly a half million injuries occur each year from lawnmowers and garden equipment. Riding lawnmowers account for almost 6 percent of these injuries.

(Distributed April 2006) Starting a lawn from seed is a tough proposition even when all things are done right. Poor fertility, too much or too little moisture, rain washouts, ants, weeds and disease all can cause havoc during establishment.

(Distributed April 2006) National Volunteer Week, slated for April 23-29, is a perfect opportunity to recognize the contributions of volunteers, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H youth volunteer expert Dr. Janet Fox.

(Distributed April 2006) A new online table from Agricultural Research Service nutritionists lets users check the amount of "added" sugars in foods. The table contains information on added sugars, total sugars and carbohydrates in 2,041 common foods.

(Distributed April 2006) Eating only 100 more calories a day than you burn can lead to a weight gain of 10 pounds a year. With today’s larger portions, it’s easy to consume 100 extra calories, and more, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed April 2006) Dyeing and decorating eggs is a popular Easter tradition for many families. Because eggs are perishable, though, it is necessary to follow food safety precautions, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed April 2006) Now is the time to begin working on a new lawn, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske has advice for those undertaking such a project.

(Distributed April 2006) Knowing the variety of child-care options available to you can help you choose the one that’s best for you and your family, experts with the LSU AgCenter stress.

(Distributed April 2006) Programs exist to help families make better decisions about child care, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Known as Child Care Resource and Referral Programs, these local agencies provide free assistance to families who are actively searching for care and need help with making informed decisions about the best care for their children, Gioe explains.

(Distributed April 2006) Although many people already have completed this year’s tax returns, it’s not too early to start considering items that may help you save on next year’s taxes. Child-care costs are one of those areas, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed April 2006) With strawberry season in full swing, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says to choose Louisiana strawberries for a nutritious, healthy treat.

(Distributed April 2006) One of the newest groups of zinnias catching on the last five years have been the Profusion series. These zinnias are rapidly gaining popularity among home gardeners and landscape professionals.

(Distributed April 2006) A relatively new category has been added to All-America Selections, home of the popular All-America Rose Selections, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. That group is daylilies.

(Radio News 3/20/06) Corn planting has started in Louisiana. Growers likely will plant less corn this year than they have in recent years. One factor discouraging growers from planting corn is the high input costs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 3/20/06) People have become concerned about the spread of Formosan subterranean termites in mulch. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry put quarantines on moving wood and paper products out of hurricane-affected areas shortly after the storms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 3/20/06) Damaged boats crowd a shipyard in lower Plaquemines Parish. One gleaming ship stands out among them, The Pat-Al. It went back in the water this week thanks to a device known as a Marine Travelift and the generosity of people from Alaska. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/03/06) With warmer weather many children are heading outdoors, but LSU AgCenter family life expect Dr. Diane Sasser says summer also is a time when parents need to be more aware of their children’s safety. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 3/13/06) Crane flies look like giant mosquitoes and can cause concern, but LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says they are harmless. Populations of these insects are heavy this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 3/20/06) The Coast Guard has cleared waterways and moved many boats ashore since last summer's storms. But LSU AgCenter fisheries agent Rusty Gaude says the Coast Guard’s mission stops when the boat is placed on blocks in a shipyard. The Empire Shipyard received a new Marine Travelift to help them move boats in and out of the water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/27/06) Soybean growers have not started planting yet – or at least they shouldn’t be planting. The recommendation from LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos is to wait until April to plant, but he says date of planting is a highly contested issue. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/27/06) White grubs have made an early appearance this year because of warm weather. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says they usually don’t show up until late April, but some homeowners in the lower part of the state already are seeing problems. The white grub is the larvae of the June bug. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 3/20/06) The mild winter did not do soybean growers any favors in terms of Asian soybean rust. It is still too early to tell, but the disease may have over-wintered in the state, says LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/06/06) Before Hurricane Katrina hit Tasha Miller was very involved in 4-H clubs in New Orleans. She got involved when the club her niece was in needed chaperones. But when Katrina took away her Gentilly area home, it also took away her club. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/27/06) In many areas fire ants are making their spring debut. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet talks about effective treatments for this vicious pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/27/06) Insects don’t watch the calendar. Instead, weather is a big factor in their life cycles. This year’s mild winter and the rising temperatures we’ve seen lately have set up a perfect scenario for early emergence of spring pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 03/06/06) Hurricane Rita dramatically changed the lives of many youngsters in Cameron Parish. But some got a taste of normalcy when they participated in the 71st Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. (Runtime: 1 minute 20 seconds)

(Radio News 04/03/06) The flood waters from Hurricane Katrina altered fire ant populations in New Orleans. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Bui says many areas are fire-ant free, but populations exist in areas that received little or no water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/03/06) Several years ago, LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Beverly Wiltz sampled ant populations in areas of New Orleans. She is re-visiting those areas for post-Katrina re-sampling. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/06/06) The images of children sitting idle moved Tennessee high school student Emily Hollingsworth, and Hollingsworth moved a whole community. The teen started small collecting books for young victims of Hurricane Katrina. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/27/06) Many trees suffered damage from the storms in 2005, and even with a minimal amount of damage a tree can become prey to insects such as bark beetles and shot-hole borers. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says recent weather conditions have put additional stress on trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/06/06) An NBA star surprised a group of 4-H volunteers who all had been affected Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Phoenix Suns center Amare Stoudemire gave 10 women new cars. Stoudemire wanted to do something for victims of the storms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/06/06) Hurricane Rita bruised and battered the hopes of hundreds of 4-H’ers looking forward to showing livestock. It appeared showing would be impossible, but they were able to pull through, says LSU AgCenter 4-H agent Jake Fontenot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 3/13/06) Two new laws alter the tax code to help individuals who suffered losses as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 3/13/06) Hurricane victims who experienced smaller earned incomes in 2005 can elect to compute their Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit using their larger 2004 earned incomes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 3/13/06) Recent legislation provides financial breaks for people who suffered losses as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act provides educational assistance by expanding the Hope and Lifetime Learning Credit for some students. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/06/06) Hurricane Rita dramatically changed the lives of many youngsters in Cameron Parish. Cameron parish 4-H’ers Larayne Picou and Bailey Richard show Braford cattle. The cousins are sharing space, since Richard’s home was damaged in the storm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 3/13/06) An NBA star surprised a group of 4-H volunteers who had been affected by hurricanes Katrina or Rita. The volunteers were finalists for a car giveway, but there was a twist. (Runtime: 1 minute 40 seconds)

(Radio News 04/03/06) In a city where so many residents are gone, it may seem fire ant populations could go unchecked in New Orleans. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Bui says ants share something in common with people. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 3/13/06) March is national nutrition month, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the theme this year is step up to nutrition and health. She says healthy eating and keeping active are the keys to a healthy lifestyle. (Runtime : 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/03/06) The red imported fire ant has been a serious problem in many areas of New Orleans, but post-Katrina New Orleans offers a unique situation. It will allow researchers a good opportunity to study ant invasion biology in an urban setting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 03/20/06) The mild winter did not do soybean growers any favors in terms of Asian soybean rust. It is still too early to tell, but the disease may have overwintered in the state. Growers aren’t planting soybeans yet, but the state’s corn farmers are busy getting their crops in the ground. Growers will likely plant fewer acres of corn this year than they did in recent years. (Runtime: 1 minute 22 seconds)

(TV News 03/27/06) A hulking piece of equipment is a blessing to the commercial fishermen in Plaquemines Parish and the people of Valdez, Alaska, are their guardian angels. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on a boat lift that will put a community back in business. (Runtime: 1 minute 44 seconds)