(Distributed 05/24/06) A nationwide animal identification system is still in the planning stages, and its future is uncertain, according to Dr. David Sanson, cattle researcher at the LSU AgCenter’s Rosepine Research Station.

(Distributed 05/09/06) A veterinarian told cattle producers at the recent LSU AgCenter Rosepine Research Station Field Day that they should be on the lookout for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD) because it suppresses immunity to other diseases and can cause pneumonia and abortions.

(Distributed 05/09/06) The destructive force of tidal surges from hurricanes Katrina and Rita at least had one benefit – controlling fire ants, according to researchers from the LSU AgCenter. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Hooper-Bui recently said field surveys in the area of Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Orleans parishes area after Hurricane Katrina and in Southwest Louisiana after Hurricane Rita showed the fire ant population was far below normal in areas flooded by storm surge.

(Distributed 05/16/06) Eighteen members of the LSU AgCenter’s Communications and Information Technology units won top awards from an international professional association. The awards from the Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences (ACE) will be presented during the ACE annual meeting in Quebec City, Canada, June 3-6.

(Distributed 05/29/06) The LSU AgCenter is one of a coalition of Baton Rouge-area groups sponsoring a Hunger Awareness Day event in the state’s capitol city June 6.

(Distributed 05/26/06) Agricultural producers, farm managers and other crop production professionals will have an opportunity to learn about the latest in row crop research during the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station Field Day scheduled for June 14.

(Distributed 05/12/06) It’s one of the best seasons of the year to try to rid your yard of fire ants, and the most success can come if you get your neighbors involved in the fight, too, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/26/06) The chaos that came in the wake of some of last year’s hurricanes demonstrated the need for families to have basic plans for what to do in case of a storm or any other emergency. LSU AgCenter experts say making the plans isn’t complicated, but making them now ensures everyone has a better chance of knowing what to do if disaster strikes.

(Distributed 05/09/06) Updated versions of the LSU AgCenter’s useful guides to controlling weeds, insect pests and plant diseases are available. The 2006 editions of guides can be downloaded for free from the LSU AgCenter’s Web site at www.lsuagcenter.com – or printed copies of the guides can be purchased through that site.

(Distributed 05/11/06) The LSU AgCenter Thursday (May 11) announced the launch of a major effort to stop the surge of fire ants in the Greater New Orleans area. Called "FAST (Fire Ant Surge Threat) Prevention," the program involves spreading fire ant control products throughout the public areas in New Orleans and encouraging private landowners in both Orleans and St. Bernard parishes to do the same.

(Distributed 05/24/06) Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to talk to your children about hurricanes. Everyone will be able to cope better if you get children involved in your plans and preparations, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed 05/24/06) Changes in Louisiana’s coast have occurred in little more than a human lifespan, Dr. Len Bahr told an audience of 300 scientists from 20 countries meeting in Baton Rouge this week (May 21-24).

(Distributed 05/05/06) The LSU AgCenter is sponsoring two days of seminars June 12-13 to help municipal officials, engineers, planners and architects cope with the challenges of stormwater management.

(Distributed 05/19/06) A group representing local economic development authorities, chambers of commerce and city and parish governments met in Baton Rouge this week (May 16-17) to attend the Louisiana Community Economic Development Seminar.

(Distributed 05/22/06) This game of 20 questions can help you determine whether you and your family will be prepared if a hurricane comes your way, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

(Distributed 05/19/06) LSU AgCenter forester Brian Chandler says many people still need a way to cut and move timber that was damaged in last year’s hurricanes. Although months have passed since the storms, Chandler said he’s seen that situation over and over again. So he brought together manufacturers of portable sawmills from as far away as Canada this month (May 13) to demonstrate their equipment.

(Distributed 05/19/06) A new community building in Gibsland that was dedicated Friday (May 19) is the result of years of involvement by community residents.

(Distributed 05/16/06) More than 300 scientists from 20 countries and six continents will participate in "Challenges in Coastal Hydrology and Water Quality" May 21-24 in Baton Rouge. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter, the conference has been more than two years in the making, officials say.

(Distributed 05/26/06) Regularly checking the trees in your yard for damage, disease and other indications of danger is important, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter, who say the beginning of hurricane season is a good reminder to do it now.

(Distributed 05/11/06) A company that commercializes proprietary technologies in the field of biologically produced chemicals has acquired the license for vetiver oil extracts and derivatives developed at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/19/06) Converting crop land to pasture for cattle is more than turning the herd loose to graze on whatever grass takes root. Craig Adam found that out when he switched from growing rice to raising cattle, and more than 75 people learned about Adam’s experience recently at a May 12 field day for the LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer Program.

(Distributed 05/23/06) You may not be able to prevent hurricanes and storms that interrupt your routine or destroy your home, but you can make plans to keep them from disrupting everything, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 05/04/06) Anyone interested in creating a favorable habitat for attracting non-game birds to their backyards and small wooded tracts should consider attending an LSU AgCenter educational workshop later this month.

(Distributed 05/16/06) The 2006 Daylily Festival is set for June 3 in Abbeville and will feature an expert on edible and useful plants found in Gulf Coast states, as well as a variety of other gardening experts.

(Distributed 05/22/06) The hurricanes of 2005 demonstrated what works and what doesn’t for the home-building industry, a prominent building expert said recently during a series of seminars across southern Louisiana presented by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/29/06) You need to take some precautions during hurricane season if you have a boat moored, docked or stored in a recreational harbor along the Gulf Coast, an LSU AgCenter expert says.

(Distribtued 05/18/06) "Reduce the use," Robin Bridges, LSU AgCenter agent in Claiborne Parish, told sixth graders in Charlotte Moring’s classroom at Summerfield School. "Water is the most precious natural resource we have, second only to air."

(Distributed 05/26/06) Hurricanes can cause flooding even in areas where it never occurred before. That means everyone should be prepared before storms approach and should know what to watch for during a storm, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/31/06) With this year’s hurricane season starting, LSU AgCenter experts say stocking up on supplies now makes sense.

(Distributed 05/31/06) Most disaster checklists include recommendations to keep a three-day food supply on hand for each person, but just exactly what does that mean? LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames has some of the answers.

(Distributed 05/30/06) If you have pets or livestock, your family’s disaster plans need to include what you’ll do with them.