(Radio News 12/29/08) LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker is encouraging consumers to take advantage of tax breaks before the year ends. She says workers should be sure to check the balance of flexible spending accounts for health care or child care and take appropriate action before the year ends. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/22/08) It’s easy to pack on a pound or two during the festive holiday season, so Dr. Beth Reames, a nutritionist with the LSU AgCenter, has some advice on trying to stay slim. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/22/08) Many people use container plants to embellish decks and patios, but some of these plants must come indoors for the winter. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet warns that the soils of these plants are good dwelling places for a variety of insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/22/08) The holidays mark the season for shopping and eating, and at this time of the year both can occur at the mall. But LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says dining at the mall doesn’t have to break your healthy eating habits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/22/08) LSU AgCenter economists released a new damage assessment from hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The cost to agriculture is now estimated to be near $1 billion. The bulk of the losses involved lost revenue to producers at $645 million. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry explains the rest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/22/08) Real Christmas trees adorn homes and businesses during the holidays, but they can harbor unwanted holiday guests in the form of aphids and lady beetles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/15/08) The price of milk has risen considerably in the past year, but LSU AgCenter dairy researcher Dr. Mike McCormick says high consumer prices don’t necessarily translate into high profits for dairy producers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/15/08) Farmers have planted Louisiana’s winter wheat crop. Wheat requires two conditions around planting time. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell explains the first. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/15/08) An experimental dairy lagoon on the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station is removing waste from water that exits dairy facilities and keeping that waste from making its way into public lakes and rivers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/15/08) Pickpockets and thieves are always active during the holidays, and these days people also need to avoid falling prey to identity thieves. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says the first thing to do is safeguard your incoming and outgoing mail. (Runtime: 60 seconds)