(Distributed 05/28/08) Anyone who has heard disaster preparedness recommendations probably knows a three-day emergency food supply is on the list. But just what does that mean? LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames has the answers.

(Distributed 05/02/08) Decreasing costs by increasing efficiency on cattle operations was the focus of the field day May 1 at the LSU AgCenter’s Rosepine Research Station. “It’s a scary time for a lot of beef producers,” said Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension.

(Distributed 05/19/08) Neglecting to make basic preparations could be a decision you heartily regret if a major storm or hurricane comes your way. That’s a message LSU AgCenter experts are stressing as this year’s hurricane season approaches.

(Distributed 05/09/08) With hurricane season approaching, it’s a good time to ask yourself a few questions to determine if you’re appropriately prepared. Even if you’ve been through a hurricane before, it’s easy to forget some of the preparations that can protect your property and family, experts with the LSU AgCenter stress.

(Distributed 05/26/08) If your family has a plan for what you’d do in case of a hurricane or other disaster, now is the time to pull it out and review it. If you don’t, there’s still time to write your plan, LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness specialist Pat Skinner says.

(Distributed 05/27/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says your lawn and landscape should be one area you pay close attention to while deciding whether you’re prepared if a storm comes your way this summer. “June marks the beginning of hurricane season, and it’s important to understand powerful hurricanes can affect the entire state – not just the southern portions,” Gill says.

(Distributed 05/22/08) LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says not to forget the relatively easy steps you can take to protect your home from hurricane damage. “Although changes like structural reinforcements, installing hurricane shutters or replacing windows with impact-resistant glass require more time, money and planning, there are some things you can do at a lower cost and with less effort,” Reichel advises.

(Distributed 05/22/08) Wind is the most common and most costly cause of damage to homes and other “light frame structures” in the United States. The 75-mile-per-hour-plus winds experienced in hurricanes put tremendous pressure on the roof, walls and foundation, and windblown debris can significantly increase the damage. But LSU AgCenter disaster recovery and mitigation specialist Pat Skinner says there are steps you can take to protect your home in the long run.

(Distributed 05/16/08) The start of this year’s hurricane season is rapidly approaching, and LSU AgCenter experts say stocking up on supplies now makes sense – whether you think a storm may come your way or not.

(Distributed 05/15/08) As hurricane season approaches, it’s a good time to take a few simple steps to protect your home and family in case a storm strikes, according to LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness specialist Pat Skinner.

(Distributed 05/29/08) Everyone will be able to cope better if you talk to your children early about hurricanes and get them involved in your plans and preparations, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. Discussing what hurricanes are, the dangers they pose and the safety measures to take against them can help to alleviate some of the fear and anxiety children and adults feel when a storm is approaching.

(Distributed 05/30/08) Packing a box you can “grab and go” in case you need to evacuate could save you from financial disasters and hardships, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. “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,” Tucker says.

(Distributed 05/01/08) The 2008 State Fair of Louisiana, Oct. 23-Nov. 9 in Shreveport, will be dedicated to Louisiana 4-H to help celebrate the centennial of the youth organization. The fair theme is “Celebrate and Educate.”

(Distributed 05/02/08) Louisiana Master Gardeners from 33 parishes attended their annual state conference in Covington April 28-30.

(Distributed 05/01/08) Processing nonfood crops to produce biofuels and value-added chemicals can provide Louisiana with another vehicle for economic growth, according to LSU AgCenter officials.

(Distributed 05/05/08) The LSU AgCenter is looking for news articles tracing the 100-year history of Louisiana 4-H. Officials say copies of 4-H news articles from 1908 through 2008 are needed from past and present 4-H’ers. The articles, in turn, will help LSU AgCenter faculty members and others in compiling an accurate history of the state’s youth development program for the new Louisiana 4-H Museum.

(Distributed 05/06/08) This year’s AgMagic had a record number of visitors – 13,840 – and LSU AgCenter officials are already starting to plan next year’s event. “It was a huge success. We had a lot more and a lot nicer exhibits this year,” said Dr. Terry Dumas, LSU AgCenter animal sciences professor, who co-chairs the project.

(Distributed 05/02/08) Local and state officials celebrated the grand opening Wednesday (April 30) of a new facility to house the Avoyelles Parish office of the LSU AgCenter and the Southern University Ag Center and the LSU AgCenter 4-H Museum.

(Distributed 05/08/08) The discovery of malignant catarrhal fever in cattle shouldn’t be a reason for panic but is a “wakeup call” for better animal identification, according to LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Christine Navarre.

(Distributed 05/13/08) Don’t expect immediate nitrogen benefits from planting clover, LSU AgCenter experts told livestock producers at the Southeast Research Station’s forage field day held Thursday (May 8).

(Distributed 05/08/08) Childhood brain development, protecting memory, eating healthy, financial management and leadership were the hot topics at the spring professional development conference for LSU AgCenter Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Programs.

(Distributed 05/08/08) Wheat experts from the LSU AgCenter say growing conditions are good and diseases are minimal for the 2008 crop.

(Distributed 05/16/08) North Louisiana consumers can learn how to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft at a program on May 29 at the Lincoln Parish Library, 910 Trenton Street in Ruston.

(Distributed 05/15/08) An LSU AgCenter tomato field day will be held at 5 p.m. June 11 at the Waterproof Ridge Farm at 3719 Bayou Black Drive in Houma.

(Distributed 05/15/08) Improving the white-tailed deer population in Louisiana was the focus of a field day recently at the LSU AgCenter’s Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station near Clinton.

(Distributed 05/13/08) High school students attending an educational program recently learned the importance of the forestry industry as well as career possibilities and safety issues.

(Distributed 05/16/08) As part of the year-long celebration of 100 years of 4-H in Louisiana in 2008, more than 1,500 4-H’ers are registered for “4-H Day at the Capitol” on June 5. They will meet with their legislative representatives, go on tours of the Capitol, attend committee meetings and be recognized for the outstanding contributions 4-H has made to the state during its 100 years, according to Terril Faul, a 4-H coordinator with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/19/08) “Who likes squash?” asked Emily Neustrom, a project coordinator with the LSU AgCenter. She was holding up a packet of seeds and speaking to students at Baton Rouge’s McKinley High School. Only one youngster raised his hand.

(Distributed 05/16/08) Louisiana landowners are showing interest in carbon trading – an emerging market that pays landowners for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

(Distributed 05/16/08) Since classes began in 1998, 343 northwestern Louisiana gardening enthusiasts have been certified as Louisiana Master Gardeners and have gone on to educate and beautify their communities.

(Distributed 05/20/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold its second annual landscape horticulture field day for green industry professionals on June 11. The event was rained out earlier in May.

(Distributed 05/19/08) A Louisiana native and former 4-H member, Kent Desormeaux and his horse Big Brown scored impressive victories at the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

(Distributed 05/19/08) More than 350 Louisiana 4-H regional shooting sports winners participated in the state competition held May 2-3 in Southeast Louisiana.

(Distributed 05/23/08) The LSU AgCenter’s annual field day and open house at the Pecan Research-Extension Station will be Friday, June 13.

(Distributed 05/23/08) MAMOU – A recent decline in rice prices probably will not continue, and the market is likely to resume its upward trend, an LSU AgCenter AgCenter economist said at the Evangeline Parish Rice Field Tour held Tuesday (May 20).

(Distributed 05/21/08) Heavy rains recently triggered the swarming season for Formosan subterranean termites in Louisiana.

(Distributed 05/21/08) As prices for gasoline and diesel fuel have climbed to record levels, Louisiana farmers have had to face the increased cost of irrigating their crops.

(Distributed 05/26/08) BIENVILLE – Tevin Champion, a sophomore at Bienville High School, is the winner in the ninth through 12th grades division of a statewide poster contest on financial responsibility.

(Distributed 05/23/08) More than 1,500 young people from across the state will gather on the LSU campus June 17-20 for the 94th annual 4-H University. There will be an array of educational activities including competition for scholarships, educational trips, saving bonds and other prizes.

(Distributed 05/20/08) To make each food dollar go farther, remember that healthy foods give you more value for the buck. Thrifty shopping, however, requires planning before and during trips to the store, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 05/16/08) Louisiana sugarcane farmers will have a new sugarcane variety this fall with the release of L 01-283 from the LSU AgCenter and others.

(Distributed 05/01/08) While producers have thought of ill-tempered or difficult-to-handle cattle as an inconvenience or potential health hazard, LSU AgCenter research has shown that cattle with excitable temperament tend to have negative effects on carcass quality.

(Distributed 05/09/08) When asked “How does your garden grow?” students at a Baton Rouge elementary school have a plethora of plants to list. LSU AgCenter Master Gardeners and Kids Hope volunteers have helped transform a once dull courtyard at University Terrace Elementary school into a flowering oasis.

(Distributed 05/20/08) People who want to learn to make their own biodiesel are invited to a workshop on June 3, 4 or 5 hosted by the LSU AgCenter at the W.A. Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge. The workshop starts at 9:30 a.m. each day and will be followed at 11 a.m. by a 60-minute demonstration on how to make biodiesel from used vegetable oil.

(Distributed 05/28/08) You can find interesting stories almost anywhere you look, but Louisiana 4-H has produced some gems since its inception in 1908.

(Distributed 06/02/08) Using sweet sorghum and sugarcane as biofuels has generated significant interest among members of the Louisiana sugarcane industry.

(Distributed 05/28/08) You can find interesting stories almost anywhere you look, but Louisiana 4-H has produced some gems since its inception in 1908.

(Distributed 05/26/08) BIENVILLE – Tevin Champion, a sophomore at Bienville High School, is the winner in the ninth through 12th grades division of a statewide poster contest on financial responsibility.

(Distributed 05/23/08) More than 1,500 young people from across the state will gather on the LSU campus June 17-20 for the 94th annual 4-H University. There will be an array of educational activities including competition for scholarships, educational trips, saving bonds and other prizes.

(Distributed 05/23/08) MAMOU – A recent decline in rice prices probably will not continue, and the market is likely to resume its upward trend, an LSU AgCenter AgCenter economist said at the Evangeline Parish Rice Field Tour held Tuesday (May 20).

(Distributed 05/23/08) The LSU AgCenter’s annual field day and open house at the Pecan Research-Extension Station will be Friday, June 13.

(Distributed 05/21/08) Heavy rains recently triggered the swarming season for Formosan subterranean termites in Louisiana.

(Distributed 05/20/08) People who want to learn to make their own biodiesel are invited to a workshop on June 3, 4 or 5 hosted by the LSU AgCenter at the W.A. Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge. The workshop starts at 9:30 a.m. each day and will be followed at 11 a.m. by a 60-minute demonstration on how to make biodiesel from used vegetable oil.

(Distributed 05/19/08) A Louisiana native and former 4-H member, Kent Desormeaux and his horse Big Brown scored impressive victories at the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

(Distributed 05/19/08) More than 350 Louisiana 4-H regional shooting sports winners participated in the state competition held May 2-3 in Southeast Louisiana.

(Distributed 05/20/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station will hold its second annual landscape horticulture field day for green industry professionals on June 11. The event was rained out earlier in May.

(Distributed 05/21/08) As prices for gasoline and diesel fuel have climbed to record levels, Louisiana farmers have had to face the increased cost of irrigating their crops.

(Distributed 05/19/08) “Who likes squash?” asked Emily Neustrom, a project coordinator with the LSU AgCenter. She was holding up a packet of seeds and speaking to students at Baton Rouge’s McKinley High School. Only one youngster raised his hand.

(Distributed 05/16/08) Louisiana landowners are showing interest in carbon trading – an emerging market that pays landowners for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

(Distributed 05/16/08) Louisiana sugarcane farmers will have a new sugarcane variety this fall with the release of L 01-283 from the LSU AgCenter and others.

(Distributed 05/16/08) Louisiana sugarcane farmers will have a new sugarcane variety this fall with the release of L 01-283 from the LSU AgCenter and others.

(Distributed 05/16/08) Since classes began in 1998, 343 northwestern Louisiana gardening enthusiasts have been certified as Louisiana Master Gardeners and have gone on to educate and beautify their communities.

(Distributed 05/16/08) North Louisiana consumers can learn how to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft at a program on May 29 at the Lincoln Parish Library, 910 Trenton Street in Ruston.

(Distributed 05/16/08) As part of the year-long celebration of 100 years of 4-H in Louisiana in 2008, more than 1,500 4-H’ers are registered for “4-H Day at the Capitol” on June 5. They will meet with their legislative representatives, go on tours of the Capitol, attend committee meetings and be recognized for the outstanding contributions 4-H has made to the state during its 100 years, according to Terril Faul, a 4-H coordinator with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/15/08) An LSU AgCenter tomato field day will be held at 5 p.m. June 11 at the Waterproof Ridge Farm at 3719 Bayou Black Drive in Houma.

(Distributed 05/15/08) Improving the white-tailed deer population in Louisiana was the focus of a field day recently at the LSU AgCenter’s Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station near Clinton.

(Distributed 05/13/08) High school students attending an educational program recently learned the importance of the forestry industry as well as career possibilities and safety issues.

(Distributed 05/13/08) Don’t expect immediate nitrogen benefits from planting clover, LSU AgCenter experts told livestock producers at the Southeast Research Station’s forage field day held Thursday (May 8).

(Distributed 05/09/08) When asked “How does your garden grow?” students at a Baton Rouge elementary school have a plethora of plants to list. LSU AgCenter Master Gardeners and Kids Hope volunteers have helped transform a once dull courtyard at University Terrace Elementary school into a flowering oasis.

(Distributed 05/09/08) When asked “How does your garden grow?” students at a Baton Rouge elementary school have a plethora of plants to list. LSU AgCenter Master Gardeners and Kids Hope volunteers have helped transform a once dull courtyard at University Terrace Elementary school into a flowering oasis.

(Distributed 05/08/08) The discovery of malignant catarrhal fever in cattle shouldn’t be a reason for panic but is a “wakeup call” for better animal identification, according to LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Christine Navarre.

(Distributed 05/08/08) Childhood brain development, protecting memory, eating healthy, financial management and leadership were the hot topics at the spring professional development conference for LSU AgCenter Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Programs.

(Distributed 05/08/08) Wheat experts from the LSU AgCenter say growing conditions are good and diseases are minimal for the 2008 crop.

(Distributed 05/06/08) This year’s AgMagic had a record number of visitors – 13,840 – and LSU AgCenter officials are already starting to plan next year’s event. “It was a huge success. We had a lot more and a lot nicer exhibits this year,” said Dr. Terry Dumas, LSU AgCenter animal sciences professor, who co-chairs the project.

(Distributed 05/05/08) The LSU AgCenter is looking for news articles tracing the 100-year history of Louisiana 4-H. Officials say copies of 4-H news articles from 1908 through 2008 are needed from past and present 4-H’ers. The articles, in turn, will help LSU AgCenter faculty members and others in compiling an accurate history of the state’s youth development program for the new Louisiana 4-H Museum.

(Distributed 05/02/08) Local and state officials celebrated the grand opening Wednesday (April 30) of a new facility to house the Avoyelles Parish office of the LSU AgCenter and the Southern University Ag Center and the LSU AgCenter 4-H Museum.

(Distributed 05/02/08) Decreasing costs by increasing efficiency on cattle operations was the focus of the field day May 1 at the LSU AgCenter’s Rosepine Research Station. “It’s a scary time for a lot of beef producers,” said Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension.

(Distributed 05/16/08) May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames encourages people to celebrate the month and all year long by participating in their favorite physical activities or trying new ones.

(Distributed 05/07/08) The 9th annual National Women's Health Week will kick off on Mother's Day and be celebrated throughout the following week. The theme for the May 11-17 events is “It’s Your Time: Get Inspired. Get Healthy.” LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the theme is a good reminder to make better health one of your top priorities.

(Distributed 05/05/08) May is high blood pressure awareness month, and LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says since nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure, it's important to learn more about preventing and treating this disease.

(Distributed 05/20/08) Increases in fuel and transportation prices continue to hit consumers hard at both the gas pump and at the grocery store. Over the last 12 months, the food and beverages index advanced 5.2 percent led by a 6.3 percent rise in prices for food at home, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index.

(Distributed 05/22/08) The weak economy and food inflation have hit struggling households hard. The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Stamp program is designed to help such households, but, nationally, the program misses one in three eligible people, according LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Annrose Guarino.

(Distributed 05/22/08) Whether you’re a senior taking care of yourself or caring for another, every senior can save money when buying food, an LSU AgCenter nutritionist says.

(Distributed 05/20/08) Finding ways to save on groceries is always a good idea, but especially now when simply driving to the store costs more. You can stretch your food dollars in many ways, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 05/20/08) If you're one of the many people who is buying and freezing foods in quantity to help combat rising food costs, don't let freezer burn defeat your efforts, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 05/22/08) What do rising food and fuel costs and volunteerism have in common? “Maybe more than you think,” says LSU AgCenter volunteer expert Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed 05/22/08) Now that food costs more and fuel prices are higher than ever, cost-cutting strategies are important to households across most income levels. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy offers ways to save money when heading to the grocery store.