(Radio News 11/03/08) If you haven’t done it yet, now is the time to treat your yard for fire ants. Growth regulators are the best way to eliminate fire ants from your yard for the long term, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 11/14/08) Now is the perfect time to plant cool-season bedding plants that will brighten our landscapes over the next five or six months. Gardeners often overlook the fact that some cool-season bedding plants are wonderfully fragrant.

(For Release On Or After 11/21/08) Fall is an outstanding time to plant many of the hardy culinary herbs, and one of the most popular is parsley.

(For Release On Or After 11/28/08I wish more gardeners understood that fall is a primary planting season in Louisiana. For years horticulturists have tried to get the word out that November through February is the ideal time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in the landscape. Planting in late November and early December is especially good since trees and shrubs planted now benefit in several ways.)

(Video 11/03/08) Cooler weather means adding cool-season bedding plants to your flower beds. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how some fall vegetables can help you beautify your yard, while serving as a functional source of food. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 11/10/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill visited the massive Windmill Nursery in Franklinton, La. Windmill is a wholesale plant supplier to the entire southeastern United States. In this edition of Get It Growing, Windmill’s general manager recommends some quality plants for the fall growing season. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 11/17/08) LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recently visited Bracy’s Nursery in Amite, La. Bracy’s is a wholesale plant supplier to the entire southeastern United States. In this edition of Get It Growing, Dan talks with employees at Bracy’s about how they produce quality plants in large volume. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 11/24/08) If you’re looking for a small tree that has beautiful color, you might be pleased with the Japanese maple. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horiculturist Dan Gill explains why Japanese maples grow well in Louisiana and how fall is the right time to plant them. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 11/03/08) Louisiana's mild winter allows us to grow a wide variety of delicious vegetables in our home vegetable gardens. Vegetable gardeners who typically plant only in spring and summer should try growing winter vegetables, as well. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/03/08) From November and peaking into early December is when the deciduous trees in our landscape begin to drop all of their leaves. These fallen leaves can provide many good things for our landscapes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/03/08) Local nurseries have plenty of chrysanthemums in a wide variety of colors. Planting these perennials is a great way to add color to landscapes this time of year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/03/08) Savvy Louisiana gardeners know that we can get a second tomato crop out of our tomato plants. As the weather cools, the plant production slows down, and gardeners must watch out for freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/03/08) Louisiana gardeners can use a wide variety of evergreen trees and shrubs in their landscape because of the mild winters we experience. These plants keep our landscapes looking attractive all through the winter. Gardeners should not be concerned about the leaves of an evergreen plant turning yellow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/08) Camellias are amazingly beautiful shrubs. One of the greatest things about camellias is they produce flowers in late fall and winter when few other plants are blooming. Camellias are prone to infestations of tea scale. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/080) During the winter our warm-season grasses go dormant making your lawn brown. If this bothers you, then one option is to overseed your permanent lawn with ryegrass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/08) Most of the perennial plants that we use in our landscapes bloom in the summer. Many of these perennials are winding down right now. This is a good time to cut back any unattractive growth or flowers from them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/08) Just about everyone enjoys a fresh salad, but the best lettuce is freshly harvested from your own vegetable garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/10/08) November is an outstanding month to plant spring-flowering bulbs in your landscape. These bulbs grow over the winter very slowly and then grow rapidly and bloom in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) Cool weather has arrived, and now is the perfect time to add cool-season bedding plants to the flower beds in your landscape. These plants will continue to bloom for you into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) Summer-flowering bulbs grow and bloom during the summer months. Often these plants go dormant during this time of year and become unattractive, so it's the time to trim their foliage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) You will begin to notice amarylis bulbs in nurseries and garden centers around this time of year. The process that growers use to ship amarylis makes them grow and bloom during winter, so you must plant them in a container the first year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) The best time to plant fruit and nut trees is from November until February. Most of these trees need full sun and plenty of room to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/17/08) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable for your garden. It's a little late to plant broccoli now, but if you planted it earlier, you may be wondering when you should harvest this vegetable. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) A wide variety of herbs are hardy and can be planted this time of year. There are even some herbs that really grow well in Louisiana during the cool season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) To many people, falling leaves are a nuisance. These leaves, however, can be useful if we recycle them into compost or mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) Many of us like to use container plants outside during the summer. But when the weather turns cold, these plants need to be brought indoors. Just remember that you may need to let them adjust to lower light conditions before making the move. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) When considering how to fertilize plants this time of year, the best option really is not to fertilize at all. Just about everything in your landscape is going dormant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/24/08) Fall is the best time to plant hardy trees and shrubs in your landscapes. If you plant them now, the heat of summer won't threaten the young tress. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 11/07/08) So you’ve finally decided to get that hobby greenhouse you always wanted. Even though winter weather in Louisiana is relatively mild, gardeners still may find that a greenhouse offers a variety of advantages.

(Radio News 11/24/08) Hurricanes Gustav and Ike disrupted Louisiana's sugarcane planting season. Planting typically wraps up in mid-October, but some farmers were still planting in early November. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says it was a more expensive planting season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/24/08) No one variety dominates Louisiana's sugarcane landscape. For a long time the state's growers planted the majority of their acreage in the variety called LCP 85-384, but now growers are turning to newer varieties and planting a mix of different ones, says LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/24/08) Louisiana growers planted a large wheat crop last year -- with the state's acreage totaling around 400,000. Record-high prices had many flocking to plant wheat. Planting has started for the 2009 crop, but LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says acreage this year will be significantly lower. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/24/08) Some sugarcane growers burn their cane to reduce the amount of leafy material that gets harvested and delivered with the cane to the mills. Burning helps reduce the costs of harvest, but LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says it is becoming less common because of problems that can occur.

(Radio News 11/19/08) East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H is sponsoring Bike Quest – a bike rally for all youth. LSU AgCenter 4-H agent Beverly Bailey says the event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 29 at Nelson Memorial on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) Small insects can invade our pantries -- particularly this time of the year when many people buy and store extra items such as cake mixes, flour and other foods for holiday parties. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says to be careful of what you buy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) Diabetes is a serious problem in Louisiana -- although in many cases it can be prevented or delayed. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says complications from the disease can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and amputations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) The turkey usually is the healthiest part of most Thanksgiving meals. According to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, even a fried turkey can be a healthy option. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) No matter if you brine or baste, roast or fry, LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames says the one important point when cooking a turkey is to use a meat thermometer to make sure it is cooked thoroughly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/17/08) The turkey is the star on Thanksgiving tables. Most people buy their birds frozen, so to get it ready for the big day, it must be thawed properly. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames provides those details and more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/10/08) The number of obese children ages 6 to 11 has tripled over the past decade. The LSU AgCenter’s Smart Bodies program offers a fun and interactive way to keep youngsters healthy. Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden said the program fits into his healthy-living initiatives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/10/08) Students around the state are taking an unusual journey without leaving their schools. The youngsters are traveling through the human body by going through a gymnasium-sized exhibit called the Body Walk, according to LSU AgCenter nutrition educator Denise Holston. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/10/08) Students from across Northwest Louisiana got a taste of the 100 years of Louisiana 4-H at the State Fair of Louisiana’s 4-H Express. Tour guides such as 4-H’er Julie Barrios took students back through the decades to learn about the origins of this popular youth organization. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/10/08) Louisiana 4-H’s centennial year is coming to a close, but clubs across the state are still celebrating. The State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport was dedicated to 4-H. Julie Barrios, a 4-H executive committee member, was there. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/10/08) At its inception 100 years ago Louisiana 4-H centered on farming and cooking. Today it is hard to put a label on this popular youth organization. LSU AgCenter 4-H regional coordinator Karen Martin says youngsters can take the diverse programs the club offers and tailor them to fit their interests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/03/08) Hunting is a favorite pastime in Louisiana, and it can be enjoyed safely if hunters follow a few guidelines. LSU AgCenter hunting safety expert Dr. Don Reed has some safety tips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/03/08) If you haven’t done it yet, now is the time to treat your yard for fire ants. Growth regulators are the best way to eliminate fire ants from your yard for the long term, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/03/08) Yellow jackets can be a nuisance to tailgaters, picnickers and hunters. These aggressive insects tend to be a bigger problem in the fall, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/03/08) A warm October is leading to prolonged insect problems. Florida wax scale is one insect still around on many evergreen plants, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/03/08) Head lice outbreaks can occur in schools and become a nuisance to families. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says some schools are dealing with lice problems. He recommends things to do to avoid a lice infestation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 11/10/08) The number of obese children age six to 11 has tripled over the past decade. An LSU AgCenter program is using a fun and interactive program to keep those numbers down. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Distributed 11/21/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar can be a great holiday gift for gardeners and others. The 2009 edition of the calendar is on sale now and provides a variety of helpful information tailored to Louisiana gardeners, as well as those who simply enjoy photos of beautiful gardens and plants.

(Distributed 11/3/08) A compound in the fats in Louisiana oysters could be a key ingredient in treating and preventing cancer, according to scientists at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/06/08) Anyone interested in fruit and vegetable production is invited to attend the Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show at the Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, Ala. Dec. 3-4. The early registration discount deadline is Nov. 21.

(Distributed 11/6/08) Although gasoline is the fuel of choice for the American automobile, diesel is the fuel of choice for moving freight – whether by truck, train or ship. And while the primary source for diesel is from petroleum, the fuel can be made from both plant and animal sources, according to experts in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/6/08) Although gasoline is the fuel of choice for the American automobile, diesel is the fuel of choice for moving freight – whether by truck, train or ship. And while the primary source for diesel is from petroleum, the fuel can be made from both plant and animal sources, according to experts in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/07/08) The LSU AgCenter has named Dr. Bill Williams as state weed specialist for agricultural crops.

(Distributed 11/07/08) The Louisiana sugarcane harvest is in full swing and with some of the best weather conditions to get the job done.

(Distributed 11/3/08) Increased input costs, tight profit margins and two major hurricanes created a difficult year for many of Louisiana’s agricultural producers. To help the state’s farmers, the LSU AgCenter has established a farm financial hotline to help them make financial decisions, according to Dr. Kurt Guidry, an economist in the AgCenter’s Department of Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness.

(Distributed 11/10/08) With an ever-changing “Main Street” in America, the LSU AgCenter is offering e-business classes in North Louisiana to help businesses grow through the Internet.

(Distributed 11/10/08) A good leader knows how to resolve conflict, build collaboration, run meetings and identify assets in the community. Those are just some of the modules taught in the LSU AgCenter’s Leadership Plenty class in Lake Providence.

(Distributed 11/10/08) Students around the state are taking an unusual journey without leaving their school. The students are traveling through the human body with the LSU AgCenter’s and Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s gymnasium-sized exhibit called Body Walk.

(Distributed 11/11/08) Drinking tea to lose weight may not be a farfetched idea if a group of Louisiana researchers can pinpoint and quantify the functional components of Chinese sweet tea and blackberry leaves.

(Distributed 11/07/08) The LSU AgCenter has named Dr. Tara Smith research coordinator at its Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Despite pouring rain, more than 100 dairy producers and other industry representatives turned out for a dairy field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station at Franklinton Nov. 12.

(Distributed 11/17/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station hosted a joint meeting of the Louisiana House and Senate agriculture committees Nov. 12 for legislators to learn the basics of the rice industry.

(Distributed 11/12/08) The Louisiana 4-H Meat Judging Team won seventh place overall at the 2008 American Royal Livestock Show National 4-H Meat Evaluation and Identification Contest held Oct. 28 at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Despite a year of hurricanes and insect problems, Louisiana citrus growers are having a very good crop year, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, the private-sector, nonprofit partner of America's largest youth organization, visited Louisiana Nov. 13-14.

(Distributed 11/18/08)The LSU AgCenter’s 2008 Poinsettia Open House is set for Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Burden Center in Baton Rouge. This event, which is being held for the 14th time, provides poinsettia growers and the public with an opportunity to view some of the latest poinsettia varieties.

(Distributed 11/19/08) Farmers are planting the 2009 wheat crop, which will be on significantly fewer acres than the 2008 wheat crop, according to LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell. In 2008, because of record high prices, farmers planted around 400,000 acres.

(Distributed 11/19/08) More than 70 researchers and others involved in addressing Louisiana’s coastal wetland disappearance met recently for an update on wetland plant research and restoration efforts.

(Distributed 11/20/08) LaHouse, the LSU AgCenter’s showcase demonstration home, is now open for visitors interested in seeing the latest innovations in home design specifically for Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate. Hours of operation for LaHouse are Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Distributed 11/24/08) Carol Lammi-Keefe, professor in the LSU AgCenter’s School of Human Ecology, is the lead editor of a new book published in 2008 – Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy.

(Distributed 11/25/08) Although Christmas trees were among the thousands of trees damaged during the hurricanes that hit Louisiana this year, this shouldn’t affect the current holiday season, according to Don Reed, LSU AgCenter wildlife and forestry specialist.

(Distributed 11/26/08) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Brandon Guillory, Calcasieu Parish 4-H’er, took first place in the National 4-H Chicken Barbecue Demonstration contest held here Nov. 19-20.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Donations from across the state are beginning to make their way to the St. Helena Parish High School where students are in makeshift classrooms following a Nov. 3 fire that destroyed their school.

(Distributed 11/04/08) LAKEVIEW – Homeowners will learn how to secure their homes against floodwaters, as well as how to rebuild and restore their homes to be energy efficient and resist damage from storms, termites and moisture at the Community Rebuilding and Flood Protection Expo Nov. 16 in the New Orleans community of Lakeview.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Donations from across the state are beginning to make their way to the St. Helena Parish High School where students are in makeshift classrooms following a Nov. 3 fire that destroyed their school.

(Distributed 11/26/08) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Brandon Guillory, Calcasieu Parish 4-H’er, took first place in the National 4-H Chicken Barbecue Demonstration contest held here Nov. 19-20.

(Distributed 11/25/08) Although Christmas trees were among the thousands of trees damaged during the hurricanes that hit Louisiana this year, this shouldn’t affect the current holiday season, according to Don Reed, LSU AgCenter wildlife and forestry specialist.

(Distributed 11/24/08) Carol Lammi-Keefe, professor in the LSU AgCenter’s School of Human Ecology, is the lead editor of a new book published in 2008 – Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy.

(Distributed 11/21/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar can be a great holiday gift for gardeners and others. The 2009 edition of the calendar is on sale now and provides a variety of helpful information tailored to Louisiana gardeners, as well as those who simply enjoy photos of beautiful gardens and plants.

(Distributed 11/20/08) LaHouse, the LSU AgCenter’s showcase demonstration home, is now open for visitors interested in seeing the latest innovations in home design specifically for Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate. Hours of operation for LaHouse are Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Distributed 11/19/08) More than 70 researchers and others involved in addressing Louisiana’s coastal wetland disappearance met recently for an update on wetland plant research and restoration efforts.

(Distributed 11/19/08) Farmers are planting the 2009 wheat crop, which will be on significantly fewer acres than the 2008 wheat crop, according to LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell. In 2008, because of record high prices, farmers planted around 400,000 acres.

(Distributed 11/18/08)The LSU AgCenter’s 2008 Poinsettia Open House is set for Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Burden Center in Baton Rouge. This event, which is being held for the 14th time, provides poinsettia growers and the public with an opportunity to view some of the latest poinsettia varieties.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Despite a year of hurricanes and insect problems, Louisiana citrus growers are having a very good crop year, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Despite a year of hurricanes and insect problems, Louisiana citrus growers are having a very good crop year, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, the private-sector, nonprofit partner of America's largest youth organization, visited Louisiana Nov. 13-14.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, the private-sector, nonprofit partner of America's largest youth organization, visited Louisiana Nov. 13-14.

(Distributed 11/17/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station hosted a joint meeting of the Louisiana House and Senate agriculture committees Nov. 12 for legislators to learn the basics of the rice industry.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Despite pouring rain, more than 100 dairy producers and other industry representatives turned out for a dairy field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station at Franklinton Nov. 12.

(Distributed 11/17/08) Despite pouring rain, more than 100 dairy producers and other industry representatives turned out for a dairy field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station at Franklinton Nov. 12.

(Distributed 11/12/08) The Louisiana 4-H Meat Judging Team won seventh place overall at the 2008 American Royal Livestock Show National 4-H Meat Evaluation and Identification Contest held Oct. 28 at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.

(Distributed 11/11/08) Drinking tea to lose weight may not be a farfetched idea if a group of Louisiana researchers can pinpoint and quantify the functional components of Chinese sweet tea and blackberry leaves.

(Distributed 11/10/08) A good leader knows how to resolve conflict, build collaboration, run meetings and identify assets in the community. Those are just some of the modules taught in the LSU AgCenter’s Leadership Plenty class in Lake Providence.

(Distributed 11/10/08) A good leader knows how to resolve conflict, build collaboration, run meetings and identify assets in the community. Those are just some of the modules taught in the LSU AgCenter’s Leadership Plenty class in Lake Providence.

(Distributed 11/10/08) With an ever-changing “Main Street” in America, the LSU AgCenter is offering e-business classes in North Louisiana to help businesses grow through the Internet.

(Distributed 11/10/08) Students around the state are taking an unusual journey without leaving their school. The students are traveling through the human body with the LSU AgCenter’s and Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s gymnasium-sized exhibit called Body Walk.

(Distributed 11/07/08) The Louisiana sugarcane harvest is in full swing and with some of the best weather conditions to get the job done.

New website aimed at 4th-6th graders

(Distributed 11/07/08) The LSU AgCenter has named Dr. Bill Williams as state weed specialist for agricultural crops.

(Distributed 11/07/08) The LSU AgCenter has named Dr. Bill Williams as state weed specialist for agricultural crops.

(Distributed 11/07/08) The LSU AgCenter has named Dr. Tara Smith research coordinator at its Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase.

(Distributed 11/6/08) Although gasoline is the fuel of choice for the American automobile, diesel is the fuel of choice for moving freight – whether by truck, train or ship. And while the primary source for diesel is from petroleum, the fuel can be made from both plant and animal sources, according to experts in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/06/08) Anyone interested in fruit and vegetable production is invited to attend the Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show at the Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, Ala. Dec. 3-4. The early registration discount deadline is Nov. 21.

(Distributed 11/04/08) LAKEVIEW – Homeowners will learn how to secure their homes against floodwaters, as well as how to rebuild and restore their homes to be energy efficient and resist damage from storms, termites and moisture at the Community Rebuilding and Flood Protection Expo Nov. 16 in the New Orleans community of Lakeview.

(Distributed 11/3/08) Increased input costs, tight profit margins and two major hurricanes created a difficult year for many of Louisiana’s agricultural producers. To help the state’s farmers, the LSU AgCenter has established a farm financial hotline to help them make financial decisions, according to Dr. Kurt Guidry, an economist in the AgCenter’s Department of Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness.

(Distributed 11/3/08) A compound in the fats in Louisiana oysters could be a key ingredient in treating and preventing cancer, according to scientists at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/04/08) Diabetes is growing to epidemic proportions and is the biggest public health crisis of the 21st century, according to the American Diabetes Association. This answers, “Why should you care about diabetes?” the theme of this year’s diabetes awareness campaign through November.

(Distributed 11/05/08) “First, don’t panic.” That’s the advice of LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye regarding the current turmoil on Wall Street.

(Distributed 11/06/08) The late fall and winter months in Louisiana are great for planting fruit trees and shrubs. Ones that work well in our landscapes include fig, citrus, blueberry, pawpaw, pomegranate and persimmon. Most can be easily grown, are low maintenance, have appealing forms, good texture, attractive colors and provide wildlife benefits. These characteristics “fit the bill” for a sustainable landscape.

(Distributed 11/13/08) The color of cooked poultry is not always a sure sign of its safety. Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. The meat of smoked turkey is always pink.

(Distributed 11/13/08) The holidays are time to enjoy special desserts that you might make only once a year. Some of these foods require special care to prevent foodborne illnesses, warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/13/08) Not so long ago, nursery and landscape professionals, along with the vast majority of home gardeners, were not fully aware of the multiseason blooming potential of many azalea varieties.

(Distributed 11/13/08) When Louisiana cooks shop for their Thanksgiving meal, they’ll find the cost of the basic dinner items cost more this year but remain affordable, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 11/21/08) Families can keep holiday traditions without tipping the scale by following a few tips from Vicky Chesser, LSU AgCenter registered dietitian.

(Distributed 11/21/08) Pets are an important part of many American families. During a recession or downturn in the economy, however, when millions have lost their jobs, businesses are failing or cutting back, record numbers of homes are in foreclosure and credit card debt is at an all time high, families are desperate to cut expenses.

(Distributed 11/21/08) The holidays abound with tasty treats such as eggnog, cream pies and other dishes containing eggs. Eating raw or undercooked eggs is a risk for foodborne illness, warns LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Many of us think about planting shrubs in the spring, but fall is the best time to plant shrubs in Louisiana. There are advantages to planting woody ornamentals, such as trees and shrubs, at this time.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Physical activity is important year-round but can be especially helpful during the holidays when you may be eating more than usual. It is a good way to burn calories and help you feel less guilty about enjoying holiday favorites, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 11/26/08) Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 each year is the open enrollment period for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans. Because these drug plans can change from one year to the next, it is important for seniors to comparison-shop annually for the best deal and the best coverage for their own personal prescription needs, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 11/21/08) Southern live oaks, known by the scientific name Quercus virginiana, are one of the most popular trees found in Louisiana landscapes. They certainly are considered to be a signature tree in many public places across the state and are widely used in home landscapes.