(TV News 08/10/09) A group of 4-H’ers cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Louisiana 4-H Museum in Avoyelles Parish. The youths, as well as five hundred others in attendance, got to step back in time and see the origins and evolution of Louisiana 4-H, which started one hundred years ago – not far from where the museum sits. (Runtime: 1:42)

(TV News 08/03/09) The disease rust has been a problem in Louisiana’s sugarcane crop this season. Growers saw an influx of the disease in late winter in varieties thought to have good rust resistance, according to Dr. Ben Legendre, director of the LSU AgCenter's Audubon Sugar Station. (Runtime: 1:46)

(Video 8/31/09) Keeping weeds out of your garden by hand during the summer is tough, but effective. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores when to use the option of herbicides to help you control or prevent weeds. (Runtime: 1:40)

(TV News 08/31/09) A long bout of dry weather midway through the growing season stunted some of Louisiana’s soybean crop. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy says some farmers are seeing very low yields per acre as the harvest begins. (Runtime: 1:27)

(TV News 08/24/09) Crops such as sugarcane and sweet sorghum could be important sources of ethanol in Louisiana in the coming years. LSU AgCenter researchers are working on a conversion process but still have many hurdles to cross. (Runtime: 1:52)

(TV News 08/17/09) A group of 4-H’ers from across the country spent a few days trekking around a wooded area of Sabine Parish. The youngsters were in Louisiana for a national contest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Radio News 08/03/09) 4-H has been developing youth in Louisiana for more than 100 years, and a new museum in Avoyelles Parish shows how important the organization has been to so many. Rose Anne St. Romain, coordinator for the Louisiana 4-H Museum, talks about it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/03/09) A group of 4-H’ers recently cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Louisiana 4-H Museum in Avoyelles Parish. More than 500 people attended the July 18 opening and got to see the origins and evolution of Louisiana 4-H. Museum coordinator Rose Anne St. Romain explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/03/09) Feed costs for aquaculture crops have risen dramatically in the past year. A grant program is helping offset the increased costs. Money from the program comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/03/09) A loan and grant program is assisting farmers affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says the program offers low-interest loans to producers who suffered at least $10,000 worth of losses because of the 2008 hurricanes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/03/09) The 2008 hurricanes hurt many of the state’s agribusinesses. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is administering a loan program for businesses that had at least $10,000 in losses. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry has more details.

(Radio News 08/10/09) The disease rust has been a problem in Louisiana’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says growers saw an influx of the disease in late winter in varieties thought to have good rust resistance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says many growers are facing tough financial situations. Growers gathered recently at the LSU AgCenter sugarcane field day where they heard good news about prices. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) Students must consider pros and cons when deciding whether or not to work during their college years. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says employment can enhance career opportunities but could hinder studies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) Moving away to college can be a financial eye-opener says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Students should determine their fixed and flexible costs, then prepare a livable budget before they make the big move. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) Soy products contain a protein called the Bowman-Birk inhibitor. This protein has numerous health benefits, such as inhibiting cancer cell growth and reducing inflammation. LSU AgCenter food scientist Dr. Jack Losso is conducting research on this protein. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) The LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute is converting crops such as sugarcane and sweet sorghum into ethanol. Two parts of a plant can be made into biofuel, says LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Donal Day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) Researchers are looking for ways to make ethanol from cellulosic material such as sugarcane economically feasible. One way to make the math work is to find high-value byproducts of the refining process. Dr. Donal Day is conducting research at the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) Backpacks aren’t the only thing youngsters are carrying to school. Many students bring their own lunches. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames says parents should be sure their child’s food is packed safely to prevent food-borne illnesses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) More than 60 youngsters from 16 states competed in the 4-H National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program held recently in Sabine Parish. This three-day contest wasn’t just a walk in the woods. Participants observed a woody tract of land and had to make recommendations for certain wildlife species. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) A.J. Carlson had never been in Louisiana before participating in the 4-H National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program. But within a day he had gained extensive knowledge about the wildlife that thrive in the state. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Mike Salassi recently spoke at the Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium about the current market outlook for biofuels such as ethanol. He says biofuel represents only a small percentage of energy production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) Dr. Jack Losso is working to extract the antioxidant lutein from corn. The LSU AgCenter food scientist says corn appears to be the most economical source of lutein. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) As the new school year begins, many youngsters are looking to participate in clubs and organizations. 4-H has a strong presence in Louisiana schools, and the LSU AgCenter's head of its statewide youth development program says event where 4-H is not in the schools, youngsters can find it in their parish. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) It’s hot out there, and staying hydrated can help you avoid heat-related illness. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says this is especially important for senior citizens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) Reading or simply talking to a baby is a critical way to stimulate his or her brain. Dr. Linda Robinson, a family development specialist with the LSU AgCenter, says this early brain stimulation can help a child prepare for success in school, relationships and the work world. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) Louisiana’s soybean harvest is just getting started. A small portion of the crop is out of the fields, and those early-harvested beans revealed lingering effects of the midsummer drought. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) Asian soybean rust is spreading across Louisiana but probably won’t harm Louisiana’s soybean crop. LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett says the disease is likely in every soybean-producing parish but that its presence is no cause for alarm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) Louisiana farmers are harvesting their corn crops, and yields vary dramatically. Some farmers are getting near-record levels of almost 200 bushels to the acre while others are seeing yields as low as 50 bushels to the acre. LSU AgCenter extension associate Rob Ferguson explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) During the next few weeks Louisiana farmers will start harvesting their cotton. Dry weather hurt some fields, but LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet says the state's crop looks good overall. Boquet says insects have been a problem in some fields and have required growers to use more insecticides. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) Nitrogen helps keep cotton plants healthy, but too much nitrogen could be detrimental. Cotton is a perennial plant, and more nitrogen than is recommended could cause the plant to keep growing past the appropriate time, says LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/03/09) Tropical plants add a refreshing touch to any patio or landscape. But can all tropicals survive in Louisiana? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains which tropicals are hardy in Louisiana and which ones aren’t. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 08/10/09) It’s nice to have choices of perennials – plants that stay alive throughout the year while periodically producing beautiful colors. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some brilliant perennials you can plant during the summer. (Runtime: 1: 44)

(Video 08/17/09) As August temperatures soar gardeners should not be ashamed to retreat to the shade. In fact, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill encourages you to work in the shade – planting shade-loving ferns. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Video 08/24/09) Looking for an attractive ground cover for parts of your summer landscape? Then you might be interested in ajuga – a purple plant you can grow in shaded or semi-shaded areas. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to various types of ajuga, which is also known as bugleweed. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Audio 08/03/09) Chinch bugs are among the leading lawn insect pests. They attack primarily St. Augustine grass and they proliferate in hot, dry weather. Since these pests can kill the grass if they get out of hand, controlling them is important. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/09) Louisiana gardeners can get a fall crop of tomatoes. Plant transplants into the vegetable garden during August or early September. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/09) Pest problems can get out of hand during the summer. Insects, diseases and weeds thrive in the heat. It is important to identify the problem and determine how best to solve it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/09) Louisiana has a long growing season for summer bedding plants. Some of these plants may be overgrown or leggy. Cut those back to keep your garden looking attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/03/09) While August is still intensely hot, we can look forward to the cooler season in our vegetable gardens. We can plant seeds for cool-season vegetable transplants including broccoli and cauliflower now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Many areas of Louisiana have been very dry this summer. It is important to water properly -- which means watering when necessary rather than watering "by the calendar" or how many days have passed since the previous watering or rain.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Spider mites are worse when the weather is hot and dry -- the conditions common in Louisiana this time of the year. White flies also can be a problem in August. Oil sprays can help keep these pests under control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Coleus is a great summer bedding plant. It is grown for its colorful foliage. Some varieties are more adapted to shady areas, but others can be planted in locations that receive full sun this time of year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Most vegetable gardeners planted eggplant and bell pepper transplants into their gardens during the spring. These plants may not be very productive this time of year, but they can produce again in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/10/09) Pecan season is right around the corner, so you need to pay attention to any needs the trees may have. Drought stress will cause trees to drop their pecans early, so make sure the trees are well watered. Also, watch out for breaking branches. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) Container plants, even houseplants, enjoy spending some time outside. Their growth will be more vigorous and attractive. But you'll need to check now and then to see if they've outgrown their containers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) Butterfly gardeners know that butterfly weeds are wonderful ornamental plants. These plants are the preferred host of the monarch butterfly. Although aphids may cluster on butterfly weeds, don't use insecticides because they might harm the caterpillar eggs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) In the months of August and September, Louisiana iris are dormant. They'll begin active growth in October. This is a great time to divide and transplant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) Pears begin ripening during August. To determine when to harvest pears, look for fruit that is turning from green to more yellow. Some pears may have a redish blush. Ripe pears also will soften slightly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/17/09) This is a great time of the year to work with ferns. Ferns grow in shady areas, and that allows you the opportunity to garden in the shade. You can evaluate fern plants and do some grooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) Ajuga is a favorite plant for ground cover in Louisiana. These plants have attractive foliage -- often in shades of purple. It also is wonderful in shady areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) Fish are a wonderful addition to aquatic ponds. They are part of the natural ecosystem of a pond. As an example of one benefit, fish will eat mosquito larvae in the garden. But LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill warns koi may be too destructive in a water garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) Although palms are considered tropical plants, we can grow them across the state -- even in north Louisiana. These plants are easy to care for and only need to be groomed occasionally. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) When temperatures soar in August, heat stress can be an issue for gardeners and for plants. This is not a good time to plant new trees or shrubs to your landscape. New plants are vulnerable, so wait until the weather cools to add trees or shrubs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/24/09) Louisiana has a long growing season, and gardeners can look forward to a great rose blooming season in October and November. In the meantime, these flowers may need care before they bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) Fertilizing lawn grasses encourages optimal growth, but August is the last month to apply fertilizer. We want our grasses to slow down during the fall and get ready for winter. Fertilizing too late will make the grass less hardy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) Mosquitoes are a concern for gardeners. During the summer, gardeners tend to work outside more in the early morning or late evening hours -- because it is cooler then. But those times also are when mosquitoes are most active. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) Gingers and cannas are wonderful plants that add a tropical look to our landscapes. These two plants grow similarly, and when they finish blooming, you can cut them back. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) Late summer is a great time to take cuttings from plants in your landscape. The cuttings can be rooted and used to propagate plants for other areas in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/31/09) July, August and September are the most stressful months for plants in our landscapes. This hot time defines what we can grow in our yards and is a great time to evaluate your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/28/09) One of the LSU AgCenter’s many educational efforts is the Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods program for gardening and landscape enthusiasts.

(Distributed 08/27/09) An LSU AgCenter soil scientist is part of an effort to improve the water and soil quality in Haiti. David Weindorf, assistant professor in the LSU AgCenter’s School of Plant, Environmental & Soil Sciences, traveled to Bayonnais, Haiti, Aug. 10-14, as part of a team of two soil scientists to provide some initial assessment and education to farmers.

(Distributed 08/27/09) Louisiana’s soybean harvest is just getting started. A small portion of the crop is out of the fields, and these early-harvested beans revealed lingering effects of the midsummer drought, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 08/27/09) A lack of rain in early summer has affected Louisiana’s corn and cotton crops, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 08/26/09) LAFAYETTE, La. – The Louisiana 4-H Foundation has announced a gift of $30,000 from the LHC Group, a Lafayette-based health care company.

(Distributed 08/24/09) ALEXANDRIA, La. – LSU AgCenter weed scientists warned farmers that weeds will develop resistance, as they have in Arkansas and surrounding states, if resistance-management strategies are not adopted.

(Distributed 08/24/09) LSU AgCenter experts are warning Louisiana property owners to be on the lookout for laurel wilt, a devastating disease of red bay and sassafras trees. The disease recently was found in Jackson County, Miss.

(Distributed 08/24/09) Innovative uses for forest and forage biomass will be featured at the LSU AgCenter's Calhoun Research Station field day Oct. 29.

(Distributed 08/21/09) The LSU AgCenter is helping gardeners and others learn about and enjoy gardening in Louisiana with next year’s edition of its popular “Get It Growing” calendar. The recently published 2010 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar offers monthly gardening tips for the seasoned or novice gardener, as well as beautiful photos of plants, flowers and gardens that were taken by a variety of photographers whose roots stretch across the state.

(Distributed 08/21/09) Lifelong eating habits often are learned early. Eating while watching TV may become a habit for your young child and lead to unhealthy eating habits, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 08/21/09) You can help your child develop good eating habits by making mealtime pleasant and relaxed, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. “Mealtime can be a time to enjoy being with other family members and to learn about food,” the nutritionist says.

(Distributed 08/20/09) Ornamental grasses provide nice, low-maintenance options in sustainable landscapes. Many perennial types of ornamental grasses work well in Louisiana.

(Distributed 08/20/09) Considering special food needs is important when preparing emergency foods for the hurricane season, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 08/20/09) South Louisiana rice farmers are reporting some of their best yields ever this year as the harvest season winds down.

(Distributed 08/18/09) The discovery of Asian soybean rust in a soybean field in Iberville Parish on Aug. 18 was the latest of four finds of this potentially serious disease over two days in Louisiana. So far, the finds are in soybean plants that have already formed the beans and are nearing harvest, making them immune to any yield damage that could be caused by the disease, said Clayton Hollier, LSU AgCenter extension plant pathologist.

(Distributed 08/18/09) HOMER, La. – The LSU AgCenter's Hill Farm Research Station will host an educational field day Oct. 1.

(Distributedf 08/17/09) The 2010 LSU AgCenter Livestock Show will be held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, LSU AgCenter officials announced.

(Distributed 08/14/09) Yes, we are getting to late summer and hopefully less lawn mowing over the next couple months. Nevertheless, it’s still important to mow your lawn properly.

(Distributed 08/03/09) Ken McMillin, professor of animal sciences and food science at the LSU AgCenter and at LSU, has been awarded the 2009 American Meat Science Association Signal Service Award. This award recognizes members for devoted service and lasting contributions to the meat industry.

(Distributed 08/13/09) MARKSVILLE, La. – Museums should attract, entertain, arouse curiosity, preserve history and culture and serve as a social resource for meetings, said Cliff Deal, director of museums for the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office

(Distributed 08/11/09) Louisiana had first, second and third place winners in the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships, which was July 28-Aug. 2 in Little Rock, Ark. In saddle-type geldings (trotting), Robbin LeJuene of Acadia Parish placed first and Allison Newman of Jackson Parish placed third. Dani Anderson of West Carroll Parish placed second in barrel racing.

(Distributed 08/11/09) CROWLEY, La. – “It’s fascinating. Every time I do this, I learn more,” U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany said during a visit to the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Monday (Aug.10).

(Distributed 08/10/09) The LSU AgCenter has announced it will hold a "green" building conference Sept. 29 at its Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 08/10/09) AVERY ISLAND, La. – Zachary Cecil, a 4-H’er from Vernon Parish, rode on the side of a boat one morning during a recent session at the LSU AgCenter’s Marsh Maneuvers program. It was his first time in the marsh, and he was enjoying the experience, even though he was soaking wet from wading in muddy marsh water.

(Distributed 08/07/09) Low landscape maintenance is the goal of homeowners, but it’s possible only through proper planning. With the fall planting season coming soon, begin your planning now.

(Distributed 08/07/09) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station will hold its annual field day Aug. 20 with presentations for cotton and soybean farmers.

(Distributed 08/04/09) A new technology developed by an LSU AgCenter researcher has serendipitously found its way into the oil industry, resulting in a new company and the reinvigoration of an existing company in Louisiana. The patented process, developed by Qinglin Wu in the School of Renewable Natural Resources, involves making material from recycled plastics.

(Distributed 08/04/09) A Louisiana 4-H team placed third among 14 state teams that participated in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational July 26-30 at West Virginia University’s Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, W.Va.

(For Release On Or After 08/29/09) One of the most famous phrases ever written is, “Let there be light.” It is amazing that such a simple statement has such profound implications about creation and life.

(For Release On Or After 08/22/09) It would be hard to find a more dazzling, flowering tropical plant than the bougainvillea. The bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) is a tropical, shrubby vine whose bright magenta, pink, white, gold or purple flowers positively glow.

(For Release On Or After 08/15/09) Designing a garden is one of the more intimidating things gardeners expect of themselves. It’s challenging enough to learn all you need to know to select, plant and care for landscape plants successfully. But design is not just learning how to plant and water. It requires an expression of something from inside.

(For Release On Or After 08/08/09) I live in an area that is rural transitioning into suburban. In many areas of the state, developers are building more and more new subdivisions in areas that were once wooded or open fields. People moving to these new subdivisions from more urban areas are often startled to encounter wildlife they never saw in the cities, such as deer, raccoons, armadillos, opossums and moles.

(For Release On Or After 08/01/09) Although native to the Far East, crape myrtles are almost indispensable in the Southern landscape. Their vibrantly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, red and white from May to September virtually define the summer season here. The relatively small size of crape myrtle trees and long, colorful blooming season make them useful in a variety of landscapes.