(Distributed 02/27/09) BATON ROUGE, La. – One of the challenges facing Louisiana agriculture in 2009 is the loss of income caused by the 2008 hurricanes, Dr. Mike Strain, commissioner of agriculture and forestry, said at the 2009 Ag Outlook conference held here Thursday (Feb. 26).

(Distributed 02/25/09) LAFAYETTE, La. – The 4-H Junior Leader Club in Lafayette Parish has been chosen for the Governor’s Conservation Award by Louisiana Wildlife Federation for helping Cameron Parish after hurricanes Rita and Ike.

(Distributed 02/25/09) GONZALES, La. – Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday (Feb. 21) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 74th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center here.

(Distributed 02/23/09) GONZALES, La. – Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 74th Annual LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc Feb. 14-21 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center here.

(TV News 02/23/09) Many youngsters are far removed from farms and have little knowledge about crops and livestock. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports about a program that fostered agricultural awareness in a fun and interactive way. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds)

(Audio 02/23/09) The gladiola produces beautiful flowers in late spring or early summer. You can plant the bulbs from February through March. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/23/09) It’s a good idea to plant vegetables now -- during cooler weather. One vegetable you might think about planting is the artichoke. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the ins and outs of planting artichokes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)

(Audio 02/23/09) You may begin to see caladium tubers at your local nursery about now. It is a good idea to get them early. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/23/09) Gardeners often ask what the term "organic matter" means. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains it all. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/23/09) The foliage of your spring-flowering bulbs should be growing nicely, and you may even see some flowers blooming soon. (Runtime: 60 seconds)