(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.

(Distributed 02/22/09) GONZALES, La. – Seven Louisiana 4-H and FFA members and two adult volunteers were recognized honored Saturday (Feb. 21) for their outstanding work with youth livestock projects.

(Distributed 02/20/09) Louisianians can work in their yards almost every day of the year, but spring is prime time for gardening. The LSU AgCenter has announced a lineup of garden shows that kick off in March and continue into May in Hammond, Covington, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans and Houma.

(Distributed 02/20/09) Camellia enthusiasts are invited to “Camellia Morning at Burden” on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge. The three-hour event will include presentations on camellia culture, a tour through the camellia gardens and a pruning and propagation demonstration.

(Distributed 02/18/09) ABBEVILLE, La. – Farmers at a hearing here Wednesday (Feb. 18) told U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain that large areas of cropland may not be planted this year along the coast because of salt water remaining from Hurricane Ike. More than 100 people attended.

(Distributed 02/18/09) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association honored two LSU AgCenter employees at the LACA convention held here Feb. 11-13.

(Distributed 02/17/09) Asian soybean rust has been found in Louisiana kudzu in Washington, East Baton Rouge, Tangipahoa, Iberia and St. Mary parishes, but weather conditions will be the telling factor for the disease outlook in 2009, according to LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett.

(Distributed 02/17/09) JENNINGS, La. – LSU AgCenter crawfish researchers urged producers to wait patiently for this year’s crawfish crop, which has been later than usual.

(Distributed 02/16/09) The LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute is presenting a two-day practical short course for specialists involved in the areas of sugars, sweeteners, renewable energy, foods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and water treatment June 1-2 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/16/09) DELHI, La. – Elementary school students from seven parishes had their questions answered about everything from horses to germs at the LSU AgCenter’s Ag Adventures Feb. 10-11.