(TV News 02/02/09) Becoming a certified Louisiana Master Farmer is quite an accomplishment for a Louisiana producer. Farmers in the program become environmental stewards while improving their farming operations. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on new members. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 seconds)

(Distributed 02/27/09) Gene Reagan, LSU AgCenter entomologist, has been doggedly studying the Mexican rice borer’s spread northward from the Rio Grande Valley for almost 30 years. The insect, which damages rice and sugarcane, has been migrating through Texas at the rate of 15 miles a year. In 2006, it was found in east Texas just one county away from Louisiana, and, sure enough, two weeks before the end of 2008, borers showed up in two traps on the Louisiana-Texas line north of Vinton.

(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.

(TV News 03/09/09) Poverty is prevalent in Northeast Louisiana, but an LSU AgCenter entity is committed to helping people in rural areas overcome poverty and other barriers to economic prosperity. (Runtime: 1 minute, 34 seconds)

(TV News 03/02/09) Youngsters who show livestock prepare for the show every day. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited with several students participating in the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show presented by Price LeBlanc. (Runtime: 1 minute, 18 seconds)

(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)

(TV News 02/16/09) The recent outbreak of salmonella linked to peanut products is a national tragedy. People have died from the illness, and hundreds have been sickened. While the contamination has been linked to one facility, an LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert warns that consumers could breed illness-causing bacteria in their own homes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

(TV News 02/09/09) When temperatures reach the 70s, some Louisianians start craving crawfish. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports crawfish are available, but, unfortunately, in smaller numbers. (Runtime: 1 minute, 17 seconds)

(Radio News 02/02/09) Hurricane Gustav knocked down trees, cut off power and may be partly responsible for a smaller crawfish harvest this year. LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz says the heavy rainfall associated with the storm affected crawfish ponds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/02/09) Almost immediately after the holidays, Louisiana consumers start thinking about crawfish. But early harvests are down this year, according to LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Dr. Greg Lutz. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/02/09) Nearly two-thirds of the production costs in crawfish farming are associated with harvest. Researchers at the LSU AgCenter’s Aquaculture Research Station have focused on baiting and harvesting techniques that would make the process more cost effective for producers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/02/09) The LSU AgCenter will host the 2009 Agricultural Outlook Conference Feb. 26 in Baton Rouge. The theme for the program is "Keeping Louisiana’s Agriculture Competitive." The event will take place at the Lod Cook Conference Center on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge and will focus on current issues facing the state’s farmers and agribusinesses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/02/09) Louisianans certified as Louisiana Master Farmers recently added new members to the elite rank. Twenty-seven farmers graduated from the program which teaches them how to implement conservation practices on their farming operations. Ernest Girouard directs the LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer program.

(Radio News 02/09/09) Sustainable landscaping is a hot topic among gardeners right now. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings says sustainable landscapes involve using plants that are native to the area and that have low insect and disease problems and low irrigation and fertilizer needs. An example of a sustainable landscape is on display at the LSU AgCenter’s showcase home LaHouse on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.(Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/09/09) Three roses are 2009 All-America Rose Selection winners. Pink Promise is a hybrid tea; Cinco de Mayo is a floribunda; and Carefree Spirit is a landscape shrub. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings explains.

(Radio News 02/09/09) Credit can be hard to come by these days. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says it’s a good idea to try to improve your credit score before looking for a loan. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/09/09) Weed management was an important topic at the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Louisiana Crop Forum. States such as Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee have experienced herbicide-resistant weeds. Dr. Daniel Stephenson, an LSU AgCenter weed scientist, says Louisiana farmers have to be vigilant with their weed management programs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/09/09) Soybean growers from Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi met in Oak Grove for the 2009 Tri-state Soybean Forum. Soybean experts spoke with growers about the latest research and improving production. LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett discussed disease issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/16/09) The recent outbreak of salmonella linked to peanut products is a national tragedy – people have died from the illness, and hundreds have been sickened. This outbreak calls attention to the importance of food safety issues, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/16/09) During the past few years, consumers have dealt with contaminated spinach, contaminated tomatoes and, most recently, products containing peanut butter and peanut paste tainted with salmonella. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames talks about this issue. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/16/09) The heart is a focus during February -- not only because of Valentine’s Day but also because this month the American Heart Association calls attention to the threat of heart disease. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says a healthy diet can guard against a heart attack. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/16/09) The number of people claiming unemployment benefits has reached a record high, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. If you haven’t lost your job yet, but are suspecting a layoff could be possible, don’t wait for it to happen before acting. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tuckers says to start putting money into an emergency fund if you haven't done so already. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/16/09) Dozens of big businesses recently announced massive layoffs, and jobs are being cut at an alarming rate. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says surviving a layoff is tough and that most people will go through a grieving process. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/23/09) Sheep showing isn’t part of a typical kindergartener’s day. But on this day, students were stepping outside of the classroom and into an ag adventure. The LSU AgCenter hosted the program at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/09) LSU AgCenter entomologists are piloting an integrated pest management program in Ascension Parish schools. Called School IPM, the program is an effort of the Southern Region Integrated Pest Management Center, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/23/09) Income tax returns are not due for several more weeks, but this is a good time to get important documents in order, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/23/09) Winter typically is a quiet time for insects, but in Louisiana insects remain active all year long. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says inconsistent temperatures can lead to pest problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/23/09) "Gloomy" continues to be an often-used term to describe the nation’s economic outlook, and workers are losing jobs or having their paychecks slashed. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker talks about ways to cut costs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 02/02/09) Attractive small trees can create a nice touch to any landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses different varieties of a very popular small tree -- the Japanese magnolia. (Runtime: 1 minute, 37 seconds)

(Video 02/09/09) When we think about colorful bedding plants, thoughts generally turn to planting them in the spring or summer. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the colorful, cold-hardy geranium can be planted now. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(Video 02/16/09) When selecting the right landscape plants it’s vital to ask important questions like “How big will the plant grow?” or “How hardy is it in a particular season?” On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill poses a different question: How does the plant smell? (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 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 02/02/09) Spring may be right around the corner, but the weather is still cold enough to allow hard freezes to occur. That's why we continue to plant only cool-season vegetables this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) February is a good time to prune roses. This prepares the plants for blooming in the spring and summer seasons. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) Spider mites are a common indoor pest that many plant lovers have to deal with. Spider mites are very tiny insects that can cause your plants to look dusty . (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) We love to use many tropical plants in our Louisiana home landscapes. Although they do very well in Louisiana's hottest weather, they have very little cold tolerance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/02/09) Many gardeners are unfamiliar with swiss chard. It's a vegetable that easily can be planted in your home garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Louisiana gardeners can plant a wide variety of cool-season bedding plants as early as October. Even though that time passed months ago, it still is not too late to add cool-season bedding plants to your landscape. But it is better to do it now than to wait until March or April. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Many of the hardy fruit trees we plant in our landscapes can be pruned in February, but be aware that all fruit trees are pruned differently. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Dividing perennials helps plants bloom better. You should divide these plants while they are dormant, which is now for most perennials in our landscapes. Plan on wrapping up this task before the end of March. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Bare-root roses should be planted by the end of February. This is your absolute last chance to get them into the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) Hydrangeas are unique plants that come in lovely shades of blue or pink. These flowers are unusual because the availability of aluminum in the soil dictates their color -- and their color can be manipulated. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/16/09) The cool season is the best time to plant a tree in Louisiana. If you want a new tree in your landscape, plant it before late March. When choosing a tree, be sure to pick one that is the right size for you landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/09/09) February is the last optimal month for digging up and transplanting trees and shrubs in your landscape. It is important to move a plant with as much of the root system as you can get. This will determine the survival of the tree or shrub. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/16/09) Spring is a busy time in the home landscape. So while things are slower during February, it is a good time to prepare beds that you will plant in March or April. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/16/09) Light is important to the health of plants. In gardening, a range of terms exists to describe light conditions in the landscape. These include full sun, part sun, part shade and shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/16/09) Gardeners use a variety of ground covers in their landscapes. These plants usually are evergreen, have a tendency to spread and are shade-tolerant. Even if they are evergreen, they can have old, brown foliage. February and March are good months to clip ground covers. (Runtime: 60 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)

(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)

(Distributed 02/27/09) JEANERETTE, La. – Hay production and beef cattle management will be topics covered in a field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Iberia Research Station March 21.

(For Release On Or After 02/06/09) February is a great time to plant hardy fruit trees, bushes or vines in your landscape. Local nurseries should have an excellent selection of these plants newly arrived for planting in late winter and early spring.

(For Release On Or After 02/13/09) This is the time of year for garden catalogs to arrive in the mail. Mine generally start to arrive in December and continue through February. Most gardeners would likely tell you that mail order is their least preferred way to purchase plants, and I generally agree.

(For Release On Or After 02/20/09) Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable that can be grown easily in Louisiana vegetable gardens during fall, winter and spring. It is reliable and very productive and should be more commonly planted.

(For Release On Or After 02/27/09) Every year, Louisiana gardeners see amazingly beautiful beds of pansies, violas, dianthus, snapdragons and many others whose peak blooming season is late March through May.

(Distributed 02/02/09) North Louisiana farmers got advice from LSU AgCenter experts at two different producer meetings Jan. 29.

(Distributed 02/02/09) CROWLEY – The Obama administration could restore full trade with Cuba, the president of the USA Rice Federation said at the annual joint meeting of the Louisiana Rice Council and the Louisiana Rice Growers Association Jan. 29.

(Distributed 02/05/2009) The LSU AgCenter’s Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Unit and the Vermilion Parish Police Jury will present a free Community Rebuilding and Flood Protection Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 28 at Abbeville High School.

(Distributed 02/05/09) MONROE, La. – Dr. William Richardson, LSU AgCenter chancellor, updated the Louisiana Cotton Producers Association on the status of budget cuts he recently presented to the LSU System.

(Distributed 02/09/09) VIDALIA, La. – The creation of a virtual e-business incubator was among announcements at a meeting of the Louisiana Delta Initiative Jan. 29.

(Distributed 02/09/09) An LSU AgCenter faculty member was named Cotton Researcher of the Year at the 12th annual National Conservation Tillage Cotton and Rice Conference in Marksville, La., in January.

(Distributed 02/09/09) The fifth annual Louisiana Food Processors Conference will be held March 18-19, 2009, at the Lod Cook Conference Center and Hotel on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/10/09) PERRY, La. – High school and junior high students did their part to aid the coastline Feb. 6 by planting trees on coastal land in Vermilion Parish that was devastated by hurricanes Rita and Ike.

(Distributed 02/04/09) LAKE CHARLES, La. – The first Ag Adventure held during the LSU AgCenter Regional Livestock Show here was a perfect fit for kindergarten teacher Gloria Watson of Brentwood Elementary School. “Some of the stories we read in class are about animals. We thought it would be a good thing to see some real animals. Most of them have not seen any animals.”

(Distributed 02/12/09) Price LeBlanc, a Baton Rouge automobile dealer, has established a $40,000 endowment to support the LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA state livestock show for 2009 and 2010 and fund the Price LeBlanc Champion Livestock Award.

(Distributed 02/13/09) CALHOUN, La. – A kit of educational and fun activities that address the issue of childhood obesity proved to be a big hit at its inaugural use during Family Nutrition Night Feb. 10 at Central Elementary School here. LSU AgCenter extension agents developed the kit and are promoting its use across northeast Louisiana.

(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.

(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 02/17/09) 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 02/18/09) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association honored two LSU AgCenter employees at the LACA convention held here Feb. 11-13.

(Distributed 02/18/09) 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 02/22/09) 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 02/23/09) 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 02/20/09) 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 02/06/09) Dr. David Boethel, vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter, received the Distinguished Service Award at the Tri-State Soybean Forum held last month in Oak Grove.

(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 02/25/09) 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 02/27/09) 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 02/02/09) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames observes February as American Heart Month by stressing the importance of taking steps to prevent heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the nation’s single leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association.

(Distributed 02/06/09) The spring gardening season is upon us, or will be shortly, and it is time to begin purchasing new trees, shrubs and related plant materials for our landscapes. When selecting ornamentals, think how they will look when they mature as well as how they look now. Consider size, form, texture and color.

(Distributed 02/06/09) Many people with diverticular disease pass up nuts and popcorn in fear that eating these will aggravate the condition and lead to complications. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says, however, such fears may be unfounded.

(Distributed 02/06/09) Normal food safety practices at the consumer level could not have prevented the recent outbreaks of food-borne illness caused by eating certain peanut products. The conditions that caused the unsafe products occurred before the products reached the public, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 02/13/09) Crape myrtles are the most popular of our flowering trees, and questions abound about their proper care and cultural practices. Keys to crape myrtle success include abundant sunlight, ideal soil pH and drainage, proper pruning, regular fertilization, proper mulching and insect control.

(Distributed 02/17/09) Knock Out roses have changed the way home gardeners perceive roses. With the debut of the original Knock Out roses in 2000, the emergence of shrub roses for landscape gardening has taken Louisiana and the nation by storm, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed 02/20/09) Urban and suburban areas can create heavy loads of pollutants in their water runoff from the concentrations of people, vehicles, homes, parking lots, streets, small and large businesses, industry and sewage. This water runoff is referred to as urban stormwater.