(Radio News 01/05/09) Even when the holidays are over and the decorations have come down, your Christmas tree can still have some value to it, says LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed. Some communities collect trees to use for mulch or to stop erosion. Check with your city or parish government to see if they recycle trees and when to set your tree out by the curb. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/05/09) If you are attempting to take control of your finances in 2009, an LSU AgCenter family economist has some tips to help. Dr. Jeanette Tucker says a financial resolution should start with determining your net worth and developing a working budget.

(Radio News 01/05/09) 2008 had many ups and downs for Louisiana farmers. Farmers headed into the year with a good deal of optimism, says LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry, but he points out things changed along the way. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/05/09) LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry makes predictions about Louisiana’s crop outlook for the new year. Guidry expects soybean and rice acreage to increase in 2009. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/05/09) A roaring fireplace can add warmth and ambiance to the home. The drawback is that you can bring unwanted pests inside along with the firewood, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/05/09) Financial woes are affecting most sectors of the economy. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says agricultural lending hasn’t felt the full brunt of the economic crisis. Guidry says the question isn’t whether there will be money to lend to producers this year but whether producers can convince lenders to make the loans. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/12/09) If you are looking for ways to save money this winter, try cutting energy costs. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel has some tips – starting with curbing air leakage around your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/12/09) LSU AgCenter agents are tackling nutritional needs in their communities. Agents are involved in a nutrition coalition taking on three issues. LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences agent Terri Crawford explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/12/09) Community gardens are providing access to fresh vegetables for residents of some low-income neighborhoods in Shreveport. The LSU AgCenter program also is bringing neighbors together and changing communities for the better, according to LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Grace Peterson. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/12/09) Several gardens in Shreveport are providing more than just food to members of the community. The gardens are empowering neighborhoods and giving neighbors a sense of accomplishment. LSU AgCenter horticulturists and nutritionists, such as Grace Peterson, are working to revitalize communities by setting up vegetable gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/19/09) Growing your own vegetables is one way to learn about nutrition, and that’s the approach Valverda Elementary School in Pointe Coupee Parish is taking. A variety of vegetables are being grown in the school's courtyard, says fourth-grade teacher Catherine Olinde. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/19/09) Broccoli on the school’s cafeteria menu may not excite many students, but broccoli growing in Valverda Elementary School’s courtyard excited two classes of fourth graders on a crisp winter morning. Fourth-grade teacher Joann Hebert says the garden is part of the curriculum for many classes at this Pointe Coupee Parish School. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/19/09) Early Louisiana strawberries are arriving in grocery stores and farmers markets. Louisiana growers produce plenty of high-quality berries, but the state doesn’t have as many acres of strawberries as it did 10 years ago, according to Dr. Regina Bracy, director of the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/19/09) Snow in mid-December inflicted considerable damage to plant nurseries in the Florida parishes and the Forest Hill area. Dr. Regina Bracy, director of the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station, says around 80 percent of that area's greenhouses were damaged. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/19/09) Louisiana strawberries are a springtime favorite, but consumers don’t have to wait this year to enjoy them. Some farmers started harvesting their crops back in November, says Dr. Regina Bracy, director of the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/26/09) The weather outside may be frightful for gardeners, but there are still opportunities to work outdoors, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/26/09) The LSU AgCenter’s Delta Rural Development Center is working to create parish-level leaders. Dr. James Barnes is heading up the Lead Louisiana program. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/26/09) Think there is nothing to do in the yard or garden this time of the year? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says think again. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/26/09) Spinach loves cool weather, and for gardeners who love spinach, now is the time to get it in the ground. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske says you need to plant spinach at least 60 days before the heat settles in and that hybrid varieties work best. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/26/09) You can have your king cake and eat it too; just do it moderation, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/09/09) Many gardeners consider snails and slugs to be the most disgusting pests in the garden. I could live with their looks if they just didn’t cause so much damage.

(Video 01/05/09) The holidays have passed, and your Christmas poinsettias may look like they’re coming to an end as well. Can you replant them -- or should you throw them away? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides answers about this poinsettia dilemma. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 01/12/09) Don’t let the season fool you. It can still be an optimal time to get some hardy plants in the ground. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the benefits of planting herbs now. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 01/19/09) When is the last time you planted a new tree in your yard? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why it’s a good time to plant trees now – and what to look for when selecting young trees from the nursery. (Runtime: 1 minute, 38 seconds)

(Video 01/26/09) Camellias are in bloom right now. If you have not planted any but are interested in getting them at a nursery, you might be interested in a unique style of camellia. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains in this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1 minute, 35 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/09) You can harvest or plant something in your Louisiana vegetable garden almost every day of the year, and the days of January are no exception. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/09) Now that the holidays are over, you need to determine what to do with your holiday plants. Some can be kept, and others should be discarded. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/08) Roses can be planted all through the winter. As soon as you have your rose plants, get them into your garden so they can establish their roots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/05/09) Since Louisiana's winters are so mild, you can plant cool-season plants this time of year. You also should actively monitor the growth of the cool-season plants you already have planted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) Louisiana gardeners might not consider January a prime month for planting, but the entire winter season is great for planting hardy trees, shrubs and ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) In cooler climates, foxgloves and holly hocks are perennials, but in the South they are cool-season annuals. Transplants are available in nurseries this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) Parsley is an important herb in Louisiana cooking. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says nothing beats fresh, homegrown parsley. Louisiana gardeners can grow flat-leaf or curly-leaf parsley, and our winter months are a good time to plant this herb. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) You can start growing transplants for tomatoes, peppers or eggplants in trays or pots from now until the first part of February. It takes about six weeks to raise them to transplant size. Then the transplants should go into the ground in March. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/12/09) Some Louisiana gardeners prefer to overseed their lawns with ryegrass during the fall. Ryegrass grows very well in the cool winter weather and stays green through our coldest weather. But it also requires you to do some lawn care during that time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) Bed preparation is an important part of gardening. If you are putting in new shrubs, flower beds or vegetable beds, these will require bed preparation. You can do the prep work in advance of planting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) Here in Louisiana we don't do a lot of fertilization to our plants during the winter. Most of the plants we have in our landscapes are dormant this time of the year and don't need the nutrients fertilizers provide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) Winter is a good time to prune shade trees. They are leafless at this time, so it's easy to see their shape and where they may need pruning. Also, if you need a professional, tree companies tend to be less busy during the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) You can plant Irish potatoes into your vegetable garden now through February. To start planting, cut the seed potatoes into pieces about the size of an egg and make sure each piece contains an eye. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/19/09) Mealy bugs are a common insect on indoor plants. They usually find their way inside your home on plants purchased at a nursery or when you bring in plants that spent the summer outside. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) Winter is a superb time to add hardy trees and shrubs to your landscape. You can plant shade trees, add a privacy screen or bring in some flowering shrubs to enhance your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) People often ask how they should water their indoor plants. The answers on this simple process begin by determining whether your plants need watering or not. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) Even through the cold of winter, we can experience a wide variety of pests in our home vegetable gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) Camellias are winter-blooming plants, and January is a good time to visit your local nursery and pick out the plant that best suits your needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 01/26/09) We prune our roses in Louisiana about twice a year -- once in late January and again sometime in late August. When you prune, do it according to what your roses need. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 01/02/09) All-America Selections is a nonprofit organization that tests newly developed cultivated varieties of seed-grown bedding plants and vegetables in garden plots all across the United States.

(Distributed 01/09/09) LAFAYETTE – Twenty-seven farmers, including three couples, have achieved the status of Master Farmer – a title that means they have not only learned the latest in conservation practices, but they are implementing them on their farms.

(For Release On Or After 01/16/09) The name “asparagus fern” is a strange jumble of terms. These plants are neither ferns nor edible vegetables. Asparagus ferns are versatile, reliable and easy to grow and are useful in a variety of gardening situations.

(For Release On Or After 01/23/09) The presence of birds is almost universally welcome among gardeners. Their contribution of movement, color, sounds and pest control are unique and desirable.

(For Release On Or After 01/30/09) Few shrubs or trees are best purchased and planted while they are in bloom. One notable shrub, however, is currently in glorious bloom. And right now is an excellent time to plant it into your landscape. I am, of course, referring to the camellia – Camellia japonica.

(Distributed 01/12/09) Ag Adventures, an educational experience in agriculture for third- through fifth-graders, will be held Feb. 10-11 at the Northeast District Livestock Show Barn and Civic Center, both in Delhi.

(Distributed 1/13/09) Identifying stink bugs and choosing the right variety are important issues, crop production experts told soybean producers at a recent meeting.

(Distributed 1/13/09) To get ready for the 2009 crop, many Louisiana rice farmers have been in the classroom learning from LSU AgCenter scientists.

(Distributed 1/15/09) The LSU AgCenter launched a leadership-development program Jan. 8 in Tensas Parish to be followed by classes in Catahoula Parish in February, Richland Parish in March and Concordia Parish in April.

(Distributed 1/16/09) North Louisiana farmers can get updates from LSU AgCenter experts on the latest information for growing rice and grain crops at two meetings on Jan. 29.

(Distributed 01/16/09) Photographers have until the end of the month (January) to submit photos for the LSU AgCenter’s 2010 Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar. The deadline for all submissions is Jan. 30. Those photos then will be reviewed for potential use in next year’s calendar.

(Distributed 01/16/09) The LSU AgCenter will host the 2009 Agricultural Outlook Conference Feb. 26 in Baton Rouge. Designed to continue addressing the current issues facing the state’s farmers, agribusinesses and others, the theme of the conference is “Keeping Louisiana’s Agriculture Competitive.”

(Distributed 01/21/09) Nearly every speaker at the Ag Expo Forestry Forum sponsored by the LSU AgCenter Jan. 17 said youth are important to forestry.

(Distributed 1/22/09) Youth from across Louisiana are preparing to compete in the 74th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show next month at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 1/23/09) Vegetable growers can learn the latest about greenhouse tomato production at the LSU AgCenter’s 13th annual greenhouse tomato seminar on Feb. 27 at the Red River Research Station in Bossier City.

(Distributed 1/23/09) With nutrition-related diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer on the rise, the LSU AgCenter is developing ways to improve the eating habits of food stamp recipients.

(Distributed 1/22/09) Kindergarten students will learn about farming and agriculture in the Ag Adventures program sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Feb. 2-3 at Burton Coliseum.

(Distributed 1/23/09) More than 1,800 first- and fourth-graders attended special showings of the LSU AgCenter’s Ag Alley Jan. 14-15 to learn about farm commodities grown in Louisiana.

(Distributed 1/23/09) Farmers, consultants and others involved in agriculture heard about the latest in research designed to influence the growth and yield of crops at the Northeast Louisiana Crop Forum Jan. 21 at the Delhi Civic Center.

(Distributed 1/26/09) The LSU AgCenter, the Southern University Ag Center and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development will offer e-business training at three Louisiana locations.

(Distributed 1/26/09) LSU AgCenter scientists will conduct a cotton and feed grain production meeting for Natchitoches and Red River parish growers on Feb. 20 in Natchitoches.

(Distributed 1/27/09) Falling futures prices for farm commodities combined with a general economic effect on demand and the leftover effects of hurricanes Gustav and Ike will put Louisiana farmers in a bind for 2009, according to economists in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 01/27/09) A community meeting to plan Vélo Dendro S, a leisurely bicycle tour of Shreveport’s most significant trees, brought law enforcement, elected officials, bike club members and representatives of the LSU AgCenter to Columbia Café Jan. 20.

(Distributed 01/27/09) A mobile classroom that offers free business classes will set up shop in Homer March 24-26.

(Distributed 01/21/09) New planting techniques have Louisiana strawberries coming in earlier this year despite recent cold snaps.

(Distributed 01/28/09) Almost immediately after the holidays, south Louisiana consumers start thinking about crawfish. Crawfish boils aren’t uncommon the first warm weekend of the year.

(Distributed 01/30/09) The LSU AgCenter is joining with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to develop a livestock show ethics and animal welfare task force, according to LSU AgCenter officials.

(Distributed 01/29/09) The LSU AgCenter’s Operation: Military Kids program has joined with I CARE-Baton Rouge to provide Valentine’s Day cards to Louisiana’s deployed military personnel and their children.

Social Security recipients may be one of the few groups with happy news during the recession. They started their New Year with their largest raise since 1982, a 5.8 percent increase. This cost of living adjustment (COLA) affects some 50 million Americans.

(Distributed 01/09/09) An important part of LSU AgCenter educational programs focuses on environmental issues. This includes teaching Louisiana gardeners that our yards and neighborhoods are channels to our waterways.

(Distributed 01/16/09) Whether you’re renovating an existing landscape or developing a new one, keep in mind the importance of soil pH and proper bed preparation. These two factors are essential for the success of your ornamental plants.

(Distributed 01/16/09) When the cost of heating your home gets uncomfortable, you can do a lot to control how much energy you use to stay warm, according to LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel. The housing expert offers her top choices to save energy in a southern climate.

(Distributed 01/16/09) Three new roses representing three classes of roses are the 2009 All-America Rose Selections winners. The three are Pink Promise, a hybrid tea; Cinco de Mayo, a floribunda; and Carefree Spirit, a landscape shrub.

(Distributed 01/23/09) When it comes to home landscaping, many gardeners remain confused about how to create what they want. Efforts at landscaping can be disappointing despite spending a substantial amount of money. The important thing to remember is that developing an attractive, properly functioning landscape is best done using a process.

(Distributed 01/26/09) People who feel a sense of control over life’s events are often happier, cope better and are more resilient in times of stress than others, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. One of the best ways to take charge of your finances in today’s uncertain economy is to set a savings goal, Tucker says.

(Distributed 01/30/09) Growing roses in Louisiana has been a challenge for home gardeners, mainly because of diseases brought on by our environment. Heat and humidity adversely affect the many rose varieties we grow.