(Radio News 04/26/10) The sounds of lamps, cows and pigs were competing with the sounds of hundreds of youngsters wandering through Parker Coliseum last week. Both animals and children were there for AgMagic, the LSU AgCenter’s interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture. The children, like Brock Thibodeaux from the Good Shepherd Montessori School, were having fun while learning. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) If you want ripe tomatoes picked from your backyard, now is the time to plant them. If you’ve never planted a garden, why not start one now? When finding a spot to locate a garden, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Kiki Fontenot says most vegetables need six to eight hours of sunlight a day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) Louisiana farmers have planted a good portion of the state’s rice crop, but not quite in the time frame they would have liked. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says Louisiana's cold and damp winter and early spring delayed planting by about two to three weeks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) Rice growers have faced some tough years recently. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says while production costs like fuel, fertilizer and electricity have come down from the profit-cutting highs of a few years ago, they are still relatively high. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/26/10) About 100 youngsters participated in an Earth Day-themed overnight camp at LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center. The event was part of Operation: Military Kids, a program aimed at helping military personnel and their families meet and get to know others who are having similar experiences. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) Parents considering sending their child to an overnight camp should adequately prepare their child before the start of camp. LSU AgCenter family life expert Dr. Diane Sasser advises parents to talk to their child about the camp and their expectations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) Potential homebuyers can learn about equity, government assistance that may be available and avoiding predatory lending in the LSU AgCenter’s homebuyer education program. LSU AgCenter family resource management agent Cynthia Richard says the program helps individuals and families navigate the process of buying a home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) A growing population of crane flies and other insects last month is leading to more pest problems this month, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) On a quite block in Lake Charles, a bouquet of charming homes in shades of yellow, green, pale pink and white have sprung up. The houses, nicknamed “Katrina Cottages,” are part of plan to offer affordable housing to families affected by the 2005 hurricanes. Nicole Miller is the executive director of Project Build a Future, a partner in the project. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/19/10) Attending the LSU AgCenter’s homebuyer education classes was worth $10,000 to Bethany Walker. Taking the course made her eligible for assistance with the purchase of her first home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)