(Distributed 07/26/10) A proposal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is offering grants of up to $45 million for biofuels research, is in preparation as part of a new initiative in the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 07/23/10) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Growers who attended the 28th annual sugarcane field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel were given better news than they’ve received over the past few years about the current crop.

(Distributed 07/22/10) Louisiana shrimp and catfish producers may be eligible to participate in the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program. The two commodities recently were certified as part of the program, according to LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry.

(Distributed 07/22/10) LSU AgCenter researchers will showcase and discuss research and demonstration plots at the Sweet Potato Research Station field day Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the station in Chase.

(Distribured 07/21/10) ST. JOSEPH, La. – Growers learned the importance of identifying pests, diseases and weeds in crops at the 81st annual LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station field day July 20

(Distributed 07/20/10) A statewide LSU AgCenter 4-H program to heighten students’ awareness of Louisiana’s wetland loss is entering its fifth year.

(Distributed 07/19/10) A team of researchers soon will be surveying south Louisiana and Texas rice fields to determine how much food is available from farming and natural plants for migrating waterfowl along the coastal prairie.

(Distributed 07/19/10) GUEYDAN, La. – A representative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service at the LSU AgCenter’s Vermilion Parish rice field day on July 13 told farmers about a new program that could compensate them for agricultural practices that provide habitat to wildlife.

(Distributed 07/19/10) School gardens are fast becoming a core element of Louisiana children’s school education. In some schools, gardens are being integrated into the curriculum to teach children about plants, nature and the outdoors. Gardens also can be used to teach children about history, economics, poetry, math, science and social studies.

(Distributed 07/19/10) RAYVILLE, La. – The fungal disease panicle blight is affecting Louisiana rice as farmers in the southern end of the state are gearing up for harvest, according to Johnny Saichuk, LSU AgCenter rice specialist.