(Video News 08/12/11) Louisiana farmers are more than halfway through the corn harvest. A dry spring and early summer were hard on the crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Video News 08/05/11) The latest cotton and soybean research was showcased at a recent LSU AgCenter field day. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on the research aimed at helping farmers make better planting and management decisions. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Video News 08/25/11) Louisiana rice farmers are more than halfway through their harvest. Weather created challenges for growers throughout the season, but LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that rice plants seem to have rebounded. (Runtime: 1:53)

(Video News 08/02/11) Weather delayed planting of this year’s Louisiana sweet potato crop, but farmers managed to get it in the ground. The demand for sweet potatoes has been on the rise in recent years. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that Louisiana growers and a new processing facility are working to meet that demand. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Video 08/1/11) If you haven’t already planted your caladiums a few months ago, you can still find a great variety of them in your local nurseries at this time. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the proper way to care for this highly reliable summer plant. (Runtime: 1:23)

(Video 08/08/11) Flowers are not the only way to achieve beautiful color in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a dependable, tall-growing plant with beautifully colored foliage. (Runtime: 1:28)

(Video 08/22/11) Many plants don’t perform well in poorly drained areas. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one that will not only thrive in soggy areas, but will also grow to towering heights while showing off giant, beautiful blooms. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Video 8/15/11) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime: 1:26)

(Video 8/29/11) On this edition of Get It Growing, we look at a climbing vine that displays a wonderful profusion of large, colorful flowers. It’s the Alice Dupont mandevilla, and it blooms abundantly during the summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips on growing this graceful, colorful, trellis vine. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Distributed 08/17/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – Just because a tree has turned brown or dropped leaves during a drought does not mean it is dead.

(Distributed 08/31/11) Louisiana rice farmers are helping Texas ranchers by providing rice straw to be used as cattle feed in the drought-stricken Lone Star State. The Texans are baling the rice straw for hay and hauling it back to Texas.

(Distributed 08/29/11) LAFAYETTE, La. – Louisiana’s First Lady honored a Lake Charles woman Aug 25 for her volunteer work with 4-H.

(Distributed 08/31/11) A bowl of cereal can be a great way for school children or anybody to start the morning. Studies show that cereal eaters have better nutrient intakes because cereals provide an important selection of nutrients, said LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.Studies also show cereal can help with weight control.

(Distributed 08/31/11) Tropical storm season is about the worst time of year for a marsh to burn because of the possibility of a tropical storm surge flooding the soil, according to Andy Nyman, LSU AgCenter associate professor in the School of Renewable Natural Resources.

(Distributed 08/31/11) Three LSU AgCenter administrators have been selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree.

(Radio News 08/30/11) A bowl of cereal can be a great way to start the morning. LSU AgCenter research reveals the healthful benefits of eating cereal. AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says the study suggests that cereal can help with weight control. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 08/30/11) Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate can present numerous challenges to agricultural producers. Numerous insects thrive in this environment and can prove difficult and costly to manage.

(Distributed 08/30/11) Reading to the Heart, the Louisiana sustainable community project, is a five-year literacy program in its final year, but in search of ways to continue helping students increase reading skills.

(Distributed 08/29/11) OAK GROVE, La. – Researchers from the LSU AgCenter’s Sweet Potato Research Station showed growers how to optimize production at a field day on the Lee Jones and Sons Farm on Aug. 24.

(Distributed 08/29/11) FOLSOM, La. – Come out to the LSU AgCenter’s first polo tournament on Oct. 2 and watch a few chukkers of this equine sport and help raise money for extension horse programs.

(Radio News 08/25/11) The Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition and the LSU AgCenter will host the 2011 Financial Education Summit Sept. 15-16 at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge. LSU AgCenter economist Jeanette Tucker helped organize the event. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 08/26/11) BATON ROUGE – The LSU AgCenter will conduct an eight-week Master Horseman program for adults in the Baton Rouge area, with the first class Sept. 27 at Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 08/26/11) The new Drift series roses were created in response to increased consumer demand for smaller, everblooming plants. Drift roses fit a special niche in the shrub-rose market. These roses are from Conard-Pyle/Star Roses, the same folks that gave us the Knock Out series of low-maintenance landscape roses.

(Distributed 08/24/11) The Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition in partnership with the LSU AgCenter will host the 2011 Financial Education Summit at the Crowne Plaza hotel Sept. 15-16 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 08/23/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – The Food Initiative Taskforce (FIT) for Kids taught 20 youth ages 11 to 16 how to eat healthful this summer.

(Radio News 08/23/11) Residents of Louisiana are aware of the potential for natural disasters in the state. With hurricane season becoming more active, LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker encourages residents to put together a grab and go box that contains important documents that can help get your life in order after a disaster. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Audio 08/22/11) Gardeners growing ever-blooming roses in their landscapes should prune plants in late August or early September. The pruning provides a chance to shape plants before the roses bloom again in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/22/11) Ajuga is a ground cover that has purple-tinted leaves. It is low-growing and loves the shade. Although it can be prone to fungal infection, certain varieties have better disease resistance than others. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/22/11) Aquatic features are great in landscapes. They are easy to add and not too difficult to maintain. Those with existing aquatic gardens should make sure the ponds stays clean and has a balanced ecosystem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/22/11) Palms can grow across the state, and summer is an ideal time to plant them. To maintain palms, prune old fronds that have turned brown. You also can prune off flower clusters. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/22/11) August is the last month to fertilize Louisiana lawns. Lawn fertilizers will work for several months. By October, we need our lawns to slow down and prepare for winter. No matter when you do it, fertilizing is an option not a necessity. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/23/11) John W. Finley, head of the LSU AgCenter Department of Food Science, has been named a fellow of the American Chemical Society.

(Distributed 08/23/11) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Natural deer food may be in short supply this year because drought is causing acorns to drop early, and hogs are competing for them.

(Distributed 08/22/11) A two-day workshop on developing outdoor recreation on agricultural lands has been scheduled for Sept. 28-29 at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, La.

(Radio News 08/22/11) Irene is the first hurricane of the season. Although predictions have it hitting the East Coast and steering clear of Louisiana, an active hurricane is a reminder to be prepared for a potential storm. Part of the preparation is having a three-day emergency food supply for everyone in your home. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames explains. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Radio News 08/19/11) After the difficult season, Ben Leonards, who farms in Allen Parish, is wrapping up his rice harvest. Extreme heat coupled with dry weather affected his crop. To keep water on his fields Leonards had to run his pump through much of the summer. Despite the challenges, he is seeing good yields, but he had hoped for better. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 08/19/11) LAFAYETTE, La. – A $10,000 donation by the TransCanada pipeline company will help fund construction of a multi-purpose building at the LSU AgCenter Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock, La.

(Distributed 08/19/11) Late summer through fall when temperatures begin to moderate and growing conditions become more favorable is one of the best times of the year to plant flowering perennials. This includes plants such as purple coneflower, Shasta daisies, gaillardia, rudbeckia, daylilies, verbena and more.

(Audio 08/15/11) Milkweed is a perfect plant for attracting monarch butterflies to your garden. It blooms all summer long and is a robust plant. But remember you can't spray insecticides on the milkweed because pesticides can harm caterpillars that will become butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/15/11) Ferns are great plants for shady areas in landscapes. Gardeners looking to work in the shade during the hot months or other times of the year will enjoy having ferns. Trim out any dead fronds, and make sure they have adequate mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/17/11) With blueberry production increasing at a rapid rate in southeastern states, the LSU AgCenter and other land grant universities are providing much-needed information for producers and consumers through All About Blueberries, a webpage on the website, eXtension.org.

(Distributed 08/17/11) MANSURA, La. – The Louisiana 4 H Hall of Fame now has 12 additional members after an induction ceremony held Aug. 13 at the Louisiana 4 H Museum.

(Distributed 08/11/12) Copper plants are great foliage plants for the landscape. These go by the scientific name of Acalypha, and they really put on a fantastic show in late summer and fall. You can choose from a tremendous number of these varieties – some old, some new. Proven Winners has introduced several the past few years, and we also have a number that are industry standards in Louisiana – such as Louisiana Red and Opelousas Red.

(Distributed 08/15/11) Vadim Kochergin, a researcher with the Audubon Sugar Institute, has been named the director of the Louisiana Institute for Biofuels and Bioprocessing, effective Aug. 15. Both institutes are part of the LSU AgCenter.

(Radio News 08/15/11) While youngsters are packing up their backpacks, parents may be packing up lunch bags. Students need something nutritious to sustain them throughout the day, but they also need something safe says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/15/11) Children often come home from school hungry. Youngsters need more than three meals a day so snacking is important. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says to be sure to choose healthy snacks that will help provide the nutrients youngsters need. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/15/11) NEW ORLEANS – Young chefs from four southern states recently competed in the second annual Louisiana 4-H Seafood Cook-off, with the Mississippi team taking top honors.

(Distributed 08/12/11) OAK GROVE, La. – Ways to enhance tourism resources and create new ones in rural areas of Louisiana and Mississippi were featured at the 2011 Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit held Aug. 9-11.

(Radio News 08/12/11) Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. Now that school is starting, parents should make sure their children get a healthful breakfast which can translate into greater success in school. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/12/11) Cristina Sabliov, associate professor in the LSU AgCenter Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering, has received the 2011 New Holland Young Researcher Award.

(Distributed 08/11/11) Raw and undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness, and cooking meat and poultry to recommended temperatures will kill bacteria and decrease the risk of foodborne illness, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food specialist Beth Reames.

(Audio 08/15/11) In Louisiana, pears ripen in August and September. Signs that the fruit are ripening include a change of color. They may also soften slightly. Don't let them get too soft. Pears ripen better off the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/15/11) For most plants, the hottest time of the year is not the time to divide them. But Louisiana iris are dormant now, and it is the perfect time to dig them up and divide any large clumps. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/10/11) A new chemical for stink bug control on rice has been given federal approval on a limited basis for Louisiana farmers. The chemical Tenchu, made by Mitsui, will be available to treat up to 50,000 acres in Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Natalie Hummel.

(Audio 08/15/11) After a summer of vigorous growth outside, a container plant may have outgrown its pot. Signs of a pot-bound plant include roots growing out of the drainage hole or roots on the surface of the soil. Repot a plant to a larger container if you see these issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/11) Corn farmers are wrapping up a difficult year. Dry conditions throughout most of the growing season put stress on the crop. Conditions have been ideal for harvest. LSU AgCenter feed grain specialist John Kruse says the harvest has been mixed with good yields on irrigated corn and average-to-poor yields on dryland corn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/10/11) Louisiana corn farmers are wrapping up a difficult year. Dry conditions throughout most of the growing season put stress on the crop.

POLLOCK, La – Ask any geologist, and they will tell you their job rocks. Chesapeake Energy Corporation’s geologists feel the same way. Their passion for geology, coupled with a companywide education program, created the This School Rocks interactive presentation, which introduces geology and mineral development to students from elementary to high school.

(Distributed 08/09/11) Two LSU AgCenter researchers recently received more than $87,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support economic opportunities for agricultural producers and businesses.

(Distributed 08/08/11) MANSURA, La. – Exhibit enhancements are under way at the Louisiana 4-H Museum. “The new pieces will create a dynamic, self-guided experience for museum visitors,” said museum coordinator Rose Anne St. Romain. “They will be completed by September 30.”

(Distributed 08/05/11) BOSSIER CITY, La. – LSU AgCenter wildlife specialist Don Reed will conduct a deer management meeting Aug. 22 in Bossier City.

(Radio News 08/05/11) Information gained from soybean demonstration plots and new disease management strategies are helping farmers grow better soybeans. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy is conducting a soybean study at the Dean Lee Research Station. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Distributed 08/05/11) Late August and early September are the time to begin preparing for fall blooms on your roses. Rose flowering and overall performance aren’t great during Louisiana summers, but each year we have the potential to have great fall blooms due to the cooler conditions and typically drier weather.

(Distributed 08/04/11) Twenty-three youth from around the state participated in the 2011 Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program Summer Institute held July 18-22 on the LSU-Baton Rouge campus, according to LSU AgCenter program coordinator Bradley Leger.

(Radio News 08/04/11) Louisiana’s soybean crop suffered from drought stress early in the growing season, but LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy says conditions are improving. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 08/04/11) Cathleen Williams, an associate professor in the LSU AgCenter School of Animal Sciences, has been named the 2011 winner of the Land O’Lakes/Purina LLC Teaching Award in Dairy Production, which is presented by the American Dairy Science Association to recognize outstanding teaching of undergraduate students in dairy science.

(Distributed 08/04/11) The LSU AgCenter will host an on-farm sweet potato field day Aug. 24 in northeast Louisiana.

(Radio News 08/03/11) A series of research trials will help farmers gain a better understanding of the factors that affect cotton variety performance. LSU AgCenter agronomist Brooks Blanche is conducting the research, which includes a study of cotton varieties and planting dates. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Audio 08/08/11) Hanging baskets allow people a different perspective on plants. If you have plants that have overgrown their baskets, trim them back. For trailing plants that have grown too long, wrap the plants back up in their pots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/08/11) Eggplants and bell peppers are important in Louisiana cuisine, and gardeners may still have these vegetables in their gardens. If the plants are kept in good shape, they'll produce another crop when the weather begins to cool. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/02/11) ST. JOSEPH, La. – With help from a grant from the United Soybean Board, the LSU AgCenter is looking at best management options to maximize soybean yield in Louisiana.

(Radio News 08/01/11) Louisiana saw unusual weather in the spring with high temperatures followed by unseasonably cold weather and extremely dry conditions. This affected the emergence, growth and development of crops planted during this period and has caused plants to mature at different rates. LSU AgCenter entomologist Rogers Leonard explains. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 08/02/11) HOMER, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station has scheduled a field day for Thursday, Sept. 15.

(Audio 08/01/11) Insects and other pests have had all summer to build up their populations and become problems. When controlling an insect pest, disease problem or weed issue, it's always best to identify what you are dealing with before you start trying to treat it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/01/11) Louisiana has a long summer growing season. Bedding plants planted back in the spring may be taller than expected and need some pruning. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/01/11) Chinch bugs are tiny insects that attack and kill grass. They are worse during late summer and like hot, dry conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/08/11) Pecans are forming and growing on pecan trees. Dry conditions could cause pecans to drop prematurely, and the heavy weight of pecans could cause branches to break. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/08/11) The colorful foliage of coleus works well in the summer flower garden. To take care of these plants this time of the year, cut off their flowers to allow them to grow more foliage. Fertilizer will help them grow more vigorously. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/08/11) Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on plants. Because they are hard to see, they can build up a large population before gardeners realize it. White flies also are small insects. Both spider mites and white flies attack a wide variety of plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 08/26/11) We are fortunate that everblooming roses produce two really great seasons of bloom in Louisiana. The first outstanding season occurs in spring and early summer from April to early June. Roses continue to bloom through the summer, but the flowers produced in mid- to late summer generally don’t have the quality of the flowers produced earlier.

(Audio 08/01/11) August begins a transitional time in home vegetable gardens in Louisiana. Gardeners can plant fall crops that enjoy warmer weather as well as cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 08/19/11) Reading garden books has always been a favorite pastime of mine, and I still keep my most useful references close at hand. But I have to admit that more and more I find myself doing research on my computer. The amount of information on the Internet about gardening is nothing short of awesome.

(For Release On Or After 08/12/11) Bromeliads are a wonderful group of tropical or semi-tropical plants that are very popular container plants. Because they are easy to grow, colorful and stay in bloom for a long time, they are also commonly used by florist as gift plants. As a result, even people who are not familiar with bromeliads sometimes find themselves the owner of a plant they do not know how to grow.

(For Release On Or After 08/05/11) When gardeners get together and someone compliments a plant, it’s not unusual for the admirer to be offered a “piece” to take home and root. Sharing plants is one of the pleasures of gardening. Getting that piece – or cutting – to survive and grow into a new plant is the challenge.

(Distributed 08/01/11) ARCADIA, La. – Jurors Empowering Teens, a Bienville Parish program the LSU AgCenter oversees, completed its fourth year July 29 as 12 youth who are employed by the police jury completed their summer jobs.

(Radio News 08/01/11) Seed treatments have replaced many soil insecticides that farmers use to control insects that attack cotton seedlings. LSU AgCenter entomologist Rogers Leonard says the seed treatments provide some level of insect control, but it’s not always enough. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 08/01/11) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared Aug. 7-13 as Farmers Market Week.

(Audio 08/01/11) Gardeners can get a good fall tomato harvest. Local nurseries will have tomato transplants that can be planted into well-prepared beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)