(Video News 02/21/11) Seniors are living longer and in their own homes. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on ways they can do so safely. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video News 02/14/11) Louisiana’s strawberries started coming in as early as November, but cold weather is creating a break in the crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:32)

(TV News 02/07/11) Sitting too much can take years off your life. An LSU AgCenter researcher and an AgCenter nutritionist talk about new research that stresses the importance of moving more throughout the day, not just at the gym. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the report. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video News 02/28/11) Thousands of youth with their cows, sheep, pigs and chickens in tow attended the LSU AgCenter’s 76th Livestock Show. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was there. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Video 02/28/11) Many nurseries are now stocked with incredible selections of rose plants. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill tells you what to look for. He also explains why it’s best to plant your roses during March, rather than waiting. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Video 2/07/11) If you think all "ferns" are really ferns, then it's time to think again. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about selection and care of the hardy asparagus fern – which actually is not a fern at all. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 02/21/11) During dreary winter days, gerbera daisies provide beautiful, diverse splashes of color on a windowsill. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to take care of your daisies as an inside plant now -- and as an outdoor plant later. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 2/14/11) Orchids are beautiful plants, but they have a reputation of being hard to grow. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out in this edition of Get It Growing, the moth orchid shatters the stereotype because it’s both beautiful and easy to grow. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Audio 02/28/12) March is an active month in the home vegetable garden. Gardeners can start planting warm-season vegetables. By planting early, you can get the harvest in before it gets too hot. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/28/11) Roses perform better when they are fertilized. They produce larger and more attractive flowers. Any general-purpose fertilizer that has the nutrients your soil needs will work. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/28/11) Perennials can live for many years in our landscapes. Many nurseries have perennials in gallon containers that will instantly brighten up a flower bed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/28/11) The weeds in your lawn now are cool-season weeds. As the weather warms, they can become more of a problem. To keep them under control, prevent them from flowering and setting seeds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/28/11) Pre-emergence herbicides prevent weeds before they occur. Using this type of herbicide in early March will help prevent summer weed problems. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/21/11) Spring-flowering bulbs planted last fall are growing and perhaps even blooming this month. Don't be concerned about late freezes damaging the foliage of these plants. But flower buds can be damaged by temperatures in the 20s or teens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/21/11) One of the keys to gardening successfully is to make sure plants receive the right amount of light - not too much or too little. Plants that require full sun will not thrive in a shady area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/21/11) Louisiana gardeners use a variety of herbaceous perennials. These plants need to be divided from time to time. Late winter is a good time to accomplish this task. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/21/11) Organic matter helps with bed preparation. So what is it? Organic matter generally is plant material that has decayed, such as compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/21/11) Gardeners who saved caladium tubers can start the tubers indoors. When started early, they'll already be sprouted when planted in April. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/14/11) Decorative ponds and aquatic gardens are common in today's landscapes. Fish and plants in ponds are not active in late winter and early spring, which makes it a good time to clean out ponds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/14/11) Areas of the United States are designated as various hardiness zones, based on the lowest average winter temperature that occurs in the area. North Louisiana is in zone 8, and south Louisiana is in zone 9. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/14/11) Gardeners considering transplanting a tree or shrub should do so before the plant wakes up and begins to grow this spring. Also, before digging up the plant, prepare its new location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/14/11) If you are considering planting a tree, do so this month. That will give it time to get established before the summer. Hear more from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill to find out the proper way to plant a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/14/11) Gardeners can clip ground covers back before new growth appears. This is done to remove unattractive foliage, revive plants and control growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/07/11) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit trees in their landscapes. February is a good time to prune fruit trees. Each tree has a particular way to prune it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/07/11) Bare-root roses are sold without soil around them and don't come in a container. It is important to get this type of roses planted before they wake up and begin to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/07/11) Hydrangeas are wonderful summer-flowering shrubs for shade to partly shaded areas. The color of the flowers depends on the pH of the soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/07/11) While gladiolas are great summer bulbs, February is a good time to plant them. These plants bloom better in April or May rather than in the heat of summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/07/11) During the cool season, we can have a difficult time deciding what to plant in shady areas. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has a few ideas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 02/04/11) Most Louisiana landscapes contain a variety of perennials, and February is a good time to transplant or divide them. Now through April also is an excellent time to add new perennials to garden.

(For Release On Or After 02/11/11) Growing houseplants successfully starts with understanding their needs. Houseplants contribute to and become part of the interior decor, but they are not furniture or knickknacks. They are alive. And like all living things, they have certain requirements that must be met to be healthy.

(For Release On Or After 02/18/11) Gardeners often wait until April or May to purchase blooming roses from nurseries and plant them. But earlier planting has advantages. If you’re thinking about adding roses to your garden, here is some advice that will help you get them off to a good start.

(For Release On Or After 02/25/11 ) Gardeners often are faced with small areas in their landscapes. Urban lots typically are fairly small, and in older neighborhoods it is especially common for the house to occupy a large part of the lot. Even where lots are larger, restricted-space areas often need to be addressed on the small scale.

(Distributed 02/21/11) The New Orleans 2011 Spring Garden Show will be held at the City Park Botanical Garden on April 2-3 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day.

(Distributed 02/23/11) 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.

(Distributed 02/28/11) With the recent warm weather, homeowners are anxious to fertilize their St. Augustine grass and centipede grass as well as get weed-and-feed out on their weeds. It’s not time, however, to put either conventional lawn fertilizer or weed-and-feed out on St. Augustine grass or centipede grass right now, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Ron Strahan.

(Distributed 02/28/11) WINNSBORO, La. – Nature tourism is a fast-growing activity worldwide, according to a Mississippi river guide and canoe builder.

(Distributed 02/28/11) Along the banks of the Mississippi in St. James Parish sit majestic plantation homes and fields of sugarcane. And for more than 60 years in these fields, Charles Gravois Sr. has produced bumper crop after bumper crop of sugarcane. His perseverance was rewarded when he was named the 2011 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.

(Distributed 02/25/11) LSU AgCenter agents in north Louisiana have started a blog to help farmers use new technology and equipment to maximum capabilities.

(Distributed 02/25/11) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Forestry industry representatives attending an LSU AgCenter forum Tuesday (Feb. 22) at the Dean Lee Research Station were warned that a non-native grass threatens Louisiana forests.

(Distributed 02/24/11) DELHI, La. – Students from elementary schools in Richland, Franklin, Ouachita and Morehouse parishes visited a number of interactive exhibits and heard from LSU AgCenter agents about agricultural products in northeast Louisiana at Ag Adventures Feb. 22-23.

(Distributed 02/23/11) OPELOUSAS, La. – LSU AgCenter crawfish researchers gave recommendations to producers on improving their crop and avoiding or reducing problems in their ponds.

(Distributed 02/23/11) POLLOCK, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Resident Summer Camp combines an educational program with a week’s worth of fun.

(Distributed 02/22/11) This year’s crawfish season is off to a slow start mainly because of unusually long stretches of cold weather, but a warm-up is boosting the catch.

(Distributed 02/22/11) Homeowners living on property passed down from family sometimes can’t take advantage of their property rights.

(Distributed 02/21/11) Three graduate assistants in the LSU AgCenter’s Food Science department are vying against two other universities for up to $6,500 in cash and prizes in a contest to develop new food products using canola oil.The team made it into the final round of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Heart Healthy Product Development Competition with a tea-based drink called a bubble tea.

(Distributed 02/21/11) GONZALES, La. – Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday (Feb. 19) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 76th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center here.

(Distributed 02/21/11) GONZALES, La. – Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 76th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Feb. 12-19 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

(Distributed 02/21/11) The LSU AgCenter and the St. Tammany Master Gardeners will have their annual garden show and plant sale March 19-20 at the St. Tammany Fairgrounds in Covington.

(Distributed 02/19/11) The LSU AgCenter honored several Louisiana 4-H and FFA members and Saturday (Feb. 19) for their work with youth livestock projects. The awards to one volunteer and five club members were presented during ceremonies that concluded the 76th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, La. That event ran Feb. 12-19.

(Distributed 02/18/11) Experts call it “poverty of place” and explain that it occurs because of circumstances that exist in particular locations. The poverty is found mostly in the hearts of inner cities or in remote rural areas.

(Distributed 02/17/11) The 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association will hold its annual conference March 11-13 at the Marriott Baton Rouge. The conference will focus on teaching participants to work more confidently with youth and increase the service roles of 4-H volunteers.

(Distributed 02/14/11) The Hammond Spring Garden Day is set for March 12 at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(Distributed 02/14/11) Ben Legendre, professor and head of the LSU AgCenter Audubon Sugar Institute at St. Gabriel, has received the 2010-2011 President’s Award from the American Sugar Cane League.

(Distributed 02/11/11) The LSU AgCenter will hold a series of crawfish-producer meetings to bring farmers up to date on important issues.

(Distributed 02/11/11) Military families in Louisiana will hit the links on March 12 at The First Tee event at J.S. Clark Park in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 02/11/11) The Cenla Forestry Forum is scheduled for Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter Evacuation Shelter, 8125 U.S. Highway 71 in Alexandria.

(Distributed 02/11/11) CROWLEY, La. – Friends, family and former co-workers of Rouse Caffey gathered Thursday (Feb. 10) to celebrate the naming of a rice variety as a tribute for his work as director of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station and chancellor of the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 02/11/11) BATON ROUGE – Farmers from across the Midsouth, along with researchers from the LSU AgCenter and several other universities, met here recently (Feb. 1-2) to share techniques and ideas at the National Conservation Cotton and Rice Conference.

(Distributed 02/10/11) The Natchitoches Parish Master Gardeners will present their fifth annual garden symposium on March 26 at the Natchitoches Events Center.

(Distributed 02/08/11) The LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station has scheduled a greenhouse tomato seminar on Feb. 25 at the station in Bossier City.

(Distributed 02/03/11) Tests by the LSU AgCenter have confirmed herbicide-resistant pigweed at three locations in north Louisiana. “We’ve joined the party,” said Daniel Stephenson, LSU AgCenter weed scientist who conducted the testing.

(Distributed 02/03/11) Ag Adventures, an educational program about agriculture for third- through fifth-graders in northeast Louisiana, will be held Feb. 22-23 at the Northeast District Livestock Show Barn and Civic Center in Delhi.

(Distributed 02/03/11) A river guide and canoe builder will speak about identifying criteria for canoeing and kayaking trails on Feb. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter’s Scott Research and Extension Center in Winnsboro.

(Distributed 02/25/11) Growing roses in Louisiana is a challenge for landscape professionals and home gardeners alike. A major problem in rose production and landscape performance is disease (blackspot and powdery mildew, primarily) brought on by environmental conditions of our region. Heat and humidity have an adverse affect on many rose varieties we grow in Louisiana.

(Distributed 02/22/11) Homeowners living on property passed down from family sometimes can’t take advantage of their property rights.

(Distributed 02/18/11) Southern live oaks, known by the scientific name Quercus virginiana, are one of the most popular trees found in Louisiana landscapes. They certainly are considered to be a signature tree in many public places across the state and are widely used in home landscapes.

(Distributed 02/11/11) Petunias are one of the most popular flowers in Louisiana. They can be planted in fall for cool-season color or planted in late winter or early spring for warm-season color.

(Distributed 02/09/11) The 2010 Dietary Guidelines, released in January by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, are the first to address an unhealthy public. With a majority of the country’s adults either overweight or obese, the new recommendations are especially urgent for consumers and health professionals.

(Distributed 02/07/11) It’s early February, but that doesn’t mean the the season’s over for cool-season plants. You can still plant trees and shrubs over the next month or two. And you can plant cool-season flowers this month to enjoy through late spring and early summer.

(Radio News 02/28/11) You’ve heard the term lazy pig. You may believe that, but there certainly is nothing lazy about the hard-working youngsters that care for and show livestock. For more than 75 years, youngsters and their animals have gathered for the annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Radio News 02/28/11) Dry conditions affected Louisiana agriculture last summer, and cattle operations in the state were hit hard. Dennis Kieffer felt the effects. He raises cattle in Winn Parish, and the lack of rain affected his forage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/28/11) Commodity prices are soaring, and that means increased feed costs for cattle producers. Coupled with rising fertilizer costs, these increases make it a lot more expensive to raise cattle. Dennis Kieffer operates Circle K Cattle Co. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Radio News 02/28/11) Americans leave a large carbon footprint on the Earth. Making small changes can reduce the size of that footprint and help conserve natural resources. LSU AgCenter area housing agent Stephen Picou says a good place to start is by replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/28/11) Gardeners can find inspiration, garden supplies and educational presentations at a host of spring garden shows happening around Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/21/11) Three graduate assistants in the LSU AgCenter’s food science department hope their Ze-Ti will win the final round of a competition.Their product concept is a shelf-stable bubble tea -- a tea-based drink that contains real tea, natural fruit puree and tapioca pearls. The product contains canola oil and meets "heart healthy" claims, says team member Darryl Holliday. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Radio News 02/21/11) Many seniors are choosing to live at home rather than moving in with a loved one or into a nursing home or assisted living facility, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent Beth Gambel. Gambel visits senior centers and other places in the New Orleans area where seniors gather to make sure they are living safely. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 02/21/11) People are living longer, working later in life and residing in their homes. LSU AgCenter agents are working with seniors and their caregivers to help them maintain a high quality of life. LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent Beth Gambel explains. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Radio News 02/21/11) Four plants have been selected as Louisiana Super Plants for spring 2011. Among them is the Serena angelonia, a warm-season annual that prefers full sun, says LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station coordinator Regina Bracy. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Radio News 02/21/11) Good nutrition can be difficult for seniors, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent Beth Gambel. She works with seniors and their caregivers to stress the importance of eating healthfully. Gambel says the lack socialization at mealtime may make seniors eat something quick and convenient rather than healthful. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/14/11) The heart is in 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 Beth Reames says a healthful diet can guard against a heart attack. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/14/11) It can be tough for youngsters in military families to make and keep friends. Operation Military Kids helps these youngsters meet children in similar situations. The program is supported by the Department of Defense and administered through 4-H. Caleb Persick is a graduate assistant with the program. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Radio News 02/14/11) Louisiana’s strawberry farmers started picking their crop as early as the first week in November. Regina Bracy, research coordinator at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station, says the way farmers plant and care for their crops is helping them get earlier berries. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Radio News 02/14/11) Louisiana 4-H and BREC, the recreation and parks commission for East Baton Rouge Parish, have teamed up to offer military families an opportunity to gather and play golf. The First Tee event March 12 at J.S. Clark Park in Baton Rouge will offer food, golf instruction and a chance for military kids to meet. Caleb Persick works with the program known as Operation Military Kids through the LSU AgCenter. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 02/14/11) On a cold, windy day recently, as temperatures struggled to climb to the upper 30s, Eric Morrow’s strawberry plants sat protected under a white sea of row covers. The plants have needed the warmth over the past few months. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 02/07/11) Cooking, pacing, washing dishes -- all these activities contribute to your daily calorie burn. LSU AgCenter research associate Michael Zanovec says the amount of nonexercise activity you get throughout the day can be just as important to your health as the exercise you do. (Runtime: 60)

(Radio News 02/07/11) Bullying has moved beyond the playground and into cyberspace. New technology and social media have given bullies a new platform for abuse. The anonymity of the Internet and the sense of distance it provides have helped make the messages particularly cruel, says LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Linda Robinson. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Radio News 02/07/11) You get up every morning and hit the gym or the pavement. Then you spend the rest of the day sitting in front of a computer, in meetings or on the couch. That half hour or even hour of exercise may not be enough to make up for being sedentary most of the day, says LSU AgCenter research associate Michael Zanovec. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Radio News 02/07/11) It is a common concern that your child could be the victim of a bully, but what if your child is the bully? LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Linda Robinson says new technology can make it easier for your child to harass others. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Radio News 02/07/11) A variety of screens compete for children’s attention. But too much time spent watching television, on the computer or playing games can be detrimental to a child’s health. LSU AgCenter research associate Michael Zanovec says children need more physical activity than adults. (Runtime: 60 seconds)