(Distributed 06/29/11) CROWLEY, La. – Representatives of the Kellogg Co. and Walmart saw firsthand June 23 how Louisiana rice farmers are using sustainable agricultural practices to produce a crop profitably in an environmentally friendly manner.

(Distributed 06/29/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – 4-H’ers experienced firsthand how texting and driving are a dangerous combination at one of the educational programs of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University on June 23.

(Distributed 06/28/11) Ways to enhance tourism resources and create new ones in rural areas in Louisiana and Mississippi will be featured at the 2011 Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit Aug. 9-11 at the Jason Lingo Center in Oak Grove, La.

(Video News 06/27/11) Louisiana’s soybean crop is suffering. Dry conditions have stunted plant growth and will likely lead to yield loss. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video News 06/20/11) Consumers lining up at a farmer’s booth at a Saturday morning market aren’t just looking for fresh produce. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that farmers markets offer consumers locally grown food and a chance to connect with growers. (Runtime: 1:59)

(Radio News 06/27/11) Rows and rows of cabinets containing beetles, weevils, ants, grasshoppers and many other species make up the Louisiana State Arthropod Museum. As director of the museum, Christopher Carlton of the LSU AgCenter is responsible for maintaining the collection that serves as the research and diagnostic repository of insects for Louisiana. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 06/24/11) John Russin has been named the new vice chancellor for the LSU AgCenter and director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station. He has been serving as the interim vice chancellor since January 2011, when the previous vice chancellor, David Boethel, retired.

(Distributed 06/24/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – Members of 4-H clubs from across Louisiana were named state winners and alternates in 43 contests on June 23 at the closing session of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University.

(Distributed 06/24/11) Enjoying fresh Louisiana berries is a treat that many people look forward to each year. Blueberries are delicious and provide important nutrients that make them a healthful choice to enjoy at meals or as snacks, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 06/24/11) Home gardeners around Louisiana frequently have fruit trees in their landscapes, and the fig is certainly one of the most popular. Ficus carica is a native of Asia and was imported into the United States in the 16th century. The fruit is tasty and can be eaten fresh, made into preserves and jams, or used in baking. Figs make nice additions to landscape plantings.