(Distributed 03/29/11) The advent of warmer weather and plenty of plants in bloom means honeybees are active. Spring swarms are common as bees look to establish new colonies, and they may find your yard enticing. LSU AgCenter county agent Keith Hawkins says it is best to leave a colony alone or call in an experienced beekeeper.

(Distributed 03/29/11) The LSU AgCenter has scheduled a meeting for backyard citrus growers on April 12 from 7-9 p.m. in Belle Chasse.

(Distributed 03/28/11) Louisiana agriculture contributed $9.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2010 – up 20 percent from the year before, according to the latest figures compiled by the LSU AgCenter in its annual Ag Summary. The biggest gainers in 2010 were the same sectors that declined the most in 2009 – poultry and forestry – according to John Westra, LSU AgCenter economist.

(Video 3/28/11) Spring is a time that conjures images of the pinks and purples of azaleas. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how one misunderstood plant -- which happens to be grey -- can provide a striking enhancement to azaleas and trees in your landscape. (Runtime: 1:29)

(Video News 03/28/11) Golf is a sport you can play for a lifetime. You also have to be respectful and honest on the course. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited military families who were learning the game and core values at a course in Baton Rouge through 4-H’s Operation: Military Kids Program. (Runtime: 1:53)

(Radio News 03/28/11) The Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock hosts thousands of youth during 4-H summer camps, having a positive influence on youngsters from every parish of the state. The facility also hosts specialized camps and conferences throughout the year. Eric Eskew, Louisiana 4-H Foundation executive director, says plans are in the works for a new multipurpose building at the center that will be able to hold 500 people. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Radio News 03/28/11) The Operation: Military Kids program offers children with one or both of their parents in the military opportunities to meet other youngsters in similar situations. Caleb Persick, Operation: Military Kids’ program coordinator with the LSU AgCenter, explains. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 03/25/11) Military families took advantage of free golf instruction and a scramble out on the course during 4-H Operation: Military Kids and BREC’s The First Tee Event. The First Tee is a national youth development program that uses golf to help teach valuable life skills such as honesty, integrity and perseverance, according to First Tee executive director Jack Terry. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Radio News 03/28/11) LSU AgCenter weed scientists have confirmed that the weeds palmer amaranth, Johnson grass and Italian ryegrass in some fields have developed a resistance to the herbicide glyphosate. LSU AgCenter weed scientist Jim Griffin collected seeds from suspected resistant Johnson grass plants and is studying these plants in Baton Rouge. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 03/25/11) Azaleas are Louisiana’s most popular shrub in home landscapes. Although fall is considered the best time to plant azaleas, the vast majority of azaleas are planted in spring. This is, of course, when garden centers have the best selection and is the time of year that gardeners see azaleas in bloom.