(Distributed 03/15/11) The LSU AgCenter recently released a guidebook with details about plants growing in Louisiana that contribute to honey production. Titled “Louisiana Honey Plants,” the publication was authored by retired LSU AgCenter professor and entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet.

(Distributed 04/06/11) Louisiana farmers are battling a fungus that’s been around for decades but has recently become the No. 1 disease problem for Louisiana soybeans, the No. 1 row crop in the state, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

(Distributed 04/01/11) The LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station spring field day has been set for May 18 at the station in Franklinton.

(Distributed 03/30/11) The LSU AgCenter is bringing its annual AgMagic event back to Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge May 2-7.

(Distributed 03/30/11) Tax filers have until April 18 to file their federal income tax return. The deadline was extended because Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls this year on Friday, April 15. As the deadline approaches, LSU AgCenter family economists encourage taxpayers who are expecting a refund to file electronically.

(Distributed 03/18/11) ROSEPINE, La. – Cattle producers can get the latest information for providing forage for their herds at the Beef and Forage Field Day on May 5 at the LSU AgCenter’s Rosepine Research Station. The event begins at 8:30 a.m., and ends with lunch.

(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.

(Distributed 03/25/11) Increases in feed and fuel prices and the influx of fish from Asia are causing a steep reduction in American and Louisiana catfish production.

(Distributed 03/24/11) Two LSU AgCenter nutrition educators received top honors at the 2011 Community Nutrition Programs Awards Banquet on March 17. The award for Outstanding Paraprofessional in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education went to Judy Broussard from Vermilion Parish. The Outstanding Paraprofessional in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program was Rina Castillo of Lafayette Parish.

(Distributed 03/24/11) Managing white-tailed deer will be the featured topic at the wildlife field day April 30 at the LSU AgCenter’s Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station in Clinton.

(Distributed 03/24/11) Students from the Southdowns Preschool Center in Baton Rouge now understand what a cow sounds like and what a pig feels like since attending Dairy Day at the LSU AgCenter Dairy Farm on March 16.

(Distributed 03/21/11) SHREVEPORT, La. –Home sales, Japan, mills and helpful forest products websites were among the topics presented at the 27th annual Ark-La-Tex Forestry Forum March 17.

(Distributed 03/22/11) The LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center will hold its spring garden day on Friday, April 8, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

(Distributed 03/18/11) JEANERETTE, La. – South Louisiana cattle producers will have a chance to learn about a wide variety of topics at the Acadiana Cattle Producers Field Day at the LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station on April 9. The event begins at 8 a.m. and ends with a lunch.

(Distributed 03/18/11) Louisiana is a state rich in wetlands. To educate young people on the importance of these wetlands, the LSU AgCenter’s Youth Wetlands Program, which is in its fifth year, offers a wetlands-based curriculum for grades four through 12.

(Distributed 03/17/11) BATON ROUGE – A new federal law gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sweeping new powers to establish standards and regulate food processor facilities and growers both in this country and internationally, a food industry consultant told the Louisiana Food Processors Conference Wednesday (March 16).

(Distributed 03/16/11) LSU AgCenter agritourism coordinator Dora Ann Hatch received the State Distinguished Extension Community Development Service Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals at the group’s convention in Charleston, S.C., March 7-9.

(Distributed 03/15/11) Madison Salvaggio had never played golf before. “Does putt-putt count?” she asked. Madison and her family took advantage of beautiful weather, free golf instruction and a scramble on the golf course March 12 during the First Tee event sponsored by the LSU AgCenter 4-H Operation Military Kids and BREC, the East Baton Rouge Parish recreation department.

(Distributed 03/11/11) Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer opened with a discussion on leadership as 30 men and women from four parishes began the inaugural Leadership North program in Zachary March 10.

(Distributed 03/11/11) A leading food safety expert will kick off the seventh annual Louisiana Food Processors Conference March 16-17 in Baton Rouge. Dr. David Acheson, a physician and leading expert on foodborne pathogens, was originally scheduled to present a webinar but now will appear in person.

(Distributed 3/11/11) Ten young people from around the state have been selected for the LSU AgCenter’s 2011-2012 Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program, according to program coordinator Bradley Leger.

(Distributed 03/11/11) Don LaBonte, interim director and professor in the LSU AgCenter School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, was named to the Lucien and Peggy Laborde Professorship in Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences at a reception on March 9.

(Distributed 03/10/11) MANSURA, La. – A dozen new members of the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame from throughout the state will be recognized at a reception May 21.

(Distributed 03/07/11) The 27th annual Ark-La-Tex Forestry Forum will be March 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Financial Plaza in Shreveport. Sponsors include the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 03/07/11) Farmers can learn specifics about how to efficiently check for insects and diseases plaguing their crops by watching a series of scouting videos now available on LSU AgCenter’s website, www.LSUAgCenter.com.

(Distributed 03/03/11) As gardening activities increase, home gardeners and landscapers may become concerned with problems on their plants.

(Distributed 03/02/11) Louisiana weather may be going through a bit of dry spell, but LSU AgCenter crop experts are in near-unanimous agreement that a lack of rainfall doesn’t present a problem. The only producers who would like to see more rain are those with ryegrass pastures and those who are planting corn.

(Distributed 03/02/11) MANSURA, La. – AgDay will be held at the Avoyelles Parish LSU AgCenter and Southern University office April 18-20 for students from kindergarten to sixth grade. The interactive field trip will show students how agricultural products are produced.

(Distributed 03/02/11) The Louisiana Equine Council is hosting its 5th Annual Horse Expo March 19-20 at the Burton Coliseum Outdoor Arena in Lake Charles. “This year’s event will focus on activities related to stock horses, but it will provide useful demonstrations for all horse owners,” said Howard Cormier, LSU AgCenter equine specialist.

(Distributed 03/01/11) The LSU AgCenter and the Kellogg Co. are working together on a project to enhance the sustainability of Louisiana rice production destined for use by the company.

(Distributed 03/01/11) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Recycling growing media and removing unwanted fruits were among the money-saving tips offered during a greenhouse tomato seminar Feb. 25 at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station.