(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)

(Video 03/21/11) Spring is a good time to plant vegetable transplants into your garden. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains what to look for and what to avoid when purchasing your vegetable plants. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Video News 03/21/12) On the outskirts of Baton Rouge, an LSU AgCenter Research facility is conducting work on cloning, embryo transfer and epigenetics. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the facility to learn more about assisted reproductive research in Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:59)

(Video News 03/07/11) Prices for beef cattle are up, but so are the costs to produce them. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with a producer and an economist about how rising feed and fertilizer costs are affecting the industry. (Runtime: 1:51)

(Video 03/14/11) Spring is a tricky time for deciding which bedding plants to include in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how spring's short transitional window can create problems for gardeners if they don’t make the proper selections at the nursery. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video News 03/14/11) Lent and crawfish generally coincide, and both are later than normal this year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that weather has affected the crawfish catch, but warmer temperatures should bring a better harvest. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 03/07/11) Many gardeners grow plants in containers. But is one garden pot as good as another? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why you can’t go wrong with a terra cotta container. (Runtime: 1:32)

(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)

(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.

(Audio 03/07/11) Many gardens have beautiful petunias, pansies, snapdragons and dianthus. The best looking beds were planted last fall. If you want these plants in your flower beds, plant them as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/28/11) Gardeners can find many educational programs during the spring with information about gardening in Louisiana. Make an effort to attend some of these programs and become a better gardener. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/28/11) During early spring, Louisiana gardeners may notice holes appearing on their trees. The culprit likely is a small bird called a sap sucker. You can wrap the trunk of a tree with burlap for the remainder of the spring to prevent damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/28/11) April is a busy month for planting in the home vegetable garden. Some of the more popular vegetables should be planted early in the month before the temperatures climb too high. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/28/11) The best time to prune spring-flowering shrubs is right after they finish flowering. Prune only if necessary and have a specific purpose in mind when pruning. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/28/11) Spider mites attack a wide variety of ornamentals and vegetables in our gardens. They are particularly bad in the spring during warm, dry weather. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/21/11) The buck moth caterpillar is found primarily on live oaks, and by late March you can see the caterpillar masses in the trees. If you have problems with these stinging caterpillars, have the trees sprayed before the caterpillars move down. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/21/11) Deadheading is the term gardeners use to describe removing faded flowers from plants. This keeps the plants looking attractive. It also prevents the plants from setting seeds and encourages them to produce more flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/21/11) A professional home inspection before purchasing a house can save a new homeowner money and hassle . Having an arborist inspect trees on the property also can potentially affect the value of the land. (Runtime: 60 second)

(Audio 03/21/11) Gardeners need to be proactive when spraying fruit trees with insecticides and fungicides. If you wait to spray until worms are in your peaches or apples, it is too late. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/21/11) Nurseries can have an overwhelming variety of fertilizers. Gardeners don't need a fertilizer for every plant. A general purpose fertilizer can work for most plants in the yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/14/11) Brown patch is a common fungal disease that attacks lawns. St. Augustine grass is most susceptible, and the disease starts when the weather is cool and moist. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/14/11) Perennials live from year to year in our Louisiana landscapes. Over time, however, the clumps can become too large for their area. Spring is a good time to divide perennials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/14/11) Lawns begin to wake up around the state in March. This grass is best left alone and not stimulated by fertilizers. The old root system is dying off, and the grass needs to establish a new one before your fertilize it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/14/11) March and April are active months in Louisiana landscapes. Before you plant anything, be sure to properly prepare the beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/14/11) Mulches are applied over the soil surface around flower beds, trees and vegetables. They suppress weeds, maintain soil moisture and moderate soil temperature. You may need to put down new mulch a couple of times a year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/07/11) Spring-flowering bulbs add a lot to our gardens. Most of these plants will not re-bloom for us next year, but narcissus and daffodils will. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/07/11) Pollination is an important part of growing a vegetable garden. Some plants are self-pollinating, but vegetables such as squash have to be pollinated by bees or insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/18/11) March kicks off the spring lineup of Louisiana Super Plants selections. The Louisiana Super Plants program is an LSU AgCenter educational and marketing campaign that highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes. The first selection to be promoted this spring is a great new gardenia variety called Frostproof (Gardenia jasminoides Frostproof).

(For Release On Or After 04/01/11) Louisianans have appreciated the enjoyable qualities of spicy foods for generations. The fire in Louisiana cooking is provided primarily by the use of hot peppers or products made from them like red pepper and hot sauce. A backyard garden wouldn’t be complete without a few pepper plants – hot and sweet – to pick from.

(Audio 03/07/11) March is a great month to fertilize shrubs in landscapes. Remember, fertilizing is not necessary if your shrubs are growing well. Having your soil tested can help you choose the appropriate fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/07/11) Vegetable transplants purchased from nurseries have been grown in greenhouses. They have led a sheltered life and can become stressed if planted out in the garden before being hardened off. Gradually expose them to sun and wind. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 03/25/11) Convincing a group of kids that herbs are important is easy. Just mention pizza (oregano), spearmint gum (spearmint), dill pickles (dill) and peppermint candy (peppermint), and you’ll have them all agreeing that herbs are great. Adults generally need no such convincing because most of us know that herbs are vital to flavor many dishes. More gardeners should also know that herbs are easy to grow and can add flowers, fragrance and textures to the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 03/11/11) The condition and type of soil in which you garden has a profound effect on the health and growth of your plants. One of the most common mistakes novice gardeners make is putting too little effort into learning about their soil.

(For Release On Or After 03/04 /11) Many small flowering trees help brighten our landscapes from late winter through spring. One of the more beautiful of our early-spring flowering trees is in bloom now.

(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.

(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 03/25/11) 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.

(Distributed 03/25/11) The Institute of Medicine recently announced new recommended intakes for vitamin D, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Distributed 03/18/11) Blooming from late March to early May, the Louisiana iris is a floral ambassador that has carried our state’s name all over the world.

(Distributed 03/15/11) Tuesday, March 22, is American Diabetes Alert Day, an annual event sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to alert Americans of their risk of developing diabetes.

(Distributed 03/11/11) Invite a rainbow into your yard this summer – plant a flower garden. Warm-season bedding plants grow and flower best during April through October, and we can begin planting them as early as late March in south Louisiana. Gardeners who planted cool-season bedding plants generally will wait for those plants to begin to fade in late April or May, however, before removing and replacing them with warm-season bedding plants.

(Distributed 03/04/11) “Eat right with color” is the theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month in March sponsored by the American Dietetic Association.

(Distributed 03/04/11) Beneath the mighty, majestic live oak surrounded by Southern magnolia, azalea and sweet olive stands the camellia – what many in the South may refer to as “The Queen of the Garden.”

(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) Daniel Stephenson has had success getting farmers to realize how serious the problem of herbicide-resistant weeds can be. The LSU AgCenter weed scientist uses images from other states to show how quickly weeds that have developed a resistance to the herbicide gylphostate can overrun a field. Last year Stephenson confirmed glyphosate resistance in palmer amaranth – the first in Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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)

(Radio News 03/21/11) Nick Singh’s job is like being a doctor and a detective. Singh diagnoses plant problems for the LSU AgCenter’s Plant Diagnostic Center. Singh's first duty is to determine whether the plant is suffering from an insect, disease or weed problem. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Radio News 03/21/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Plant Diagnostic Center can help gardeners, farmers and landscapers determine what is ailing their plants. The first step is to take a sample of the problem plant to the county agent in your local LSU AgCenter office. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Radio News 03/21/11) The 2010 Dietary Guidelines, released in January, are the first to address an unhealthy public. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says the new guidelines provide a "healthy balance" approach to weight management, which focuses on consuming nutrient-dense foods and beverages and engaging in regular physical activity. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 03/21/11) With spring here, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Heli Roy says fruits and vegetables are more abundant. But some families still have a hard time working them into their diets. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/14/11) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter's Reproductive Biology Center are involved in cutting-edge genetic and biotechnology research. One project at the center is controlling gene expression while trying to determine what makes up a high-performing animal. Center coordinator Glen Gentry explains. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Radio News 03/14/11)With temperatures rising, more crawfish producers are out in their boats checking traps. Frigid temperatures in January and early February slowed Louisiana’s crawfish harvest, according to LSU AgCenter crawfish researcher Ray McClain. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 03/14/11) LSU AgCenter researchers are working on making it less expensive to catch crawfish during cold conditions. Producers currently use expensive cut fish as bait to attract crawfish during the winter. LSU AgCenter crawfish researcher Ray McClain explains. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 03/14/11) A greenhouse tomato seminar held at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station offered money-saving advice for growers interested in producing greenhouse tomatoes. Jerry Bond got interested in growing greenhouse tomatoes after purchasing some from the station. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Radio News 03/14/11) Biotechnology research at the LSU AgCenter’s Reproductive Biology Center is helping researchers develop pharmaceuticals and learn more about human diseases. Ken Bondioli is working with transgenic goats that can produce an important protein in their milk and transfer that ability to their offspring. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Radio News 03/07/11) After a cold winter, gardeners are anxious to get back into their yards. With warmer temperatures, many may have started spring gardening activities already. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says gardeners can busy themselves with several tasks this time of year. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Radio News 03/07/11) LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames encourages you to eat right with color during National Nutrition Month. Sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, the month raises awareness of nutrition issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/07/11) This month an LSU AgCenter nutritionist calls attention to the risks of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association sponsors Diabetes Alert Day on March 22. Dr. Beth Reames says people should recognize the symptoms of diabetes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/07/11) In the last minute rush to get tax returns completed, taxpayers often make mistakes. LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker warns about mistakes to avoid. (Runtime: 60 seconds)