(Video News 05/19/11) Ideal weather conditions have led to an excellent wheat crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that farmers were able to harvest early this year before floods inundated fields. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Video News 05/16/11) Louisiana’s cotton crop is going in the ground. Good weather has helped growers get it planted early this year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the details. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Video News 05/09/11) LSU AgCenter researchers are working on cheaper and easier ways to restore vegetation and rehabilitate Louisiana’s coastal marshlands. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a barrier island where marsh grass was being planted in an unconventional way. (Runtime: 2:04)

(Video News 05/02/11) Balancing a checkbook can be a daunting task for some individuals. In difficult economic times, however, taking control of finances is important for survival. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks about financial programs LSU AgCenter agents are offering in their communities. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Video 4/2/11) Over time some plants fall out of popularity for good reason, but others apparently disappear for no reason at all. In this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a great landscape shrub and says should be more popular. It’s called Philadelphus. (Runtme: 1:33)

(Video 5/16/11) Fountain grass can help accent a landscape. Now there’s a new variety of fountain grass that has foliage that bursts with color while flowing gracefully earthward. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why Fireworks fountain grass is an excellent landscape selection. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Video 5/30/11) If you’re looking for a large shrub with many big, colorful flowers, the Rose of Sharon ‘Aphrodite’ may be what you’re looking for. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the ‘Aphrodite’ cultivar is a better selection than most other Rose of Sharon plants. (Runtime: 1:39)

The newest Louisiana Super Plant can be grown as a shrub or can be formed into a small tree. Shoal Creek vitex has been shown to grow very well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this blue-flowered Louisiana Super Plant is one you would want in your landscape. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 05/27/11) June is National Dairy Month, a time to promote and enjoy milk and other dairy products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines recommend that Americans increase their intake of fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.

(Distributed 05/26/11) Louisiana farmers are waiting for rain, and planting is a little behind normal because of drought throughout the state, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Radio News 05/31/11) Louisiana seafood is safe and healthy, according to a seafood specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana SeaGrant. Lucina Lampila says many agencies have been inspecting the Gulf harvest for the past year or so. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 05/31/11) As dry weather persists across much of Louisiana, landscapes are threatened. “Spring droughts like we are experiencing now are especially harmful to lawns and landscape plants because this is the time of year when growth is most active and plants need nice spring growth to support them for the remainder of the growing season,” said LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.

(Distributed 05/31/11) COUSHATTA, La. – A $10,000 donation toward funding a community garden is a welcome addition for local residents through a donation given to the LSU AgCenter from Encana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc.

(Distributed 05/31/11) LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Mexican rice borer continues its eastward migration from Texas, with monitoring traps detecting adults near Lake Charles, according to LSU AgCenter entomologists.

(Distributed 05/31/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – You’ve heard of horse whisperers. But what about horse dentists? Members of the Caddo Parish 4-H Livestock Club met at the LSU AgCenter office May 24 to learn about caring for horses’ teeth.

Radio News 05/30/11) Speculation on the amount of wild crawfish in the Atchafalaya Basin has increased with the water levels, but LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Greg Lutz says we shouldn’t rush to conclusions. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Radio News 05/30/11) Soil compaction can be a problem in pastures. Mike McCormick is the coordinator of the LSU AgCenter's Southeast Research Station, where research focuses on dairy production. He says producers are noticing compacted soil in their pastures. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Distributed 05/30/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – On Ella King’s hand sat a monarch butterfly that had recently emerged from its chrysalis. The first-grader stood perfectly still while other students looked on in awe.

(Distributed 05/27/11) Temple-Inland’s Bogalusa Paper Mill recently donated $5,000 to the Washington Parish office of the LSU AgCenter to help fund its programs.

(Radio News 05/26/11) LSU AgCenter dairy researchers are working on ways to reduce waste from dairy farms. Vinicius Moreira, a dairy nutrition management specialist, says feeding cows the proper mix of nutrients can cut down on waste. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Audio 05/30/11) Composting has many benefits. It recycles landscape waste, and the compost you make is a wonderful material to add to garden beds or to use as top dressing. Grass clippings are the primary organic material we get from our landscapes this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/30/11) The intense heat of summer arrives in June. Despite the heat, gardeners can still plant vegetables into their gardens. Consider planting cantaloupes, eggplants, peanuts and pumpkins. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/30/11) The tropical hibiscus is a wonderful, colorful plant for summer landscapes. Gardeners can grow them in the ground or in containers. In the northern part of the state, hibiscus are more at risk of being killed by freezes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/27/11) The end of May means summer is here, even though summer does not “officially” begin for a few more weeks. Summer in the Louisiana landscape usually begins in May and can run through October. We have many activities to keep in mind during this four- to five-month busy time in the home landscape. Keep all of the following items in mind to be more successful in your landscaping efforts.

(Distributed 05/27/11) MAMOU, La. – New Clearfield lines of rice are being tested that show promising results, LSU AgCenter rice breeders told Evangeline Parish farmers at a field day Tuesday (May 24).

(Distributed 05/27/11) LAKE ARTHUR, La. – An informational meeting on the increasing problem of saltwater spreading into marshes and irrigation canals will be held at 9 a.m.-noon, June 3 by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/27/11) FENTON, La. – The LSU AgCenter Southwest Louisiana Rice Tour will be held June 1 starting at the Fenton Cooperative.

(Audio 05/30/11) Mowing is the primary lawn chore during the summer. If you wait too long between mowings, the grass can become unhealthy. When you mow, you want to remove no more than about one-third of the grass blade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/30/11) Vine-ripened tomatoes provide wonderful flavor to summer salads and sandwiches, but often birds or insects will attack them before you can harvest them. Gardeners can harvest tomatoes at different stages and allow them to ripen indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/26/11) FRANKLINTON, La. – Drought conditions around the state were on the minds of most participants at the pasture renovation field day May 18 at the LSU AgCenter Southeast Research.

(Distributed 05/26/11) LSU AgCenter mapping websites with localized flood and wind hazard information became inundated with inquiries from the public concerned about their vulnerability of their property to rising water as the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers strain the levees.

(Distributed 05/26/11) The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico produce nearly 30 percent of domestic seafood in the United States. Due to its diet of phytoplankton, our wild-caught seafood is more heart-healthy than farm-raised warm-water seafood from other parts of the world, said LSU AgCenter seafood specialist Lucina Lampila.

(Distributed 05/25/11) The Louisiana Master Gardener program, a service organization of the LSU AgCenter, continues a wide array of volunteer activities around the state.

(Distributed 05/25/11) To help Louisiana residents determine if they’re ready for a hurricane, LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel developed a 20-question quiz.

(Distributed 05/25/11) Approximately 1,500 4-H members from across the state will participate in 43 contests and 12 Clover College tracks during the annual 4-H University June 21-24 on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 05/25/11) Just in time for Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial kickoff to the summer grilling season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated its recommendation for safely cooking solid cuts of pork.

(Distributed 05/24/11) Nearly 1,200 4-H’ers and volunteer leaders plan to be in Baton Rouge at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, to take part in 4-H Day at the Capitol. The event will give 4-H’ers an opportunity to visit with their legislators and see up close how state government conducts its business while the legislature is in session.

(Distributed 05/24/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – The LSU AgCenter Pecan Research and Extension Station will host a field day June 16, starting at 8 a.m., featuring the latest research-based information about pecan production.

(Distributed 05/20/11) Thomas Hymel, LSU AgCenter extension agent, will discuss the success of the Delcambre Direct online seafood marketing project as part of a seminar in Washington, D.C., May 31-June 1.

(Radio News 05/19/11) Louisiana farmers who planted wheat last year made an excellent crop, and LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Ed Twidwell expects more acres to be planted this fall. Drought and flooding have damaged wheat crops across the globe, and Twidwell says that likely will lead to an increase in already high wheat prices. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/19/11) Drought is affecting crops across Louisiana, and forage crops are starting to suffer. LSU AgCenter agronomist Ed Twidwell spoke at the LSU AgCenter's Southeast Research Station Spring Field Day about fertilizing pastures and hay fields. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/23/11) Black spot is the most destructive fungal disease that affects roses in Louisiana. Hybrid teas and grandiflora are highly susceptible to the disease and require a regular spray regimen to prevent it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/23/11) Most cool-season bedding plants won't make it past the month of May. When they start to languish, replace them with warm-season bedding plants. Before you go to the nursery, however, have an idea of what you want to use. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/23/11) Spanish moss does not damage the trees it grows in. It is not parasitic on the tree. It's a green plant, and it photosynthesizes all the food it needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/23/11) Blackberries are productive fruiting plants and easy to grow around your home. Backyard blackberry varieties produce larger and sweeter berries than the wild variety. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/18/11) Earlier this month, corn and soybeans planted in the Morganza floodway sat parched. Farmers were anxious for a rain. Today, those same crops are covered with water, drowned by the opening of the spillway. Miles Brashier, LSU AgCenter county agent in Point Coupee Parish, said about 10 percent of the parish’s crops were located within the flood zone. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 05/20/11) Buddleias, known by most home gardeners as butterfly bush, are becoming increasingly popular in the home landscape. These perennials are highly regarded by butterflies as a nectar plant.

(Distributed 05/19/11) Much of Louisiana’s wheat acreage sat in the path of flood waters, but farmers were able to harvest the state’s wheat crop ahead of schedule this year.

(Audio 05/23/11) Irish potatos are great to grow in the vegetable garden. If you planted seed pieces back in February, the potatoes should be ready to harvest soon. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/18/11) MAMOU, La. – The Evangeline Parish Rice Field Day will be May 24 at Bieber Farms with experts from the LSU AgCenter discussing fertilization, new varieties, insect control, herbicides, diseases and the rice market. The event starts at 7:30 a.m. and continues until 11 a.m.

(Distributed 05/17/11) CROWLEY, La. – Grain storage managers from across the South learned the appropriate measures for controlling insect pests in stored grain at a May 10 workshop at the LSU AgCenter Acadia Parish Extension Office.

(Distributed 05/18/11) Earlier in May, corn and soybeans planted in the Morganza floodway sat parched. Farmers were anxious for a rain. Today, water covers these same crops, drowned by the opening of the spillway.

(Distributed 05/18/11) Horse owners should be alert for equine herpes myeloencephalopathy – or EHV-1 – in their horses, according to veterinarians with the LSU AgCenter and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

(Distributed 05/16/11) RUSTON, La. – The Louisiana Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences presented awards and installed officers at its annual convention May 4.

(Distributed 05/16/11) The Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremony, originally set for May 21 at the 4-H Museum in Mansura, has been postponed. Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for extension, said the event will be rescheduled after the flooding situation in the state is over.

(Distributed 05/10/11) If you’re thinking about taking steps to protect your home from floodwater or evacuating in the face of rising rivers, the LSU AgCenter website is a source of information you can use.

(Distributed 05/14/11) The historic flood stages that are approaching Louisiana along the cresting Mississippi River is having a big impact on both the wildlife and wildlife habitat in Louisiana.

(Radio News 05/12/11) Many of Louisiana’s wheat acres sit in the path of flood waters, but farmers were able to harvest the state’s wheat crop ahead of schedule this year. Because of the warm, dry spring, the crop matured early which has been a big advantage for wheat growers. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Audio 05/16/11) Many Louisiana gardeners planted new trees, shrubs and vegetable and flower beds during spring. All of these plants will require water as the temperatures go up and we experience dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/13/11) If you’re looking for a tough plant that will keep blooming throughout summer and into fall, consider gomphrena. This very tough plant likes really high temperatures. Sometimes called globe amaranth, legend has it that the original planting was at the gates of Hades.

(Radio News 05/11/11) Mary Legoria is redefining the classroom. The science teacher at Westdale Heights Elementary in Baton Rouge uses a garden to teach her students. LSU AgCenter horticulturists are working with schools across Louisiana to plant school gardens. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 05/11/11) As a monarch butterfly lights on Ella King’s head, the first-grader stands perfectly still while another student looks on in awe. The Westdale Heights Academic Magnet students in Baton Rouge were out enjoying the school’s Metamorphosis Garden, where students like Ella learn about plants and insects, especially caterpillars and butterflies. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 05/13/11) The U.S. catfish industry is facing new rules and regulations in animal health and product safety as a result of legislation included in the 2008 Farm Bill.

(Audio 05/16/11) Hydrangeas and gardenias are outstanding May-flowering shrubs. When it comes to where to plant them, remember that light conditions are very important. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/16/11) May is a great time to look over your lawn and see if weed control is necessary. Many of the herbicides used for summer weeds don't work well when the temperatures are high. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/16/11) Home-grown tomatoes have their share of insect and disease problems. Buckeye rot is a disease that causes brown spots on tomatoes. It is caused by a fungal organism in the soil. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/16/11) Proper care of new sod will help it grow and thrive. It needs frequent watering in the first couple of weeks after it's been put down. Mow it when it needs it and don't fertilize it until the root system is well established. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/12/11) The LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge will hold its annual garden festival with hayrides to the demonstration plots beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at noon June 18.

(Distributed 05/11/11) CROWLEY, La. – A representatives of north Louisiana rice farmers told the Rice Growers Association Board of Directors on Wednesday (May 4) that the flooding threat from the Mississippi River has producers worried that their crops could be in harm’s way.

(Distributed 05/10/11) GRAND CANE, La. – Louisiana 4-H’ers tested their skills, decision making and endurance on the shooting range from April 29-May 1 at the state shooting sports competition at the Long-Range Alley Gun Club.

(Radio News 05/10/11) The rising Mississippi River and others have people preparing for potential floods. The website, www.LSU AgCenter.com/floods, has resources to help families and individuals get their homes ready and prepare for an evacuation. LSU AgCenter disaster programs coordinator Pat Skinner explains. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 05/09/11) HOMER, La. – Three hundred sixth-graders from seven Claiborne Parish schools heard how certain practices can conserve water at the ninth annual Water Fest held May 5-6 at Lake Claiborne State Park.

(Distributed 05/06/11) If you like the flowers of shade-loving impatiens, you’ll be excited to know about a new type of impatiens that thrive in our Louisiana summer heat and humidity – SunPatiens.

(Distributed 05/06/11) Preparing land for productive hunting was the focus of the LSU AgCenter’s wildlife field day at the Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station in Clinton on April 30.

(Audio 05/09/11) May is great month to plant lawns in Louisiana. The warm weather stimulates the grass to grow rapidly and establish before fall. Sod is the preferred way to plant a lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/09/11) Houseplants can enrich the indoor environment and improve indoor air quality. Plants inside our homes could benefit from some time spent outdoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/09/11) Working in the shade makes gardening more tolerable in the summer. Caladiums are wonderful plants for shady areas. They grow from tubers, which can be purchased this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/09/11) Herb gardens are popular in Louisiana. Cool-season herbs reach their most productive period in May. They will produce less as the weather gets warmer. Harvest generously and freeze or dry some for later use. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/05/11) Three and four year olds looked on as their teacher prepared to hold a Madagascar hissing cockroach. As she picked it up, the youngsters shrieked with delight. Scenes like this one happen over and over again at the LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic, an interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Audio 05/09/11) Bell peppers are popular in Louisiana cooking and in home gardens. Green peppers allowed to ripen will turn red, yellow or orange. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 05/06/11) Mother’s Day is the day of the year when termites really start to swarm in south Louisiana, according to Dennis Ring, LSU AgCenter entomologist.

(For Release On Or After 05/27/11) We all crave color in our landscapes. Beds full of annual and perennial flowering plants are often the primary source of landscape color, but they require a lot of work to keep them looking nice.

(Distributed 05/05/11) Two consecutive cold winters along with biological control using weevils have helped ease the giant salvinia problem on Lake Bistineau east of Bossier City. And more weevils are ready for distribution in a few months to areas in south Louisiana where this invasive, aquatic weed is continuing to be a problem, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

(Radio News 05/04/11) A tiny black fly is a nuisance to people and pets, but this gnat poses a threat to poultry. LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Theresia Lavergne says the turkey gnat will feed on livestock and is especially harmful to birds in cages or coops. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 05/14/11) Farmers across Louisiana have planted much of the state’s cotton crop a little earlier than normal. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse said a warm, dry spring made it possible.

(Radio News 05/03/11) On a cotton farm in Pointe Coupee Parish, LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse is conducting a cotton variety trial. Kruse, working with representatives from seed companies, filled is testing 11 different varieties at this location, which is one of several variety trials he is conducting across Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Distributed 05/03/11) This is the time of the year when a tiny black fly known as the turkey gnat appears and becomes a nuisance to poultry, especially caged or cooped poultry. These gnats can cause death of poultry and other captive birds because of the toxins in the saliva of the feeding gnats, according to Theresia Lavergne, LSU AgCenter poultry specialist.

(Radio News 05/03/11) Farmers across Louisiana have planted much of the state’s cotton crop a little earlier than normal. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse says a warm, dry spring made it possible. (Runtime: 1:25)

(For Release On Or After 05/20/11) To be honest, our best herb gardens occur during milder times of the year between October and May. The intense heat of summer takes its toll on many of our favorite culinary herbs, such as thyme, parsley, dill, cilantro, chives, lavender and French tarragon. But herb gardens should be looking great now, and heat loving herbs can be planted for summer production.

(For Release On Or After 05/13/11) If you asked me about my favorite plants for summer color, caladiums would absolutely be on the list. You won’t find a better plant for reliable color in areas that get some shade. And one investment can provide years of color.

(For Release On Or After 05/06/11) The Louisiana Super Plant spring season is in full swing. The LSU AgCenter has previously announced Frostproof gardenia and the Serena series angelonias as Louisiana Super Plants selections for spring 2011. Now, the spotlight is on another spring selection – the superb Butterfly series pentas.

(Audio 05/02/11) Broadleaf evergreen shrubs are popular in Louisiana landscapes. Evergreen plants never drop all of their leaves like deciduous plants do. Gardeners must remember, however, that leaves get old and they can turn yellow and die off. This often happens in spring or early summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/02/11) Crape myrtles are the most widely planted small flowering trees in Louisiana landscapes. While these trees are relatively carefree, crape myrtle aphids can attack them and suck out their sap. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/02/11) Louisiana iris are native to our state and look wonderful in landscapes. Consider cutting buds and bringing them indoors. When they finish blooming, cut off the old flower spikes to prevent seed pods from forming and keep them well-mulched. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/02/11) Roses are popular summer-flowering shrubs. It's not too late to plant them yet. Garden centers should have a wide variety of roses in containers. Plant them in an area of your landscape that gets good sunlight. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 05/02/11) While the weather can be mild in May, gardeners need to start planting heat-tolerant vegetables. What is planted now will grow and ripen during the hot months of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)