(Video News 04/10/12) Rice farmers are planting their crop and will plant less of it this year. Poor prices have farmers shifting into other crops. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Video 04/02/12) Looking for a small tree that’s ideally adapted for your landscape? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a native Louisiana tree that’s extremely functional and adaptable. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Video 04/09/12) The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Super Plants program highlights tough and beautiful plants that work well in Louisiana landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the BabyWing begonia – a Louisiana Super Plant that will provide nice color all the way through to October. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 04/16/12) Ferns can dot landscapes with a lush-looking appeal. Some types are evergreen, and some types are not. One unique evergreen fern garners attention not only because of its green display, but also thanks to some bonus color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the autumn fern. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Video 04/16/12) Spider flowers are traditional summer annuals grown in the South. But they have tiny spines that can be unpleasant to handle. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a new type of spider flower that has virtually no spines and even more beautiful flowers than the others. It’s the Senorita Rosalita, and it’s a tough, durable Louisiana Super Plant. (Runtime: 1:54)

(Video 04/23/12) Lantanas have beautiful flowers that can nicely color a landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a tough lantana that produces beautiful white and lavender flowers. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video News 04/25/12) Louisiana’s wheat crop is in good condition despite the warm and wet weather conditions. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that farmers will begin harvesting much earlier than normal. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 04/12/12) High commodity prices benefit farmers, but they could be driving up rents farmers pay for land. Farmers in some areas of Louisiana are seeing land rents increase dramatically, according to Kurt Guidry, LSU AgCenter economist, and this could hurt their bottom line and affect production decisions.

(Video News 04/20/12) Renting land is part of farmers’ expenses. But high land rents could affect crop production. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that higher commodity prices are influencing rent costs. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Radio News 04/26/12) Louisiana has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation. A statewide LSU AgCenter program is looking to minimize the problem by getting entire families to participate in their Family Nutrition Night. (Runtime 1:00)

(Distributed 04/26/12) Keep environmental conditions in mind when you select plant materials for a home landscape. The size of the planting area is important along with other site characteristics, such as sun or shade exposure, wet or dry locations, and exposure to windy conditions.

(Distributed 04/16/12) MANSURA, La. – A dozen supporters of 4-H will be honored May 19 when they are inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be from 1-3 p.m. at the 4-H Museum at 8592 La. Highway 1, also the LSU AgCenter Extension Office for Avoyelles Parish.

(Audio 04/30/12) As the weather gets warmer in May, many cool-season herbs start to languish. Harvest these herbs generously. Freeze or dry the extras and use them throughout the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/30/12) Many people use tropical plants as houseplants. These plants must be indoors during cold weather, but will thrive if placed outside during the summer. Gradually allow them to adjust to outdoor conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/30/12) Most trees are best planted in the fall. The one exception is palm trees. Plant these while the weather is warm. Make sure the palm tree is hardy for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/30/12) Summer is right around the corner, but there are still plenty of vegetables we can plant in our gardens. Plant heat-tolerant vegetables that can withstand our summer temperatures. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/30/12) You can find bell peppers in a variety of colors. Colored bell peppers are simply ripe green bell peppers. If you leave a green bell pepper on the plant, it will change colors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/24/12) VIDALIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a workshop for landowners to start or extend an outdoor recreational business on their property held June 6 at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center at 112 Front St. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. until 3:15 p.m.

(Distributed 04/20/12) CROWLEY, La. – Officials with the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry met on April 18 with representatives of the Kellogg Co. to work on details for a Master Rice Grower program that will encourage sustainable farming practices.

(Distributed 04/20/12) Many students have seen cows, but not many had touched one until they attended Farm Day at the LSU AgCenter campus dairy on April 18-20.

(Distributed 04/20/12) Mid- to late spring is when we start seeing tropical-like plants take off and start growing as we enter our warmest time of year. Instead of summer being a “down time” in the landscape, you can use these plants to enhance your warm-season efforts.

(Distributed 04/20/12) East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners will hold their annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale May 12 at LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Radio News 04/20/12) Weather was an issue for plant breeders and their wheat variety trials. Some varieties that had shown promise in previous years failed to mature in 2012 because of the warmer-than-normal conditions. Others suffered damage from wind and rain. Steve Harrison, an LSU AgCenter wheat breeder, says there is some benefit from a season like this.

(Radio News 04/20/12) Wheat producers have had some anxious moments this season. A warm and wet winter is ideal for diseases that target wheat. And the warm and drier weather over the past several weeks has caused the wheat to mature early according to LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Ed Twidwell. (Runtime 1:04)

(Distributed 04/18/12) The LSU AgCenter will spotlight Louisiana agriculture in a fun, interactive educational setting during its annual AgMagic event April 23-29 at the Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. AgMagic is designed to give children and adults an enjoyable way to learn how food, clothing, lumber and other products are all part of a complex agricultural system. It also shows them the important connections among agriculture, the environment and their lives.

(Distrubuted 04/18/12) The LSU AgCenter recognized 17 new members of its Patent and PVP Club at a reception April 17 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 04/17/12) WINNSBORO, La. – Despite a dry planting season this past fall and a relatively wet and warm winter growing season, Louisiana wheat farmers can expect to harvest a good crop, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

(Distributed 04/17/12) A new sports drink is hitting the market, and its origins are in Louisiana. It’s called EX5. The “5” refers to the drink’s five benefits – quicker recovery, less sodium, lower calories, more electrolytes and less sugar, says inventor Brian Brothers, of Covington, La.

(Distributed 04/17/12) Louisiana rice farmers are wrapping up their planting season, marked by heavy rainfall in some areas and warm temperatures.

(Distributed 04/17/12) JEANERETTE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Iberia Research Station will hold a field day for beef cattle producers on May 5.

(Distributed 04/17/12) The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will host an open house for nursery, landscape, retail garden center, irrigation and related industry professionals.

(Distributed 04/13/12) The LSU AgCenter will conduct a small ruminant field day at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on May 19. The Southern University Ag Center is cosponsoring the event.

(Distributed 04/13/12) From now until early May, a tiny black fly known as the turkey gnat can cause problems for birds, especially caged or cooped poultry. The swarming of these gnats can disturb poultry and cause them to injure themselves or pile up on each other, which can lead to suffocation and death, said LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Theresia Lavergne.

(Distributed 04/13/12) The LSU AgCenter Burden Center is moving forward with its plans to become more of a Baton Rouge destination than just a research station through the help of private donations.

(Distributed 04/12/12) In 2010, the LSU AgCenter introduced a new ornamental plant education, promotion and marketing program called Louisiana Super Plants. It highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes. Plant selections are announced each spring and fall.

(Audio 04/23/12) Hydrangeas are a traditional Southern shrub. They bloom beautifully in partial shade. A great variety to try is the Penny Mac hydrangea, a spring 2012 Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/23/12) Powdery mildew is a common fungal infection that affects a wide variety of plants in our landscapes. The symptoms look like the name, and it is not hard to control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/10/12) High commodity prices benefit farmers, but they could be driving up rents farmers pay for land. Farmers in some areas of Louisiana are seeing land rents increase dramatically, and LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says this could hurt their bottom line and affect production decisions. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 04/09/12) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter web log that follows the progression of a rice field at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station is again allowing internet visitors to see the management of a rice crop.

(Distributed 04/05/12) LAFAYETTE, La. – Aquaculture specialists with the LSU AgCenter will present an educational program for crawfish producers at the Lafayette South Regional Library at 6:30 p.m., April 10. They will give an assessment of the current season and explain how drought conditions last summer and fall played a part in the slow start to the season.

(Audio 04/23/12) Crape myrtles are the most popular small summer-flowering trees in Louisiana landscapes. They don't have a lot of insect or disease problems, but their major problem can be aphids. The aphids cause black sooty mold on the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/23/12) By this time of the year most of the spring-flowering bulbs are starting to fade. These bulbs require some after care. This allows them to bloom beautifully next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/23/12) Container plants embellish indoor and outdoor landscapes and environments. Because the plant's root system is limited in the container, it can be difficult for it to get the nutrients it needs. Make sure these plants have an adequate amount of fertilizer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/05/12) Eggs in pastel or neon shades grace many Easter baskets. Dyeing eggs is a fun tradition, but food safety guidelines should be followed. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames explains how to safely cook eggs for dyeing. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 04/04/12) Students across Louisiana will be engaged in wetlands-related activities during Youth Wetlands Week, which runs April 22-27. Activities will revolve around learning the vital role wetlands play in offering recreational and economic opportunities along with their ecological value such as protection from hurricanes and their ability to improve water quality.

(Distributed 04/04/12) Little children will have big fun finding and eating Easter eggs. But LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames said if you’re planning to peel and eat, stuff or make egg salad from leftover dyed Easter eggs, be sure to follow food safety guidelines.

(Audio 04/09/12) One of the three Louisiana Super Plants for spring is the BabyWing begonia. Its pink or white flowers bloom late spring until frost. It tolerates heat and prefers part sun to part shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/04/12) The LSU AgCenter is making its fourth Louisiana Super Plants release. The three flowers for spring 2012 are Senorita Rosalita cleome, BabyWing begonia and Penny Mac hydrangea. This program highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana gardens and is good for the nursery and landscape business.

(Radio News 04/03/12) Clearfield rice varieties have allowed farmers to use herbicides on their rice to kill the red rice weed. These varieties have been popular among farmers. But LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk says this year more farmers are returning to conventional varieties. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Audio 04/16/12) With the warm winter and spring in Louisiana, cool-season bedding plants are starting to fade a little early this year. Consider removing them and planting warm-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/16/12) Caladiums are great plants for shady areas in your landscape. You can plant caladium tubers now for wonderful foliage all summer long. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/16/12) Lawn care kicks into high gear in April, and it's best to start with sharp mower blades. If you don't feel comfortable sharpening them yourself, take the mower to a lawn mower service company. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/16/12) Several types of grasses can work well in Louisiana lawns. Grasses such as St. Augustine and centipede like to grow in the heat. Now is a good time to establish a lawn, and solid sodding is the best way to do it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/16/12) The cleome, Senorita Rosalita, is a spring 2012 Louisiana Super Plant. This cleome puts a new face on a traditional plant. It grows tall and blooms wonderfully throughout the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/03/12) Finishing touches are being made to the 30-acre expansion of LSU AgCenter’s Camp Grant Walker that will give 4-H campers the chance this summer to study wetlands ecosystems, to learn about boating and ATV safety, and to challenge their abilities at fishing, shooting sports and gardening.

(Radio News 04/02/12) Louisiana rice acreage will be down this year. Farmers are cutting back on the amount of rice they are planting because of discouraging prices. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk says other commodities are more appealing. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 04/05/12) Many Louisiana gardeners enjoy a summer landscape planting of caladiums. These are one of the most popular plants to fill shady gardens because they thrive in the heat and humidity common in Louisiana summers. Caladiums are a great, low-maintenance bedding plant.

(For Release On Or After 04/27/12) Interest in growing herbs has been rising over the years as Louisiana gardeners increasingly plant herbs in gardens, containers or in beds among existing plants. Especially popular are the culinary herbs used to flavor food.

(For Release On Or After 04/20/12) Some of the most popular vegetables planted in Louisiana home vegetable gardens belong to the cucumber family, or Cucurbitaceae. Members of that family, which can be planted this month, include summer squash, winter squash, mirliton, pumpkin, gourd, cucuzzi, watermelon, cantaloupe, cushaw, luffa and, of course, cucumber.

(For Release On Or After 04/13/12) A new cleome called Senorita Rosalita is a radical departure from the cleomes, or spider flowers, we have grown in the past.

(For Release On Or After 04/06/12) The genus Begonia is large and amazingly diverse with a mind-blowing number of species. There are even plant societies devoted to this fascinating group of plants.

(Audio 04/09/12) Louisiana gardeners should have their tomatoes in the ground by the middle of April. It is too late to plant seeds, but you find a variety of transplants that can do well in our climate. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/09/12) Lawns can be fertilized in south Louisiana in late March or early April. In the rest of the state early to mid-April is the best time. Waiting helps the grass wake up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/09/12) Gardeners may have cool-season herbs growing in their herb garden. The early spring could have negatively affected these plants, but you may still be getting a good harvest from them. Dry them or freeze them to use these herbs throughout the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/09/12) Tomatoes grow on sprawling vines that don't climb well. Gardeners can't let their tomatoes stay on the ground, so they must stake them or grow them in cages. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/02/12) Easter lilies are great plants for the spring. They are fragrant and beautiful, but keep in mind that they are toxic to cats. You can save them and plant them into your garden after they bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/02/12) Late March and early April is a transition time in Louisiana landscapes. You will likely see both cool-season and warm-season bedding plants at the nursery this time of the year. Be sure to choose plants that will bloom for the length of time you want. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/02/12) Warm and hot dry weather can favor the development of spider mites. These tiny insects attack a variety of ornamentals and vegetables. A horticulture oil or insecticidal soap can control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/02/12) Gardeners can prune spring-flowering shrubs and vines as soon as they finish flowering. Prune with a purpose, and try to preserve the natural shape of the shrub by using hand pruners and selective pruning. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/02/12) Louisiana gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables during the month of April. Plant these vegetables as early as you can to avoid disease and insects that become a bigger problem as the weather warms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)