(Distributed 12/20/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Oysters and prunes may not have a lot in common, but in Subramaniam Sathivel’s lab, these are two of the products chefs are working with to develop new foods for consumers. The LSU AgCenter food engineer specializes in cryopreservation and shelf stabilization of foods.

(Distributed 12/19/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Despite drought conditions and a hurricane, 2012 was an excellent year for Louisiana farmers. Many of the state’s major commodities saw record yields and historically high prices. LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said good production practices and a lot of luck with the weather helped.

(Distributed 12/18/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter scientists are working with researchers at Columbia University and Iowa State University on an environmentally friendly substance that could be used to clean up oil spills.

(Distributed 12/18/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and Southern University Agricultural Center recognized staff and faculty members for outstanding service and research at a joint conference on Dec. 17-18.

(Distributed 12/14/12) CLINTON, La. – Learning to burn safely was the main topic of the State Prescribed Burning Certification workshop held at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station on Dec. 12-14.

(Distributed 12/14/12) HAMMOND, La. – Sasanquas are one of our most popular flowering shrubs for late fall through early winter. They go by the scientific name of Camellia sasanqua.

(Distributed 12/13/12)BATON ROUGE, La. – Buck moths on the wing in December conjure up thoughts of buck moth caterpillars in the yard in spring. And large numbers of buck moths flying in south Louisiana this season suggest buck moth caterpillars will abound next spring, according to experts at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 12/13/13) CORONADO ISLAND, Calif. – Don Groth, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist, received the Rice Industry Award at the annual USA Rice Outlook Conference. In addition, Ernest Girouard, coordinator of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, received the Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award.

(Distributed 12/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two LSU AgCenter faculty members were recognized for receiving professorships at a reception on Dec. 7.

(Distributed 12/12/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but for many, this time of the year can bring stress and anxiety. “Everything is red and green about the holidays, but a lot of people are experiencing the blues,” said LSU AgCenter family life specialist Diane Sasser.