(Distributed 02/28/12) HAMMOND, La. – The 23rd annual Florida Parishes Forestry Forum be held Friday, March 16, at the University Center at Southeastern Louisiana University.

(Distributed 02/24/12) The LSU AgCenter is offering three updated guides online or printed about managing pests, plant diseases and weeds. The guides – the 2012 Louisiana Insect Pest Management Guide, 2012 Louisiana Plant Disease Management Guide and 2012 Louisiana Suggested Weed Management Guide – can be purchased for $12 per printed copy or downloaded free of charge.

(Distributed 02/24/12) “Get Your Plate in Shape” is the theme for the annual March National Nutrition Month, according to Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. The “plate” refers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ChooseMyPlate.gov website, which provides nutritional advice to help people live a healthier lifestyle and lose weight.

(Distributed 02/24/12) YOUNGSVILLE, La. – The prosperity of many small, rural communities rises and falls with agriculture, and that sector of the economy had a $7.3 billion impact in Louisiana last year, according to Mike Salassi, LSU AgCenter economist.

(Distributed 02/24/12) Home gardeners need to increase their knowledge and awareness of cultural practices recommended for roses in our landscapes. February and March is the time of the year to get started with your rose garden maintenance.

(Radio News 02/24/12) Garden shows happening across Louisiana in March and April offer gardeners opportunities to learn, get inspired and shop. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 02/24/12) The Louisiana delta is known for its sprawling and fertile fields, and it’s where Hank Rabb has spent a lifetime working the land watching corn, cotton and soybeans grow into a bountiful harvest. For his dedication, Rabb was chosen as the 2012 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.

(Video News 02/23/12) Thousands of youth with their cows, sheep, pigs and chickens in tow attended the LSU AgCenter’s 77th annual livestock show. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was there. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Audio 02/27/12) Herbicides are divided into two groups: pre-emergence and post-emergence. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before weeds sprout. Early March is the ideal time to apply a pre-emergence herbicide over lawns and in flower beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 02/27/12) March is an active month in the home vegetable garden. You can begin planting warm-season vegetables, especially in southern areas of the state. Tomatoes and peppers can be transplanted later in the month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)