(Video) Louisiana farmers have enjoyed high commodity prices coupled with high yields over the past few years, but 2014 was different. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard looks back over the year in agriculture.

(Video 12/29/14) Holly plants have always been synonymous with the Christmas season — because of their deep green foliage and bright red fruits. But even though Christmas and New Year’s Day have passed, you can still plant these festive trees and shrubs in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some of the best holly plants available at your local nurseries right now.

(Video 12/24/14) While we don't have brutal winters here in Louisiana typically, livestock such as horses do require special care. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux tells us how to keep horses healthy during the winter.

(Distributed 12/23/14) HAMMOND, La. – 2014 is winding down, and 2015 is near. When we think of resolutions for the coming year, most of us include losing weight, being more organized or simply an overall "being better." Resolutions are good goals to have.

(Distributed 12/22/14) BOSSIER CITY, La. – The "perfect" soybean would have great disease and herbicide resistance, excellent drought and salt tolerance, be able to withstand insect pests and be high-yielding. And LSU AgCenter plant breeder Blair Buckley is on a quest to find it.

(Distributed 12/22/14) CROWLEY, La. – Louisiana rice farmers will get a chance to hear the latest recommendations by LSU AgCenter experts at a series of meetings in January and February.

(Audio 12/29/14) For your New Year’s resolution, consider trying to grow a new plant. You may also want to resolve to keep better records or keep up with weeding. Encourage friends or family members to try gardening. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/19/14) Norfolk Island pines (Araucaria heterophylla) frequently accent our homes during the Christmas season. Make sure you keep them watered while it is on display.

(Distributed 12/19/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Master Gardeners in northeast Louisiana will hold their 5th annual gardening seminar at the West Monroe Convention Center from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Jan. 17.

(Distributed 12/19/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – John Gaspard doesn’t think he is following in his parents’ footsteps. Although the path he is taking is similar to theirs. On Friday, Dec. 19, Gaspard, a science teacher at Rougon Elementary School in Point Coupee Parish, received a doctorate from LSU in human resource education and workforce development.

(Distributed 12/19/14) HAMMOND, La. – Amaryllis is a popular holiday plant. Bulbs are commonly available from November to late December. Forcing them to bloom during winter is not difficult, and the results are beautiful.

(Distributed 12/18/14) WINNSBORO, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a workshop on cover crops and soil health on Jan. 21 at the Macon Ridge Research Station. Registration and refreshments will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Tom H. Scott Extension and Education Center, which is at the station. The workshop will start at 9 a.m.

(Distributed 12/15/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Thirty-six Louisiana 4-H Club members attended the 93rd annual National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Nov. 28-Dec. 2. The delegation earned the trip by winning contests at 4-H University, which took place in June 2014.

(Audio 12/29/14) Purchase and plant amaryllis bulbs all through the winter season. First, plant the bulbs in a pot next to a sunny window and allow them to bloom. In April, move the pot outside and plant the bulb into the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/29/14) Many gardening catalogs will arrive this time of the year. Be sure to check out the new plants for next year, but don’t get carried away if you’re not sure what will grow well here. Do some research or reach out to your LSU AgCenter extension office if you have questions about a new variety. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/29/14) Most gardeners have more indoor plants in the wintertime. Take care of them by placing them next to a window to receive light. Do not place them where warm air from the vents can hit them, and remember to water appropriately. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/29/14) Most Christmas cactuses have probably finished blooming by now, but don’t throw them away. Christmas cactuses can become long-lived house plants that will bloom year after year. Move them next to a sunny window or place them on your porch or patio throughout the summer and into fall (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/14) December is a really great time to get hardy shrubs into the ground. Hardy shrubs will not be bothered by the colder temperatures in Louisiana. These include Indian hawthorns, azaleas, camellias and roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/14) Harvest bunching onions in the green stage when they have green tops and white bases. You can dig up the entire bunch, separate out the amount you want, and replant the remainder so they may continue to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/14) Once the weather gets chilly, the foliage on evergreens may change color. Some foliage may take on a scarlet, gold or bronze pigment but will change back to green in the spring. Listen to learn which evergreen plants provide winter color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/14) Prune tropical plants that may be damaged from freezing temperatures. Cut back herbaceous tropicals right away, usually 3-5 days after the freeze. Protect woody tropicals throughout the winter and prune them in the spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/22/14) Plant pre-chilled tulip and hyacinth bulbs in late December or early January. Bulbs should be refrigerated 6-8 weeks before planting them. Make sure to plant the bulbs 5 inches into the ground in a sunny, well-drained location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/17/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The annual forestry forum held in conjunction with the AgExpo at the West Monroe Convention Center is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 16.

(Distributed 12/15/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Twenty-one members of the LSU AgCenter faculty and staff were recognized for their outstanding effort and career contributions at an awards ceremony held Dec. 15 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden.

(Distributed 12/15/14) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Forage producers discussed the benefits of different forage systems and human nutrition at the Louisiana Forage and Grass Council’s annual conference on Dec. 5.

(Distributed 12/15/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the Prevention Research Center at Tulane University have been working with local stakeholders to identify behavioral health needs of Orleans Parish residents and are sharing best practices for improving community behavioral health.

(Distributed 12/12/14) Although plentiful in the appalachian Mountains, rhododendrons don’t show up much in Louisiana. Our heat and humidity usually lead to poor landscape performance. But a new series of heat-tolerant rhododendrons for the Lower South have been developed in Louisiana by Dr. John Thornton of Franklinton.

(Distributed 12/12/14) HAMMOND, La. – It’s late fall in Louisiana, and this is the time when people think about pruning plants in the landscape. One of the most commonly pruned plants in Southern landscapes is the crape myrtle. It is also the main plant in Southern landscapes that is pruned incorrectly.

(Video 12/15/14) Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to have a dreary yard. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives you some tips for adding late-season color to your landscape.

(Video 12/22/14) Now is a good time to get cool-season plants into your flower beds. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the importance of determining proper placement and spacing before you put them in the ground.

(Video 12/15/14) Students at University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge left their classrooms but didn’t travel far to find a little bit of wetland. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story.

(Distributed 12/11/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana farmers who want to become Master Farmers can begin the process by attending Phase I training on Jan. 12 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe.

(Distributed 12/10/14) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Fred Zaunbrecher, a rice farmer in Acadia Parish and a member of the Louisiana Rice Research Board, was honored on Dec. 8 as Farmer of the Year at the USA Rice Federation Outlook Conference.

(Distributed 12/10/14) CROWLEY, La. – LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk said this year’s second rice crop in south Louisiana was outstanding.

(Audio 12/15/14) Shade trees dump a lot of leaves on our lawns during this time of year. Instead of putting them out with the trash, use fallen leaves for mulch or compost. If you prefer the look of a particular mulch, place a layer of leaves under a thin layer of the mulch to save money. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/10/14) OAK GROVE, La. – The 59th annual Tri-State Soybean Forum has been scheduled for Jan. 9, 2015, at the Thomas Jason Lingo Center in Oak Grove.

(Audio 12/15/14) Find camellias already in bloom at your local nursery and plant them now. Be sure to plant the camellia at the same depth it was growing in the container. Camellias should be planted in a well-drained location with afternoon shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/15/14) Chemicals used in gardening include a wide variety of pesticides and fertilizers. Pesticides may by toxic, so make sure to store them where they are out of reach of children. Store fertilizers in an air-tight container to keep them fresh. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/15/14) Few gardeners still grow plants from seeds. When buying packages of seeds, we often do not use them all. Store excess seeds in the refrigerator to plant in your garden next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/09/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fourth-grade students at the LSU University Lab School learned about wetlands and their importance in an LSU AgCenter program that gets kids out of the classroom with a hands-on learning experience.

(Video 12/8/14) The Food Safety Modernization Act was passed to update food safety regulations with the hope of improving public health. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux explains how the act will influence both producers and consumers.

(Distributed 12/08/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Scores of visitors prowled through a greenhouse at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens on Dec. 5, selecting poinsettias to purchase and voting for their favorites among 18 varieties on display.

(Distributed 12/05/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Rebecca Stephens has always loved dressing in costumes. The LSU College of Agriculture junior felt stifled as a child by regular children’s clothes. Now she is pursuing her passion for costumes by majoring in apparel design.

(Audio 12/8/14) Cabbages won’t be bothered by below-freezing temperatures. Transplants come in multiple varieties according to head size or color and can be found at your local nursery. Plant transplants about two feet apart. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/05/14) The Chinese pistache (Pistachio chinensis) is a medium-sized ornamental shade tree known for spectacular orange, red and crimson fall foliage colors. The fall color is great in Louisiana from early November through mid December most years.

(Distributed 12/05/14) HAMMOND, La. – Most of us relax during late fall and winter. Our minds turn more toward the holiday seasons and less toward our landscaping and gardening efforts. Many activities, however, should be included in a “to-do list” of gardening tasks for December, January and February.

(Distributed 12/04/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The sixth annual Arbor Day at Burden in the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(Video 12/1/14) Tomatoes and peppers are being replaced with satsumas and navel oranges at roadside fruit and vegetable stands. Consumers can find Louisiana citrus this time of the year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a grower.

(Distributed 12/04/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is once again offering photographers an opportunity to contribute to its popular Get It Growing calendar.

(Distributed 12/04/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – New plants are heading for the marketplace to grace home gardens and commercial landscapes.

(Distributed 12/03/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The deadline for nominations for induction into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is Monday, Dec. 15. The inductees will be recognized at a reception and dinner at White Oak Plantation in Baton Rouge on March 5, 2015.

(Audio 12/8/14) Winter is a great time to plant hardy fruit trees in the landscape, such as apples. Choose warm varieties that like mild winters. Remember to plant two apple varieties for cross pollination. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/8/14) Because Louisiana has mild winters, this allows cool-season weeds to grow all through the winter season. Keep flower beds and vegetables gardens well mulched to protect them from weeds. If needed, apply a weed killer to your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/8/14) The wind chill factor really applies to warm-blooded mammals, such as humans. Because plants do not produce any heat, they are not affected by the wind chill factor. When it comes to your garden, only worry about the normal temperature. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/8/14) Tropical plants do not have the cold hardiness to deal with freezes. Protect them this winter season by bringing them inside your house or garage. If planted outside, cover them with layers of plastic or fabric. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/02/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – A horse in Port Allen, Louisiana, has been diagnosed by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine with equine enteric coronavirus. This highly infectious RNA virus can cause intestinal distress and is more common during the colder months of the year, said LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker.

(Distributed 12/02/14) HOUMA, La. – An oyster industry update for boat captains and deckhands will be held Dec. 5 at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum.

(Distributed 12/01/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Winners of the Louisiana 4-H educational awards look forward each year to the tour of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, said LSU AgCenter youth development instructor Tanya Giroir.

(Video 12/1/14) ’Tis the season for decorating, and one of the top decorations is a traditional Christmas tree. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to choose a good Christmas tree and keep it looking nice through the season.

(Distributed 12/01/14) A superior camellia for the Louisiana landscape, the Louisiana Super Plant ShiShi Gashira variety is the most widely planted camellia in the South. It is frequently referred to as a Camellia sasanqua but actually is a Camellia hiemalis.

(For Release On Or After 12/26/14) The oaks have become a part of American culture more than many other type of tree. Oaks are a symbol of strength and durability. Strong as an oak is a common comparison.

(Distributed 12/01/14) HOUMA, La. – Citrus fruit are becoming sweeter and juicier with cooler temperatures, according to LSU AgCenter agent Barton Joffrion in Terrebonne Parish.

(For Release On Or After 12/19/14) As the earth travels around the sun in its orbit, the length of our days and nights varies from season to season. This is because the earth’s axis of rotation is tilted in respect to its plane of orbit around the sun.

(For Release On Or After 12/12/14) Winter vegetable gardening is tremendously rewarding. Many of the vegetables we planted earlier in the fall are ready to harvest, and it is important to harvest vegetables at their right stage for best results.

(For Release On Or After 12/05/14) When it comes to Christmas trees, there are two basic choices – living or artificial. Although artificial trees have their place, and manufactures are producing some startlingly realistic versions, I’m going to focus on the living types, as you would expect in a gardening column.

(Video 12/8/14) If you thought holly berry or mistletoe were the most popular Christmas plants, you would be wrong. That distinction belongs to the lovely poinsettia. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to select good poinsettias and care for them through the season.

(Audio 12/1/14) Add cool-season bedding plants to your landscape in early December. This will allow the plants to settle in before the intense cold of late December, January and February. Listen to learn which cool-season bedding plants will do well this time of year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/1/14) Use poinsettias to decorate your home for the holidays. Keep poinsettias well watered and locate them close to a window. Another holiday plant is the Christmas cactus, which will bloom year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/1/14) Make sure your Christmas tree is fresh for the holiday season. Shake the tree to look for fallen needles, touch the needles to see if they are still soft, and pick out a tree that has a fresh green look and a nice smell. Consider cutting your own tree on a Louisiana Christmas tree farm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/1/14) Louisiana’s mild winters allow gardeners to grow vegetables year round. Promptly harvest vegetables to receive the best quality possible. Listen to learn which vegetables to plant in December. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/1/14) Gardening chores typically slow down during this time of year. Make sure to drain the gasoline from power equipment before storing them. Clean and sharpen all your tools, then coat them with oil so they do not rust. Store pesticides in a location where they won’t freeze. (Runtime: 60 seconds)