(Distributed 04/30/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The state’s first conference dedicated to the Farm to School initiative will be hosted by the LSU AgCenter at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center on May 27 with a focus to promote farm to school activities, networking and increase awareness.

BATON ROUGE, La – Three faculty members and two graduate students in the LSU AgCenter and College of Agriculture have received financial awards to carry out research.

(Video 04/29/15) This year’s wet weather across Louisiana is slowing down the planting of Louisiana’s soybean crop, which could affect yields when harvesting begins in late summer. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:43)

(Video 04/29/15) The LSU College of Agriculture’s poultry program promises students hands-on experiences. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a poultry lab to see the work faculty and students are doing. (Runtime: 01:30)

(Distributed 04/30/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fresh food, hayride tours and children’s water slides will be featured at the annual Garden Fest at Burden on June 20 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 04/29/15) POLLOCK, La. – Louisiana 4-H’ers received a real-world entrepreneurial experience while attending the 2015 Co-op Leadership Conference at Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center April 24-26.

BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association recognized outstanding alumni, faculty and students at a ceremony on Friday, April 24, at The Club at Union Square on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 04/29/15) HOMER, La. – The LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station will host a poultry field day on June 16.The event begins with registration at 9 a.m. followed by a walking tour at 9:30.

(Distributed 04/29/15) POLLOCK, La. – Thousands of students from across the state participated in Wetlands Week April 20-24 to celebrate one of Louisiana’s most valuable treasures.

(Distributed 04/28/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Many college students like to spend spring break somewhere tropical. That is what a group of LSU College of Agriculture students did on their recent spring break. But this group wasn’t lounging on beaches. The students were visiting farms, working with local children and helping struggling communities.

(Distributed 04/28/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Before the first garment will walk the runway, students in the Fashion Association at LSU will have worked all semester to prepare for their annual fashion show.

(Distributed 04/24/15) VIOLET, La. – Three thousand New Orleans area school children will learn how agriculture affects their lives when the exhibit AgMagic on the River returns to Docville Farms in Violet on May 13-16.

(Distributed 04/27/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has received a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Innovative Uses of Wood program.

(Distributed 04/27/15) CLINTON, La. – Owners of high-fence deer facilities and others interested in the business attended the high fence deer management field day at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones Wildlife Institute on April 22.

(Distributed 04/24/15) WINNSBORO, La. – Dozens of university wheat and oat varieties from university research and commercial companies were on display at the annual wheat and oat field day at the LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station Wednesday (April 22).

(Distributed 04/24/15) Pennisetum is an ornamental grass commonly known as purple fountain grass. And Fireworks is a new red-foliaged variety addition to this group of grasses.

(Distributed 04/24/15) HAMMOND, La. – Home gardeners have long enjoyed zinnias, one of our most popular warm-season bedding plants. New zinnia varieties have been introduced regularly over the past few years.

(Audio 04/27/15) April is usually the month when Louisiana irises look most beautiful in our landscapes. These flowers come in a wide variety of colors and can grow in both normal garden beds and wet areas. Listen for more information about caring for Louisiana irises. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/27/15) Although crape myrtles are relatively immune to pests and diseases, crape myrtle aphids can weaken these trees, reduce flowering, and cause sooty mold growth. Listen for information about keeping crape myrtle aphids away from your trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/27/15) The term deadheading refers to the removal of flowers that have faded. Deadheading can keep your plant looking fresh and prevent your plant from setting seed. Deadhead your plants to encourage longer growth and to keep them looking fresh. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/27/15) Roses are abundant this time of year. Planting roses earlier is preferable, but planting from containers now will also work fine. Plant low-maintenance roses now to add some beauty and color to your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/27/15) Spring is the prime season for planting perennial vines. Try training your vines onto a fence or lattice. As they grow, weave your vines horizontally through the fence or lattice in order to ensure that your vines appear full. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana moves through spring, the state’s horticulture industry is shifting into high gear.

(Distributed 04/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The chirping of baby chicks rang through a poultry lab on LSU’s campus. LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Theresia Lavergne had a research associate and graduate and undergraduate students helping her sort, weigh and band the birds for a research project.

(Distributed 04/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Different types of vegetable seeds and the produce that comes from them can be confusing, LSU AgCenter horticulturists say.

(Distributed 04/21/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two LSU AgCenter scientists are studying the effects of the BP oil spill on a horse fly species, using it as a bellwether to provide clues to the health of the marsh after the ecological disaster that occurred five years ago.

(Distributed 04/21/15) LAFAYETTE, La. – Judy Morgan, fourth-grade teacher at Charles Burke Elementary School in Lafayette Parish, has been honored by the Louisiana Farm Bureau as Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year for her school garden project.

(Distributed 04/21/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two LSU AgCenter scientists have been using small baitfish to study a new material that could help with oil spill cleanups. Their work began as the result of research started after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico five years ago.

(Audio 04/20/15) Many spring-flowering bulbs provide beautiful color in our landscapes. Be careful when removing the foliage of these plants after they are done flowering. Listen for more information on spring-flowering bulbs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/15) Fireworks purple fountain grass has been named a Louisiana Super Plant for spring 2015. This beautiful ornamental grass creates colorful foliage in whites, pinks, burgundies and greens. Think about adding some firework grass to your landscape for a beautiful display this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/15) Container plants are commonly used for decorating porches, patios and decks. It is important to keep these plants well-fertilized so that they will remain looking healthy. Use slow-release or water-soluble fertilizers in order to provide the nutrients that your container plants need. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/15) Once the weather warms up in the spring, it is time to move tropical plants back outdoors. Gradually reintroduce these plants to the higher levels of light outdoors. Listen for more instructions on moving tropical plants outside after the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/20/15) You may still have some Easter lilies left over from the Easter season. Rather than throwing these flowers away, plant them into a well-prepared bed. Listen for more information on planting and caring for Easter lilies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/17/15) Torenia, also called wishbone flower, is an alternative bedding plant to consider instead of impatiens for the shade.

(Distributed 04/17/15) HAMMOND, La. – Every few years, a new variety of bedding plant comes along that takes the country by storm. Greenhouse growers instantly fall in love; retailers cannot sell enough once they get it on the shelves; and home gardeners go crazy when they truly realize how great of a new plant it is.

(Video 04/27/15) Flowers aren’t the only source of color in your landscape during summer. On this edition of Get It Growing, AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill presents some great choices for colorful and attractive foliage that will stand up to the heat. (Runtime: 01:46)

(Video 04/20/15) Hanging baskets offer a unique aesthetic perspective to patios and porches. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips on maintaining the health and beauty of plants you choose for your hanging containers. (Runtime: 01:39)

(Video 04/15/15) Out of the classroom and on the lake, students in the LSU College of Agriculture are learning skills they will use in their careers. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard went out on the water with a class that was electrofishing. (Runtime: 01:44)

(Distributed 04/16/15) JEANERETTE, La. – Farmers were urged to be more mindful of protecting themselves from harm on the job at an LSU AgCenter farm safety meeting held Wednesday (April 15).

(Distributed 04/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Mimicking the growing population of East Baton Rouge Parish, the number of Formosan subterranean termites found in traps across the area is also increasing.

(Distributed 04/15/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – With breeding season underway, it is important for horse owners to pay attention to lameness in foals — a potential sign of a bacterial infection that causes joint ill.

(Distributed 04/15/1/5) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Margie Jenkins Azalea Garden Horticulture Lecture Series and Industry Open House will be held at the Hammond Research Station from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 15.

(Video 04/15/15) Rice planting in southwest Louisiana is virtually through, while planting in northeast Louisiana has come to a standstill because of wet weather. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:36)

(Distributed 04/14/15) RUDDOCK, La. – With Lake Maurepas standing in for their classroom, LSU College of Agriculture students in the School of Renewable Natural Resources boarded a boat equipped with a generator and anodes. The anodes send electrical currents through the water to temporarily stun fish.

(Distributed 04/13/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – After four years of helping college athletes stay healthy, Jamie Meeks is going pro. The registered dietitian and alumna of the LSU College of Agriculture’s School of Nutrition and Food Sciences has been named the director of sports nutrition for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans.

(Distributed 04/13/15) BATON ROUGE, La. — Two new classes for contractors and code verifiers to help homes achieve provisions of Louisiana’s new residential building energy code will be offered April 28-30 at the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Resource Center.

(Distributed 04/13/15) Angelonia is a great bedding plant for the warm season.

(Distributed 04/10/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Many Louisiana ponds experience partial fish die-offs during the spring due to a combination of disease and low oxygen stress, according to LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Greg Lutz.

(Distributed 04/10/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Each year, the LSU AgCenter and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center give an annual report to the East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President and members of the Metro Council. This year’s event was held on April 8.

(Distributed 04/10/15) HAMMOND, La. – It may be hard to believe, but the LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants program is now 5 years old. With the announcement of our first 2015 selection – Henna coleus – we now have 29 Louisiana Super Plants. This list will grow to 32 outstanding plants by the end of 2015.

(Distributed 04/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The long, hot, humid summers in the Deep South can cause electric bills to skyrocket as people turn on their air conditioners for relief. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel offers several ways to reduce costs.

(Distributed 04/06/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana agriculture as a whole contributed $12.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2014, as reported in the 2014 Ag Summary from the LSU AgCenter, which was released today online. Net value for all sectors was up 7.6 percent, or $900 million, from 2013, said AgCenter economist John Westra.

(Distributed 04/02/15) Two new plants are joining the list of Louisiana Super Plants this spring. Henna coleus is the first.

(Distributed 04/02/15) HAMMOND, La. – Early April is here, and that signifies the peak flowering season for azaleas across the state. Some years, flowering is earlier; some years, flowers come later.

(Distributed 04/02/15) CROWLEY, La. – Rice farmers in south Louisiana have been taking advantage of favorable weather to start their growing season with estimates of more than half the acreage planted.

(Audio 4/13/15) Now is a great time to add some warm-season bedding plants to your garden. Put old cool-season bedding plants in your compost pile when they play out and are removed from the flower bed. You can visit your local nursery and buy some new and colorful plants now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/13/15) In the spring and summer, a fungus called powdery mildew can become a problem for a variety of ornamentals and vegetables. Once you notice this mildew, it is easy to control. Apply several applications of fungicide to alleviate the problem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 04/08/15) Azaleas are superstars of spring. But flowering bridal wreath plays a supporting role in bringing out magnificent patches of color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why bridal wreath spirea can be an excellent shrub for your landscape. (Runtime: 01:43)

(Distributed 04/02/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Five Armenian farmers and food processors are visiting Louisiana this week (March 30-April 3) as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cochran Fellowship Program, which provides short-term training to agriculture professionals from middle-income countries.

(Video 04/01/15) Everyone is familiar with the Easter lily, but there’s another beautiful Easter plant that’s not well known. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the Easter cactus – a relative of the Christmas cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus. (Runtime: 01:31)

(Audio 04/13/15) Caladiums are reliable bedding plants that grow well in shady areas. They are great plants to use to add summer color to your garden. Listen for more information on planting and maintaining caladiums. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 04/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Master Farmer Program was honored by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation at the Governor’s State Conservation Achievement Award Banquet on March 28.

(Video 04/01/15) For corn farmers across Louisiana, it is a case of déjà vu. Again this year, persistent wet conditions have caused corn planting to run behind schedule, but that may not necessarily be a bad omen for farmers. Craig Gautreaux has this report. (Runtime: 01:30)

(Audio 04/06/15) Coleuses are popular plants among gardeners. These colorful plants can be used in a diverse array of areas in our landscapes. Listen for information about an exceptional Super Plant called the Henna coleus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/13/15) Around April, your lawn will begin to need more and more attention. Remember to get the blades on your lawn mower sharpened and mow regularly. Listen for more lawn care tips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/13/15) Newly planted grass grows best in Louisiana during the warm summer months. If you spot a dead area in your lawn, lay sod to repair the damage. Listen for more instructions on lawn care and maintenance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/06/15) Early to mid-April is the ideal time to plant your tomatoes. This allows your plant time to settle in and produce lots of flowers while the weather is still mild. Listen for more information on choosing and planting tomato plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/06/15) If you haven't already fertilized your lawn, now is a great time to do so. It is important to spread an appropriate amount of fertilizer evenly over your lawn. Be sure to choose a fertilizer that matches the needs of your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/06/15) When cultivating tomato plants, it is important to keep them elevated off the ground. This prevents rotting and allows the plant to grow properly. Listen for information on methods of growing and training tomatoes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 04/06/15) Many popular herbs are ready to be harvested right now in the spring. It is important to harvest before the summer heat causes the plants to shut down. Harvest your herbs generously now while they're in the peak of production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/15) Late spring is when cool-season bedding plants start to fade. Right now, nurseries may still have cool-season bedding plants for sale. However, make sure you're buying plants that will bloom through summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/25) It's time to head to your local nursery and buy some warm-season bedding plants. These plants can withstand the harsh summer heat. Plant them in your flower bed to provide color all through the long, hot summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/15) Late spring is a great time to plant a wide variety of vegetables in your home garden. Plant these vegetables into sunny, well-prepared beds. Consider adding vegetables such as collards, corn, Swiss chard and peppers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 04/24/15) An ornamental grass called Fireworks purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum Fireworks) has been selected by the LSU AgCenter as a Louisiana Super Plant for spring 2015. And, wow, are you going to be impressed by the colorful foliage of this grass.

(For Release On Or After 04/17/15) Coleuses were among the first plants I became familiar with when I started learning about plants as a teenager. I found the incredible variation of colors and patterns in the leaves fascinating. This spring, the LSU AgCenter has named Henna coleus a Louisiana Super Plants selection.

(For Release On Or After 04/10/15) Vines are an amazing group of plants with enough diversity to boggle the mind of any gardener. What binds these wonderful plants together is their universal lack of strong stems. That’s right; vines are lazy plants that rely on some other plant or structure to allow them to grow upwards, or they simply run on the ground.

(Audio 03/30/15) Sapsuckers are one of the few birds that cause damage to woody plants such as trees and shrubs. These birds peck holes in the bark in order to get sap and insects out of the plants. Thankfully, however, the damage caused by these birds is usually relatively harmless. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 04/03/15) Mulching is an easy-to-do labor-saving gardening technique that all gardeners should take advantage of. A mulch is a material, usually organic but sometimes inorganic, we use to cover the soil surface around plants. Mulching beds is an important part of sustainable landscaping.