(Radio News 03/08/10) Water temperatures dictate what type of bait crawfish producers use for their traps. Cold water temperatures generally mean more expensive baits, says LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Robert Romaire. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) During crawfish season, consumers always have an eye out for big crawfish filled with succulent meat. LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Robert Romaire says big ones may be hard to find right now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) Once a facility under construction near Delhi is completed later this year, thousands of tons of sweet potatoes will enter it and be processed into sweet potato French fries. Doug Beyer, manager for the ConAgra’s Lamb Weston plant, says the facility will open in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) A new sweet potato processing facility that Lamb Weston is building in northeast Louisiana will benefit the surrounding communities and Louisiana’s sweet potato industry. Doug Beyer is the plant's manager. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/08/10) Every inch of the Louisiana 4-H Museum has a story. 4-H has been helping Louisiana young people develop their full potential for more than 100 years, and the museum tells of that proud history. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/01/10) The Louisiana 4-H Museum is open on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to museum coordinator Rose Anne St. Romain. St. Romain will present a program on making memories from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. each of those days that's designed to get adults and children sharing stories. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/01/10) Thousands of youngsters gathered during February at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales for the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. Many come to the annual show with the chance of taking home a state championship or other honor; others come just for the fun of it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/01/10) A quick glance around the show barn and you realize this isn’t your great-grandfather’s livestock show. Sure, the sounds are the same, and so are the smells, but when the participants aren’t showing, many are playing games on their smart phones or listening to their music players. A lot has changed since the LSU AgCenter livestock show started in 1936, but youngsters still learn important traits like responsibility, sportsmanship and even patience. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Radio News 03/01/10) LSU AgCenter researchers are working on ways to make harvesting crawfish easier and less expensive. LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Robert Romaire is experimenting with different harvesting schedules and baits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/01/10) The slow start to the crawfish harvest could pick up when the weather warms. The cold winter has kept the catch down but it hasn’t hurt of killed the crawfish in ponds, according to LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Robert Romaire. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) Frigid temperatures last month may have killed some of your plants, but it probably didn’t kill many insects. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says most insects are very capable of protecting themselves by hibernating or finding protected areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) West Carroll farmer William Stutts began his farming career when he was still in high school. He used an FFA grant to get started. That was 34 years ago. He has seen many changes in those years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) After a wet and cold winter, gardeners are anxious to get back into their yards. Even though temperatures have stayed fairly cold, some gardeners may have started spring gardening activities already. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says gardeners can busy themselves with several tasks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) You may know how and when to plant your pansies and petunias, but do you stretch before heading into the garden? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says while experienced gardeners know what to do in their landscapes, they may not take care of themselves as well as they take care of their flower beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/22/10) In the last-minute rush to get tax returns completed, taxpayers often make mistakes. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker warns about common mistakes you can avoid. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/15/10) The heart is in focus during February, not only because of Valentine’s Day, but also because this month the American Heart Association calls attention to the threat of heart disease. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says a healthful diet can guard against a heart attack.

(Radio News 02/15/10) Overall, Tod Hibbard is glad to be raising chickens again. His houses sat empty for months after Pilgrim’s Pride closed its poultry processing facility in Farmerville. He is now growing chickens for Foster Farms, but his houses aren’t as full as they used to be. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/15/10) Poultry producers are still struggling to rebound after the closing and then reopening of a processing facility in Northeast Louisiana. The facility has been running for several months, but LSU AgCenter county agent Matt Stephens says it’s not running at capacity. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/15/10) Crowds of animals and youngsters gather every year for LSU AgCenter Livestock Show, and this year with be the 75th for the state livestock show. LSU AgCenter livestock show manager Dwayne Nunez said the first shows were much smaller than then ones today. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/08/10) At the beginning of a new year many adults resolve to exercise more. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West says parents should include their children in their healthy goals. She suggests finding ways to get kids to move more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/08/10) Parents who want their children to eat healthier, need to eat healthy themselves. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West said parents must prepare meals with healthful foods and give their youngsters good options for snacks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/08/10) Love is in the air in February, and children learn about love and relationships from their parents and guardians. It is important for parents, whether together or not, to model a healthy, respectful relationship because it will serve as a guide for a child’s future relationship says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/08/10) Parents can help their children become good decision makers by giving them proper boundaries says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/15/10) Every February, cows, goats, rabbits, pigs and poultry – accompanied by the youngsters responsible for them – come together from every corner of the state for the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. Even though livestock has always been in the event’s name, it is more about helping young people develop life skills than it is the about the animals, according to LSU AgCenter livestock show manager Dwayne Nunez. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/01/10) Scissors were cutting and sewing machines were stitching at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center where 100 4-H’ers gathered for the 4-H fashion camp. 4-H fashion board member Tiera Harris of Claiborne Parish helped plan camp activities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/01/10) Weather hasn’t been kind to Louisiana farmers recently, but an LSU economist predicts farmers may have better luck with the economy in 2010. Dek Terrell spoke to farmers at the LSU AgCenter’s AgOutlook Conference and said he expects the U.S. gross domestic product to grow in the coming year and the recession to end. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/01/10) Agricultural activities are sources of methane and nitrous oxide. LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes says agricultural industries should be proactive in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions before regulations force them to do so.

(Radio News 02/01/10) Altering cultivation practices can help farmers sequester carbon dioxide. Kevin Norton, Louisiana’s director of the Natural Resource Conservation Service, says farmers have started adopting cultivation practices that help store carbon dioxide in the soil rather than releasing it into the environment. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/25/10) You can have your king cake and eat it too. Just do it moderation, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy, who adds that along with moderation comes balance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/25/10) Tax planning and preparation aren't just activities for April. They should be a year-round process, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker, who says you should always be on the lookout for ways to save on your taxes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 01/25/10) If you pipes survived the recent freezing temperatures, remember to protect them from any additional cold weather we may get this year. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says homeowners often remember to protect pipes outdoors but forget about other ones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/25/10) Tax planning and preparation aren't just activities for April. They should be a year-round process, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker, who says you should always be on the lookout for ways to save on your taxes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/18/10) Temperatures that fell into the teens across most of Louisiana had nursery owners scrambling to protect their plants. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/18/10) Covers blanketed rows of strawberries on Eric Morrow’s farm in Pontchatoula. The covers can make a 4 to 6 degree difference in the temperature around the plants, but they couldn’t offer enough protection from several nights in the twenties and teens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 01/18/10) If you didn’t take tender plants indoors during the recent cold spell, you can expect to see damage to them. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 01/18/09) Strawberry acreage in Louisiana has declined in recent years although new varieties and techniques have increased strawberry production. This year the state's growers planted just 300 acres, but Dr. Regina Bracy, resident coordinator at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station, says the industry is still strong. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) Cooler evenings become more frequent this time of year. A roaring fireplace can add warmth and ambiance to your home, but you can also bring in unwanted pests when you bring in the firewood, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) If you’re looking for ways to save money this winter, try cutting your energy costs. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel has some tips that start with advice about curbing air leakage in your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) Five years ago, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Ray Schneider discovered Asian soybean rust on a research soybean plot in Baton Rouge. This discovery, the first of the disease in the United States, set off an alert across the country. Experts were assembled, and a plan of action to manage the disease was put into place. (Runtime: 1:30 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) With the recent talk of banning the sale of untreated oysters during the summer months, an LSU AgCenter food scientist says irradiating oysters could kill the potentially harmful pathogens. Dr. Lucina Lampila says irradiated food is nothing to fear. (Runtime: 1:10 seconds)

(Radio News 01/11/10) Rain caused problems for sugarcane growers at the start of harvest season. Farmers got a break in November, but as the end of this year's harvest draws nearer, LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says December rains led to even more troubles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 02/01/10) Record-setting rainfall in Louisiana during the late fall and early winter can be attributed to El Niño, a weather pattern marked by warmer-than-normal waters in the Pacific Ocean. With El Niño conditions persisting, LSU AgCenter climatologist Jay Grymes says farmers may have to brace for more rain this spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/25/10) Bitter cold temperatures swept into Louisiana recently, and if you found your heating system working overtime and your energy bill skyrocketing, you may want to find areas where air may be leaking into your home, says LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 01/04/10) The Food and Drug Administration has backed off a proposed ban that would have restricted the sale of untreated, warm-water, raw oysters during the months of May through October. The state currently has only a few facilities equipped to treat oysters with either high-pressure or low-temperature pasteurization. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 01/04/10) The holidays are over, and the decorations have come down, but LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed says your Christmas tree still has some value to it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) Each new year many people resolve to be healthier. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says start 2010 with a plan that will help you make healthful choices. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) Many people use container plants to embellish decks and patios, but some of these plants must come indoors for the winter. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet warns the soils of these plants are good dwelling places for a variety of insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) Small insects can invade our pantries -- particularly this time of year when many people store extra items such as cake mixes, flour and other foods for holiday parties. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says to be careful of what you buy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) Parents facing military deployment should prepare their children for the absence. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents can start by helping children express their feelings. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/21/09) Plants can play a featured role in holiday decorations. If you invested in plants to use in your holiday decor, don’t neglect them as the season wears on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/21/09) Many families have established the tradition of giving gift bonds as Christmas presents. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says the bonds can come with a lesson. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) What do you do with that cluster of poinsettias, the decorated living Christmas tree or the holiday cactus you got as a gift after the holidays? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill has the answers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/28/09) LSU AgCenter nutritionist suggests sneaking in ways to move more this holiday season. Dr. Beth Reames says adding exercise to your schedule can keep you from gaining holiday weight. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/21/09) The popularity of gift cards as Christmas gifts continue to increase each year. While they are a great option, purchasers should be aware of risks and costs associated with gift cards. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/21/09) If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker has a few tips to keep you from overspending. First make a plan, then shop with a set amount of cash in an envelope. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/14/09) Some holiday foods and drinks such as cream pies and eggnog traditionally call for raw eggs. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames says recipes can be adapted to use cooked eggs instead of raw eggs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/14/09) Holidays are an exciting time with a new baby, but the festivities can be stressful for infants and toddlers. LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents should be aware of their baby’s temperament during holiday activities. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/14/09) Children can be good holiday helpers in the kitchen says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is a great way to teach youngsters about nutrition and food safety. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/14/09) Children of divorced or separated parents could have a difficult time during the holidays. LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents need to be sensitive to their children’s needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/14/09) It takes several years for a new pecan tree to come into production. LSU AgCenter country agent in Pointe Coupee Parish Miles Brashier says growers have planted new trees in recent years and are replacing lost or damaged trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) Research shows that average weight gain during the holidays is a pound. While that doesn’t sound like much, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says there is some bad news. That pound tends to stay around, and the weight can accumulate over the years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) Jeff Smith owns the Farmers Feed Mill in New Roads. He also grows and buys pecans. This year pecan movement is slow after Hurricane Gustav destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) Homeowners looking for a low-maintenance fruit tree should try citrus. LSU AgCenter county agent Alan Vaughn says growers can have a productive citrus tree in any area of the state. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) The state will have an average pecan crop this year in spite of a dismal crop in parts of south Louisiana. Pointe Coupee Parish typically produces around 3-4 million pounds of pecans a year, according to Miles Brashier, LSU AgCenter county agent. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 12/07/09) Fruit glistens on rows of trees at Ben Becnel’s citrus orchard in Plaquemines Parish. This is a good year for citrus in the area. Becnel has battled numerous storms in recent years, but he is still managing to produce an excellent crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/30/09) Certain varieties of Christmas trees can be grown in Louisiana. For homeowners interested in growing their own, a good place to start is a local nursery or a Christmas tree farm, says LSU AgCenter wildlife and forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/30/09) An artificial Christmas tree cannot compete with the fragrance and beauty of a real one, but a real tree will require some care throughout the holiday season. LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/30/09) The Christmas tree is an iconic symbol of the holidays. The freshest trees can be found at choose-and-cut tree farms. According to LSU AgCenter forestry specialist Dr. Don Reed, the popular tree on Christmas tree farms in Louisiana is the Leyland cypress. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/30/09) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station are helping dairy producers become more efficient while lowering costs. Station director Dr. Mike McCormick says one way is showing them how to cut down on unnecessary nutrients in their herd’s diet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) Louisiana could have fewer acres of wheat. Growers are planting the 2010 crop, and LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell expects to see a drop in acreage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) Early estimates put rain-related crop damage at $275 million. Many of the state’s commodities were at the height of harvest season when frequent rains started in September. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) Wheat does not like wet conditions, and rain in October and November has delayed planting in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says growers were able to get some of their crop planted during recent dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) For a second year in a row, weather has ruined a portion of Louisiana commodities. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike were the culprits last year, but this year farmers don’t have a named storm to blame, just plenty of rain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/23/09) Dairy producers have struggled in recent years. Producers in Louisiana face additional obstacles, says LSU AgCenter dairy researcher Dr. Mike McCormick. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/16/09) During American Diabetes Month, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames is reminding people that healthful eating is important in managing and preventing diabetes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/16/09) Strong family ties were an important factor in helping people recover from hurricanes. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser worked on a project that looked at disaster recovery. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/16/09) LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Hui Pan is using a technique that liquefies wood. She can separate preservative chemicals, such as chromated copper arsenate or CCA, from treated wood products such as old telephone poles. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/16/09) Family traditions and rituals have been shown to strengthen families regardless of income levels and religious beliefs. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser talks about this during November’s family life month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/16/09) Dr. Michael Blazier is looking to forests for biofuel. The LSU AgCenter forestry researcher says two percent of U.S. electricity comes from wood, but Blazier sees a greater potential. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/09/09) Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast and then put the food away promptly, recommends LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames. The turkey and side dishes shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/09/09) A new sweet potato processing facility in northeast Louisiana is offering hope to Louisiana’s sweet potato industry. ConAgra’s Lamb Weston Division will build the facility near Delhi, says LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Dr. Tara Smith. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/09/09) A turkey typically is the star of the Thanksgiving feast. When purchasing a turkey, cooks must make sure they buy enough to feed their crowd. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/09/09) Frying a turkey is a popular tradition for many Louisiana families during the holidays. While a fried turkey may not seem very healthful, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says it won’t wreck your diet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/09/09) Under threatening skies, workers at the LSU AgCenter's Sweet Potato Research Station recently rushed to harvest several rows of sweet potatoes. Like the situation faced by many farmers, harvest was slow because of wet conditions, and the potatoes that came out of the field were covered in mud and hard to sort. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/2/09) Beverly Pierce has worked in child care for more than 30 years, but she hasn’t always considered herself a professional, and she hasn’t always been so calm in her classroom. The way she approaches her profession – and the children and parents she works with – changed when she took the child development associate course through the LSU AgCenter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/2/09) Babysitting is a job, but child care is a profession. Two LSU AgCenter agents are working to elevate the profession in the New Orleans region with ongoing education. Alexis Navarro is a family and consumer sciences agent and teaches child development associate courses to child care providers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 11/2/09) The Junior League of Baton Rouge has partnered with the LSU AgCenter’s Little Bookshelf program. The program promotes reading to young children. Anna Stuckey is a Junior League member and volunteer on the project. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) The LSU AgCenter’s sugarcane breeding program is important to Louisiana’s sugarcane industry. But the program experienced a set back last year, says LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) Children look forward to Halloween, and while fun is their priority, parents’ priority should be safety. LSU AgCenter family specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents should take extra precautions with their children on Halloween night. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) Rising prices are a positive point for Louisiana sugarcane growers. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says farmers were growing pessimistic about their outlook. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) Early in the growing season it appeared the disease known as rust would be a problem for Louisiana’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre said most varieties showed symptoms of the disease in March and April but that it appears to be less of a problem now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/26/09) Wet weather has been hard on Louisiana sugarcane farmers attempting to harvest their crops. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says rain has caused the stalks of cane to fall over and is making it difficult to get the crop out of the field. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) Think outside the candy aisle when shopping for Halloween treats. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers advice about alternatives to the pounds of candy children get every year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) A professor working in LSU AgCenter’s human ecology department has conducted research on successful marriages and families. Loren Marks says he has found a common thread. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) African-American couples with happy and enduring marriages were the focus of a study by Loren Marks in the LSU AgCenter’s human ecology department. Many of the families he studies were low-income families in urban areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) Although the frequent rains in September were bad for many crops still in the field, the weater was good for Louisiana's pecan crop. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Charlie Graham says the rain was necessary for the pecan hulls to open. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/19/09) In 2005 Hurricane Rita destroyed or disabled more than half of the fishing fleet in Cameron Parish. The storm also wiped out the infrastructure. Four years later, the fishing industry is still trying to return to normal. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) With 230,000 acres this year, Louisiana has the smallest cotton crop in recorded history. Acreage has been on the decline in recent years. Growers were shaping up to have a good crop in 2009, but rain has affected the harvest and quality of Louisiana’s cotton. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) Cotton has a long growing season in Louisiana, and this makes it a risky crop to grow. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet says with high production costs and a weak economy many farmers aren’t willing to take that risk. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) Much of the state’s cotton crop should have been harvested by now, but frequent rains during the month of September kept Louisiana farmers out of their fields and jeopardized the crop, according to LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) The remnants of Hurricane Rita’s destruction are still evident in coastal Cameron Parish four years later. Only about a third of the population has returned to the area. Parish administrator Tina Horn says the Louisiana Recovery Authority is working with the parish to help people pay the additional costs of elevating and fortifying their homes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/12/09) Rebuilding is still moving slowly in Cameron Parish -- after Hurricane Rita devastated this coastal parish four years ago. The LSU AgCenter is building a demonstration home, called the Chenier House, to offer hope and guidance to residents who want to rebuild. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/05/09) An LSU AgCenter researcher’s work is benefiting the environment, the oil industry and two Louisiana companies. Dr. Qinglin Wu has developed a process to recycle used plastic containers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/28/09) Food and football go hand in hand. Just like players take precautions on the field to protect themselves, tailgaters also should take precautions with their food. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/05/09) Eating while watching television can become a habit and lead to unhealthy eating habits, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Lifelong eating habits often are learned early. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/28/09) New guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy focus not only on how much weight to gain but also on the importance of being a healthy weight when you become pregnant, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. The Institute of Medicine recently issued weight gain recommendations that say a woman of healthy weight before pregnancy should gain between 25 and 35 pounds during the pregnancy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/05/09) A couple from New Iberia is marketing a composite material developed by an LSU AgCenter researcher. Tony and JoAnn Parker have worked in the oil industry for more than 30 years, and when they read about Dr. Qinglin Wu’s plastic and wood composite pellets, they approached him about testing the product for use during drilling. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/28/09) Louisiana’s wild alligator season runs from September to the end of October. But LSU AgCenter aquaculture agent Mark Shirley expects only a few hunters to be out this season because of lower prices and demand for alligator skins. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 10/05/09) Parents can help their children develop good eating habits. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says parents should offer their youngsters healthful options. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/28/09) Workers at Vermilion Gator Farm are busy curing the skins of some of the 80,000 alligators the farm raises. But next year the skinning and curing sheds will sit mostly empty. The Raphael Sagrera family has operated the farm for more than 25 years, but they’ve never seen a year as bad for the business as this one. In June, they didn’t collect alligator eggs, and they won’t raise a crop in 2010. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Radio News 09/28/09) Hurricanes Gustav and Ike last fall disrupted alligator nesting this summer. LSU AgCenter aquaculture agent Mark Shirley explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/21/09) Yellow jackets are aggressive scavengers, and they can be particularly bothersome this time of year, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/21/09) Early autumn remains an active time for insects in Louisiana, and September usually brings a resurgence in the love bug population. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says this fall we could see plenty of these amorous insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/21/09) Fire ants can be a terrible nuisance for homeowners and landowners. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet recommends large-scale treatment during the spring and fall. Late September or early October is a good time to organize a treatment campaign in your neighborhood. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/21/09) Barret Olivier farms 1,500 acres of rice in St. Landry Parish. He lost a portion of his crop last year to Hurricane Gustav, but this year his crop is in excellent condition. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/21/09) LSU AgCenter’s rice verification program takes research-based recommendations and applies them to a farmer’s field. Vince Deshotel is an LSU AgCenter county agent in St. Landry Parish. He says the program benefits growers and researchers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/14/09) The Louisiana rice harvest was off to a record start. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says farmers were harvesting around 60 barrels to the acre early on -- where they typically get around 40 barrels per acre. But yields began dropping off as farmers got into later-planted fields. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/14/09) Rice farmers are harvesting their crop, and LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says this is the biggest crop of Clearfield rice the state has seen. This year farmers also planted more medium-grain varieties than in recent years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/14/09) Jerry Ragas has been growing citrus in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, for four decades. He’s survived freezes and storms that have killed off his trees. He recently replanted his grove after Hurricane Katrina wiped out his stand. Now his orchard is threatened by an insect known as the diaprepes root weevil. He first noticed damage last fall but thought something else was causing it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/14/09) A year after it was discovered in the New Orleans area, the Asian citrus psyllid is still a concern for Louisiana citrus growers. The state's citrus production is centered in Plaquemines Parish, where aerial sprays have kept the pest under control, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Natalie Hummel. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/14/09) The diaprepes root weevil comes in multiple colors and can cause problems for multiple plants, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Natalie Hummel. The biggest concern with the weevil in Louisiana is the state’s citrus crop. The insect, native to the Caribbean, was confirmed in a citrus orchard in lower Plaquemines Parish last fall andit has killed more than 20 trees there. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/07/09) Steer clear of trans fats. That’s the recommendation from LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Trans fats come from liquid oil that has been made into solid fat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/0709) Couples can improve their relationships by improving communication. LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Dr. Linda Robinson says the "daily temperature reading" can be used as a communication guide. It consists of five areas partners share with each other. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/07/09) Babies cry as a way of communicating needs – hunger, pain, diaper change. But sometimes babies cry for seemingly no reason. Researchers use PURPLE as an acronym to describe this crying. LSU AgCenter child and family life expert Dr. Linda Robinson explains that it is crying that peaks (the first P in the acronym) around two months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/07/09) The names Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike can cause anxieties in adults, and while children may not remember the names of storms, they may remember living through them. LSU AgCenter child development specialist Dr. Becky White says parents should talk to their children during storm season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/07/09) Allowing children to play a role in preparing for a storm could help alleviate some of their fears. LSU AgCenter child development specialist Dr. Becky White says one thing they could do is help gather their evacuation kit. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) Nitrogen helps keep cotton plants healthy, but too much nitrogen could be detrimental. Cotton is a perennial plant, and more nitrogen than is recommended could cause the plant to keep growing past the appropriate time, says LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) During the next few weeks Louisiana farmers will start harvesting their cotton. Dry weather hurt some fields, but LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet says the state's crop looks good overall. Boquet says insects have been a problem in some fields and have required growers to use more insecticides. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) Louisiana farmers are harvesting their corn crops, and yields vary dramatically. Some farmers are getting near-record levels of almost 200 bushels to the acre while others are seeing yields as low as 50 bushels to the acre. LSU AgCenter extension associate Rob Ferguson explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) Asian soybean rust is spreading across Louisiana but probably won’t harm Louisiana’s soybean crop. LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett says the disease is likely in every soybean-producing parish but that its presence is no cause for alarm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/31/09) Louisiana’s soybean harvest is just getting started. A small portion of the crop is out of the fields, and those early-harvested beans revealed lingering effects of the midsummer drought. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) Reading or simply talking to a baby is a critical way to stimulate his or her brain. Dr. Linda Robinson, a family development specialist with the LSU AgCenter, says this early brain stimulation can help a child prepare for success in school, relationships and the work world. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) It’s hot out there, and staying hydrated can help you avoid heat-related illness. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says this is especially important for senior citizens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) As the new school year begins, many youngsters are looking to participate in clubs and organizations. 4-H has a strong presence in Louisiana schools, and the LSU AgCenter's head of its statewide youth development program says event where 4-H is not in the schools, youngsters can find it in their parish. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) Dr. Jack Losso is working to extract the antioxidant lutein from corn. The LSU AgCenter food scientist says corn appears to be the most economical source of lutein. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/24/09) LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Mike Salassi recently spoke at the Louisiana Natural Resources Symposium about the current market outlook for biofuels such as ethanol. He says biofuel represents only a small percentage of energy production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) A.J. Carlson had never been in Louisiana before participating in the 4-H National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program. But within a day he had gained extensive knowledge about the wildlife that thrive in the state. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) More than 60 youngsters from 16 states competed in the 4-H National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program held recently in Sabine Parish. This three-day contest wasn’t just a walk in the woods. Participants observed a woody tract of land and had to make recommendations for certain wildlife species. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) Backpacks aren’t the only thing youngsters are carrying to school. Many students bring their own lunches. LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Dr. Beth Reames says parents should be sure their child’s food is packed safely to prevent food-borne illnesses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) Researchers are looking for ways to make ethanol from cellulosic material such as sugarcane economically feasible. One way to make the math work is to find high-value byproducts of the refining process. Dr. Donal Day is conducting research at the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/17/09) The LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute is converting crops such as sugarcane and sweet sorghum into ethanol. Two parts of a plant can be made into biofuel, says LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Donal Day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) Soy products contain a protein called the Bowman-Birk inhibitor. This protein has numerous health benefits, such as inhibiting cancer cell growth and reducing inflammation. LSU AgCenter food scientist Dr. Jack Losso is conducting research on this protein. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) Moving away to college can be a financial eye-opener says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Students should determine their fixed and flexible costs, then prepare a livable budget before they make the big move. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) Students must consider pros and cons when deciding whether or not to work during their college years. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says employment can enhance career opportunities but could hinder studies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says many growers are facing tough financial situations. Growers gathered recently at the LSU AgCenter sugarcane field day where they heard good news about prices. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/10/09) The disease rust has been a problem in Louisiana’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says growers saw an influx of the disease in late winter in varieties thought to have good rust resistance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/03/09) The 2008 hurricanes hurt many of the state’s agribusinesses. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is administering a loan program for businesses that had at least $10,000 in losses. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry has more details.

(Radio News 08/03/09) A loan and grant program is assisting farmers affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says the program offers low-interest loans to producers who suffered at least $10,000 worth of losses because of the 2008 hurricanes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/03/09) Feed costs for aquaculture crops have risen dramatically in the past year. A grant program is helping offset the increased costs. Money from the program comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/03/09) A group of 4-H’ers recently cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Louisiana 4-H Museum in Avoyelles Parish. More than 500 people attended the July 18 opening and got to see the origins and evolution of Louisiana 4-H. Museum coordinator Rose Anne St. Romain explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/03/09) 4-H has been developing youth in Louisiana for more than 100 years, and a new museum in Avoyelles Parish shows how important the organization has been to so many. Rose Anne St. Romain, coordinator for the Louisiana 4-H Museum, talks about it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) Parents of children starting kindergarten may be anxious about the upcoming transition. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents should keep in mind that many children adapt easily to changes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) Thirty Louisiana 4-H’ers participated in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational in Grand Island, Neb. Joe Barrett, an LSU AgCenter 4-H agent in Bossier Parish, called the event the superbowl of outdoor skills programs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) Grandparents raising grandchildren represent the fastest-growing type of family household in the United States. Many grandparents come to this role because of a crisis in the parent’s life. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says these grandparents have much more to deal with than just children going through normal developmental challenges. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) Most school-age youngsters are deeply immersed in summer, but with back to school time right around the corner, parents and their children should start preparing. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says children will need to shift from play mode back to the world of homework. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) LSU AgCenter rice breeders constantly are working on experimental lines, and Dr. Steve Linscombe says two Clearfield lines in development show promise. The first is an early maturing, long-grain variety that if released would be called CL 111. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 0720/09) Louisiana’s rice crop appears to be in good shape. But farmers have had to pump more water because of dry weather, says LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk. Growers also are concerned about high nighttime temperatures, which can interfere with pollination of the rice plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/20/09) The LSU AgCenter's Rice Research Station recently celebrated its centennial during its annual field day. Station director and rice breeder Dr. Steve Linscombe said the station has had a strong rice variety development program over the years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/20/09) Giant salvinia has been a problem in Louisiana for nearly a decade. The noxious weed can clog waterways and chokes the life out of lakes and ponds. The weed isn’t native to this area and has no natural predators. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/20/09) The aquatic weed giant salvinia is suffocating thousands of acres of Lake Bisteneau in northwest Louisiana. So the LSU AgCenter is working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to dump even more salvinia into the lake – but this salvinia is infested with a weevil that feeds only on the weed. Over time, the weevils can keep the salvinia in check. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Radio News 07/20/09) The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H camp near Pollock, La., increased its size to 82 acres as the Louisiana 4-H Foundation officially donated a vacant piece of property for camp expansion. 4-H Foundation Executive Director Eric Eskew explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/13/09) Insects on soybeans are active in Louisiana, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Jeff Davis. If a grower's crop is at the R3 stage or higher, Davis recommends treating for pests if there are high numbers of insects present. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/13/09) Louisiana’s soybean crop is in the middle of its growing season. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy says dry weather is starting to affect the crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/13/09) A disease is affecting cucurbit plants, which include fruits and vegetables such as melons, squash and cucumbers. Downy mildew can cause serious damage to these plants, says LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Don Ferrin. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/13/09) Dr. Boyd Padgett, a plant pathologist with the LSU AgCenter, spoke to farmers at the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station and Red River Research Station field days. Padgett is evaluating the use of fungicides on corn at certain stages and says more research is needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/06/09) Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse is better for the environment, says LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. H.Y. Hanna. He says growers don’t have to use pesticides because they can control the environment in the greenhouse. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/06/09) Aflatoxin is a major concern for corn growers. This naturally occurring fungus is a potent carcinogen that can grow on corn. Dr. Ken Damann conducts research on aflatoxin for the LSU AgCenter. He says the pathogen thrives in hot, dry conditions like those the state has experienced recently. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/06/09) Some farmers are fighting volunteer weeds – crops from a previous planting growing among a new crop. LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Donnie Miller explains that a Roundup Ready corn plant growing in a soybean field is a weed, and it competes for nutrients and can reduce yields of the desired crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/06/09) Quality tomatoes can come from a greenhouse. LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. H.Y. Hanna spent the past 13 years proving it. Hanna says his work benefits small growers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/06/09) Farmers visiting the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station for its annual field day were greeted by dry, cracked earth, dusty fields and crops on the verge of drought stress. Much of the state has seen little or no rainfall for several weeks, and the crops are starting to show it, according to LSU AgCenter research coordinator Dr. Donnie Miller. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) Blueberries are brimming with nutrients and flavor, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) The LSU AgCenter Pecan Research-Extension Station in Shreveport will not be affected by the latest alignment of Interstate 69 in southern Caddo Parish, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Dr. Patrick Colyer, the LSU AgCenter's Northwest Region director, says this is great news. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) 4-H’ers pledge to live healthfully, and the LSU AgCenter is helping youngsters keep that pledge. From Smart Bodies to Smart Choices, the LSU AgCenter has a variety of programs that teach children about healthy living, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/29/09) Keep it clean when cooking or eating outdoors, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. No one wants a picnic or cookout spoiled by foodborne illness. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) When a hurricane hits, residents in its path may have to live without water or electricity for a while. LSU AgCenter disaster programs coordinator Pat Skinner says Louisiana residents need to be prepared for primitive living conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) Home gardeners can have fresh, delicious and nutritious blueberries right outside of their doors. Blueberries are a great fruit crop for the home landscape, says LSU AgCenter county agent Kenny Sharpe. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) Blueberries have big health benefits, and they are in season now. Louisiana has its share of blueberry growers, and the quality of this year’s crop is as high as its nutrition content. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) Gathering important supplies before a disaster occurs is important. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker recommends putting together a "grab and go" box. She says this box should include items such as backup copies of important computer files, negatives of treasured photographs and keys to the safe deposit box. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/22/09) Hurricanes generally are less frequent during the early part of the summer storm season, but now still is a good time to prepare for potential storms, says LSU AgCenter disaster programs coordinator Pat Skinner. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) Each June Father’s Day highlights the important roles dads play in children's lives. LSU AgCenter family and child development associate Courtney Pitts says fathers need to be involved throughout their children's lives. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) Babies are like sponges, soaking in new things every day. Parents can provide babies and young children with the motivation to learn. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) Most children are naturally inquisitive and when a storm is approaching your child may have many questions. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says you should be prepared to answer these questions before they are asked. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) It is not unusual this time of the year to notice a large mass of tiny insects on the bark of certain trees. These are psocids or bark lice, explains LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet, who says they won't harm trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/15/09) Pine colaspis beetles may be feeding on your pine and cypress trees. Dr. Dale Pollet, an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter, says these golden beetles are foliage feeders. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) Every child needs an advocate – someone who is on their side, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) Individuals looking for extensive control of fire ants should look for growth regulators, says an LSU AgCenter entomologist. Dr. Dale Pollet says these baits work by sterilizing the ants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) If you haven’t treated your yard for fire ants, it’s not too late. April and October are the ideal time to treat, but you can still get good results in June, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) An insect not seen in Louisiana rice fields in more than two decades has damaged two fields. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Natalie Hummel says the grape colaspis is a problem in rice in Arkansas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/08/09) The rice water weevil is a major pest of rice, and the population this year appears as large as ever. Researchers aren’t sure what caused the increase in weevils, but LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Natalie Hummel says the damage is already noticeable in some fields. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/01/09) Summer camps provide fun and educational experiences for youngsters, and parents have many options when choosing where to send their children. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser has advice for picking the right camp. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/01/09) Parents need to have realistic, research-supported expectations about what their children can do and accomplish at a particular age or stage in life, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White. She says expecting too much too soon can have a negative affect on a child. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/01/09) An important part of parenting is providing guidance to your child. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White says parents need to provide a safe and loving environment where children can learn and grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/01/09) Some children experience homesickness when they are away from home during the summer. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents must be careful when dealing with or anticipating homesickness.

(Radio News 06/01/09) A devalued peso could lead to a million tons of Mexican sugar coming into the United States. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says that amount would be much more than Louisiana’s sugar industry expected. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/25/09) Hurricanes Gustav and Ike delayed last year’s sugarcane planting. As a result, 60 percent of the crop was planted in September and October. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says this hurt the crop.

(Radio News 05/25/09) Hessian flies have been a problem in some wheat fields in recent years. These flies are small insects that feed on wheat seedlings and leave behind a toxin that can make a plant develop poorly. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/25/09) Farmers are harvesting their wheat crops, and the conditions of what they're harvesting are mixed. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says conditions were dry in January and February and that hindered the growth of the wheat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/25/09) One of the easiest ways to avoid a potential illness is quite simple – wash your hands appropriately. Hands are the most common way to spread germs because they are warm and moist and come in contact with many surfaces. LSU AgCenter family development associate Emily Braud says proper hand washing is especially important for children. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/25/09) The disease rust is showing up in a popular sugarcane variety. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says rust also has been a problem for growers in the past. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/18/09) More than 1,500 plants grace the All-America Rose Selections garden at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Research Station in Baton Rouge. And AgCenter horticulturist reports the garden recently won an Outstanding Rose Garden Maintenance Award from All-America Rose Selections. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/18/09) Roses are enjoying a renewed popularity among gardeners, and low-maintenance shrub roses are a big reason for the increased interest, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/18/09) High blood pressure doesn’t always have symptoms, so many people may have it without even knowing it. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Simple lifestyle changes can control high blood pressure, she points out. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/18/09) Farmers have new options when planting cotton. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet says new seed technology helps control pests. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/18/09) The LSU AgCenter leadership program is accepting applications for its 12th class. Dr. Bobby Soileau, the program's director, says a goal of the program is to provide participants with the tools to become effective voices for agriculture. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/11/09) Although many are calling the latest outbreak, "swine flu," the disease is not transmitted by eating pork products, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. She says eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/11/09) Mother’s Day kicked off National Women’s Health Week. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says the week emphasizes the need for women to get adequate exercise and eat a healthful diet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/11/09) This year’s Louisiana cotton crop will be the smallest the state has seen since the 1800s. Louisiana farmers will plant around 240,000 acres of cotton – nearly 60,000 fewer acres than last year. Despite the small crop, however, LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet still says he expects it to be a good crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/11/09) The continuing decline in the state's cotton acreage is bad news for rural Louisiana’s economy. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Don Boquet says producing cotton requires many inputs, which help support local businesses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/11/09) Agriculture contributed nearly $10 billion to the state’s economy in 2008. The LSU AgCenter recently released its 2008 Louisiana Summary of Agriculture and Natural Resources. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. John Westra said slightly more than half of the $9.5 billion came from the farm-gate values. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/04/09) The value of wheat residue was an important topic at the LSU AgCenter’s Wheat and Oat Field Day in Winnsboro. LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Don Boquet explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/04/09) In order to be successful parents, individuals shouldn’t neglect themselves. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White says parenting is especially challenging in today’s society and that parents need to take breaks to care for themselves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/04/09) Infants have basic physical needs to eat and sleep, but beyond that, babies and children need to be nurtured. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White says being a nurturer is the most important role for parents. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/04/09) Insects pose problems for farmers, and a relatively new pest is proving to be a big problem for soybean growers. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy says the red-banded stink bug has been showing up in soybean fields in recent years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/04/09) Maintaining your air conditioner can save you money and help your health in the long run. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says changing the filter regularly can increase airflow into the system and prevent dirt from building up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/27/09) The LSU and City Park lakes are popular destinations for recreation in the Baton Rouge area, but the lakes popularity can lead to litter problems. Youth Wetlands Week Coordinator Ashley Mullens kicked off the week of wetland awareness by holding a trash bash around the lakes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/27/09) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research Station have planted a sentinel plot of soybeans. The purpose of this plot and others like it across the state is to warn against diseases like Asian soybean rust that could affect the crop, says LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/27/09) Louisiana is likely to have a large soybean crop this year, according to experts. LSU AgCenter’s soybean specialist Dr Ronnie Levy is expecting as much as 1.2 million acres. Mid- to late April is the optimum time to plant soybeans, but weather delayed some farmers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/27/09) Youth across the state participated in Youth Wetlands Week. The LSU AgCenter sponsored the week of lessons and activities to highlight the importance of the state’s wetlands. But the members of America’s Wetland Conservation Corps – a group of AmeriCorps members working thoughout Louisiana – dedicate a year to raising awareness of wetland conservation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/27/09) Dozens of youngsters gathered around a bin of baby chicks -- all eager to pet and maybe even hold one. These kindergarteners from Northwestern Elementary in Zachary were immersed in AgMagic, the LSU AgCenter’s interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/20/09) The Mexican rice borer has been a problem for rice and sugarcane growers in Texas for nearly three decades. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Gene Reagan has worked with Texas A&M researchers to learn more about the pest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/20/09) Anyone whose been bitten by a fire ant knows the sting these little pests can inflict. A fire ant can bite several times within seconds. By quickly removing the ants from your body, you can avoid additional stings. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet explains how to treat a bite. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/20/09) April is the ideal time to treat for fire ants. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says insecticides can give you immediate results, but growth regulators will give you longer-lasting results. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/20/09) Students can learn about Louisiana agriculture before and after they visit the LSU AgCenter’s interactive exhibit AgMagic. LSU AgCenter poultry specialist and AgMagic tour guide Dr. Theresia Lavergne says teachers receive packets that include lessons they can use when they get back to their classroom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/20/09) LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Gene Reagan has been studying the Mexican rice borer in Texas as it moved northeast toward Louisiana. He says estimates show it could have a significant effect on Louisiana’s sugarcane and rice crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/13/09) Youngsters can take an interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture at AgMagic. The LSU AgCenter sponsors the event which is in its sixth year. LSU AgCenter poultry specialist and AgMagic tour guide Dr. Theresia Lavergne says the event includes exhibits on forestry, insects, fisheries, crops and livestock. Each exhibit includes something exciting for visitors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/13/09) Corn acreage reached record levels in Louisiana several years ago, but the acres dedicated to this feed grain will drop again this year. LSU AgCenter corn specialist Rob Ferguson predicts Louisiana corn growers will plant around 510,000 acres. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/13/09) Most of the state’s corn has been planted. Some growers were able to get their crops planted early, but heavy rains may have washed off fertilizer applications, according to LSU AgCenter corn specialist Rob Ferguson. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/13/09) LSU AgCenter entomologists have crossed state lines to monitor a pest that threatens Louisiana’s rice and sugarcane industry. The Mexican rice borer has been in Texas for 30 years but recently was found in traps at Vinton, La. Entomology graduate student Julien Beuzelin is working in Texas to study this insect. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/13/09) Hurricanes Gustav and Ike caused $91 million worth of damage to Louisiana’s 2008 rice crop, and some areas are still feeling the economic effects. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says southwest Louisiana will continue to see losses because of salt contamination in rice fields. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/06/09) A large number of crane flies are active this time of year. These giant flies and their larva can be a nuisance but aren't harmful, explains LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/06/09) With the weather warming and flowers blooming, honeybees are becoming active. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says if you find a swarm in your yard, you should leave it alone or leave it to a professional. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/06/09) The LSU AgCenter’s Master Horseman program was started after a survey of horse owners across Louisiana found that many lacked adequate horsemanship skills. LSU AgCenter horse specialist Dr. Clint Depew explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/06/09) The LSU AgCenter is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources to sponsor Youth Wetlands Week, a program aimed at fourth- through 12th-graders that raises awareness about the need for wetland rehabilitation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/30/09) Tod Hibbard figures he has grown nearly 10 million chickens in the 16 years he has been a poultry producer. Hibbard has eight chicken houses on rolling land in Jackson Parish. He said business was good initially but has had ups and downs over the years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/30/09) Louisiana rice acreage likely will see a slight shift in varieties being grown this season. Australia is a major producer of medium-grain rice, but several years of drought has reduced the amount of rice that country is growing. California also has reduced its medium-grain acreage, according to LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk, who says those circumstances present opportunities for Louisiana farmers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/30/09) The water that surged into Vermilion Parish during Hurricane Ike has long since retreated, but that water left the soil it flowed over contaminated with salt. LSU AgCenter county agent Stuart Gauthier has been sampling sites around the parish. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/30/09) Hurricane Ike took some rice fields out of production in southwest Louisiana, but acreage is likely to go up in other parts of the state thanks to renewed interest in the crop brought by decreasing production costs. Experts say the state's overall rice acreage probably will hold steady at around 400,000 acres in production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/30/09) The poultry industry is vital to north Louisiana’s economy, but nearly 200 poultry producers in the area may find themselves with empty chicken houses for a while. Pilgrim’s Pride plans to stop operating its poultry processing facility in Farmerville in May, and the plant could see some down time as it transitions to new owners. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/23/09) Have you considered where your food comes from? Not just from farmers and farms -- but where those farms are located and how the food got to you? Emily Neustrom works with the LSU AgCenter’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program and talks about the importance of buying local. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/23/09) It is not unusual to see Natalie Hummel in a skirt and heels carrying a bicycle helmet. On many days Hummel bikes to work. Hummel, an LSU AgCenter entomologist, says riding her bike allows her to conveniently fit in 40 minutes of exercise a day. She moved to Baton Rouge from Texas where she was driving close to 100 miles a day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/23/09) New varieties can revolutionize a crop’s industry. Beauregard is the leading variety of sweet potatoes in Louisiana. After the variety became available in the late 1980s, the state’s sweet potato industry grew, says LSU AgCenter sweet potato researcher Chris Clark. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/23/09) Sweet potato breeders recently released a new variety that could rival the long-dominant variety Beauregard. The variety Evangeline was grown commercially last year, and experts say that while it doesn't rival Beauregard's resistance to plant diseases it does excel in taste. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/23/09) Americans leave a large carbon footprint on the Earth. Making small changes can reduce the size of that footprint and help conserve natural resources. LSU AgCenter area housing agent Stephen Picou says a good place to start is by replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, which use 60 percent less energy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/16/09) Agriculture revenue has grown in the past five years, according to an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Dr. Robert Young says in 2002, the agriculture industry recorded $250 billion in sales. Last year industry sales totaled more than $360 billion. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/16/09) The economic stimulus package includes several provisions for farmers and rural America. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/16/09) Congress recently passed an economic stimulus package that includes a $50 million aquaculture block grant. The money is to assist aquaculture producers with the high cost of feed in 2008. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says while Louisiana has an important aquaculture industry, it is unclear whether crawfish will receive much money from this grant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/16/09) The economic stimulus package brings changes to the 2008 farm bill’s disaster assistance program. Under the supplemental revenue assistance or SURE program, agricultural producers would have a revenue guaranty for their commodities based on level of crop insurance. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/16/09) Agricultural producers will have to make decisions based on new federal legislation. The 2008 farm bill offers an alternative to traditional farm subsidy programs. The Average Crop Revenue Election program, or ACRE, will require farmers that enroll in the program to give up 20 percent of their direct payments but will grant them a 30 percent lower loan rate. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/09/09) The Delta Rural Development Center is offering classes on how to do business over the Internet. These classes promote expanded entrepreneurship in the 12-parish Delta region. LSU AgCenter agent Dora Ann Hatch teaches part of the class. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/09/09) The LSU AgCenter piloted a 12-hour leadership training course in Tensas Parish. Lead Louisiana attracted elected officials, community volunteers and emerging community leaders. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/09/09 LSU AgCenter's Delta Rural Development Center in Oak Grove, La., is working to change conditions in northeast Louisiana. Louisiana Delta Initiative joins the development center with other organizations hoping to improve the economic conditions of the Delta region. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 9/30/08) Hurricane Ike tipped the losses in the Louisiana sweet potato crop to 50 percent. Farmer Ken Thornhill in Franklin Parish has started harvesting his fields, but he said he is seeing some encouraging results. (Runtime: 60 seconds)