Home > News Archive > 2009 > Gardeners' attentions turn to cool-season plants [Image: Fall Plants] (Video 11/30/09) The weather is cooler, the days are clearer, and it’s a great time to plant things. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains which trees, shrubs and cool-season flowers are some of the right ones to plant now. (Runtime: 1:24) Louisiana dairy farmers face obstacles [Image: Dairy Research] (TV News 11/30/09) Louisiana’s dairy industry has struggled in recent years. The high costs of food, fuel and fertilizer cut into potential profits. And while these costs have gone down this year, so have the prices farmers get for their milk. LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Mike McCormick says dairy producers in Louisiana face additional obstacles. (Runtime: 1:45) Agribusiness leaders hear latest about state conditions (Distributed 11/20/09) LAFAYETTE, La. – Current trends affecting Louisiana food and agriculture highlighted a recent meeting of state leaders in agriculture and agribusiness. Vow to move more, eat less over holidays (Distributed 11/20/09) Try a different tack as you head into this holiday season. Vow to move more and eat less, says Heli Roy, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. “Most people invariably gain weight over the holidays – anywhere from a half pound to five pounds,” Roy said. “But you don’t have to, and most people can’t afford to.”  more articles... Pecan harvest delayed by weather, but crop should be plentiful (Distributed 11/20/09) SHREVEPORT, La. – Rain has delayed the pecan harvest across the state by two to three weeks, but plenty of the crop should be available for the holiday season. Compare prices and sizes when purchasing plants [Image: Plant Prices ] (Video 11/23/09) When it comes to choosing bedding plants at the nursery, bigger plants with bigger flowers are better, right? Well, that’s not necessarily true – particularly when it comes to cost. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill gives us a bedding plant economics lesson. (Runtime: 1:36) Wet weather delays wheat planting [Image: Wheat Planting ] (TV News 11/23/09) Early fall in Louisiana is often the driest part of the year, but October saw record rainfall in some areas, which has affected the harvest of many crops and the planting of wheat. (Runtime: 1:15) LSU AgCenter awarded $2.84 million federal grant (Distributed 11/20/09) LSU AgCenter has been awarded a $2.84 million research and extension grant for improving sweet potato production efficiency, quality and food safety. Take care of aquatic gardens in fall and winter (Distributed 11/20/09) Including a water feature in the landscape provides an oasis for a wide variety of wildlife. Providing habitat for wildlife is a principle of sustainable landscaping, and as a result aquatic gardens have become quite popular with Louisiana gardeners. Homeowners can grow their Christmas tree (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) Live Christmas trees need proper care (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) Look for freshness when picking out a Christmas tree (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) Three-stage lagoon system manages dairy waste (Radio News 11/30/09) A three-stage lagoon system at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station is treating waste on the dairy farm. The system traps nutrients and breaks them down before they leave the farm through water runoff. If growers can’t reuse excess manure as fertilizer, LSU AgCenter dairy researcher Dr. Vinicius Moreira says, environmental problems can occur. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Research advises cutting back on phosphorus in cow’s diets (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) Click for more information...