Home > News Archive > 2009 > August > Radio & TV > Soybean harvest starts with low yields [Image: Soybeans] (TV News 08/31/09) A long bout of dry weather midway through the growing season stunted some of Louisiana’s soybean crop. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy says some farmers are seeing very low yields per acre as the harvest begins. (Runtime: 1:27) Corn harvest reveals varied yields (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) Cotton crop in good shape (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) Too much nitrogen can affect cotton harvest (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)  more articles... Drought affects early-harvested soybeans (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) Asian soybean rust not threatening crop (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) Dehydration can affect senior citizens (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) Words stimulate baby's brain (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) 4-H has plenty to offer students heading back to school (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) Biofuels are small portion of energy production (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) Food scientist extracting beneficial lutein from corn (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) Researchers looking at big picture for ethanol production [Image: Biofuels] (TV News 08/24/09) Crops such as sugarcane and sweet sorghum could be important sources of ethanol in Louisiana in the coming years. LSU AgCenter researchers are working on a conversion process but still have many hurdles to cross. (Runtime: 1:52) Keep food-borne illness out of school lunch box (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) National wildlife contest comes to Louisiana (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) Click for more information...