Home > News Archive > 2009 > February > Northeast farms show potential as tourist attraction [Image: Delta Development] (TV News 03/09/09) Poverty is prevalent in Northeast Louisiana, but an LSU AgCenter entity is committed to helping people in rural areas overcome poverty and other barriers to economic prosperity. (Runtime: 1 minute, 34 seconds) Students participate in LSU AgCenter Livestock Show [Image: Livestock Show] (TV News 03/02/09) Youngsters who show livestock prepare for the show every day. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited with several students participating in the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show presented by Price LeBlanc. (Runtime: 1 minute, 18 seconds) Mexican rice borer more dangerous to La. sugarcane than rice [Image: studying borer] (Distributed 02/27/09) Gene Reagan, LSU AgCenter entomologist, has been doggedly studying the Mexican rice borer’s spread northward from the Rio Grande Valley for almost 30 years. The insect, which damages rice and sugarcane, has been migrating through Texas at the rate of 15 miles a year. In 2006, it was found in east Texas just one county away from Louisiana, and, sure enough, two weeks before the end of 2008, borers showed up in two traps on the Louisiana-Texas line north of Vinton. La. agriculture facing challenges in 2009 (Distributed 02/27/09) BATON ROUGE, La. – One of the challenges facing Louisiana agriculture in 2009 is the loss of income caused by the 2008 hurricanes, Dr. Mike Strain, commissioner of agriculture and forestry, said at the 2009 Ag Outlook conference held here Thursday (Feb. 26).  more articles... Lafayette 4-H’ers receive conservation award for hurricane recovery work [Image: kids in canoe] (Distributed 02/25/09) LAFAYETTE, La. – The 4-H Junior Leader Club in Lafayette Parish has been chosen for the Governor’s Conservation Award by Louisiana Wildlife Federation for helping Cameron Parish after hurricanes Rita and Ike. 30 youth earn premier exhibitor awards at LSU AgCenter Livestock Show (Distributed 02/25/09) GONZALES, La. – Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday (Feb. 21) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 74th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center here. Louisiana youth named champions at 74th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show (Distributed 02/23/09) GONZALES, La. – Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 74th Annual LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc Feb. 14-21 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center here. Students take ag adventure [Image: AgAdventures] (TV News 02/23/09) Many youngsters are far removed from farms and have little knowledge about crops and livestock. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports about a program that fostered agricultural awareness in a fun and interactive way. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds) Plant gladiolas for late-spring floral displays (Audio 02/23/09) The gladiola produces beautiful flowers in late spring or early summer. You can plant the bulbs from February through March. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Ins and outs of planting artichokes [Image: Planting Artichokes] (Video 02/23/09) It’s a good idea to plant vegetables now -- during cooler weather. One vegetable you might think about planting is the artichoke. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explores the ins and outs of planting artichokes. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds) Start caladium tubers early (Audio 02/23/09) You may begin to see caladium tubers at your local nursery about now. It is a good idea to get them early. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Organic matter is derived from plants (Audio 02/23/09) Gardeners often ask what the term "organic matter" means. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains it all. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Notice spring-flowering bulbs blooming (Audio 02/23/09) The foliage of your spring-flowering bulbs should be growing nicely, and you may even see some flowers blooming soon. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Start gathering documents for tax preparation (Radio News 02/23/09) Income tax returns are not due for several more weeks, but this is a good time to get important documents in order, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Click for more information...