(Distributed 12/15/08) Although the exact costs aren’t in yet, the unexpected snowfall on Dec. 11 caused more damage to Louisiana’s commercial ornamental horticulture industry than hurricanes Gustav and Ike. “Wholesale growers in the Forest Hill area and the Florida parishes saw the most damage, and these areas represent the two major nursery production areas in the state,” said Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulture specialist at the Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 12/12/08) U.S. rice industry leaders met recently for the USA Rice Federation Outlook Conference with one eye on the economy and the other peering at the prospects for the 2009 crop.

(Distributed 12/12/08) Photographers have the chance to contribute their work to the LSU AgCenter’s popular Get It Growing Lawn and Garden Calendar. Although 2009 is just about to begin, preparations for the 2010 Get It Growing calendar are under way, and the LSU AgCenter is once again offering photographers an opportunity to participate in the competition that selects photos for the upcoming edition.

(Distributed 12/11/08) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter’s Audubon Sugar Institute are combining their knowledge of sugarcane processing and chemical engineering to develop a synergy between sugar production and ethanol.

(Distributed 12/10/08) To help address the problem of obesity and physical inactivity among children, LSU AgCenter extension agents have put together a Family Nutrition Night kit for check-out as part of participation in a nutrition education coalition in northeast Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/05/08) BOSSIER CITY – Eleven 4-H members were among 16 students in Caddo and Bossier parishes who received Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders awards, a new program sponsored by Chesapeake Energy.

(Distributed 12/05/08) The latest in research to help grow profitable crops will be presented at the Northeast Louisiana Crop Forum Jan. 21 at the Delhi Civic Center.

(Distributed 12/05/08) The 27th annual Ag Expo will be open to the public Jan. 16 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe.

(Distributed 12/02/08) Views and visions on Louisiana forestry will be presented at the 2009 Ag Expo Forestry Forum sponsored by the LSU AgCenter in conjunction with the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council.

(Distributed 12/02/08) Agricultural producers from Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi will have an opportunity to hear the latest in soybean research during the 2009 Tri-State Soybean Forum Jan. 9 at the Thomas Jason Lingo Center in Oak Grove, La.