Agriculture

Frozen blooms of Japanese magnolias will become mushy when ice thaws. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Proactive steps to protect your plants

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 19, 2024

By Heather Kirk-Ballard LSU AgCenter horticulturist When winter weather forecasts call for freezing temperatures, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard both your home and plants from the impending cold snap.

Train to be a farmer

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 19, 2024

BATON ROUGE — The LSU AgCenter will begin a free, yearlong training program for beginning farmers in Louisiana in February.

LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto speaks during the Louisiana Agricultural Outlook Forum Jan. 10 at the State Evacuation Shelter near Alexandria. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Farmers should get some relief on input costs in 2024 challenges likely to remain

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 19, 2024

After a year of economic challenges amplified by unfavorable weather, Louisiana farmers recently got some good news from LSU AgCenter experts. The costs of inputs like fertilizer and fuel, while still high, are trending downward.

Ronnie Levy. (LSU AgCenter photo)

Louisiana’s rice specialist receives national rice award

Harlan Kirgan

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Ronnie Levy knows rice. For four decades and in various roles with the LSU AgCenter, Levy has helped Louisiana farmers grow many of the state’s economically important crops, but much of the focus has been on what is the backbone of so many Louisiana dishes — rice.

LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso working in a greenhouse at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. Famoso was recently named director of the station. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Famoso named director of LSU AgCenter rice research station

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 12, 2024

By Olivia McClure omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu CROWLEY — The LSU AgCenter has named Adam Famoso resident director and research coordinator of its H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley.

Icy blooms. (LSU AgCenter photo)

Prepare now for the coming cold snap

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 12, 2024

Winter is about to make its presence known, and with it comes many questions about protecting landscape plants, pipes and pets when the temperature drops. LSU AgCenter professionals say everyone should pay attention to the forecasts to know ahead of time when freezing weather is approaching.

The Red-N-Sweet watermelon has dark red, sweet flesh. It was the last watermelon released from the Calhoun Research Station. Photo by Kerry D. Heafner

LSU watermelon nominated for Slow Food Ark of Taste

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 12, 2024

A watermelon cultivar developed at the now closed LSU AgCenter Calhoun Research Station has been nominated for boarding onto the Slow Food Ark of Taste. The Red-N-Sweet is a 1987 LSU release.

A great way to minimize your inputs while maximizing your outputs is to use plants athat are edible. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

It’s a new year in the garden and time to plan

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 12, 2024

With a new year upon us, now is the time to sit down and reflect on last year and what you would like to do with your garden and landscape in 2024. There are some consistent gardening trends across the U.S.

Grow herbs year-round in Louisiana. (LSU AgCenter file)photo)

Flavorful herb harvestg

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, January 5, 2024

Nothing elevates a delicious recipe quite like the burst of flavor from fresh herbs plucked straight from your garden. Ever found yourself searching for a specific herb in the grocery store, only to be disappointed by the quality? Homegrown herbs to the rescue!

2024 gardening resolutions

Harlan Kirgan

Friday, December 29, 2023

Find five resolutions in this list of ideas to accomplish during the coming year. Happy 2024 gardening! Hang or build a bird feeder. Start a compost bin. Ask your grandparents what they grew in their gardens. Weave native plants into your flower beds.