Agriculture

Carolina Sapphire Christmas trees grow in the LSU AgCenter Lee Memorial Forest near Bogalusa. (Photo by Joe Nehlig/LSU AgCenter)

Carolina Sapphire Christmas trees grow in the LSU AgCenter Lee Memorial Forest near Bogalusa. (Photo by Joe Nehlig/LSU AgCenter)

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Yes, Louisiana, there will be Christmas trees

Johnny Morgan / jmorgan@agcenter.lsu.edu
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Consumers have been concerned about the availability of Christmas trees this year, but LSU AgCenter professionals say you should have no fear.

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Take them out of the kitchen and create a fragrant paradise

From the Eunice Bulb & Blossom Garden Club
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Herbs are usually for cooking and often overlooked as houseplants. Choosing herbs as houseplants gives you unusual and beautiful foliage plus adding subtle natural scents to a home. Say goodbye to overpowering artificial fragrances!
Root shaving or pruning can be done with hand saws and hand pruners prior to planting. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Root shaving or pruning can be done with hand saws and hand pruners prior to planting. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

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Root techniques for tree success

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Land-grant universities, including Louisiana State University, are committed to advancing agriculture in America through research and innovative growing and farming methods. Another part of our mission is disseminating research information to the public.
Satsumas ripen late summer through early winter depending on the cultivar. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Satsumas ripen late summer through early winter depending on the cultivar. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

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Citrus tree yield off due to Christmas freeze

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Friday, November 17, 2023
It’s satsuma time in Louisiana. Some plants began ripening in late September while other varieties will continue to mature through late November on into early December. As one of the best cold-hardy citrus types we can grow in the South, satsumas are a great option for home growers in Louisiana.

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Agriculture Hall of Distinction nominations due Nov. 17

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 3, 2023
The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is still accepting nominations through Nov. 17 for its induction ceremony, which will be held March 7, 2024, in Baton Rouge. The nomination form can be found online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.
Dianthus is an excellent cool-season bedding plant. Look for Amazon and Jolt dianthus, both Louisiana Super Plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Dianthus is an excellent cool-season bedding plant. Look for Amazon and Jolt dianthus, both Louisiana Super Plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

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Fall gardening in Louisiana

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Friday, November 3, 2023
Temperatures are becoming cooler as we progress into the fall season, and this provides much-needed respite from the heat for us and our plants. Fall is a great time to get out into the garden. If you haven’t already, there’s still time to get cool-season vegetables planted in Louisiana.
What if every imported seafood product for sale in Louisiana had a red sticker with the word “Imported” affixed to the front of its packaging?

What if every imported seafood product for sale in Louisiana had a red sticker with the word “Imported” affixed to the front of its packaging?

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Foreign seafood invades state market

Wesley Muller / Louisiana Illuminator
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
What if every imported seafood product for sale in Louisiana had a red sticker with the word “Imported” affixed to the front of its packaging?
LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso conducts rice research. Famoaso will lead efforts locally on a $22 million award from the U.S. Agency for International Development aimed at making cereal crops more readily available to those most at risk for hunger and malnutrition. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso conducts rice research. Famoaso will lead efforts locally on a $22 million award from the U.S. Agency for International Development aimed at making cereal crops more readily available to those most at risk for hunger and malnutrition. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

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LSU AgCenter is part of $22M USAID cereal crops project

Tobie Blanchard / tblanchard@agcenter.lsu.edu
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
The LSU AgCenter is partnering with several universities and countries on a $22 million award from the U.S. Agency for International Development aimed at improving lives around the world by making cereal crops more readily available to those most at risk for hunger and malnutrition.
False aster (Boltonia asteroids) is a perennial native wildflower that blooms each fall. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

False aster (Boltonia asteroids) is a perennial native wildflower that blooms each fall. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

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A guide to collecting and conserving native wildflower seeds

Heather Kirk-Ballard / LSU AgCenter horticulturist
Friday, October 27, 2023
The native wildflowers are just gorgeous right now. If you haven’t noticed all the beautiful yellow, purple and white flowers along the roadsides, in ditches and in natural areas, you are sure to notice them soon.
Attendees of the LSU AgCenter’s seventh annual Louisiana Farm to School Conference sample local satsumas provided by Ben & Ben Becnel Inc. (Photo by Jacey Wesley/LSU AgCenter)

Attendees of the LSU AgCenter’s seventh annual Louisiana Farm to School Conference sample local satsumas provided by Ben & Ben Becnel Inc. (Photo by Jacey Wesley/LSU AgCenter)

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Farm to School Conference promotes healthy habits

Todd Miller / vtmiller@agcenter.lsu.edu
Friday, October 20, 2023
Growing New Connections, the seventh annual Louisiana Farm to School Conference, gathered hundreds of partners to the Pennington Biomedical Conference Center to share ideas and best practices for bringing healthier, local food options to students throughout the state.