Agriculture

AgCenter agents give tree-planting tips

Anyone who has ever visited the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center or the neighboring campus of LSU Alexandria has probably noticed — and maybe even stopped to snap a photo of — a pair of huge live oaks that stand in a field behind an office building.

The best time to plant a tree is now

Many of us get a generous amount of time off for the holidays at the end of each year. This time is best spent with family, reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the next. It is also a great time to get outside and get things done in the garden.

LDAF, AgCenter join to offer safety program to produce growers

The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry are developing an information program on water testing and management to help specialty crop growers meet federal and market-driven requirements.

AgCenter experts review 2020 rice season virtually

Two LSU AgCenter rice experts gave their perspectives on the past growing season in Louisiana during an online presentation for the 2020 USA Rice Outlook Conference on Dec. 2.

Christmastime is upon us

Christmastime conjures thoughts of red, white and green. And many types of beautiful plant materials are available to work with this time of year to spruce up and decorate your home for the season.

Korean filmmakers document Acadia Parish rice operations

Two Korean filmmakers have been in the south Louisiana area conducting interviews and shooting video as part of a documentary about rice production throughout the world. “We want to talk about the history of U.S. rice so viewers will know the chain of the U.S. rice industry,” said Timothy Hong.

Harrell named resident coordinator of LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station

Dustin Harrell will become the next resident coordinator of the LSU AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station on Feb. 1, replacing Don Groth, who is retiring at the end of January.

It’s time for caterpillars, butterflies, moths

If you’ve spent any time outside or in the garden here lately, you are sure to have noticed a frenzy of insect activity. Insects, including bees, butterflies, caterpillars and moths, are in full force this fall. Fall is especially busy for caterpillars.

Sugarcane harvest in the path of Hurricane Delta pauses

By Tobie Blanchard tblanchard@agcenter.lsu.edu and Bruce Schultz bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu Chad Hanks started harvesting his sugarcane crop on Sept. 29, a week behind schedule. The Lafayette-area farmer said he waited for Hurricane Sally to pass before getting into his fields.

Displaced after Hurricane Laura, Lake Charles business finds temporary home at LSU AgCenter

Soon after Nick Villaume opened a store selling popsicles in Lake Charles a few years ago, he decided he wanted to add ice cream to his offerings — but he didn’t know how to make it.