State

Nancy Landry, left, and Gwen Collins-Greenup will meet in the Nov. 18, 2023, runoff for Louisiana secretary of state. (Louisiana Illuminator)

Nancy Landry, left, and Gwen Collins-Greenup will meet in the Nov. 18, 2023, runoff for Louisiana secretary of state. (Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana Secretary of State race goes down to the wire; runoff needed

(not verified)
Monday, October 16, 2023
Republican Nancy Landry and Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup finished in a near dead heat Saturday to advance to a Nov. 18 runoff election for Louisiana secretary of state.
Louisiana Gov.-elect Jeff Landry greets supporters Oct. 14 at The Ballroom in Broussard after claiming an outright win in the primary election. (Travis Gauthier for Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana Gov.-elect Jeff Landry greets supporters Oct. 14 at The Ballroom in Broussard after claiming an outright win in the primary election. (Travis Gauthier for Louisiana Illuminator)

Jeff Landry surges to outright win in Louisiana governor’s race

(not verified)
Monday, October 16, 2023
Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry will become Louisiana’s 57th governor, claiming the seat outright in Saturday’s primary in a field with three other GOP candidates, a conservative independent and a lone Democrat who was expected to force a runoff. “Tonight’s election was historic.
Mealybugs are often found on the leaves, stems and flower buds of your plants. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Mealybugs are often found on the leaves, stems and flower buds of your plants. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

White stuff on plants could be mealybugs

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 13, 2023
If you’ve noticed the presence of white, fluffy, cotton-like formations on your plants, chances are you’ve encountered one of the most common garden pests: mealybugs.
2024 Get It Growing Calendar cover. Photo by Claudia Husseneder

2024 Get It Growing Calendar cover. Photo by Claudia Husseneder

Get It Growing calendar prepares gardeners for 2024

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 6, 2023
This 2024 LSU AgCenter Get It Growing calendar will again supply garden enthusiasts with lots of horticulture information, gardening tips and beautiful pictures.
This summer’s drought has been tough on plants such as these elephant ears and Louisiana irises. There is now concern about salt intrusion in the water supply.

This summer’s drought has been tough on plants such as these elephant ears and Louisiana irises. There is now concern about salt intrusion in the water supply.

Growing concerns: The salty struggle in the garden

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 6, 2023
Persistent drought conditions in Louisiana are raising concerns among homeowners and gardeners statewide. Along the coast, a troubling development is saltwater intrusion.
George B. Zigler went to Jennings in 1901 thinking he had only months to live. Instead of dying, he built an enduring legacy as an astute businessman and beloved philanthropist.

George B. Zigler went to Jennings in 1901 thinking he had only months to live. Instead of dying, he built an enduring legacy as an astute businessman and beloved philanthropist.

Zigler made a fortune from ‘worthless’ wells

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 6, 2023
George B. Zigler went to Jennings in 1901 thinking he had only months to live. Instead of dying, he built an enduring legacy as an astute businessman and beloved philanthropist.
Properly cleaned bird baths provide healthy drinking water for birds. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Properly cleaned bird baths provide healthy drinking water for birds. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

Taking care of our feathered friends

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 29, 2023
Gardeners are stewards of all things natural. When we garden and use environmentally friendly practices, we promote biodiversity, conserve resources and minimize harm to the Earth. We also can provide ecosystem services in our gardens. You may have read this term in my columns before.
Will Green

Will Green

LABI names new leader

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
After a months-long nationwide search, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) announced that Will Green has been named LABI President and CEO.
A baby feral pig at the at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station near Clinton. Feral hogs cause more than $90 million in damage to Louisiana agriculture annually. (Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter)

A baby feral pig at the at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station near Clinton. Feral hogs cause more than $90 million in damage to Louisiana agriculture annually. (Photo by Johnny Morgan/LSU AgCenter)

Center will aid in mitigating damage of invasive species

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Louisiana is home to some of the most destructive invasive species found in the United States. The LSU AgCenter has long worked to monitor and manage these non-native insects, weeds and wildlife.
Fallen leaves are economical because they are free. They are an excellent organic option for landscape beds. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Fallen leaves are economical because they are free. They are an excellent organic option for landscape beds. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Combat extreme temperatures with mulch

(not verified)
Friday, September 15, 2023
This summer’s extended period of extreme heat and drought has wreaked havoc on all plants great and small. One gardening practice that can make a considerable difference in combating extreme temperatures is mulching. Mulch can provide several benefits to plants.