West Nile is here in horses
The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory identified the state's first case of West Nile Virus in a horse. Earlier this June, the virus tested positive in a horse from St. Landry Parish. Most animals exposed to the virus die..this horse is still alive. More...

How to start a community garden
In many cities and towns across the country, community gardens are just what the doctor ordered. These small plots of land are cultivated and managed by members of the community who share an interest in producing fresh fruits and vegetables and even flowers More...

Center establishes Communities of Color Network South
Louisiana's tobacco statistics are startling. Nearly 24 percent of Louisiana adults smoke, and a quarter of high school students in Louisiana are smokers. A program of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, The Communities of Color Network South, is serving as the infrastructure More...

Factors Contributing to Rising Food Prices
There may not be a food shortage, but food prices are definitely rising by the day. Food prices have more than doubled between 2004 and 2008. To make matters worse, fuel prices are on the same track. More...

Vacation Plant Care
Summer is the time when people commonly take their longest vacations. If you are going to be away from home for more than a few days, you may return to find that substantial damage has occurred to plants left unattended. This is especially true for plants grown in containers both indoors and outside. More...

Legislature helps farmers, forestry
Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said his first regular session with the Louisiana Legislature was an overwhelming success for farm and forestry interests. "It's been a great session," Strain said. "We had an aggressive package of 24 bills which will change the way a lot of our boards and commissions do the public's business." More...