LSU AgCenter

LSU AgCenter economist: Thanksgiving meal to cost more this year

Kate Archer Kent — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:26:33 +0000

The cost of the traditional Thanksgiving spread is up 13.2 percent in Louisiana. Analysis from the LSU AgCenter found a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people will cost $44.35. Kurt Guidry, LSU AgCenter extension economist, said that’s an increase of $5.16 from last year’s Baton Rouge average.

Guidry said it’s mainly due to the drought in the Midwest, which drove up the cost of feed for turkeys. The USDA projects a 2.5 to 3.5 percent price increase in all at-home food from 2011 to 2012.

LSU AgCenter overhauls football fields

Kate Archer Kent — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:48:17 +0000

The LSU AgCenter is working with high school coaches across the state to improve the condition of football fields. Turfgrass specialist Ron Strahan says many playing fields are in rough shape. He creates a "cookbook recipe" and month-by-month plan for improving the turf as part of the Field of Excellence program.

Shreveport community garden harvest on display

Kate Archer Kent — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:23:23 +0000

About 25 teenagers from the Stoner Hill neighborhood of Shreveport will show off their summer vegetable garden harvest today with a food tasting event at Valencia Community Center. LSU AgCenter extension agent Grace Peterson created a program called the Food Initiative Taskforce for Kids. Peterson's 10-week curriculum shows how to create a healthy food system from seed to harvest. She'll present her work at a food access summit in Baton Rouge later this year.

Forestry forum in Alexandria to address many issues

Kate Archer Kent — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:23:14 +0000

The LSU AgCenter will hold a forestry forum Feb. 23 at the evacuation shelter adjacent to the LSU-Alexandria campus. Earlier this month the Texas Forestry Association held a forum for landowners reeling from the drought.