Statewide news bulletins: The LSU AgCenter is joining with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to develop a livestock show ethics and animal welfare task force, according to LSU AgCenter officials.The task force is being formed to educate youth and adults around the state about the traditions, values and ethics involved with raising and exhibiting livestock, officials said.

Purchasing a home can be an intimidating process. So to help people realize their dream of home ownership, Cynthia Richard, extension agent in Lake Charles, has been offering a series of homebuyer workshops.

LCES Facebook Page, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist receives Lifetime Achievement Award, LSU AgCenter weed scientist wins Distinguished Research Award, LSU AgCenter sugarcane scientist recognized/electronic delivery, LSU AgCenter offers new pest guides, Supan Receives Extension Appointment, New Fee Schedule for the LSU Soil Testing & Plant Analysis Laboratory, Web Traffic Analytics for LSUAgCenter.com, New tools shape Extension Service, New Parish Chair, Virtual Tour, Community Rural Development

Too many children grow up thinking food comes from the grocery store. But the LSU AgCenter is trying to help children learn the real story through an interactive, arena-sized exhibit called AgMagic. As they journey through this labyrinth of activities, they can touch, see – and even smell – the magic involved in growing food and fiber.

New Faculty Members, REE Interim Appointments, NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative RFA, SURE Program, eXtension Partnership Supporting Military Families, 4-H Clubhouse Team Wins Award, National Sweet Potato Council 2010 Achievement Award, AgCenter wins Conservation Communicator Award.

Topic covered in this issue: Faculty Assignment Changes, Crop Loss Estimates Developed by Dr. Kurt Guidry, Strain announces disaster declaration, Dr. Ken Gravois named new Sugarcane Extension Specialist for the LSU AgCenter, NIFA Leadership andNIFA Lists Open Requests for Grant Applications

Faculty Assignment Changes, Fee Increases, Louisiana Candidate for Southern Region Director of NAE4-HA, Louisiana Government Streamlining, Proposition Two: Potential Impact on Agriculture, 4-H Memorandum of Understanding, NIFA Director Announced, NEAFCS Award Winners, Extension Disaster Education Network received partnership Award, ANR Forum Alert, NIFA Rollout at Press Club Now Online, Jahn to serve in USDA post, September 2009 Parish Web page Statistics, and Conference call etiquette.

Census of Agriculture Data Available, New CoP, USDA Proposes Biobased Product Consumer Label Rule, Senate Passes Agriculture Appropriations Bill, Sea Grant Extension Leader Announced, Louisiana 4-H Makes National News, 4-H Night in Tiger Stadium, Learn to manage termites and get 2009 LSU football schedule, LCES Positions Granted Exemptions, Two have new responsibilities, Sweet potatoes on the side, Shupe and Dunn win Forestry Awards

The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service offers educational outreach in all 64 parishes and plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through its 4-H youth, family and community programs.

In this issue:Faculty AppointmentsLSU AgCenter International Programs Director Chosen for Leadership Program2009 4-H Hall of FameNew Parish ChairBiofuel Fact SheetVilsack Reverses Two Bush Administration USDA ActionsCongressman Cassidy on Critical CommitteeYouth Wetlands “Week Program of Distinction”CSREES Lists Open Requests for Grant ApplicationsGrowing the Small and Minority Farmer Industry in Louisiana