A blonde young woman wearing a blue lab coat and safety glasses holds a glass dropper up to the camera.

As a young child, Emily Davis was the victim of a horrific crime, but, with the support of her family and the pediatrician who documented the evidence, Davis became a survivor.

A man wearing a blue collared shirt rests his hand on a green tractor with several red tractors parked behind him.

Farming is all Will Smythe has ever known. The Washington County producer, whose acres of corn and soybeans grow in Tribbett, supports his family’s farm operation beside his father and brother, his wife and children, every day. Smythe is quick to see, however, that success in agriculture is defined by much more than his year-to-year profitability.

A young woman wearing a white cowboy hat and a red embroidered blazer stands on a wooden deck.

Miss Rodeo America 2019 Taylor McNair is the official spokesperson for the sport of professional rodeo. A native of Learned, Mississippi, McNair will travel more than 100,000 miles to attend more than 100 rodeos over the course of her term. She shares how the 10 years she spent in Hinds County 4-H prepared her for her career.

A group of 14 men and women stand on either side of a woman wearing a bright green hat and holding up an award.

It all started back in 1966, when former 4-H’er Ruby Beckley decided to become a 4-H volunteer leader. During her own days in 4-H, she won corn-growing competitions, and she knew, even though she wasn’t a mother yet, she needed to share her talents with the next generation.

A close up of a white concrete entrance with “Polk Dement Stadium” engraved into the concrete.

Jackson Precast Inc. is Mississippi’s only company that specializes in producing architectural precast, DeVoss explains. When the business competes for jobs, out-of-state manufacturers are its main competitors

Dark blue water meets the edge of white sand on a clean, empty beach.

Mississippi’s commercial fish industry employs thousands of Magnolia State workers who work along the beautiful waters of the Gulf Coast.

Two young women and one young man wearing green blazers stand on a marble floor.

Legislative Day is a favorite among 4-H’ers. Each year, Mississippi 4-H Council officers and ambassadors spend a day visiting their legislative leaders at the Mississippi State Capitol. Not only is the visit an interesting experience for 4-H’ers learning about how state government works, but it’s also a way to thank legislators for their support of 4-H and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, which oversees 4-H statewide.

A young woman wearing a dark green blazer stands behind a podium while several people stand looking at her.

Nerves jangling, Jaylin Smith of Greenwood stepped to the podium to address legislators and guests gathered in the Mississippi Senate chamber in February 2019. Her audience seemed preoccupied, checking their cell phones. By the time she finished her speech, they were on their feet, applauding.

A woman wearing a blue collared jacket stands in the fruit aisle of a grocery store.

In this "What's New in Extension," Extension agents implement better safety standards, train to deliver Mental Health First Aid, and receive national recognition. Also, new irrigation and specialists join the Extension family.

A man stands next to a woman with his arm around her shoulders while they both smile at the camera; a lake rests in the background.

John McKee refers to the Mississippi State University Row Crop Short Course as a “convention of rock stars.”

A man wearing a blue collared shirt stands in a boat with his hand on an old white steering wheel.

When Ryan Bradley wanted to help make the Mississippi Sound cleaner and more profitable for commercial shrimpers, he knew where to turn for help launching a cleanup program.

A young boy throws a rope toward a fake bull with the help of an older man standing behind him.

When FARMtastic makes its rounds over South Mississippi, residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations come together to ensure that participants have a great time.

Three older men wearing suits stand next to each other.

William Hall “Corn Club” Smith,  Francis J. Lundy, Alphonse Marks, Hobson Waits, Lester Spell, and Harry Dendy have been recognized for their contributions to 4-H.

Nine men and women stand in front of a metal building.

A dream of the Mississippi Pest Control Association and the Mississippi State University Extension Service is coming true after more than 20 years, thanks to a generous donation by one of Mississippi’s oldest pest-control companies.

A large, green combine machine plows a soybean field while a green tractor rides beside it.

On his Rolling Fork farm, Bill Rutherford is living the life he dreamed of as a child. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

A man wearing a light blue and white striped shirt and blue jeans stands in front of Belmont City Hall.

For the last few years, Gary Gasaway and Buddy Wiltshire have been nervous during the winter months. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

A young woman with brown hair wearing a tan hat with a green jacket and khaki pants leans against a wooden railing.

Born in Biloxi, Ashley Ward shines as manager of event promotion for Ducks Unlimited and cohost for Ducks Unlimited TV.

A man in a blue shirt and a woman in a grey shirt with a black cardigan stand holding a banner that says “Welcome…the Square Kosciusko.”

There’s nothing quite like a charming Main Street. Lined with local shops, restaurants, and businesses, these streets are essential to building vibrant communities.

A couple, a man with a black and red jacket and a woman with a tan cardigan, stands next to a wooden railing located outside with trees and water in the background.

For Mattie and Willie Williams, it’s always been about the children. They first got involved with the MSU Extension Service through 4-H when their children were young. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

 
A young man with a metal construction hat and bright orange vest stands in front of his work site with his hands tucked into his blue jeans.

Logging is more than a job to Drew Massey. It’s in his blood. He is a fifth-generation logger.  (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

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Extension Matters Issues

About Extension Matters Magazine

Extension Matters magazine is the premier publication of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, telling our clients’ own stories of success through Extension education.

“We are excited to have our clients tell their stories, and we are thankful for the opportunity to interact with Mississippians through our local offices in all 82 counties across the state,” says Dr. Gary B. Jackson, director of Extension.

Extension Matters profiles people just like you, men and women who want to expand their knowledge base and learn about the latest innovations. Families, farmers, business owners, and government leaders are benefitting from the educational opportunities Extension agents and specialists are bringing to people and communities just like yours. Extension Matters shares our clients’ successes to show how you, too, can succeed through Extension.