News

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Brides can save money and bring outdoor elements inside to create an event that reflects an appreciation for nature and highlights native plants and flowers.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Couples do not have to sacrifice beauty to plan a wedding that respects the environment and reflects their green values.

Brian Templeton, an Extension associate with Mississippi State University’s Department of Landscape Architecture, incorporated his love of nature into his 2008 wedding and reception.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A wedding reception revolves around food, whether it is a formal, sit-down dinner for 150 guests or a come-and-go affair for 75 guests.

With the prevalence of food allergies and other medical conditions, couples might want to consider serving a few foods that guests with special diets can enjoy safely.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – While wedding receptions are intended to be a time of celebration for just-married couples, the event might not be so enjoyable for younger guests.

Jennifer Russell, Leflore County child and family area agent with Mississippi State University Extension Service, suggested offering kid-friendly activities and accommodations at the reception. When planning the reception, consider how many children will be in attendance and the ages of the children.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A good wedding gift is appropriately generous, completely thoughtful and exactly right for the recipient, but finding that perfect gift can seem almost impossible.

No one wants to be the one who gave the gift that raised eyebrows or left the new couple wondering if they have been insulted. Purchasing items on the couple’s gift registry can help them set up housekeeping and results in fewer returns and duplicate items. However, some who wish them well want to make their gifts truly special.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Sherry Bell Surrette has been named the new head of Mississippi State University’s Central Research and Extension Center in Raymond.

Of all of our activities, wedding ceremonies may be the most symbolic. Symbolism is found in everything from the rings, representing the couple’s commitment of everlasting love, to who sits on which side of the church. Even the flowers used in ceremonies can be symbolic.

When choosing wedding flowers, the most important consideration may be the colors of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses, but you should also consider the symbolic meaning of the flower. You certainly don’t want to convey the wrong message on your wedding day.

If losing weight is at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list, consider using technology to make it easier. Before beginning any new diet, consult with your medical professional or nutritionist.

JACKSON – Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Center for Governmental Training and Technology recently gave newly elected county supervisors some of the tools they needed to begin work in the new year.

New supervisors from across the state participated in a training session designed to teach them about basic laws and ethical issues that supervisors face on a daily basis.

JACKSON – The third phase of a project intended to increase digital literacy and Internet usage among Mississippians is now underway.

JACKSON -- Mississippi’s Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, or PATH, will host a statewide meeting on Feb. 7 in Jackson for anyone interested in therapeutic riding programs.

Mary Riley, therapeutic riding coordinator and instructor with Mississippi State University Extension Service’s 4-H program, said the meeting is open to members and individuals considering developing an equine therapy program in their area.

RAYMOND – Mississippi State University Extension Service agriculture experts will address integrated pest management topics at a Feb. 2 workshop in Raymond.

The annual IPM general pest management workshop will take place at MSU’s Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center auditorium. Registration is $10 and begins at 8:30 a.m. The program will conclude by 4:30 p.m. The cost includes coffee and refreshments. Lunch is not included.

In my job with Mississippi State University, I am asked a lot of questions about problems people have with plants and ideas they have for their landscapes and gardens.

As we begin the new year, here is my list of four resolutions to help make your landscape and garden more enjoyable and productive in 2012.

1- Get those pesky landscape and lawn weeds under control.

The poinsettia may be the quintessential holiday plant because of its bright and colorful bracts, but there are some non-traditional plants that can be just as festive and spread as much cheer.

One of the most unusual I’ve seen is a miniature cherry tomato in full fruit, displayed for holiday sales.

I have admired Rex begonia for many years, and I think this group of plants has the potential to be more than a beautiful indoor plant. It could take its place as a cornerstone of holiday decorations.

I saw one of the most beautiful sights the other morning just as the sun came up. Ornamental grasses, backlit by the sun, seemed to glow in the rich morning light.

I realized at that moment that landscape grasses can have a significant impact in winter gardens.

Most gardeners already know that ornamental grasses are fantastic garden plants, but we tend to take them for granted because they perform so consistently. We just expect them to do their job and be beautiful, and we don’t give them much thought. That ought to change.

As Christmas wrapping paper litters the living room floor, gift recipients eagerly tinker with their new gadgets and gizmos. But what should they do with their old computers, cell phones and monitors?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans abandon 12 million to 14 million computers each year. Of those, 75 percent are stored in closets, and 50 percent of those could be donated.

Setting up wireless Internet access for your home or home office may sound daunting, but with careful attention to detail and a little patience, it can be done in an afternoon.

First, decide whether wireless Internet access is right for your home. There are several benefits to wireless access. For example, it can allow you to use the Internet from anywhere in the house without being tied to a network cable. It also allows you to connect multiple devices (computers, iPads, gaming consoles) to the network.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi’s agricultural commodities are predicted to reach a record-high value of more than $6.7 billion for 2011.

Mississippi State University Extension Service economists compiled the numbers from poultry, forestry, agronomic crops, catfish and livestock for the annual value estimate. If government payments are factored in, the state’s value of production reaches $7 billion for the first time in history.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A poor lending environment, high prices and strong demand all played their part in soybeans’ posting another record year in Mississippi, with an estimated 2011 value of $860 million.

This makes soybeans the state’s most valuable row crop and the third most valuable ag commodity, coming in behind poultry at No. 1 and forestry at No. 2. The state had an estimated $6.7 billion value of agricultural production in 2011.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Despite a tough economy, poultry remained the top commodity in Mississippi, with a preliminary estimated value of $2.4 billion for 2011.

While the total estimated value of poultry was up by only a fraction of a percentage point, the estimated value of eggs increased by 24 percent. Both broiler and chicken values decreased slightly in 2011.