News

MISSISSIPPI STATE – This month, some kids have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, and others dream of finding a new furry, four-legged family member under the tree.

Mississippi State University students and staff help some of these wishes come true through a program that gets family-friendly dogs to Northeastern states, but these volunteers have a Christmas wish of their own.

BILOXI -- A few dedicated volunteers are keeping their eyes on Mississippi’s coastal birds and amphibians in hopes of preserving the area’s wildlife for years to come.

Master Naturalists are trained by the Mississippi State University Extension Service to help protect the state’s natural resources. They promote environmental stewardship through education and service in their communities.

STARKVILLE -- A veteran administrator will return to his roots as the interim leader of Mississippi State University’s center in the Mississippi Delta.

“Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station director George Hopper and I are pleased to announce that Dr. Joe Street will serve as the interim head of the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville beginning December 1," said Gary Jackson, director of MSU's Extension Service. "This special assignment will be in addition to his duties and responsibilities as associate director for MSU Extension."

MISSISSIPPI STATE – An experienced administrator has been named the new head of Mississippi State University’s North Mississippi Research and Extension Center.

Steve Martin will assume his duties at the center’s Verona headquarters on Dec. 1. He currently serves as the director of the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, where he has been an administrator since 2008.

Several weeks ago, I wrote about how much I enjoy pansies for the cool-season garden. These are really easy plants to grow, and they provide great color during colder winter temperatures.

But the story on pansies doesn’t end there. Plant breeders are always looking for ways to make our garden and landscape plants better. I have been really impressed with the group of trailing pansies that hit the market in the past few years.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Not all stores have consumer-friendly return policies, so be a savvy shopper this holiday season and read the fine print when purchasing gifts.

Mississippi State University Extension Service family life management specialist Bobbie Shaffett said even the most thoughtful shoppers occasionally give gifts that need to be returned, so understanding store policies is important.

PICAYUNE -- Artisans and historians of the Piney Woods region took visitors on a trip back to their roots on Nov. 17 and 18.

Participants demonstrated old time skills and crafts, such as blacksmithing, basket-making, quilting, spinning and woodcarving, at the Piney Woods Heritage Festival at Mississippi State University’s Crosby Arboretum.

NEWTON – Newton County sixth-graders got a close look at some of Mississippi’s wildlife on Nov. 16.

Mississippi State University’s Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station held its fourth annual Wildlife Youth Day. Students rotated through four educational stations, including archery technique and safety, Mississippi mammals, Mississippi reptiles and amphibians and a forestry-themed obstacle course. The students viewed live and preserved mammals, reptiles and amphibians. They also watched a bird dog training demonstration.

The season of Thanksgiving is upon us and I am reminded that I need to take time out to count my blessings and give thanks for the small things in life. For starters, I am very thankful for computer users who take the time to learn how to maintain and safeguard their computers. They make life much less complicated.

I think most people will agree that besides the Christmas tree, the poinsettia is the plant that best accentuates the Christmas holiday season.

Thanksgiving week kicks off the poinsettia-buying season. When you go to get yours, prepare for the truly remarkable variety of poinsettia colors available.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The state’s families have a new ally in the Mississippi State University Extension Service with the appointment of a family life specialist.

Cassandra Kirkland brings research, practical experience and passion to her new position in the School of Human Sciences.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University graduate student earned a national award for his paper on the biology of insect pests.

Nathan Little of Charleston, a graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, received the annual student award titled “Appreciation for the Natural History of Insect Pests.” His paper on subterranean termites was described as the most interesting and novel peer-reviewed research paper among more than 20 applications that were reviewed this year from students around the world.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Three intensive days of courses in early December will give Mississippi farmers significant information they need as they prepare for the 2013 production season.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering the annual Row Crops Short Course Dec. 3-5 on campus at the Bost Extension Center. Producers can attend free of charge if they complete registration by Nov. 30. Registration is $40 after Nov. 30 and at the door.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The Mississippi State University Extension Service will focus on food supply safety in free workshops for individuals and businesses in the food industry.

Five separate, day-long food defense workshops around the state will be offered to farm owners and managers, feed suppliers, processing plant managers, ingredient suppliers, and people in other farming, production and processing support industries. Lunch and materials will be provided. Pre-registration one week in advance is required.

The sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

With Thanksgiving upon us, that means Black Friday chaos is soon to follow. Big box stores are chasing every dollar, and many are even choosing to open on Thanksgiving rather than wait until Friday’s wee morning hours.

There is another option to consider if you are looking to save money this holiday season, and this option will help your local economy. Many businesses take part in a national event known as Small Business Saturday.

By Dr. Rebekah Ray
MSU Delta Research and Extension Center

STONEVILLE – The rice breeding program at Mississippi State University’s 4,800-acre Delta Research and Extension Center is part of a regional program that tests the viability of experimental rice varieties.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – With Mississippi’s bumper corn crop on target to break records, proper post-harvest handling is essential, especially efforts to prevent deaths by grain entrapment.

As farmers plant more grain crops, on-site storage bins are popping up all over the state.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Many Mississippians own a fireplace for the pleasure and comfort it provides on cold winter nights, but if they’re not careful, the firewood can harbor unwanted guests.

In the winter, the desire to have a handy woodpile can open the door for termite problems. Blake Layton, entomologist with the MSU Extension Service, urged those with fireplaces not to stack wood against the outside wall of the house.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – An advanced database training project conducted by the Mississippi State University Extension Service is saving the state millions of dollars, improving skills and making jobs easier.

JACKSON -- Service is a popular way to celebrate the holidays, but volunteerism is a year-round matter for many.

Members of programs such as the Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers, or MHV, and the Mississippi Master Gardeners volunteer in their communities every day.
Mississippi State University’s Extension Service facilitates both programs.