News

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Untrained eyes see Mississippi State University’s extensive North and South Farm as typical farmland, but to researchers, these acres are their laboratories.

MSU has more than 2,200 acres of crop and pasture land adjacent to the Starkville campus. While commonly referred to as North and South Farms, these parcels of land are actually the R.R. Foil Research Center and the Leveck Animal Research Center, respectively.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – 4-H robotics projects spark interest in science and technology in youth in some of the state’s most rural communities.

Mariah Smith, an assistant professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, is coordinating the program for Mississippi 4-H. In addition to attending local meetings, the club members can take part in online chats to learn new skills and take on new challenges.

These are classic symptoms of gardening cabin fever. For the active gardener, it only gets worse when all those catalogs start arriving.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Many organizations and individuals are dedicated to protecting and restoring the environment, but some would be surprised to find that farmers are one group on the forefront of these efforts.

Erick Larson, grain crops agronomist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said farmers are some of the biggest conservationists around.

VERONA – Mississippi State University’s North Mississippi Research and Extension Center will host its annual Producer Advisory Council meeting Feb. 16 at the Magnolia Conference Center in Verona.

This annual event is an opportunity for growers, producers, ranchers and other agricultural clients to meet with MSU scientists and Extension Service specialists to share concerns, ask questions and provide feedback about research and Extension programs.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Several wildlife groups will assist in seven events across the state for future hunters on Feb. 11 in an effort to lay the foundation for safe and responsible hunting.

Mississippi State University’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture is partnering with the Mississippi Wildlife Federation, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to offer free squirrel hunts for young people. The deadline for registering is Jan. 20.

The hunts will take place at these public wildlife areas:

Small, local shops can use free social media tools to create online gift registries.

I love small downtown businesses. There is just something special about wandering into local shops and looking at locally made pottery, jewelry and other knick-knacks, especially when I am shopping for myself. However, when it comes to wedding and baby gifts, online registries offered by larger companies are usually my “go-to” choice.

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.