News

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Producers, consumers and the local economy benefit where farmers' markets operate, a Mississippi State University Extension Service study reveals.

While the Mississippi Department of Agriculture currently lists only five farmers' markets for the state, the recent survey identified at least 23 additional markets. Future efforts will focus on identifying other facilities in the state.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The Memphis Zoo's newest residents, giant pandas Ya Ya and Le Le, could provide valuable clues about the preservation of their critically endangered species.

Scott Willard, assistant professor at Mississippi State University and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station animal and dairy scientist, and his team are conducting reproductive research on Ya Ya, the 2-year-old female on loan from China's Beijing Zoo, and Le Le, the 4-year-old male on loan from the Shanghai Zoo.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Dairy producers from across the state will converge on Tylertown on May 22 to learn the latest research-based recommendations for running a successful operation in 2003.

The Mississippi State University Statewide Dairy Field Day, sponsored by the MSU Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, will take place at the Southwest Events Center on Highway 48. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the morning tour program will begin an hour later.

Topics for stops on the tour include:

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Visitors fell in love with a previously loathed plant in a shade garden on the Gardens of Madison County tour.

While some gardeners think of oxalis as a tough plant to kill or eradicate, they also should consider the beauty of the purple oxalis. Purple oxalis has large, triangular leaves of deep purple. Its nearly 1-inch flowers range in color from pink to lilac.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Markets in recent years have not given rice growers much to celebrate, but several factors are giving them reason to hope for better days in 2003.

Joe Street, rice specialist at Mississippi State University's Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, said growers have planted 80 to 90 percent of the fields planned originally for rice, but the final goal remains a moving target.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- No question is too hard for the equine experts available online at www.HorseQuest.info, a new interactive Web site maintained by southern region Extension specialists.

Gale Chrestman, 4-H livestock specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said equine personnel in 13 land-grant universities submitted frequently asked questions on a wide range of horse topics. Research-based answers went through a peer-review process before being added to the Web site.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Despite recent disputes over the accuracy of the Food Guide Pyramid, this nutritional resource is still a useful tool for making healthy food choices.

Rebecca Kelly, nutrition specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said the Food Guide Pyramid is an illustration of the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Everyone benefits when manufacturers use lean production techniques, and consumers can get exactly what they want right when they want it.

About 90 Mississippi manufacturers learned ways to reduce wasted time and effort while increasing productivity during a recent three-day conference sponsored by Mississippi State University's Extension Service and Forest Products Department. The event was also sponsored by Tennessee Valley Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Despite economic uncertainties and a wet grazing season, supply and demand levels indicate a stable year for cattle markets.

"The cattle market is in a much better supply situation than it experienced three to four months ago, and so far this year demand for beef has been better than last year," said John Anderson, agricultural economist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Many dieters drastically reduce the amount of carbohydrates they consume in hopes of losing weight, yet nutritionists and dietitians say this kind of weight loss comes at too great a cost.

"Your body needs carbohydrates," said Rebecca Kelly, human nutrition specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service. "When a person cuts out carbohydrates in an attempt to lose weight, they deprive their bodies of many important nutrients found in carbohydrate-rich foods."

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Children in Tunica, Greenville and other Delta locations are helping researchers learn more about one of the nation's biggest childhood-health problems -- a severe form of decay in primary, or baby, teeth known as early childhood caries.

Students at 16 Delta childcare and Early Headstart Centers, along with their parents and teachers, are participating in a two-year oral healthcare initiative funded by a grant from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

If I had to list the best flower introductions of the last 10 years, I might have to put angelonias at the top. It seems like it was only yesterday when I saw my first ones in the median of downtown Raymond. Then there was the introduction of Hilo Princess, a Florida Plant of the Year, and a few obscure varieties.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- People who provide child care in their homes can learn how to improve their business and provide a higher quality environment for the children through a free, educational program in its third year in the state.

Mississippi State University's Extension Service offers the Nurturing Homes Initiative for family home child-care providers in Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Human Services' Office for Children and Youth funds the project.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- With an unpredictable economy and increasing urbanization, landowners are looking for alternative ways to gain income while making the best use of their available resources.

To explore and encourage sustainable natural resource development, Mississippi State University Extension Service will host the First National Symposium on Sustainable Natural Resource-Based Alternative Enterprises May 28 through 31.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For many Americans, the winding down of the war in Iraq means a return to normalcy, but life will never be the same for those who lost a parent or other loved one in the conflict.

Regardless of how the loved one died, children need encouragement and understanding when navigating the difficult -- and sometimes frightening -- stages of grief.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Technology has opened the door to future success for veterinary students and interns at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

With the help of an advanced on-line computer network called the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program, five graduating students received internships and three current interns were matched with elite residencies.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

If you are one who enjoys taking in the sights and smells of a Southern garden after-hours, consider one of the most spectacular vines available, the moonflower.

The moonflower is related to the morning glory and originates from tropical America. It is the kind of plant that makes memories for your children. It is an heirloom, or antique, vine grown in the South that all children, and adults for that matter, need to experience.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Researchers and students from many educational levels are gaining information at Mississippi State University from a fully functional cotton mini-gin, the only operational gin on a college campus.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cotton-planting season is arriving, and experts say no major problems are expected -- as long as producers avoid rushing the planting process.

Mississippi State University Extension Service agronomists recommend planting cotton during the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May.

“People who like to plant early will start at the end of this week,” said Mississippi Extension cotton specialist Will McCarty. “But be patient, and don’t get in too much of a hurry. We’re on the extreme leading edge of the planting window.”

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The Easter season often inspires people to adopt bunnies into their families, but these cuddly pets require attention and a long-term commitment.

"Rabbits can make great pets. Unfortunately, people often buy them impetuously as Easter gifts, and six months later, they are past the initial cute, cuddly stage, so they are put in a cage in the backyard and neglected," said Dr. Thomas Lenarduzzi, associate clinical professor at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.