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News From 2011

Yields look good so far for Mississippi's rice harvest, which began in mid-August. Reduced yields are expected on rice that was pollinated in the extreme heat of early August. (Photo by MSU Delta Research and Extension Center/Rebekah Ray)
August 26, 2011 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Crops, Rice

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The yield of early-planted rice looks good so far, but only time will tell how seriously the high heat of early August will cut into yields from later-planted fields.

Nathan Buehring, rice specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said harvest began in mid-August and will proceed at full speed until completed, probably by the first week of October.

“Those who have a good feel for yield have been pleased with what they’re harvesting so far,” Buehring said. “It won’t be a bumper year, but we should be average.”

August 25, 2011 - Filed Under: Family, Family Financial Management, Healthy Homes Initiative, Health

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Professionals who provide home inspections, audits or health services are encouraged to participate in the Essentials for Healthy Homes Practitioner’s Course in Canton on Sept. 22 and 23.

The training will be conducted by the National Center for Healthy Housing and hosted by Mississippi State University’s Extension Service at their Madison County office. Professionals from a variety of fields will gather to share their expertise and learn from others at the two-day course. The $100 registration fee covers all course materials.

August 25, 2011 - Filed Under: Family, Insects

PICAYUNE – Mississippi State University’s Crosby Arboretum in Picayune will be crawling with activities at the annual Bugfest Sept. 23 and 24.

The family-friendly event will include collecting, identifying and mounting insects for display; bug-themed crafts and games; and educational seminars on various insects and collecting techniques.

August 25, 2011 - Filed Under: Technology

Paying bills and balancing the family checkbook with a bank’s online software program saves time, but few people plan for handling the accounts if there is an unexpected illness or even a death in the family.

Typically, one person in the household takes responsibility for paying the bills online or managing the online banking account. However, if something happens to that person, the whole family’s finances can be in jeopardy.

August 25, 2011 - Filed Under: Family, Children and Parenting

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Parents may think their children intentionally argue with everything they say, but the problem may be more complicated.

Louise Davis, Mississippi State University Extension child and family development specialist, said the problem could be factors beyond the child’s control.

Participants in Mississippi State University's Rural Medical Scholars program visit the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson to get an introduction to the medical school experience. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Bonnie Carew)
August 25, 2011 - Filed Under: Rural Health

MISSISSIPPI STATE – When freshman Mitchell McCloud walked onto campus at Mississippi State University Aug. 17, he already had two classes behind him and a clear idea of where his intended major could take him.

“Through the Rural Medical Scholars program, I was simultaneously introduced to Mississippi State University’s outstanding campus and the different aspects of the path to medical school,” McCloud said.

Mike Steede, pictured with his nephew Gunter, and his family operate a community supported agriculture program on land their family has farmed for over a century.
August 25, 2011 - Filed Under: Commercial Horticulture, Fruit, Agri-business, Family, Food, Agricultural Economics

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippians who want the freshest blueberries and butterbeans have more options as community-supported agriculture programs increase.

Kimberly Morgan, an agricultural economist and professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said Mississippians are participating in a trend that began within the past 20 years.

August 24, 2011 - Filed Under: Agri-business, Economic Development, Food, Agricultural Economics

MISSISSIPPI STATE – New owners of food businesses can take part in an upcoming workshop to help improve their odds of success, even during the current economic challenges.

“Food as a Business” is a day-long video conference Oct. 4 with satellite locations at Mississippi State University, Hattiesburg, Raymond, Verona and Cleveland. The $40 registration fee covers snacks during breaks, lunch and conference materials. The registration deadline is Sept. 23.

Fasciation is a mutation in plants that causes strange growth and development. This fasciated flower of Pow Wow Wild Berry coneflower displays contorted growth, while the flower on the right is normal. (Photo by Gary Bachman)
August 24, 2011 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens

Sometimes the most interesting plants in our landscapes are the ones that can’t be predicted. Each year, there is a wonderful, random variety that presents itself in the garden through the mutations that occur in every plant species.

The secret to finding some of these botanical gems is taking a closer look at flowering and evergreen plants. Every once in a while, we are rewarded with garden treasure.

Michael Carlew (right), a senior studying landscape architecture and landscape contracting and management at Mississippi State University, talks to two other MSU students about the role landscape architects play in the environment. (Photo by MSU Ag Communications/Scott Corey)
August 22, 2011 - Filed Under: Landscape Architecture

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A group of Mississippi State University students recently participated in a nationwide event to help educate others about the discipline and program they love.

August 19, 2011 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Crops, Turfgrass and Lawn Management

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The continuing decline of the housing market and the lack of new construction is taking its toll on Mississippi’s turfgrass industry.

Wayne Wells, Mississippi State University Extension turf specialist, said the state’s turf sales are down because of slow home sales and a lack of new construction.

Ryan Akers
August 18, 2011 - Filed Under: Disaster Response-Youth, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University Extension Service assistant professor will help the university and organizations around the state prepare for disaster situations.

Phyllis Miller
August 18, 2011 - Filed Under: Community

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Only 800 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Fellowships are awarded each year, but Mississippi State University’s Phyllis Miller has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship for the third time in her career.

Miller, a professor in apparels, textiles and merchandising in MSU’s School of Human Sciences, has received a lecturing and research appointment with the College of Engineering at the University of Mauritius. The university, located in the Republic of Mauritius, an island off Africa’s southeast coast, is establishing a new college of fashion.

Mississippi State University defensive lineman Kaleb Eulls of Yazoo City takes part in a friendly hay toss competition with fellow football players at the Mississippi Horse Park after Monday's practice on "the farm." The first annual event, called "Beefin' up the Bulldogs," included a steak supper and activities promoting MSU's land-grant heritage. Sponsors included First South Farm Credit, Mississippi Cattlemen's Association, Mississippi Beef Council, MSU's Animal and Dairy Science Department and the Missi
August 18, 2011 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Community

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University’s football team members recently found out they are not the only ones on campus with a national ranking and that representing the “cow college” is a special honor.

MSU’s Bulldogs, ranked No. 20 in the preseason USA Today Coaches’ Poll, will kick-off their 2011 season in Memphis on Sept. 1. MSU’s Jersey herd, on the other hand, is ranked No. 7 by the American Jersey Cattle Association for 2010 milk production.

August 18, 2011 - Filed Under: Technology

As students across Mississippi head back to college, many have more money invested in technology than they do in food or textbooks.

Unfortunately, few students are prepared for a spilled drink in the laptop, a virus during midterms, burnt dinners that activate the sprinkler system or careless roommates who leave the door unlocked. Precautionary measures to protect devices and renter’s insurance can minimize students’ frustrations and problems.

August 18, 2011 - Filed Under: Family, Family Financial Management

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Financial stability may seem impossible during the college years, but students who take the time to learn about money management will reap positive rewards.

August 18, 2011 - Filed Under: Forestry, Timber Harvest

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Pine beetles are a threat when trees are stressed, but a cost-share program can help Mississippi private forest landowners keep trees healthy.

Andy Londo, forestry professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said proactive management activities, such as periodic thinning, can increase overall forest health and reduce the threat of a Southern pine beetle outbreak.

Japanese fiber bananas planted around a large urn fountain and combined with Louisiana iris add a tropical flair to this outdoor patio. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Gary Bachman)
August 17, 2011 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens

A lot of gardeners are interested in creating a tropical feeling around their homes, and one of the easiest ways to do this is to add banana plants either in the landscape or in large containers.

If you’re about to quit reading because you think bananas can only be grown in coastal Mississippi and you live elsewhere, stick with me. I hope I can change your mind by describing some of the selections that are hardy for all landscapes in Mississippi.

Demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables has helped the state's farmers find more market options, such as the Mississippi Farmers' Market, adjacent to the State Fairgrounds in Jackson. (Photo by Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce)
August 12, 2011 - Filed Under: Commercial Horticulture

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Increased consumer interest is positively impacting producers of Mississippi’s truck crops, which include fruits, vegetables, nuts and flowers.

Rick Snyder, vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the rapid growth of the local foods movement has increased demand for truck crops.

“With farmers’ markets in nearly every county of Mississippi, producers no longer have to travel far to find an outlet for their produce,” Snyder said. “Some growers sell at two, three or more markets each week.

The American Jersey Cattle Association ranked the Mississippi State University dairy herd at No. 7 in milk production for 2010. The only university-owned herd to make the top rankings, the dairy herd has been ranked in the top 10 for the last four years. (Photo by MSU Ag Communications/Kat Lawrence)
August 11, 2011 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Dairy

MISSISSIPPI STATE – When it comes to national rankings, Mississippi State University is near the top of the list for its prize-winning herd of Jersey cows.

The American Jersey Cattle Association ranked the MSU dairy herd at No. 7 in milk production for 2010. The only university-owned herd to make the top rankings, the dairy herd has been ranked in the top 10 for the last four years. The 35-head Jersey herd is also ranked in the top 10 in all categories for groups of similar size, ranking No. 5 in protein, No. 4 in milk and No. 10 in milk-fat production.

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