News From 2025

If you’re looking for plants that are easy to grow, bloom nonstop and attract a flurry of pollinators, let me introduce you to two standout salvias: Rockin’ Deep Purple and Unplugged Pink.

These vibrant, long-blooming beauties not only add stunning color to the garden but also provide essential nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The American Relief Act of 2025 extended the 2018 Farm Bill’s benefits until September, providing agricultural producers $31 billion in economic aid. However, farm owners and operators are advocating for improvements as U.S. legislators draft the next Farm Bill.

In late February, producers representing a range of commodities testified before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee to share their concerns. The series, “Perspectives From the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy,” lent that forum to growers in all corners of the country.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- A statewide citrus quarantine was issued recently for Mississippi after one of the most serious citrus plant diseases in the world was detected in the state. Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing or HLB, was confirmed earlier this year, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or USDA APHIS. There is no cure for the disease, which is caused by a bacterial infection spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, a gnat-sized insect. Infected trees die within a few years.

An ongoing challenge in farming is finding a way to manage weeds without creating populations that are chemical-resistant.

The scale of modern farming requires the careful use of chemicals as part of the overall management plan to harvest good yields and make a profit. Although an array of government agencies regulate and oversee the use of these chemicals, farmers themselves are among the most cautious with their use.

I recently saw two grand weeping yaupon hollies growing at a business in Columbia, Mississippi, and was reminded of how useful these trees are in the landscape. Their graceful, cascading branches and finely textured foliage created an elegant presence.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- A team of Union County 4-H members recently achieved a feat that has not been accomplished in 20 years for Mississippi competitors of the youth development organization’s national scholarly contests. The Quiz Bowl Team, made up of Maddie Willard, Abby Grant, Levi Thompson and Karley Harrison, is one of just a few teams in the state to ever earn an undefeated first-place win in the Western National 4-H Roundup Horse Bowl competition.

Water management specialists with Mississippi State University have extensive advice for those implementing different irrigation techniques, but they all agree that using soil moisture sensors is the best way to irrigate.

VERONA, Miss. -- Each year, producers come to the North Mississippi Producer Advisory Council meeting to share their research and educational needs with agricultural faculty and specialists at Mississippi State University, and of all the commodity group sessions, the one on beef cattle usually has the highest attendance.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- An instructor and tourism specialist with the MSU Extension Center for Government and Community Development, or GCD, has been recognized professionally for her contributions to rural sociology.

Rachael Carter was honored with the 2025 Excellence in Research Award by the Southern Rural Sociological Association, or SRSA, during its annual meeting in January.

The career achievement award credits Carter’s work in advancing the study of rural development in the South and efforts to drive meaningful improvements in rural communities.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- A large group of agricultural producers and industry professionals met with Mississippi State University personnel during the 2025 Central Mississippi Producer Advisory Council meeting Feb. 18 in Raymond at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. The annual forum provides clients, MSU administrators, researchers, specialists and Extension agents an opportunity to meet in small commodity groups to discuss the research and educational needs of producers in the region.

I am always on the lookout for plants that produce nutritious fruits and berries, and during a recent visit to a local nursery, I was drawn to some goji berry plants.

As happens in every other industry, when costs rise and markets stay flat or decline, farmers look for ways to either cut costs or increase income.

At the Row Crop Short Course hosted in December by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, those in attendance heard about a double-cropping system not yet tried in Mississippi. One presenter gave research data on growing corn and then soybeans in South Carolina as a way to increase the annual income from the same acreage.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service has a new leader at the helm of its programs aimed at early childhood education. Jamila Taylor was named executive director of Early Childhood Extension Programs in the MSU School of Human Sciences Feb. 16.

While it is fun to include seasonal color and exciting annuals, perennials make up the backbone of a landscape. Some are dependable but not eye-catching, while others do it all.

Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells or alumroot, is one of my favorite perennials for adding a striking combination of color, texture and year-round interest to the garden.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- While wildfires may not seem like a threat to Mississippians and their property, they certainly can be. And residents should take precautionary steps to protect themselves.

As we approach Valentine’s Day, you may be searching for the perfect gift for your plant-loving Valentine. I recommend you consider a Bleeding Heart vine celebrated for its beautiful flowers, which perfectly symbolize love and passion.

Almost 37% of American adults do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep a night, and that lack of sleep is causing some serious problems.
Leslie Woolington, safety specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said a lack of sleep can affect a person’s productivity, mental and physical health, driving ability and even their chances of getting hurt at work.

JACKSON, Miss. -- The 2025 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions marked a significant milestone as total sales over the event’s 56-year history passed $10 million, but it also marks the end of an era for its most prominent voice.

Sale auctioneer Jackie Courson presided over his last sale Feb. 6 at the Mississippi Trade Mart after a 30-year run.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- If egg prices have seemed higher than ever lately, it’s because they are, and consumers can place much of the blame squarely at the feet of the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the national average for a dozen eggs was $6.70 on Jan. 31 -- more than 60% higher than just six weeks before on Dec. 20, 2024, when the average was $4.07 per dozen. The average fluctuated mostly between the $1 to $3 per dozen range in 2024 until mid-October.

Mississippi high school juniors have a summer opportunity to learn about medical and science careers while earning 3 hours of college credit at Mississippi State University.
The Rural Medical and Science Scholars, or RMSS, program will be held in Starkville June 8-20 this year. It is designed to introduce academically qualified students to careers in health or STEM fields.