Feature Story

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 – Sherry Bell Surrette has been named the new head of Mississippi State University’s Central Research and Extension Center in Raymond.

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.

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.

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.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Despite a tough economy, poultry remained the top commodity in Mississippi, with a preliminary estimated value of $2.4 billion for 2011.

While the total estimated value of poultry was up by only a fraction of a percentage point, the estimated value of eggs increased by 24 percent. Both broiler and chicken values decreased slightly in 2011.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Making resolutions together can bring a family closer and provide a support system for choosing healthier behaviors in the new year.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Low national home construction levels and relatively dry weather resulted in a slightly lower year-end harvest value for Mississippi forest products, but the preliminary estimate still exceeds $1 billion.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi’s agricultural commodities are predicted to reach a record-high value of more than $6.7 billion for 2011.

Mississippi State University Extension Service economists compiled the numbers from poultry, forestry, agronomic crops, catfish and livestock for the annual value estimate. If government payments are factored in, the state’s value of production reaches $7 billion for the first time in history.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A poor lending environment, high prices and strong demand all played their part in soybeans’ posting another record year in Mississippi, with an estimated 2011 value of $860 million.

This makes soybeans the state’s most valuable row crop and the third most valuable ag commodity, coming in behind poultry at No. 1 and forestry at No. 2. The state had an estimated $6.7 billion value of agricultural production in 2011.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – An administrator with almost 20 years of experience as an Extension educator at Mississippi State University is serving as interim head of the Extension service’s statewide youth program.

Paula Threadgill will lead the Department of 4-H Youth Development, pending final approval. She will continue as leader for Extension Family and Consumer Sciences.

Gary Jackson, director of the MSU Extension Service, said Threadgill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the 4-H program.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The majority of Mississippi’s farms are family-owned, and they not only put fresh produce on the table but also contribute significantly to the state’s No. 1 industry, agriculture.

Products of small farms tend to be sold locally, while those from large farms are usually sold as raw commodities for animal feed or further processing before being purchased by consumers. Both have their roles in food and fiber production in Mississippi.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Loren “Wes” Burger Jr. has been named associate director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University effective Dec. 15.

As associate director, Burger will manage all sponsored programs in MAFES and FWRC and work on other related projects.

MISSISSIPPI STATE--The dairy products judging team at Mississippi State University is the “cream of the crop,” placing third overall in the national 90th Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest.

The six-member team also took second in ice cream and cottage cheese evaluation, and third in cheddar cheese.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University’s Extension Service has selected Trent Irby as the new soybean specialist to assist the state’s soybean growers.

Irby, a Mississippi native, has research and practical experience that make him uniquely suited to help support the state’s nearly $1 billion per year soybean industry, said Gary Jackson, director of MSU’s Extension Service.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Researchers at Mississippi State University have found a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for fighting one of the most serious soil-borne diseases in poinsettia production.

Pythium stem and root rot is a common problem in poinsettia production because the fungus thrives in cool, saturated and poorly drained soils, said Maria Tomaso-Peterson, associate research professor in MSU’s Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Kudzu can grow a foot per day, and today it covers nearly seven million acres in the South.

Now listed as a federal noxious weed, kudzu was imported to prevent soil erosion and to feed livestock. The semi-woody plant covers large tracts of land from eastern Texas to the East Coast and as far north as Maryland. Kudzu climbs, covers and eventually kills trees, destroying the timber-producing value of these lands. It reduces land productivity by millions of dollars yearly.