Feature Story

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Sensory evaluation is not on the minds of most people as they do the weekly grocery shopping. It is, however, what determines which new food products reach the store shelves and the focus of a new laboratory at Mississippi State University.

MSU's Department of Food Science and Technology dedicated the James E. Garrison Sensory Evaluation Laboratory on April 4. The almost 3,000 square-foot facility contains offices, fully equipped kitchens and areas to conduct a variety of sensory evaluations on food products.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- South Mississippi's growers and fresh-produce consumers will share the disappointment of growth delays for the 2003 vegetable crop.

David Nagel, horticulture specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said a late spring freeze and excessive rains have worked against early-planted vegetables, primarily below Interstate 20.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- With the number of identity theft cases rising to 814 last year alone, consumers should take steps to avoid becoming the next victim.

The Federal Trade Commission released information earlier in the year citing credit card fraud as the No. 1 type of identity theft reported in Mississippi, accounting for 46 percent of the cases. Other types of identity theft include phone or utilities fraud, bank fraud, government documents or benefits fraud, loan fraud and employment-related fraud.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When a pregnant, ailing miniature mare came to Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for treatment, veterinary staff feared they would lose both mother and baby.

"The mare had suffered severe colic for two days," said Dr. Katie McGahee, the CVM equine resident on the case. "After surgically opening her abdomen, it was evident that her intestines were damaged beyond surgical repair and she would have to be humanely put down."

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Recent renovations of the internal medicine and critical care unit will improve animal care and student training at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Joe Ann Ward Internal Medicine and Critical Care Unit was made possible by a $1.5 million endowment from Joe Ann Ward of Jackson in memory of her husband, Dr. Hugh G. Ward, founder of Briarwood Animal Hospital and Millcreek Animal Clinic. Staff moved into the unit at the end of March while the finishing touches were still being added.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's wheat is approaching a critical, yield-producing stage despite weather challenges on the front end of the growing season.

Erick Larson, small grains specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said growers planted a lot less wheat than expected this year because of two main factors.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- After facing their lowest levels in 20 years, catfish prices may be on the rise.

"After about a year and a half of struggling with low prices, catfish producers may see prices rising from 55 to 60 cents per pound to around 65 cents per pound within the next few weeks," said James Steeby, Mississippi State University Extension aquaculture specialist.

Catfish prices had declined due to an oversupply in the market. The supply should become short again soon, causing demand to exceed supply and prices to rise.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Spouses of military personnel have much to consider when talking to their children about deployment and other war issues.

Louise Davis, a Mississippi State University Extension Service child and family development specialist, said parents should strive to understand their children's emotions and take the appropriate steps to give them a sense of security while the well-being of a parent or other family member is uncertain.

MISSISSIPPI STATE - Mississippi growers are attempting to plant the 2003 crops, but rains and wet fields may change crop intentions from corn to those with later planting dates, such as cotton and soybeans.

Another factor that may influence a change in plans is an increase in nitrogen costs.

Larry Oldham, soil specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said nitrogen prices are about $30 to $40 per ton higher than a year ago, but seem to be trending downward. Natural gas accounts for 70 to 80 percent of the costs in producing nitrogen fertilizer.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi livestock farmers and poultry producers are a giant step closer to economic security with the completion of a $500,000 laboratory and ground breaking for an adjacent $18 million facility near Pearl.

Mississippi State University officials joined state government representatives and others with interest in the state's animal industries for the recent opening of the 2,000-square-foot Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory and ground breaking for a 40,000-square-foot facility, which will expand the diagnostic services to all animal species.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Herbs are the multipurpose plants of the 21st-century garden.

Mississippi State University Extension horticulturist Lelia Scott Kelly grew herbs commercially for several years, and she is quite familiar with their advantages.

"Herbs have so many functions. They release wonderful aromas, add beauty to the landscape, are great additions to any recipe and have health benefits," Kelly said.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A cotton grower's best defense against insect pests may be a long memory.

Mike Williams, entomologist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, has monitored insect battles for many years across the Cotton Belt and especially in Mississippi. He is familiar with the weapons in growers' arsenals: transgenic cotton, insecticides, application timing and alternative crops. But he believes the most important weapon may be a grower's memory of past challenges in certain fields.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Parents can enable their children to cope better with conflict and tragedy in the world by talking openly and honestly, and remembering that children crave security particularly in troubling times.

Child development experts recommend parents take into consideration a number of factors, including age, maturity and interest level, and exposure to news media, when talking to their children about war, violence and terrorism.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The Jump$tart Coalition of Mississippi and Mississippi State University Extension Service are teaching young people how to put their money to good use during National Financial Literacy for Youth month in April.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cotton grown under tanning bed lights may lead to the development of new varieties that tolerate increased ultraviolet radiation.

Raja Reddy, a research professor of plant and soil sciences with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment at Mississippi State University, is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on two projects dealing with the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Five stallions at Mississippi State University including a grandson of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew stand ready to provide a mutually beneficial service to the university and to Mississippi's equine industry.

"This is a win-win situation for MSU and for the horse breeders of this state," said Peter Ryan, assistant professor of animal and dairy sciences. "These stallions help our research and teaching program as we study equine reproduction. The industry will benefit from top-quality stallions available for reasonable fees."

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi manufacturers can learn ways to reduce waste and increase productivity in their plants and tour lean manufacturing companies during an April 22 through 24 conference in Starkville.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service and Forest Products Department are sponsoring the 2003 Southern Region Lean Manufacturing Conference. The theme of the conference is "Reduce Waste, Increase Productivity." Registration fees are $325 through April 11, and $350 after that date.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Parenting education programs can teach parents one very valuable lesson: how to help their children succeed academically.

Mississippi State University Extension Service specialists hold these programs in various counties in support of President George Bush's "No Child Left Behind" initiative. They offer parents training and information to better support and care for their children.

Attala County Extension director Karen Benson said meeting the needs of Mississippi's children is the goal of parenting education programs.

By Keryn Page

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- While the excessive rain in recent months has some people feeling down, it means good things for communities, industries and agriculture in the South.

In fact, a Mississippi State University Extension Service agricultural engineer says there will never be too much rain, at least in terms of the area's underground water supply.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Researchers used the value Americans and Europeans placed on a chocolate chip cookie to determine consumer attitudes towards genetically modified foods.

The research, conducted jointly by Mississippi State University and the University of Reading, England, found that Americans on average are less concerned about consuming genetically modified foods than their European counterparts.