Feature Story

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The dry weather that allowed some state farmers to finish early season planting has outworn its welcome, stopping planting and hindering growth in many fields. Soil moisture conditions are short to very short across most of the state, and gusty winds in areas of the Delta have further depleted soil moisture.

"We are dry, and a little dry weather early on doesn't hurt, but it is becoming an extended situation and we need a rain pretty badly," said Dr. Alan Blaine, extension agronomist at Mississippi State University.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Dripping wet with perspiration, battling biting insects and reaching through itchy plants: Most gardeners don't endure these conditions for money; they do it for love.

Dr. David Nagel, extension horticulturist at Mississippi State University, said the priority for most gardeners is quality, not saving or making money. This love of quality, fresh produce inspires many Mississippians to the labor-intensive task of growing their own fruits and vegetables or at least seeking out a farmer's market.

STARKVILLE -- So far so good. Cotton growers are "cautiously optimistic" that this year will not bring weather and insect traumas reminiscent of 1995.

A cold, boll weevil killing winter, budworm resistant cotton and a decent planting season are some of the positive factors going for this year's crop. But bad memories of 1995's insect battles and hopes for cashing in on corn and soybean's high prices in 1996 are driving many growers away from cotton.

By Dawn R. West

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As summer weather quickly approaches, the soaring temperatures are causing growing concerns for Mississippians trying to stay cool and prevent rising utility bills. Applying a few basic techniques can help better prepare homes for the hot weather.

Dr. Frances Graham, extension housing specialist at Mississippi State University, said there are four basic ways to keep homes cool.

By Jennifer Glover

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Summer is usually a time for fun and relaxation. And, many people tend to spend their days and nights outside. However, spending a lot of time in the great outdoors can be rough on the skin.

Linda Patterson, extension health and safety specialist at Mississippi State University, said during the summer months people become more vulnerable to skin problems.

"These can range from dry skin, poison ivy and rashes to sunburn and infections," she said. "Most of these skin problems are aggravated by things that happen outdoors."

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Severe freezes in February robbed Mississippi yards of most of their spring color. Even as temperatures warm, grasses are showing the extent of the damage.

"Extension county agents are being bombarded by questions about replanting lawns damaged by the harsh, late winter freezes," said Dr. David Nagel, extension horticulturist at Mississippi State University.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi wheat growers will be among an elite group of farmers who will be able to enjoy record high prices. While the yield prospects are dim for the nation's leading wheat producing states, Mississippi's crop looks promising.

Wheat futures have reached the historic $7 per bushel level -- more than 60 percent higher than year-ago prices. Stocks are among the lowest ever and demand continues to be strong.

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Recent April showers may bring later May plantings for much of Mississippi's soybean crop. Heavy rains have muddied efforts to get the state's soybean crop in the ground, but sunny days are giving growers hope for a timely-planted crop.

Mississippi's soybean crop planting is about 15 percent complete.

In the southern and northern parts of the state, rainfall was not as widespread, but central Mississippi received heavy, flooding rains.

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Whether giving homes a thorough cleaning or a last-minute makeover before guests arrive, take care to avoid injuries and hazards in the home.

Back and limb injuries from lifting or falling and allergic reactions to dust and cleansers are just a few of the factors that can make cleaning house a dangerous business.

Linda Patterson, extension health specialist at Mississippi State University, said a few precautions can help avoid hazards in homes and yards.

By Jennifer Miller

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- All parents want what is best for their children. However, media reports of child care provider abuses make it difficult for many parents to trust someone.

Whether parents choose home-based, family, group or center-based child care, they need to learn how to look, listen and ask questions when seeking the best caregiver.

Dr. Louise Davis, extension child and family development specialist at Mississippi State University, said one of the most important qualities a caregiver should have is interest in the child.

By Douglas Wilcox

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- State farmers are hopeful that last winter's freezing weather helped give crop insect pests the cold shoulder for the 1996 growing season.

Mississippi State University entomologists are expressing "cautious optimism" on whether the low temperatures and prolonged wet winter had any effect on the insects that damage Mississippi crops each year.

Dr. Blake Layton, cotton entomology specialist at MSU, said Mississippi farmers may be in for a pleasant surprise this growing season because of the dipping mercury.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The cows may be mad in England, but in the United States, it's the cattlemen with reasons to be angry.

Dr. Charlie Forrest, extension agricultural economist at Mississippi State University, said fed cattle prices are down $6 to $8 per hundredweight from this time last year. Calf prices are down about $25 per hundredweight.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi farmers are plowing ahead optimistically into a new growing season as several commodities post life-of-contract highs on the market.

Many farmers still are reeling from the battles of 1995 which included tremendous insect control costs and a late summer drought.

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A spot or stain on a favorite piece of clothing can be one of the most frustrating sights in the world.

Fortunately, with the proper treatment, many stains can be removed, said Dr. Everlyn Johnson, extension clothing and textiles specialist at Mississippi State University.

To help consumers keep their clothing stain-free, Johnson provided suggestions taken from the stain removal guide published by the Cooperative Extension Service at MSU.

By Dawn R. Hanna

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As spring cleaning gets into full swing, many Mississippians must decide what to do with boxes of discarded clothes -- plan a yard sale or find a second-hand clothing shop.

"Garage sales are a way of getting rid of things you no longer want, need or use," said Dr. Beverly Howell, extension family economics and management specialist at Mississippi State University. "They are also an excellent way of making extra cash, meeting new faces and just having fun."

By Jennifer Miller

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Timber production brings millions of dollars into Mississippi each year. But unfortunately, pine trees are falling victim to an unlikely predator -- kudzu.

Malcolm Montgomery, a Claiborne County resident, knows the damage kudzu can cause.

"I have 200 acres of seven-year-old pine trees that are planted next to a patch of kudzu," he said. It is difficult to control and if it is not stopped, it will eventually kill the pines."

By Douglas Wilcox

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi soybean and cotton farmers should find it easier to decide what seed variety to plant these days, not by trial and error, but by accessing the Internet through their home computers.

The Mississippi soybean variety trials, conducted by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, yield information ranging from how to select a seed variety for your field to the actual planting procedures. Any farmer in the world with a computer and Internet access can download the information from the World Wide Web.

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- This year's growing season is off to a slow start as many different obstacles have kept farmers out of their fields.

Cool, wet weather during March and into early April has muddied fields and kept soil temperatures low. Growers in counties across the state are watching the weather and waiting for fields to dry.

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- This year's planting intentions report yielded few surprises as producers based many acreage decisions on market prices.

Economists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced their 1996 crop predictions March 29. The biggest change for Mississippi is corn acreage, rising from 300,000 acres in '95 to 550,000 acres for 1996 -- an 83 percent increase.