News

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The young and young-at-heart will enjoy studying insects during a unique, five-day camp offered in two summer sessions by Mississippi State University.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Recent rains and warmer temperatures caused explosive growth of summer grasses in Mississippi's pastures and hay fields, but producers have faced an unrelenting battle with weeds throughout the spring.

John Byrd, weed scientist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said the best time to treat weeds is before they have the opportunity to bloom and produce seeds. Producers should follow label directions regarding grazing and haying restrictions.

Yellow fields of buttercups are among the most visible weeds in Mississippi every April.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As therapeutic riding programs catch on across the state, Mississippi State University is planning to host a national training workshop for instructors and volunteers interested in improving their skills.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- High school students can learn about horticulture and landscape careers in a unique summer seminar at Mississippi State University.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The program for the upcoming Statewide Dairy Field Day reflects that successful dairy producers must be up-to-date on a wide variety of topics from herd health and nutrition to financial management, all at the same time.

Mississippi State University's annual dairy event will take place on May 27 at the Buddy and Neville Rials dairy farm in western Marion County. Registration and exhibits will open at 8:30 a.m., one hour before the program begins.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Magilla Perilla had everyone paying homage last year, but by the end of this summer or next year depending on supplies, Kong coleus will likely be the new reigning king.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A primary tool for managing risk of any sort is insurance, and many Mississippi farmers have found that crop insurance remains an important component of their farming operations.

The most basic kind of entry-level crop insurance is catastrophic coverage, known as CAT. This insurance provides 50 percent coverage for average yields at 55 percent of the established price. CAT coverage costs $100 per crop per county in which the producer farms.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Vaccinate horses now against the West Nile Virus to reduce the risk of contracting the potentially deadly disease and fears of infection during the 2003 mosquito season.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently granted a full license to Fort Dodge Animal Health for its WNV vaccine, labeled West Nile - Innovator. The vaccine previously was available through a conditional license while studies were conducted.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Half a lifetime is a long time to commit to anything, but a 4-H horse program volunteer believes the program's benefits to families make his time well spent.

"I've been involved with the 4-H horse program for 35 years, and I raised four children in the 4-H program. Now I have grandchildren in 4-H," said Bobby Crawford of Indianola. "It's a wonderful program. I've contributed time and effort for half my lifetime, and I've enjoyed it so much."

Crawford said it would be difficult to count the number of hours he spends helping out with the program.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- First strawberries then blueberries are ripening to provide Mississippians with locally grown, flavorful fruits for nutritious early summer dishes and snacks.

In Mississippi, strawberry harvest started in April and blueberries follow in early May. South Mississippi strawberry grower David Courtney said he is expecting a good quality crop in the absence of insect damage and disease pressure. His irrigated crop likely benefitted from the spring drought that reduced diseases.

By Tricia Hopper

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Blue ribbons proudly displayed in April encourage everyone to do their part to prevent child abuse.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Many people view mowing the grass as an unpleasant chore for the kids, but experts caution there are significant safety and maintenance issues involved.

Herb Willcutt, agricultural engineer and safety specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the biggest danger in any type of mowing situation is thrown objects. These can harm people, structures and automobiles.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Sometimes when a plant gets labeled a noxious weed my first thought is that the most negligent gardeners, even someone like me, can grow it. Since I am on the road constantly, I need tough plants and one of the hardiest varieties that I adore is the Ox Eye daisy.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cotton is an expensive crop to grow, but experts warn that planting fewer seeds per acre is not the way to reduce costs.

As with most crops, cotton varieties have been modified to develop or enhance desirable traits. Depending on the technology, fees to cover the research and development can account for two-thirds of the total cost of seed, or as much as a few hundred dollars per bag of seed.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Corn growers may see a fourth consecutive year of record or near-record yields after spring weather conditions allowed them to plant early or on time for a change.

If they succeed in producing another record, they should have an added benefit of stronger prices expected during an August harvest. December corn futures prices are running near $3.20 per bushel compared to $2.40 at this time last year.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Saccharine-sweet pastels are out, but fun, feminine styles are all the rage this summer in the fashion world.

Instead of cotton-candy pink, this summer's styles will feature more toned-down colors. But that doesn't mean bright colors are a thing of the past -- they still have their place in most wardrobes.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Flowers and "for sale" signs are popping up in yards across the state, a sure sign that spring has indeed arrived.

It seems no one wants to move in the cold of winter, so spring is the perfect time to put a house on the market. Owners can move to a new location over the summer, and have things back to normal when the kids start school in the fall.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Big business and families don't often go hand-in-hand, but they do when it comes to the Mississippi poultry industry.

"For nine consecutive years, poultry has been the No. 1 commodity in Mississippi, with 2003 sales of poultry and poultry products topping $1.5 billion," said Wallace Morgan, head of Mississippi State University's Department of Poultry Science. "There are about 3,000 farms producing poultry in the state, most of which are family-run farms with four to six poultry houses, with each house producing about 140,000 birds every year."

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

You may have thought you heard it all when the Mississippi Plant Selections Committee chose the Mini Charm tomato as the first vegetable to win the award. Now the committee has chosen Purple Ruffles basil as the first herb to win the Mississippi Medallion Award.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Purple Majesty is an ornamental millet that is one of the most eye-catching plants of the 21st century. As an All-America Selections Gold Medal winner last year, many gardeners were still too timid to let this plant really impress the neighbors.

Thousands of shoppers have seen it growing in past years at Northpark Mall in Jackson and wondered what it was. In the Northpark garden, it was used with cannas and elephant ears for a really unique, if not exotic, look.