News

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- There's an epidemic across the nation that can't be stopped with any type of medication. Obesity, especially in children, is reaching alarming proportions in the United States and Mississippi has the highest per capita number of overweight children.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Current dry weather makes burning debris a potentially lethal hazard, especially coupled with windy conditions that help spread fire at an alarming rate.

"The southern part of the state is particularly dry, so people should avoid burning debris at all," said Glenn Hughes, a forestry specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. "The fuel is there and ready to go up -- if a spark gets away from you, the wind can move it very quickly."

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Most of Mississippi's wheat crop is nearly ready to start flowering, and until it does, many producers are wondering if they will have a good harvest or not.

Erick Larson, grains agronomist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said the crop is on time and looking good except for one thing.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The cost of fertilizer and strong market prices are inspiring Mississippi growers to increase their soybean acreage in 2004.

Robert Martin, Sharkey and Issaquena county director for Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said growers see more potential in soybeans this year than they have in past years.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Beef may be "what's for dinner," but that's because producers growing cattle are putting a good product on the market for consumers to enjoy.

Mississippi's beef cattle had a production value of about $190 million in 2003, and most of this is from small operations. To support this industry in the state, the Mississippi State University Extension Service created an educational certification program for beef cattle producers and veterinarians.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

One of the most beautiful cities in the South is Port Gibson, Miss. Labeled "too beautiful to burn" by Civil War Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, this town indeed has persevered and entices travelers to wander the streets in awe.

The Mississippi Plant Selections Committee is proud to announce the Port Gibson Pink verbena as a 2004 Mississippi Medallion award winner.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- "Gentlemen, start your engines." These four words that provide NASCAR fans with an adrenaline rush should also invoke caution flags for Mississippians driving in rural areas where tractors are taking to the fields.

Herb Willcutt, safety specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said all drivers share responsibility for safe travel on the state's highways.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Farmers are looking to reduce their 2004 fuel costs by adopting agricultural strategies including new herbicides, transgenic cotton and reduced tillage methods.

Will McCarty, state program leader for agriculture and natural resources with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said many farmers are using management and technology in place of labor and machinery. One area that benefits greatly is the reduction in fuel needs.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi Delta native Dr. Bob Watson, co-owner of the Brookhaven Animal Hospital, recently received the young veterinarian of the year award from his professional statewide association.

The Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association presented Watson with the award at the annual winter meeting held at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. A native of Cleveland, Watson received a bachelor's degree in biology from Delta State University in 1989. He received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from MSU in 1994.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The late Dr. Richard Griffin received the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association's top honor during their recent winter meeting in Starkville.

Griffin, who practiced in Greenville for more than two decades, died in May 2003 at age 48 from injuries he received in a traffic accident as he was driving to Leland to treat a sick animal. MVMA named him their veterinarian of the year for his outstanding service in the field of veterinary medicine.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- An April 27 workshop will offer half a day of classroom instruction and an afternoon of hands-on instructional work for interested pecan growers.

The Mississippi-Louisiana Pecan Growers Meeting is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crystal Springs. It is sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and Louisiana State University. There is no cost to attend.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Soybean prices are the highest they've been in years, rice and corn are looking good, and cotton has improved, giving Mississippi farmers much to consider as they decide what to plant this year.

Charlie Forrest, professor of agricultural economics with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said nationwide soybean production was down last year while demand stayed strong.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A Mississippi State University veterinary graduate is helping to ensure the country's supply of meat, poultry and egg products remains safe, wholesome and accurately labeled.

Dr. Barbara Masters, who graduated from MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine as Barbara Henning in 1987, was recently selected to serve as acting U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service administrator. She will serve in this role until Pres. George W. Bush appoints a permanent administrator.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- One of Mississippi's first black Extension Service members was posthumously inducted into the 2004 National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Alphonse Marks was a Pike County Extension Service agent for more than 30 years. During his tenure, Marks was recognized by his community and peers for his leadership, intense work habits and people skills with six Extension distinguished and meritorious awards.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For the seventh year in a row, Mississippi State University and the state's community colleges are teaming up to encourage bright high school seniors to consider a medical profession in Mississippi.

The intense, five-week Rural Medical Scholars summer program at MSU aims to identify the state's future primary care doctors and help them become members of the medical school class of 2013.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Entrepreneurs in central Mississippi who have dreamed of creating and manufacturing food products can learn how to make this dream a reality at a day-long workshop in May.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

A tomato variety has charmed the Mississippi Plant Selections Committee to become the first vegetable chosen as a Mississippi Medallion award winner. This standout performer is the Mini Charm Tomato.

By Norman Winter

MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Yubi portulacas will stop traffic with their eye-popping, jaw-dropping displays. These moss roses have been out a few years, but most Mississippi gardeners still are timid with them.

In Texas, the Yubi has garnered awards and caught on very quickly with gardeners. The single-petaled blossoms of the Yubi are as big as their rose-formed cousins in the Sundial series. The centers of the flowers expose the stamens and give a two-tone effect.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Warmer days, new growth and Easter eggs go hand-in-hand in more ways than one, but sometimes the growth is not what consumers need.

Sharon Allen Haynes, an area nutrition and food safety agent with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said eggs must be handled with care to prevent the growth of micro-organisms that cause food-borne illnesses.

RALEIGH -- U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary Bill Hawks is scheduled to address beef and poultry disease concerns at an upcoming agricultural conference in southcentral Mississippi.

The Mississippi native will be the concluding speaker at the Magnolia Beef and Poultry Expo at the Smith County Agricultural Complex on Highway 35 South in Raleigh. The two-day conference is set for April 28 and 29. Organizers expect producers from across South Mississippi to come hear the latest in health and marketing recommendations.