News

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Keeping one of the most common New Year's resolutions sometimes seems as elusive as that winning lottery ticket.

Weight-loss experts have long recommended lifestyle changes over quick-fix diets, and Mississippi State University Extension Service experts echo that sentiment.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Eating leftovers is a typical holiday tradition, but proper food handling is the key to good health in the following days.

Melissa Mixon, human nutritionist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said flu-like symptoms during the holidays could be the result of poorly handled leftovers.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

At our house the dianthus have really started to show out, and I would encourage all gardeners to make use of this wonderful cool-season flower.

I say cool season, but today's dianthus are a far cry from the ones we used to call pinks. Today by virtue of hybridizing species, they are tough from the standpoint of both cold and added-heat tolerance. This hybridization brought together species from China (chinensis) and Southern Europe (barbatus) for a great new plant.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Part of the challenge in bringing a steady supply of bacon, sausage and ham to the American dinner table is to produce pigs in an environmentally sound manner.

In normal operations, a small percentage of animals die before reaching market weight, and the mortalities must be disposed of in timely and environmentally safe ways. Producers face a significant issue in determining the best method of disposal.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Garden centers are loaded with the highest quality fall bedding plants, getting gardeners ready to pull up those marigolds and cut back lantanas, verbenas, salvias and mums if they haven't already.

The last few weeks I have been touting the traditional pansies, snapdragons, violas and cabbages, but there are other great plants that you might not have tried.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Although the Internal Revenue Service is urging Mississippians to update their addresses by Dec. 5 to receive refund checks, most taxpayers have nothing to worry about.

More than 2,300 income tax refund or advance child tax credit checks totaling more than $946,000 were returned to the IRS this year as undeliverable. But if taxpayers updated their addresses with the U.S. Postal Service, the refund checks should have been delivered to the new address.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station has selected Reuben Moore to fill the position of associate director.

As associate director, Moore is responsible for the overall coordination of MAFES research support operations on the Mississippi State University campus and at research and extension centers and branch experiment stations throughout the state.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cotton growers can get the latest in production recommendations from top agricultural specialists, researchers and fellow farmers Dec. 3-5 at the 20th annual Mississippi State University Extension Service's Cotton Production Short Course.

Cotton is one of the mid-South's most important industries and keeps hundreds of millions of dollars turning over in the region's economy. Even after record-producing years, growers need the most current recommendations for planting and managing next year's crop.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- More than 80 poinsettia varieties will be on display during Mississippi State University's annual horticulture Christmas open house from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Dec. 5.

The free event will take place in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences' greenhouses behind Dorman Hall. In addition to poinsettias in shades of red, pink, white and novelty colors, the open house will feature educational seminars, displays and door prizes. The horticultural student clubs will sell poinsettias, pecans, wreaths and garlands.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

The current weather pattern appears to have been designed with the flowering kale and cabbage in mind. Considered among the best of all the wonderful cool-season plants, flowering kale and cabbage produce foliage in brilliant, colorful shades of lavender, green, purple, pink and white. They last from October or November through April, bringing the winter garden alive.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Work, relationships and a host of other variables cause tension in people, but what stresses animals?

A team of Mississippi State University researchers led by poultry scientist Paul Thaxton is letting chickens "tell" them what produces stress in their lives. Their initial work was with broilers, and the team is currently studying laying hens.

The research shows that being allowed to roam unrestrained, often referred to as free-range, may not be the ideal lifestyle for a chicken.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When youth look forward to getting out into the "real world," they often forget the necessity of making car payments, paying daycare and meeting a monthly financial budget.

Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H agents in Marion County hope to enlighten high school students about the responsibilities of adults in the real world. A hands-on life simulation, the "Real World" is designed to allow students to experience their futures in a fun and educational way.

By Tricia Hopper

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A strong sense of compassion prompts some animal lovers to take in strays frequently, but caring for multiple pets in a single household may actually be detrimental to the animals' health and well being.

Dr. Stanley Robertson, Extension veterinarian at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, said while the benefits of pets are reputed, studies have shown that having more than two may create a variety of problems, both for the animals and the owner.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The best intentions regarding spending limits are often laid waste when it comes to Christmas shopping.

It's easy to blow the budget on this season's must-have items, the matching sweater to go with the pants, and the newly released movie or CD title. But Susan Cosgrove, area family resource management agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said there are ways to keep spending in check and still get good gifts for everyone on the shopping list.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Enjoy the fresh smell of a live Christmas tree longer by shopping at one of the state's remaining choose-and-cut farms.

Steve Dicke, Christmas tree specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said between 1985 and 1987, the state had about 450 choose-and-cut farms. The 100 remaining farms represent some of the best quality trees available this holiday season. Locally grown trees offer fresher products than consumers will find on most retail lots.

MISSISSIPPI STATE --If decorating for the holiday season involves candles, remember to use them properly to avoid unnecessary and potentially tragic accidents.

Ted Gordon, a Mississippi State University Extension Service safety specialist at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona, said although candles are used to decorate homes and offices year-round, the number of candle fires increases significantly during the holiday season.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Southerners often cook as though they believe that holiday food must be rich and calorie-filled to be delicious, but it turns out that light foods can be tasty.

Melissa Mixon, human nutrition specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said cooks can reduce the fat in traditional desserts by as much as 75 percent by using substitutions.

"You can't eliminate all fat since some is needed for flavor and texture, but high numbers of calories can be cut by reducing fat grams," Mixon said.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For many people, clothing-shaped gift boxes under the tree trigger anxiety and memories of those flamingo-pink, too-small sweaters Grandma is famous for giving.

But giving clothing as a holiday gift does not have to be a traumatic experience for giver or recipient.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A warm, crackling fire may get people in the holiday spirit, but they should consider safety issues before striking the first match.

Herb Willcutt, safety specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said homeowners should attend to chimney safety, wood selection and insect concerns before, during and after fireplace season.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Gift ideas abound for people who enjoy spending time in front of a crackling fire.

"Safety, convenience and attractiveness are good factors to consider when making gift purchases for fireplace lovers," said Herb Willcutt, safety specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service.

Screens are a safety factor first, and an aesthetic consideration second. There are pre-formed screens that are set in place around the fireplace. The fireplace screen does not have to be the exact size of the fireplace.