News

MCCOMB -- With 12 chicken houses and 10 years of experience in the poultry business, Delean Robertson of McComb knows the important role women play in agriculture.

When Robertson’s husband, Donald, suggested starting a chicken farm in 2004 so he could quit his off-shore job and be home more often, Robertson said everything seemed to fall into place as if it were meant to be. The loan for Straight Arrow Farm was approved quickly. An auditor assistant, she transferred from Citizens Bank in Columbia to a closer branch in Magnolia.

NATCHEZ – Attorney General Jim Hood will be the closing speaker in Natchez March 28 at a workshop about managing Mississippi’s oil and gas.

Landowners, land managers, elected officials and community leaders interested in oil and gas development can learn about legal, financial and land management planning at the two-day event.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service Center for Government and Community Development and the Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development will host the workshop.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Volunteer leaders displayed their level of commitment to the state’s youth when they spent two days at Mississippi State University training in how to do their jobs even better.

The annual 4-H Volunteer Leaders Conference was held at the MSU Bost Extension Center in Starkville Feb. 28 to March 1. Mississippi 4-H is the youth development program of the MSU Extension Service. About 200 volunteer leaders attended the event.

GOODMAN – Fruit and vegetable producers can learn how to improve production during a March 21 field day at the Alliance for Sustainable Agricultural Production Demonstration Farm.

Experts with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Alcorn State University and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will conduct field demonstrations on mulching, irrigation and high tunnel construction and production techniques. They also will cover fruit crop site selection and variety choices.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – People coming to the aid of large animals involved in accidents and disasters need to proceed with caution for themselves and the distressed animals.

Mississippi State University is hosting a two-day training program in late March to make emergency responders aware of issues involved in large animal rescues.

With St. Patrick’s Day almost here, I’m reminded of the good old days trying to find lucky four-leaf clovers in my lawn as a kid. Of course, some years it was hard because clover is a weed and my dad would spray to get rid of them.

Clover normally has three leaves, but sometimes a mutation produces a fourth leaf. When I found one, I was sure good luck would come my way. Little did I know that this belief has a long history. Four-leaf clovers were considered an omen of good fortune by ancient Celtic peoples.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – In a series of workshops across the state, Mississippi State University Extension Service agricultural economists will share information about the recently signed 2014 Farm Bill.

“Introduction to the New Farm Bill” will address two topics: Title 1, Farm Programs and Title 11, Crop Insurance. The seminar is designed for crop producers, lenders, and those impacted by farm programs and crop insurance.

PICAYUNE – Homeowners, gardeners and nature lovers can learn how native plants help humans thrive during the Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum Lecture Series on March 15.

Doug Tallamy, a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, will discuss the results of his 32 years of research on the relationship between native plants and the health of local ecosystems.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Garden centers and plant outlets are now stocking up on a variety of trees, and it pays to do a little research before selecting what to plant.

Consumers often ask for fast-growing trees, such as willow and river birch, but these quick growers tend to have weak wood and often suffer damage in wind or ice storms.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Warm weather in early spring practically dares gardeners to plant something, but starting too early can lead to failure.

Mississippi State University Extension Service horticulturists Gary Bachman and Rick Snyder offered some tips on how to get a head start on summer vegetables without the risk of losing them to a late frost.

JACKSON – Families can find a few extra dollars for summer vacation or for the piggy bank by clipping coupons and planning shopping lists.

“By spending just a few hours a week clipping coupons, you can save up to 40 to 50 percent on your grocery bill,” said LaTrell Stokes, Oktibbeha County agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. “You don’t have to be an extreme couponer to save a significant amount.”

Stokes, who clips coupons herself, said shoppers do need a strategy, though.

VERONA -- More than 300 north Mississippi agricultural producers met with Mississippi State University representatives to hear research results and recommendations and to express what they need from the university in the coming year.

Steve Martin, head of MSU’s North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona, said the annual meeting helps keep producers, researchers and Extension specialists on the same page.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Becky Smith, director of the Mississippi State University Extension Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy, has been an advocate for education since childhood.

“My grandfather told me, ‘Nobody can take education away from you,’ so I was determined to go as far as I could with my education,” Smith said.

BILOXI – A group of about 120 coastal-area agriculture producers met Feb. 25 in Biloxi for the Coastal Research and Extension Center’s Producer Advisory Council to help Mississippi State University experts understand growers’ needs.

The annual meeting helps MSU Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station agents, specialists and researchers allocate time and funding to education and research efforts.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Starkville will host one of three major spring gardening events in the state this March.

The sixth annual Everything Garden Expo will take place March 21 and 22 at the Mississippi Horse Park, located south of town at 869 East Poorhouse Road.

Gary Bachman, horticulturist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said March is a good month for Mississippians to plan their 2014 gardens.

A fertilization program can greatly increase fish production in fishing ponds.

Adding nutrients stimulates the growth of the microscopic plants, or algae, that feed the small animals that feed the fish. Fertilization can increase fish production by three to four times, resulting in more fish, bigger fish or both in properly managed ponds. Also, these tiny plants can shade the bottom and prevent aquatic weeds from taking over.

JACKSON – A segment of Ask This Old House that was filmed in Biloxi premiers this weekend. The show demonstrates how to install a high tunnel to extend the growing season of backyard gardens.

Two Mississippi State University horticulture scientists served as consultants for the traveling home improvement show. They helped the crew with region-specific information and coordination of the site and materials.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi Saves launched its first America Saves Week campaign Monday to promote financial responsibility throughout the nation.

As part of the national America Saves effort, Mississippians can save money for a rainy day by taking the pledge to become a Mississippi Saver.

Bobbie Shaffett, a family resource management specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said an American Saves study found 63 percent of Americans were making only “fair” or “no” progress in meeting personal savings needs.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Making a living in agriculture is a tough job and something that builds bonds among those who work in the industry, a fact that brought 45 women together for a late February conference at Mississippi State University.

The 75-member Mississippi Women for Agriculture organization meets to discuss important agricultural developments and to draw encouragement from shared experiences. Mary Jane Coign, who owns a cow and calf operation in Oktibbeha County, is the organization’s 2014 president.

RAYMOND – More than 150 central Mississippi agricultural producers gathered Feb. 18 to discuss priorities and ideas with Mississippi State University experts.

Producers and industry professionals met with MSU Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station agents, specialists and researchers to provide input and direction for educational programs and research.