News

By Allison Matthews

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The howls of coyotes in the night may sound eerie to some, chilling to others, but for animal owners, the howls may be a reminder of a problem.

Coyote population has expanded across the United States. Their highly adaptable nature has helped them cope with widely varying habitats. The predator is common in Mississippi, where a few decades ago it was unknown.

"When I was a kid growing up here in Mississippi there were no coyotes," said Dean Stewart, Mississippi State University Extension wildlife associate.

By Allison Matthews

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's white-tailed deer population has undoubtably increased in recent years, and wildlife specialists are using a new tool to more accurately survey deer numbers.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- By now, consumers are used to high prices at the gas pump, but many are still recovering from the shock of their heating bills that arrived in January.

Natural gas prices have more than doubled in the past year, with much of that increase happening since November. The problem is nationwide and comes at a time when usage is up because of one of the coldest winters in recent history.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- If it's not the drought or poor market prices, it's the high cost of energy that is making it hard for Mississippi farmers to turn a profit.

Officials associated with the state's agricultural industry are saying that the high price of energy has created a crisis in agriculture. In Mississippi, the poultry and greenhouse industries appear to be hurting the most, but no ag sector is safe from rising costs that cut into already slim profits.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

This coming spring has all the signs of being a good year to bring back that old-fashioned plant, the nasturtium. I considered writing about plants for cold, saturated conditions, but decided to write about a plant that is beautiful, edible, suitable in the flowerbed and perfect for tucking in containers.

By Allison Matthews

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A farmers' market can draw a crowd with its local, farm-fresh vegetables, and organizers are hoping more producers will be attracted as well.

David Nagel, Extension plant and soil sciences specialist at Mississippi State University, said farmers' markets give everyone an advantage, often one that consumers may have a hard time finding elsewhere.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's horse industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and the state's agricultural college is expanding equine programs to keep pace.

In the last few years, Mississippi State University has directed efforts toward expanding its horse program in areas such as 4-H, therapeutic riding and a collegiate equestrian team. Also, research and academic options for people pursuing careers in horse-related fields have increased. Equine specialists believe MSU's efforts parallel a growing interest statewide in horsemanship.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Some adults say youth need encouragement to be their best, but a special group of those Mississippians are preparing to put their money where their mouths are.

More than 2,000 members of 4-H and FFA programs across Mississippi will converge upon Jackson to compete in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up, Feb. 1 through 8. An elite group of winners will receive the top monetary awards following the livestock show at the Sale of Junior Champions on Feb. 8.

By Chantel Lott

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cheese production at Mississippi State University allows researchers to develop improved cheese products and offers students in food sciences hands-on experience while attending college.

Students at MSU studying food science have the opportunity to study the cheese making process and work in a real cheese production plant as part of their curriculum. The plant is operated by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Horticulturists are always looking for "60-mile-per-hour plants," which means pretty flowers in some landscapes can divert your attention while you are zipping down the highway.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

After those 100-plus degree days in August, we should feel guilty complaining about the cold winter we've had. It helps knowing that some hot new plants like the Bouquet Purple dianthus will be showing up soon to help us forget the frigid December and January.

MISSISSIPPI STATE Most of Mississippi's weather in 2000 did more harm than good for the state's farmers -- until December.

After four relatively mild winters, entomologists predict significant insect mortality from the cold. The state climatologist reported December temperatures were among the coldest in reported history.

By Chantel Lott

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Knowing that corn will grow in Mississippi is one matter, but deciding which kind will grow best on a particular farm puts significant amounts of money on the line and calls for in-depth research.

By Crystel Bailey

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Teenagers love to spend money, and now teachers and financial experts are teaching them how to use it wisely as part of a school curriculum.

After the Mississippi Legislature passed a law in 1999 that required money management be taught in high schools, Mississippi State University's Extension Service joined with schools and businesses to bring this new curriculum to the classroom.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A group of 105 youngsters in Kossuth have included gardening in their classroom activities and become the first Junior Master Gardener group in the state.

In November, the Kossuth Aggie Junior Gardeners registered as Junior Master Gardeners. The fifth graders' teachers began teaching a gardening curriculum and the classes began working in their outdoor classroom at the school. The group studies environmental and horticultural topics, does hands-on activities, and has the opportunity to take on community leadership projects.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For better or worse, few relationships have gotten as much "bad press" over the years as that of parents-in-law.

"Parents are often a major component in the happiness or unhappiness of a marriage," said Louise Davis, family and child development specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. The challenges may begin before the vows, during the stressful time of planning the wedding.

By Jamie Vickers Phipps

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Safe food handling at the wedding reception can prevent disasterous affects on the guests and honeymooning newlyweds.

When family and friends pitch in to help minimize reception costs, freshness and food safety are important issues.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Patience and understanding are the keys to smoother transitions when blending children from previous marriages into one big, happy family.

"Remarriages are often more complicated than first marriages because of the presence of children on one or both sides of the union," said Louise Davis, family and child development specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service.

Important steps for a healthy stepfamily include developing a sense of unity, respecting each other and managing time together and apart.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Bridal gowns are major investments, both financially and emotionally, so take extra precautions and perform follow-up care to ensure the dress will last for generations.

Everlyn Johnson, apparel and textile program leader with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said brides can begin to consider the longevity of the gown when the shopping begins or before the gown is made.