News

Robertson named MSU Extension health specialist

Mary Nelson Robertson rejoined MSU Extension in her new role on Aug. 16. She was most recently an assistant professor in the MSU School of Human Sciences, where she taught in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and conducted research for the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, or MAFES.

Give Sweet Caroline Medusa Green sweet potato vine a try

If you are a fan of the color and ground-covering abilities of sweet potato vine but find they sometimes get a bit out of hand by late summer, you may need to try Sweet Caroline Medusa Green in your landscape next year.

Arboretum’s BugFest 2025 set for Sept. 19 and 20

PICAYUNE, Miss. -- Nature enthusiasts, school groups and the public can learn more about the wonderful world of insects during BugFest 2025 -- BeetleMania! in Picayune. The annual celebration will be held Sept. 19 and 20 at the Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum.

Get the most bang for your fall food plot buck

One of the questions I’m often asked this time of year is, “What should I plant in my food plots?” It’s a simple enough question, but the answer is a little more involved than just recommending “this” or “that.”  But, before we get too far down this row, let’s review a few items that will determine food plot success or failure, no matter what you plant.

Field day will showcase Extension turfgrass program

The Mississippi State University Turfgrass Research Field Day Sept. 18 presents a professional development opportunity for turfgrass and landscape managers.

Set to begin 8:30 a.m. at the MSU Starkville campus’ R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, the annual event is the premier in-person outreach showcase for the MSU Extension Turfgrass Program, drawing professionals from the golf, sports field, lawn care and sod production industries.

Take precautions for safe summer activities

When intense summer heat sets in, adults who like to work and play outdoors should take precautions to keep safe.

Starkville pickleball player Liz Stringer did that this summer when temperatures approached triple digits and heat indexes rose even higher.

Cost reduction options exist for pine reforestation

Many Mississippi landowners are weighing their options for replanting pine trees as they face a market marred by inflation, reduced stumpage prices and often an inability to conduct thinnings. Curtis VanderSchaaf, a forestry specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said landowners have several options to help them decrease these costs and get a reasonable return on their financial investment.

Perennial hardy hibiscus bring color and charm

One of the plants I look forward the most to seeing bloom in my landscape each year is the perennial hardy hibiscus.

2025 soybean crop in all growth stages across state

Mississippi’s soybean crop is literally all over the place in terms of development, but nearly all of it looks good.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture -- National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates Mississippi will have 2.05 million acres of soybeans. As of July 27, USDA estimated 59% of the crop was in good or excellent condition. Another 27% was rated fair, with just 4% in poor condition.