You are here

The latest Extension publication from the MSU Deer Lab is “Understanding Buck Movement: How, When, and Why Bucks Navigate the Landscape” is now available for viewing and download.  You can find the publication here:

https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/results.php?q=deer%20movement

In Part 1, Steve and Bronson discuss some of the findings presented in the publication and explain how you can interpret the data and use the information for management and hunting.

Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu.  You will have to create an account to view the seminars.  The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.

Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi agriculture’s value of production fell 10.3% in 2023, but still posted its second highest result on record at $8.8 billion.

Though the value of poultry production fell more than 22% from nearly $4 billion in 2022, the agricultural commodity still dwarfs all others in the state with an estimated value of $3.1 billion this year. The state’s forestry industry took its usual place as the state’s third most valuable agricultural product at $1.5 billion, an increase of nearly 10% from $1.4 billion in 2022.

A three-panel photo illustration showing soybeans in the first panel, a chicken in the middle one and trees in the right panel.
A photo illustration showing the top 10 producing agricultural commodities in Mississippi in 2023.

Mississippi’s poultry took an estimated 23% loss in value in 2023; though production was strong, a failure to meet the previous year’s record high prices was responsible for the hit. Poultry generated an estimated $3.1 billion to Mississippi agriculture in 2023, down from the $3.9 billion generated in 2022.

Four chicks are pictured together.
An adult chicken is surrounded by other white chickens.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Mississippi’s 2023 timber harvest is expected to set a record for the 21st century. “We are on pace to exceed 36 million tons of timber harvested, which would be the highest level we have experienced this century, surpassing the previous high set in 2005 prior to the Great Recession,” said Eric McConnell, an associate professor of forest business at Mississippi State University. The increased harvest helped Mississippi’s forestry industry remain in third place among the state’s agricultural commodities, with an estimated production value of $1.5 billion. That is a 9.6% increase from 2022.

Felled trees are grasped by logging equipment in mid-air.

Merry Christmas! While I take time to be with loved ones, the garden is not far from my mind. I’m dreaming of a winter wonderland with enchanting, cold-hardy plants.

As the new season settles in, casting its chilly embrace over gardens and landscapes, many plants surrender to the frosty grip, leaving behind a muted canvas of browns and grays.

Flowers bloom in an array of colors in deep red, yellow and blue.
A single purple flower blooms against a green background.
Three flowers have yellow, pink and purple colors.
Mostly white flowers have violet petals.

When you think about the holidays, all the food, gifts, holiday décor, and gatherings with friends and family likely come to mind. What you may not think about is how much garbage we create during this season. Check out these tips that can help you recycle this holiday season.

A pile of gifts wrapped in various papers and ribbons.
Americans throw away 25 more waste during the holiday season, but there are several ways to recycle this trash instead of sending it to the landfill.

On this episode of TTR, Clay chats with Taylor McIntosh and Jamie Lynn Gilt of Elevate Horsemanship in Vincent, AL.  Taylor is a past Mustang Makeover champion and their business focuses on creating a better riding experience for horses and their owners.  Taylor’s positive perspective coupled with Jamie’s direct and honest approach to training horses and instructing people, they have “elevated” themselves to new heights in the horse world.  They have a passion for colt starting, fixing problems, and helping others. Once you hear this episode, you’ll feel like you’re one of their friends! 

You can follow them on their Facebook page Elevate Horsemanship and on patreon.com/elevatehorsemanship

The holidays don't have to sabotage your healthy diet habits. Check out these tips that can help you stay focused during this festive season.

A woman stands in a kitchen
Seasonal treats are a hallmark of the holiday season, and you can enjoy them without wrecking your healthy diet habits.

If you would like to add plants that will provide color to your winter landscape and are also edible, I recommend planting some ornamental kale. Ornamental kale, also known as flowering kale, is a stunning and unique addition to any garden or landscape. With its colorful leaves and striking appearance, it is a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

A kale plant has purple leaves surrounded by green leaves.
A kale plant has green leaves and white leaves.
A dark kale plant has purple interior leaves.

Holiday cacti are popular this time of year. They are a great addition to holiday décor and are even a great gift! If you’re like me, I’m running out of gift ideas for my loved ones.

Pink holiday cactus
Holiday cacti add a fun, tropical touch to Christmastime! (Photo by MSU Extension/Michaela Parker)

Pages