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Extension for Real Life

Description

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living.

Blog content is created by a core team of communicators, including Susan Collins-Smith, Ellen Graves, Natasha Haynes, Qula Madkin, Michaela Parker, and Jonathan Parrish. But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu

  • Field corn.

    Different Types of Corn

    As you travel Mississippi roads, it’s common to spot a corn field or two during your travels. Corn is the fourth ranked crop in the state, bringing in over $700 million each year!

  • A field of grass.

    Three Tips for Fall Lawn Care

    As we all know, good things require time and effort. That same concept applies to having an award-winning yard. You’re probably thinking, “Winter is around the corner. Why should I be worried about my lawn now?” A great spring and summer lawn is made possible by the work you devote to it during the fall. 

  • peach salsa in a bowl

    The Food Factor: Peach Salsa

    Fruit salsas are fabulous and can add even more dimension to the flavors of your dishes. Try this peach salsa with fish, chicken, or pork.

  • Ruby throated hummingbird on a leaf.

    Fall Hummingbird Migration

    Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures and are adored by many people. If you’re a hummingbird lover, you’re probably giddy to have them flock to your yard again this season. 

  • fruit smoothies

    How to Improve Brain Health

    Did you know that some key lifestyle changes can help decrease our risk of cognitive decline or poor brain health? Check out these five tips to begin loving your brain better.

  • golden rain tree

    When and How to Prune Landscape Plants: Early Fall/Winter

    Pruning is one of the least understood gardening tasks and for good reason – it’s confusing. When, how, and if you should prune depends on the type of plant or tree you have and your goal for the plant. Check out these pruning tasks for the last one-third of the year.

  • Bowl of Greek Island Salad

    The Food Factor: Greek Island Salad

    I really enjoy eating Mediterranean style food and this tasty, protein-filled salad with Greek seasoning is perfect for me.

  • pot of boiling water

    What to do Under a Boil Water Notice

    Do you know what is safe and unsafe when it comes to using water that is under a boil-water alert? Here's what to do and not do if you are under a boil water notice.

  • A fly on a window with homes in the background.

    How to Control Flies in Your Home

    There are not very many things quite as annoying as a pesky house fly in your home. House flies will buzz inside anytime a door or window is opened. Airconditioning, modern sewage management, and the lack of livestock near our homes means most people don’t see large numbers of flies in their homes these days. Think about how bad they were back in the day before proper window screening existed! But there are times when flies will occasionally get inside and certain settings that can increase the fly population around your home. 

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762