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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

  • colorful fall leaves

    Why Do Leaves Change Color?

    Autumn is the time of year when nature graces us with a perfect landscape of red, orange, and yellow leaves to enjoy. As you take in the beautiful scenery, you may wonder: What causes the leaves to change colors in the fall months? Many people believe frost is the reason, but that’s actually a myth! 

  • A woman sits at a table which displays alternative Halloween treats.

    Trick, Treat, or Toy?: 4 Tips for a Healthier Halloween

    Whether you are having a Halloween party with friends, sending treats to school, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, with a little creativity, you can find ways to add some healthy options into the mix.

  • Different colored pumpkins in a line.

    How to Keep Pumpkin Decor Fresh

    Pumpkins are a fall staple and a great way to add a bit of festive decor to your home. I’ve had a pumpkin display out at my home since mid-September. I’ll keep this fall arrangement up until after Thanksgiving and then replace it with Christmas lights and decor.

  • mashed sweet potoatoes im two bowls

    The Food Factor: Maple Sweet Potatoes

  • Buck.

    Critter of the Month: White-Tailed Deer

    The white-tailed deer is one of the most popular game species in Mississippi. We have over 2 million white-tailed deer in the state, and we rank second behind Texas for the densest population of deer in the nation.

  • Raking leaves

    October Garden Checklist

    Autumn is officially here! It’s not hard to love this time of year. Temperatures are cooling, leaves are changing, and there will be more branches than foliage soon. It’s hard not to love this time of year! As we close out this calendar year, it’s easy to convince yourself there’s not much to do in the yard. Take a break, but also take time to check off these tasks

  • Lawn Burweed

    Tips for Treating Lawn Burweed

    Lawn burweed is something we all dread having in our yards during warmer months. This weed starts growing in the fall, but doesn’t become a nuisance until it’s fully matured in the spring. When temperatures rise, these weeds form prickly spines, or “stickers,” which they are more commonly known as.

  • Barbecue sliders on a plate.

    The Food Factor: Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Sliders

    These slow cooker barbecue chicken sliders are perfect for tailgating parties or a Monday night dinner.

  • Various finger foods arranged buffet style.

    4 Tips for Food Safety at Your Tailgate Party

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762