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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

  • A lady in a kitchen holds a smoothie and gives a thumbs up.

    The Food Factor: Strawberry Swirl

    As the days heat up, I’m looking for ways to cool off! This recipe for a Strawberry Swirl gives me all the health benefits of whole fruit with the refreshing coolness of a frozen drink.

  • Pink rose bush.

    July Garden Checklist

  • Fire ant mound

    How to Get Fire Ants Out of the Vegetable Garden

    Do you have fire ants in your vegetable garden? Me too. Good news for all of us! There are some fire ant baits that are safe to use around food plants.

  • A plate of chicken wings cooked in the air fryer.

    The Food Factor: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    If you love fried chicken wings but want a healthier option, these Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings cooked in the air fryer are for you!

  • Canned fruits and vegetables on a shelf.

    How to Preserve Foods at Home Safely

    Are you planning to can fruits and vegetables this year? Whether you’re new to canning or you’ve done it for years, Extension has resources to help you make sure it’s done safely. 

  • A cup of Orange Delight sits on a counter.

    The Food Factor: Orange Delight

    If you are a fan of The Food Factor and are of a certain age, you may remember one of my favorite childhood flavors—the Orange Julius®. A trip to the mall wasn’t complete without a stop for a creamy, frozen citrus treat!

  • Tomatoes growing on a vine.

    Quick Tips for Growing Tomatoes

    There’s nothing more satisfying than homegrown tomatoes. You don’t have to be a gardening expert to grow delicious tomatoes in your backyard. Here are a few tips that will help you grow the best looking (and tasting) tomatoes out there:

  • Woman smiling at a table.

    School’s Out: How to Make Meals and Snacks Count

    The kids are out of school, and for some of us, our schedule is a little bit out of routine. As a mom of four, I know how hard it can be to keep those summer bellies full, so I want to share some of my go-to tips to help.

  • A squirrel on wood railing.

    Critter of the Month: Eastern Gray Squirrel

    Most people have a love-hate relationship with squirrels. It’s fascinating to watch them jump from tree branch to tree branch, searching for any food in sight. At the same time, they can also be quite a nuisance to homeowners.

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762