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
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Tips for Identifying Backyard Birds
Birdwatching is a favorite pastime of many Mississippians. My grandmother had a bird book she wore out over the years. I fondly remember sitting on the porch swing with her as a child trying to identify the different birds that frequented her house. Sometimes we were successful in finding the bird, other times not so much.
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Critter of the Month: Bald Eagle
There's nothing more majestic than the bald eagle. As many know, the bald eagle is the United States' national bird and is exclusively found in North America. Spotting one in the wild is a moment many will never forget!
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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.
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July Garden Checklist
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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: