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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

  • Concept of an imcoming call from an unknown number. Hand holding a cell phone.

    How to Spot a Scam

    These days scammers can take advantage of you in several ways—emails, texts messages, phone calls, social media platforms, and traditional mail. Scammers want your money, your personal information, or both. But you can help protect yourself by understanding some of the most common warning signs of scams.

  • Seasoning beings sprinkled on veggies in a pan

    Salt-Free Seasoning Blends

    Reducing sodium intake is a mindful choice, but it doesn’t mean your meals have to be bland. Salt-free cooking can be flavorful, refreshing, and fun.  

  • Ears of Corn

    Harvest of the Month: Corn

    It’s my favorite time of year because sweet corn is in season! Corn is one of my favorite vegetables and is a food I eat on repeat during summer months.

  • A woman stands in a kitchen with strawberries on a cutting board.

    How to Add More Berries to Your Diet

    Celebrate National Blueberry Month with these tips to help you add more berries to your diet.

  • Gulf Coast Tick shown above ruler.

    Species Spotlight: Ticks

    As warmer weather lures us outside for yardwork, hiking, and family picnics, it’s important to stay alert for ticks.As warmer weather lures us outside for yardwork, hiking, and family picnics, it’s important to stay alert for ticks.As warmer weather lures us outside for yardwork, hiking, and family picnics, it’s important to stay alert for ticks.

  • Mosquito on hand

    Tips to Reduce Mosquitos

    Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch! Mosquito season is alive and well here in Mississippi. These insects are most active when the temperatures are above 50°F, meaning they’re here in the South for a good chunk of the year.

  • Beaver with log in his mouth.

    How to Identify White-Tailed Deer and Beaver Tracks

    Have you ever been on a walk in the woods, park, or backyard and noticed animal tracks in the mud or dirt? Some tracks are easy to identify, while others are a bit harder to tell which animal they belong to.

  • A woman stands in a park.

    4 Tips for Safe Summer Play

    Summer is a wonderful time to explore, play outside, and create memories, but take some steps to make your adventures safe.

  • Homesteading: Backyard Chickens

    I’ve often heard it said, “If you want to start a homestead, you’ve got to start with chickens.” Raising backyard poultry seems like a great idea when you see those adorable baby chicks at the co-op, but there are several important factors to consider before jumping in.

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762