News

Get the most bang for your fall food plot buck

One of the questions I’m often asked this time of year is, “What should I plant in my food plots?” It’s a simple enough question, but the answer is a little more involved than just recommending “this” or “that.”  But, before we get too far down this row, let’s review a few items that will determine food plot success or failure, no matter what you plant.

Field day will showcase Extension turfgrass program

The Mississippi State University Turfgrass Research Field Day Sept. 18 presents a professional development opportunity for turfgrass and landscape managers.

Set to begin 8:30 a.m. at the MSU Starkville campus’ R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, the annual event is the premier in-person outreach showcase for the MSU Extension Turfgrass Program, drawing professionals from the golf, sports field, lawn care and sod production industries.

Take precautions for safe summer activities

When intense summer heat sets in, adults who like to work and play outdoors should take precautions to keep safe.

Starkville pickleball player Liz Stringer did that this summer when temperatures approached triple digits and heat indexes rose even higher.

Cost reduction options exist for pine reforestation

Many Mississippi landowners are weighing their options for replanting pine trees as they face a market marred by inflation, reduced stumpage prices and often an inability to conduct thinnings. Curtis VanderSchaaf, a forestry specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said landowners have several options to help them decrease these costs and get a reasonable return on their financial investment.

2025 soybean crop in all growth stages across state

Mississippi’s soybean crop is literally all over the place in terms of development, but nearly all of it looks good.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture -- National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates Mississippi will have 2.05 million acres of soybeans. As of July 27, USDA estimated 59% of the crop was in good or excellent condition. Another 27% was rated fair, with just 4% in poor condition.

Jacob Dykes named MSU Extension wildlife specialist

The Mississippi State University Extension Service named Jacob Dykes the new wildlife specialist and co-director of the MSU Deer Lab.

Hunters continue to battle CWD in state deer herds

Chronic wasting disease, or CWD, continues to spread in deer in Mississippi, but efforts by hunters, landowners and wildlife managers are keeping the numbers in check.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, or MDWFP, tested 128 deer positive for CWD from July 2024 to June 2025. That number is up from 110 deer that tested positive during the same period from 2023 to 2024.

Miscanthus High Frequency, a must-have ornamental grass

If your summer garden feels a little static, you maybe should consider adding plants that bring movement, texture and structure to the landscape.

MSU Extension offers next Master Gardener classes

Master Gardeners are known for their expert knowledge and community service, and those interested in joining this group have an opportunity to sign up for training starting Aug. 13.