News

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippians who want the freshest blueberries and butterbeans have more options as community-supported agriculture programs increase.

Kimberly Morgan, an agricultural economist and professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said Mississippians are participating in a trend that began within the past 20 years.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – When freshman Mitchell McCloud walked onto campus at Mississippi State University Aug. 17, he already had two classes behind him and a clear idea of where his intended major could take him.

“Through the Rural Medical Scholars program, I was simultaneously introduced to Mississippi State University’s outstanding campus and the different aspects of the path to medical school,” McCloud said.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Parents may think their children intentionally argue with everything they say, but the problem may be more complicated.

Louise Davis, Mississippi State University Extension child and family development specialist, said the problem could be factors beyond the child’s control.

Paying bills and balancing the family checkbook with a bank’s online software program saves time, but few people plan for handling the accounts if there is an unexpected illness or even a death in the family.

Typically, one person in the household takes responsibility for paying the bills online or managing the online banking account. However, if something happens to that person, the whole family’s finances can be in jeopardy.

PICAYUNE – Mississippi State University’s Crosby Arboretum in Picayune will be crawling with activities at the annual Bugfest Sept. 23 and 24.

The family-friendly event will include collecting, identifying and mounting insects for display; bug-themed crafts and games; and educational seminars on various insects and collecting techniques.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Professionals who provide home inspections, audits or health services are encouraged to participate in the Essentials for Healthy Homes Practitioner’s Course in Canton on Sept. 22 and 23.

The training will be conducted by the National Center for Healthy Housing and hosted by Mississippi State University’s Extension Service at their Madison County office. Professionals from a variety of fields will gather to share their expertise and learn from others at the two-day course. The $100 registration fee covers all course materials.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – New owners of food businesses can take part in an upcoming workshop to help improve their odds of success, even during the current economic challenges.

“Food as a Business” is a day-long video conference Oct. 4 with satellite locations at Mississippi State University, Hattiesburg, Raymond, Verona and Cleveland. The $40 registration fee covers snacks during breaks, lunch and conference materials. The registration deadline is Sept. 23.

Sometimes the most interesting plants in our landscapes are the ones that can’t be predicted. Each year, there is a wonderful, random variety that presents itself in the garden through the mutations that occur in every plant species.

The secret to finding some of these botanical gems is taking a closer look at flowering and evergreen plants. Every once in a while, we are rewarded with garden treasure.

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A group of Mississippi State University students recently participated in a nationwide event to help educate others about the discipline and program they love.

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The continuing decline of the housing market and the lack of new construction is taking its toll on Mississippi’s turfgrass industry.

Wayne Wells, Mississippi State University Extension turf specialist, said the state’s turf sales are down because of slow home sales and a lack of new construction.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Financial stability may seem impossible during the college years, but students who take the time to learn about money management will reap positive rewards.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Pine beetles are a threat when trees are stressed, but a cost-share program can help Mississippi private forest landowners keep trees healthy.

Andy Londo, forestry professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said proactive management activities, such as periodic thinning, can increase overall forest health and reduce the threat of a Southern pine beetle outbreak.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University Extension Service assistant professor will help the university and organizations around the state prepare for disaster situations.

As students across Mississippi head back to college, many have more money invested in technology than they do in food or textbooks.

Unfortunately, few students are prepared for a spilled drink in the laptop, a virus during midterms, burnt dinners that activate the sprinkler system or careless roommates who leave the door unlocked. Precautionary measures to protect devices and renter’s insurance can minimize students’ frustrations and problems.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University’s football team members recently found out they are not the only ones on campus with a national ranking and that representing the “cow college” is a special honor.

MSU’s Bulldogs, ranked No. 20 in the preseason USA Today Coaches’ Poll, will kick-off their 2011 season in Memphis on Sept. 1. MSU’s Jersey herd, on the other hand, is ranked No. 7 by the American Jersey Cattle Association for 2010 milk production.

A lot of gardeners are interested in creating a tropical feeling around their homes, and one of the easiest ways to do this is to add banana plants either in the landscape or in large containers.

If you’re about to quit reading because you think bananas can only be grown in coastal Mississippi and you live elsewhere, stick with me. I hope I can change your mind by describing some of the selections that are hardy for all landscapes in Mississippi.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Increased consumer interest is positively impacting producers of Mississippi’s truck crops, which include fruits, vegetables, nuts and flowers.

Rick Snyder, vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the rapid growth of the local foods movement has increased demand for truck crops.

“With farmers’ markets in nearly every county of Mississippi, producers no longer have to travel far to find an outlet for their produce,” Snyder said. “Some growers sell at two, three or more markets each week.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The tornadoes that ripped through Mississippi this April damaged about 74,000 acres of forestland in 22 counties, racking up timber losses of more than $30 million. Most of that timber was uninsured, but the results of a survey conducted by Mississippi State University may help change that trend.

Steve Bullard was one of those uninsured. He owns 100 acres of timber in Webster County — 40 acres of 26-year-old plantation pine and 60 acres of mixed pine and hardwood.

CORINTH – A few small seeds and many willing hands transformed an inner city vacant lot into a thriving, productive garden at the Lighthouse Foundation in Corinth.

Alcorn County Extension director Patrick Poindexter said the idea for a community garden in this challenging space took root in the mind of Master Gardener Herman Gray, who recruited other Alcorn County Master Gardeners and local businesses to the project in 2010.

ST. MARTIN – Young chefs put a Mississippi twist on a brunch favorite to create the winning entry in the first-ever Southern Regional 4-H Seafood Cook-Off, held in New Orleans.

Adriana Wilson, Sarah Soares, Cory Martin and Jarod Harris, seniors in the hospitality and tourism management program at St. Martin High School, prepared their Mississippi-Style Crabmeat Benedictine once a week throughout the summer to prepare for the competition, which is part of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off.