News

STONEVILLE -- Researchers at the Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center believe a new research project can help farmers reduce their number of pesticide applications without reducing peanut yield.

Jeff Gore, an Extension entomologist and assistant research professor with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station at the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, said Mississippi peanut producers soon will have pesticide recommendations tailored specifically to the local climate.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As graduates transition from enrollment to employment, they face challenges in the workplace that can leave them asking, “Now what?”

Leslie Corey, a Mississippi State University human resources professional, said learning does not stop once the caps and gowns are issued.

“One of the best things you can do for your job is continue to learn,” Corey said. “A willingness to learn helps you be professional, which is essential for your success.”

STONEVILLE -- With Mississippi’s rice crop about two weeks later than normal, growers will have narrow windows of opportunity to perform necessary management as it grows.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated 92 percent of rice was planted by June 1. Seventy-four percent of the crop that has emerged was in good to excellent condition.

Bobby Golden, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station agronomist in Stoneville, said the late planting and heavy rains in late May are making management a challenge.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A program that provides equine therapy to children and adults with special needs recently received special recognition from an international organization.

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) accredited the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Elizabeth A. Howard 4-H Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center (TRAC).

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Area forage and livestock producers are invited to Mississippi State University July 10 for half-day program on warm-season forage production.

Registration for the Warm-Season Forage Tour begins at 8:30 a.m., and the tour lasts from 9 a.m. to noon at the Henry H. Leveck Animal Research Farm at MSU. It is sponsored by the MSU Extension Service Forage Program and the Oktibbeha County Extension office.

By Daryl Jones
Natural Resource Enterprises
MSU Extension Service

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Outdoor recreation in Mississippi provides income not only for those who own the land, but also for the state as a whole.

That’s because economic impact is not limited to the first person who receives money for goods or services. Every dollar spent has direct effects, but it also has indirect and induced effects.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A woodpecker may not make a good football mascot, but Mississippi State University researchers think this bird’s shock-absorbing beak may help them design a better football helmet.

Lakiesha Williams, assistant professor of agriculture and biological engineering in the university’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, led the study of the woodpecker’s beak. Researchers found that the shock a woodpecker absorbs while pecking is typically 10 times greater than anything a football player is likely to experience.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A July 17 workshop in Hattiesburg will help landowners recognize the income-generating potential of using their land in natural resource enterprises.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission, the U.S. Forest Service and the MSU Extension Service are offering the Natural Resources Enterprise Advanced Workshop. The event will be held at the Forrest County Extension Office on July 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

STONEVILLE -- Researchers will provide farmers and consultants with insight into crop studies and listen to ideas for future projects during the June 17 field day at the Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center.

Corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans will be the focus of this event, which begins with registration at 10 a.m. at the Charles W. Capps Building and is followed by a sponsored lunch at noon. Farmers registered for the field day will be eligible for door prices during the meal. Vendors will have displays and be available to answer questions.

GOODMAN -- Farmers and gardeners can learn how to control insects, weeds and diseases at the Alliance for Sustainable Agricultural Production Demonstration Farm field day on June 20.

Blake Layton, an entomologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, will explain how to identify, monitor and control insect pests.

Alan Henn, an Extension plant pathologist and research professor with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, will tell how to identify and manage weeds and diseases.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University and 11 other land-grant universities recently joined a national effort to improve water quality in one of the nation’s most significant watersheds.

The Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Task Force partnered with nongovernmental agencies for the first time when it invited university scientists and Extension specialists to share their research findings and ideas for reducing water pollution.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When Mississippi State University senior Will Gentry went to Africa in 2013 for a short visit to expand his academic horizons, he ended up staying longer and working to conserve popular big-game animals.

Last month, I wrote about getting mom the perfect Mother’s Day rose. With Father’s Day just a couple of weeks away, it’s gift time again. I’ve always enjoyed getting flowers as a gift, and I think a lot of other dads appreciate them as well.

But what do dads really want for Father’s Day, besides a chance to barbeque and watch the finish of the U.S. Open? Tools! As Scotty from Star Trek always said, “You need the right tool for the right job.” Nowhere is this truer than in the garden.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A Mississippi State University graduate student recently took part in an elite group meeting with policymakers in Washington, D.C.

Jesse Morrison, a doctoral student and research associate in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, was one of 16 graduate students and scientists from around the country who participated in Future Leaders in Science, a program designed to raise awareness and support in Congress for science and research funding.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University has a new source for health-related programs.

TYLERTOWN -- Mississippians looking to raise a glass to celebrate “June is Dairy Month” with local producers may be drinking their milk alone.

Walthall County Extension agent Richard Hay has seen a drastic change in dairy numbers in his county since he arrived in 1984.

“We had more than 200 dairy farms when I started my Extension career in Walthall County. Today, the number is closer to 14,” he said. “The good news is if you are still in the business, you are one tough dairy farmer.”

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Terence Norwood understands that “Making the Best Better” starts with individuals who are determined to make a difference.

That’s why he worked to radically change the voting process at the 4-H State Club Congress, an annual event that brings the state’s top 4-H’ers to the Mississippi State University campus for three days of workshops, competitions, performances and elections.

RIDGELAND -- Two Mississippi State University apparel, textiles, and merchandising students recently took home honors from the 2014 Project Rezway fashion show in Ridgeland.

Laura Richardson, a sophomore from Madison, won best in show and first place in the high fashion category. Jesse Newton, a sophomore from Eupora, won first place in evening couture.

The annual fashion show focuses on the use of recycled materials. Richardson and Newton based their designs on materials donated by their sponsor for the event, Southwire Company.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A Mississippi State University food science professor has been named a fellow in an international professional organization.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Despite most people’s fears, snakes are an important part of our natural world and are also helpful to us in many ways.

All snakes are predators, meaning they feed on other animals. Snakes kill and eat rats, mice, moles, insects and other pests that can damage crops and property or spread disease. Because snakes can get into places that other predators cannot or will not go, they can capture rodents that threaten livestock feed or farming equipment and supplies.