News

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The bright spot for Mississippi’s smaller-than-normal rice crop is that it is looking good at harvest, thanks to an early start and a favorable growing season.

Nathan Buehring, rice specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said most of the state’s rice was planted by mid-April, putting it about two weeks ahead of schedule.

“Everything so far looks good,” Buehring said. “This is one of the earliest planted crops we have ever had, and we’ll be heavy into harvest by the middle of August.”

By Alicia Barnes
School of Human Sciences

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Distractions, fatigue and stress have contributed to the vehicular heatstroke deaths of an estimated 610 children over the past 21 years.

With fatalities occurring in the spring, summer, and fall every year, the Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral Network at the Mississippi State University Extension Service wants parents and caregivers to be aware of the danger of children being left in vehicles.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – When a new plant becomes an overnight sensation in gardening circles, plant lovers who wonder how a previously unknown variety can end up with star status can turn to a Mississippi State University professor for the answer.

Rick Snyder, a vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, grows a garden of test vegetables as part of the All-America Selections program.

JACKSON – A pet’s bad breath is not just offensive; it could be a sign the animal has periodontal disease.

“By the age of 3 years, up to 80 percent of dogs and cats have some degree of periodontal disease if regular home care has not been done,” said Dr. Diana Eubanks, associate clinical professor at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – More than a year after a tornado ripped through the small town of Smithville, students are returning to temporary classrooms, but they still have access to current technology.

The Mississippi State University Extension Center for Technology Outreach, formerly known as Computer Applications and Services, donated 40 refurbished computers to the Monroe County School District for the schools in Smithville.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi teens can soon be trained in disaster preparedness in their communities, something usually done by only a small percentage of adults.

Mississippi State University’s Extension Service is certifying trainers for the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, or MyPI. One goal is to teach teenagers how they can help themselves, their families, and their communities prepare for and respond to disasters.

QR codes, or quick response codes, are popping up all over the place. They are showing up on the back of my bills, business cards, and even the church bulletin! QR codes are those squares containing three large black boxes on the perimeter of the square and many smaller black boxes within the square. The smaller boxes can form either a random pattern or an actual image.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Two global veterinary health experts visited the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine to show students how veterinarians protect animal and human health.

MSU-CVM students learned about international veterinary medicine’s opportunities and challenges from Dr. David Sherman, international veterinary medical consultant and clinical associate professor at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Gary Vroegindewey, director of the Global Health Initiatives at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Everything came up roses at a recent national conference for representatives of Mississippi State University’s floral design and management program.

Students and faculty in MSU’s floral management concentration in the horticulture program traveled to Miami to compete at the American Institute of Floral Designer’s annual meeting. While there, they received multiple honors.

By the time August arrives, everyone wants to find a durable, colorful plant, and one of my favorites is the annual flowering vinca.

Annual flowering vinca has dark green, glossy foliage with a prominent rib in the middle. The foliage color makes a great background for the outstanding flower colors. These colors range from white to dark red, some with dark or white eyes. Botanically speaking, annual flowering vinca is Catharanthus rosea, but some garden centers may label it Madagascar periwinkle.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Despite high heat and long periods without rain, the state’s cotton is looking pretty good, although dealing with reduced acres.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University biologist’s fascination with crocodiles has brought together researchers from the United States and Australia to study the genetic building blocks of a reptile order.

In the process, they hope to discover ways to conserve endangered animals, harness the antibiotic properties of alligator blood and isolate the genes that determine gender.

By Kaitlyn Byrne
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE — Mississippi’s 160,237 ponds offer more than mere recreation — they benefit the state’s economy and environment.

Most people envision ponds as small bodies of water that offer a peaceful view and recreational fishing opportunities, said Glynda Clardy, state wildlife biologist at U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

JACKSON – Usually the question of “what’s for dinner?” inspires a last-minute mad dash through the nearest supermarket for a quick and convenient meal or a call to the local pizza delivery restaurant. But planning meals in advance can save time and money, keep diets healthy and reduce food waste -- all while saving the cook’s sanity.

Pamela Redwine, nutrition and food safety area agent with Mississippi State University’s Yalobusha County Extension Service, said taking some time each week to plan a menu will save time later.

Computer technicians and enthusiasts -- the ones who really know what they are talking about and keep the rest of us going -- are few and far between. The challenge to making your life easier is to find those who are genuinely knowledgeable and helpful and keeping them happy after you’ve found them.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi 4-H’ers celebrated a summer of hands-on science activities by meeting a former astronaut at the Stennis Space Center on July 30.

About 80 participants in the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Summer of Innovation program heard Leland Melvin speak about his experiences as a professional football player, scientist and astronaut. Melvin is currently NASA’s associate administrator for education. NASA sponsors the Summer of Innovation program to increase student interest in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, topics.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University is one of 106 land-grant universities honored by the Borlaug Medallion given by the World Food Prize Foundation.

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities received the award during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Land-grant Act of 1862. This legislation awarded federal lands to help states establish public universities.

The summer months certainly take a toll on most gardeners. The heat and humidity can make even the most dedicated gardener decide to stay inside for the duration. As I considered going out in the 100-degree-plus heat index the other day, I was reminded of the difference between a gardener and a “yardener.”

Many parents are spending money on computers to help students have a competitive edge in the classroom. One way to cut costs during these difficult economic times is by downloading “freeware,” or software that is made available for free.