News

Extension instructor receives Nutritionist of the Year award

RAYMOND, Miss. -- An instructor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service was recently recognized by the Mississippi Public Health Association for her commitment to helping Mississippians live healthier lifestyles. Qula Madkin, a dietitian nutritionist in the MSU Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, was awarded the Vonda A. Webb Nutritionist of the Year Award at the association’s fall conference.

MSU Extension selects new soybean specialist

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service will have a new soybean specialist in February.

Justin Calhoun, a soil and cropping systems specialist and assistant Extension professor in the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, is returning to MSU to serve the state’s soybean producers.

New 4-H program targets potential geologists

Sweet Olives are good landscape shrubs or trees

I recently visited The Flower Bed Nursery in Lumberton, Mississippi, where I admired a magnificent Sweet Olive tree that stood gracefully at the entrance.

Known scientifically as Osmanthus fragrans, it is often called the fragrant tea olive. This plant is one of my favorite evergreen shrubs or small trees, cherished for its intensely sweet, jasmine-like fragrance and its polished, sophisticated appearance.

MSU entomologist receives Parker memorial award

STONEVILLE, Miss. -- After harvest each year, university research and Extension entomologists from across the Cotton Belt states collect and submit data regarding cotton crop losses from insects.

MSU Extension professor receives wildlife award

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- A Mississippi State University Extension professor has been recognized for his contributions to wildlife conservation with the Clarence W. Watson Award.

Year-round care lets poinsettias rebloom

While many people think of poinsettias as short-lived holiday decor, with proper care, these beautiful plants can thrive long after the holidays and even bloom again the following year.

This is great news for me, as poinsettias have always been one of my favorite holiday plants. The process takes a little extra attention, but the results are rewarding.

Heed safety precautions when using heaters

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Space heaters and fireplaces can help keep temperatures comfortable during cold weather. However, all types of heating equipment can be fire hazards if safety precautions are not taken. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home heating fires happen most often in December, January and February, accounting for almost half of all home heating fires.

Plan in winter for new gardening year

As the year ends and the new begins, I feel that familiar excitement of a fresh start filled with possibilities.

Whether I’m planning to expand my flower beds, start a vegetable patch or experiment with new plants, January is the perfect time to lay the foundation for a successful gardening year.