News

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.

Non-native Temple Bells give white winter blooms

I’m always on the lookout for new plants to enhance my landscape, and one of the challenges I face is finding something that blooms during winter and early spring.

Mississippi’s overall ag value hits $9 billion

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Mississippi’s agriculture industry remains vibrant with an overall production value estimated at $9 billion, despite a drop in row crop prices.

Poultry winning streak in Mississippi ag hits 30 years

Forestry regains its No. 2 spot in the state

Although prices for timber were lower in 2024, harvest on the state’s forest land was up about 8%, giving forestry an expected value of $1.5 billion, similar to what it had in 2023.

Native Plant Producer Network aids shorelines

Coastal wetland conservation and restoration projects along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond are running into a distinct challenge: there often aren’t enough locally sourced native plants readily available to complete these efforts.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is meeting this problem head-on by enlisting plant enthusiasts to grow and sell these marsh plants. The effort is organized as the Native Plant Producer Network, or NPPN, and it was started in 2023.

Waterfowl backpack study tracks mallard migration

Conference aids responses to trauma-exposed youth, families

early 100 professionals from across Mississippi met for two days in late October to build Trust-Based Relational Intervention, or TBRI, skills used in their daily work with trauma-exposed children and families. Participants at the Building Bridges Conference work with children and youth who come from hard spaces such as the foster care system.