News

Grow goji berry plants for fruit, flowers, looks

I am always on the lookout for plants that produce nutritious fruits and berries, and during a recent visit to a local nursery, I was drawn to some goji berry plants.

Double-cropped corn and soybean can have potential

As happens in every other industry, when costs rise and markets stay flat or decline, farmers look for ways to either cut costs or increase income.

At the Row Crop Short Course hosted in December by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, those in attendance heard about a double-cropping system not yet tried in Mississippi. One presenter gave research data on growing corn and then soybeans in South Carolina as a way to increase the annual income from the same acreage.

Taylor to lead MSU Extension early childhood programs

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service has a new leader at the helm of its programs aimed at early childhood education. Jamila Taylor was named executive director of Early Childhood Extension Programs in the MSU School of Human Sciences Feb. 16.

Heuchera add year-long interest to shaded areas

While it is fun to include seasonal color and exciting annuals, perennials make up the backbone of a landscape. Some are dependable but not eye-catching, while others do it all.

Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells or alumroot, is one of my favorite perennials for adding a striking combination of color, texture and year-round interest to the garden.

Take steps to protect property from wildfire

RAYMOND, Miss. -- While wildfires may not seem like a threat to Mississippians and their property, they certainly can be. And residents should take precautionary steps to protect themselves.

Bleeding Heart vines show Valentine love

As we approach Valentine’s Day, you may be searching for the perfect gift for your plant-loving Valentine. I recommend you consider a Bleeding Heart vine celebrated for its beautiful flowers, which perfectly symbolize love and passion.

Lack of sleep impacts productivity, driving

Almost 37% of American adults do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep a night, and that lack of sleep is causing some serious problems.
Leslie Woolington, safety specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said a lack of sleep can affect a person’s productivity, mental and physical health, driving ability and even their chances of getting hurt at work.

Courson ends 30-year run as Dixie National sale passes $10M

MSU experts tackle bird flu crisis driving record-high egg prices

Summer scholars program recruits for medicine, science

Mississippi high school juniors have a summer opportunity to learn about medical and science careers while earning 3 hours of college credit at Mississippi State University.
The Rural Medical and Science Scholars, or RMSS, program will be held in Starkville June 8-20 this year. It is designed to introduce academically qualified students to careers in health or STEM fields.

Philodendron varieties add inspiration to indoor space

Philodendrons are indoor plants that seem to tell their own story with unique colors, textures and shapes. I recently felt inspired by varieties that made me imagine how they could enhance different spaces in my home and garden.

MSU Extension program helps transform in-home childcare

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Yahala Devine has been an in-home childcare provider in Mendenhall for two and a half years, but her career trajectory changed when she joined the Nurturing Homes Initiative, or NHI, program. The NHI program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of early education experiences in family childcare homes. By offering resources, training and support, NHI equips providers with the tools they need to improve child development outcomes and advance their own careers.

MSU advises on insect control

Insect pests are ongoing issues in row crop farming, and deciding when, how and whether to treat is never a simple decision.
Offered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the Row Crop Short Course in December featured sessions informed by MSU’s ongoing research that helps growers make management decisions. Several sessions addressed insect control from a variety of angles.

Biosecurity can keep backyard flocks safe

With highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, in the environment in Mississippi, owners of backyard flocks have to take extra steps to keep their chickens healthy.

Avian influenza poses an extremely low risk to human health and none to food safety in Mississippi, but its presence poses a risk to backyard flocks and the state’s $3 billion commercial poultry industry.

Game bird workshop teaches management

Landowners working to improve game bird habitat can sign up for Feb. 28 and March 1 weekend events that provide practical information for property management.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is hosting the turkey and quail management social and workshop in Shannon, Mississippi.

Unusual lichens do not hurt plants

Throughout the year, I often receive calls from concerned individuals about gray, fuzzy growths appearing on plants that seem to be causing harm. The culprit that raises the alarm is usually lichen.

Clients share needs with MSU agents, specialists

BILOXI, Miss. -- A large group of agricultural producers gathered at the 2025 Producer Advisory Council meeting Jan. 14 at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. The annual meeting serves as a forum for agricultural producers to discuss their needs with Mississippi State University personnel, including administrators, researchers, specialists and Extension agents with the MSU Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and MSU Extension Service.

MSU invites growers to north, central PAC meetings

MSU is studying UAVs’ usefulness in ag settings

Crop dusters are a familiar sight in the skies over agricultural regions, but much smaller versions, unmanned aerial vehicles, are joining them.
Unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are commonly called drones. Unmanned aerial systems, known as UAS, include the vehicle itself, payload, operator and control modules.

Evergreen shrubs have year-long garden beauty

While searching for colorful evergreen shrubs to enhance my landscape, I discovered two exceptional options at The Flower Bed Nursery in Lumberton, Mississippi: Juliet Cleyera and Miss Lemon Abelia.