News From 2025

MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. -- A pilot program designed to increase food pantries’ capacity to provide health-related foods and services recently completed its initial classes.

In response to the continued expansion of screwworm flies into southern Mexico, the U.S. suspended live animal imports from Mexico on May 11, 2025, halting imports of feeder cattle from Mexico.

STONEVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi State University’s National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research in Leland will demonstrate an easier method for deploying polypipe at a field day showcasing irrigation water management strategies on June 12.

Irrigation experts are testing a new automatic system that punches holes in polypipe, which is used for furrow irrigation in row crops. In the Mississippi Delta, about 70% of farmland is irrigated, and furrow irrigation is the most common method, used on about 83% of those acres.

NEWTON, Miss. -- New and experienced cattle producers can learn about the latest research in grazing management and forage during a conference June 19-20.

Mississippi State University continues to keep seed and agricultural industry professionals up to date with the Seed and Agricultural Technology Short Course offered this year Aug. 5-6.

I’ve always been drawn to plants with maroon-colored leaves. There is something alluring about the way their deep hues add layers of depth, contrast and intrigue to a landscape.

Rich maroon foliage grounds a garden, making surrounding colors pop while adding a touch of drama and elegance. Let’s take a look at some standout plants.

While Mississippi high school students have history, English and algebra on their schedules, several are now adding advanced animal husbandry skills to their academic load.

Brandi Karisch, beef cattle specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said Extension began offering a youth stockmanship competition this year to improve young participants’ knowledge and skills in beef cattle handling.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi’s first confirmed rabies case in a decade is a reminder that proper vaccination of domestic animals is helpful in preventing infection.

The Mississippi Board of Animal Health, or MBAH, announced May 6 that a bat in Tippah County tested positive for rabies, a fatal viral disease. Two potentially exposed puppies were quarantined.

While in Grenada, Mississippi, speaking at the Garden Clubs of Mississippi’s 26th Annual Convention, I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous white-blooming plants that graced the town’s gardens, parks and neighborhoods.

One of my favorites is the native flowering dogwood, and it is one that I do not see as often anymore in south Mississippi. This plant, known scientifically as Cornus florida, is a cherished understory tree throughout the South with blooms that are truly iconic.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Many older adults want to remain in their own homes and communities as they age, but deciding to age in place should be carefully considered. Some of the first factors to consider are the home itself, finances, personal health and the community.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Concern has spread among Mississippi landowners who have recently noticed extensive pine needle browning and loss among their mature loblolly pine trees recently. Kristy McAndrew, a forestry health specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said brown spot needle blight, or BSNB, is widespread in Mississippi right now and may be the culprit.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Sheep and goat producers, researchers and industry professionals will convene at Mississippi State University June 13-14 for the sixth annual Small Ruminant Conference.

The two-day event, hosted by the MSU Extension Service and the MSU Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, highlights cutting-edge research and practical applications in small ruminant production.

The last group of native plants I want to highlight during Native Plant Month are those that pollinators can’t resist. Some of my favorites in this group are liatris, coreopsis, gaillardia and gaura.

These plants are beautiful and bring life to my garden through the pollinators they attract. With the right care, they truly thrive.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- With a renewed interest in home canning in recent years, advice and recipes are abundant, but experts remind home canners to be sure they use safe practices. The foundation of safe home canning begins with research-tested recipes and the correct equipment.

Many Mississippians take steps to live sustainably, but they may not be aware of the impact their clothing choices have on the environment.

Beyond material sourcing and item manufacturing, what happens when the piece of clothing is retired from the closet can have a significant environmental impact. Textile waste is unwanted clothing and fabrics that are thrown away rather than recycled.

Next up in my series celebrating April as Native Plant Month are those that thrive in sunny landscapes.

One of my favorites is yarrow, a tough, drought-tolerant perennial that does especially well in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, yarrow is very low maintenance and even thrives in poor, sandy or rocky soils.

Artificial intelligence is the most recent tool in the toolbox for the Mississippi State University Extension Service in its ongoing efforts to provide the best research-backed information to the residents of the state.

MSU’s Agricultural Autonomy Institute, or AAI, hosted the National AI in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conference on March 31-April 2 in Starkville. ExtensionBot was the first item to be addressed at the conference.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Row crop producers who reported financial loss in 2024 may be eligible for economic assistance through a U.S. Department of Agriculture resource.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency has made $10 billion available through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, or ECAP, for growers to offset increased input costs and lower prices for their commodities.

I often get asked which plants thrive in the shade, so today I want to discuss some native selections that do just that.

During a recent visit to a nursery in New Albany, Mississippi, I came across some unique native plants that are perfect for partially to fully shaded areas. These plants brighten spaces, support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.

One of my favorites is Golden Ragwort, known scientifically as Packera aurea. It is a versatile perennial in the daisy family that provides year-round interest.

April is Native Plant Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the beauty and importance of native species. Native azalea is one of my favorites, and it is currently putting on a spectacular show.

Throughout this month, I’ll highlight other native plants that thrive in our region.