News

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Poultry’s spot as the state’s No. 1 agricultural commodity is due in large part to a strong relationship between the poultry industry and Mississippi State University.

MSU’s poultry science department assists the growing industry through education, research and outreach to help improve production. Sanderson Farms, the fourth-largest U.S. poultry producer and processor, has been located in Laurel since 1955. The company has a longstanding relationship with MSU researchers.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

When I go to the annual California Pack Trials, it is rare that a poinsettia makes me take the lens cover off my camera. Visions of Grandeur is one that did. It absolutely mesmerized me with its shades of rose pink, cream and yellow.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station Sales Store located on Mississippi State University’s campus will have extended hours during Thanksgiving week.

During the week of Nov. 22 - 28, the store will be open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and, Friday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The store will also be open for Egg Bowl attendees from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

No matter where you live in the country, there is a season when snapdragons will absolutely steal the show in your landscape. In zones 7 and warmer, many gardeners plant them in the fall as pansy partners. They are planted in late winter to early spring in colder areas where they give riotous colors almost all summer.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Many acres of Mississippi crops remain in the fields, but by mid-November, most of what is left will have no market value and will not be harvested.

Nearly all the state’s corn crop was harvested by Nov. 8, but large percentages of the other row crops were still in the fields. Historically, harvest of the state’s corn, cotton, soybeans, rice, sorghum and sweet potato crops is complete by late October to early November.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Crop variety trials offer Mississippi growers insight into a new seed’s potential before they “bet the farm” on these options.

Farming has many factors that are beyond growers’ control including the weather, production costs and market prices. But a decades-old research service offered by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station aims to remove some of the unknowns as growers select varieties for the next year’s crop.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University research has found that protecting young bucks improves herd health and creates a better hunting experience.

The university’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture has been conducting deer research for more than 40 years with the goal of improving deer populations throughout the Southeast. A recent study found that protecting young bucks is important because they father nearly a third of all fawns.

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University students who did not participate in 4-H at the county level have a chance to join the collegiate version of an organization that nurtures leadership and teamwork.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The best way to battle a pathogen affecting the state’s catfish industry is to know as much about it as possible, and Mississippi State University researchers took a major step in that direction this summer.

Researchers at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine released the genome sequence of Edwardsiella ictaluri 93-146, the most important pathogen affecting the state’s channel catfish aquaculture industry. Dr. Mark Lawrence, a CVM professor of basic sciences, was the lead investigator of the project, which was completed this summer.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Dozens of poinsettia varieties and novelty plants will be on display and sale at the Dec. 4 Holiday Open House hosted by Mississippi State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Additional poinsettia displays will be available Dec. 5 in Kosciusko and Jackson.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University is offering training for those who would like to open a child-care business and for administrators of established centers.

The Child Care as a Business training will be presented by the Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral Network Dec. 1-3 at the Bolivar, Forrest, Lee, Lincoln, Montgomery, Pearl River, Scott and Yalobusha county Extension offices.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Three upcoming webinars addressing e-commerce issues of importance to Mississippi entrepreneurs are being offered free through the Southern Rural Development Center.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Its fiery yellow, orange and red colors make the Chinese pistache one of the prettiest trees this fall. From coast to coast, horticulturists sing the praises of this tree, and if you plant one or an informal cluster, you, too, will join the chorus.

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- “Don’t tell them you’re a Rebel,” Tommy Walker whispered to his son’s badly injured dog, Tayson, as they approached the entrance to Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi Christmas tree growers will probably see their sales increase again this year as more people stay home to celebrate the holidays.

Current economic problems have forced many people to tighten their budgets, resulting in less travel. Families who stay home still want a festive celebration, and natural Christmas trees offer a traditional touch.

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University veterinary experts, who agree that pets generally do not make good gifts, suggest people can capture the holiday spirit by donating to an animal health-care group in someone’s name.

Pets are not toys or objects. They are living, breathing organisms that depend on humans for food, shelter and comfort when placed in a home. When pets are neglected, ignored or unwanted, they suffer.

By Amelia Killcreas
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Celebrating holidays can be expensive, but two Mississippi State University experts said there are ways to create meaningful family traditions without spending excessively.

Joe Wilmoth, MSU assistant professor of human sciences, said traditions are important to family well-being.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- People use many strategies to prevent weight gain, but starting the day with a good breakfast is an important part of keeping off the holiday pounds.

Carol Ball, a Family Nutrition Program registered dietitian with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said breakfast is one of the most important parts of the day.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Flu concerns during the winter holidays are not new this year, but the highly contagious novel H1N1 flu strain increases the importance of healthy practices to avoid the spread of germs.

Jane Clary, health specialist with Mississippi State University’s Extension Service, said visits to and from loved ones from other regions can hasten influenza’s progress across the country and the globe. Mass transit, shopping malls and other places with large numbers of people also can increase the rate of infections in a community.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippians may find themselves with many people on their gift lists and a small budget this year, but a few ideas and some creativity can help them give good gifts.

Lelia Kelly, consumer horticulture specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said people can create unique and memorable decorations and gifts at little cost using plentiful resources from gardens, fields and woods.