Feature Story

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Worldwide, unrealized fears of an avian influenza outbreak hurt exports of Mississippi poultry, bringing the estimated value of the state's largest commodity down 10 percent.

Poultry posted an estimated 2006 value of almost $2 billion, down 10.4 percent from the $2.2 billion value posted in 2005. Broilers took the biggest hit, down almost 12 percent to $1.8 billion from the $2.1 billion posted in 2005.

“We had a challenging year,” said Tim Chamblee, poultry specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

By Robert H. Wells
Delta Research and Extension Center

STONEVILLE -- The increasing global demand for corn, a primary ingredient in catfish feed, will cause production costs to continue to rise, making it more difficult for producers to earn a profit.

“Our feed prices are not going to go down,” said Mississippi State University agricultural economist Terry Hanson. He was speaking to a crowd of catfish farmers and researchers at the recent National Warmwater Aquaculture Center fall 2006 seminar at the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville.

By Robert H. Wells
Delta Research and Extension Center

STONEVILLE -- U.S. farm-raised catfish land top honors as an environmentally friendly product in the fish and seafood category.

Researchers Craig Tucker and Jimmy Avery explained some of the benefits of these accolades to a crowd of catfish producers and researchers at the National Warmwater Aquaculture Center fall 2006 seminar held recently at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Crow control in commercial pecan orchards, soybean rust and termites are among the topics that will be discussed in the upcoming Integrated Pest Management workshop in Raymond on Jan. 24.

Mississippi State University’s Extension Service is sponsoring the General Pest Management Workshop at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Registration is $10 and begins at 8 a.m. for the full-day event that will be held in the auditorium.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Hundreds of growers, crop consultants and scientists will journey to Vicksburg on Jan. 5 when Mississippi hosts the 50th annual Tri-State Soybean Forum.

The event is sponsored this year by Mississippi State University’s Extension Service, the Louisiana State University Agricultural Research and Extension, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and Soybean South magazine, among others supporters of the soybean industry.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cutting-edge genetic research by a Mississippi State University animal scientist may help solve a problem that costs livestock producers millions of dollars each year.

The research by Erdogan Memili, an assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, is aimed at improving fertility in cattle and can be applied to other mammals.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's pecan trees endured the summer's drought to produce more nuts than expected for holiday meals this year.

David Ingram is an associate plant pathologist at Mississippi State University's Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond. He said most commercial growers are surprised with yields following the hurricane damage to trees in 2005 and the drought of this summer. He said rains during pollination and nut setting time helped load trees before the drought hit.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Little potted plants placed in temporary classrooms in south Mississippi are doing more than beautifying the sparse atmospheres -- they also are improving the air quality in these small buildings.

The 4-H Youth Development Program, part of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, recently launched a new effort, the 4-H Grow Fresh Air Project. The initiative is operating in Hancock County, with plans to expand it across the state next year.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A carpet of red poinsettias and other holiday plants will great visitors on Dec. 1 at Mississippi State University’s annual horticulture open house.

Poinsettias in all shades of red, pink and white, as well as a few novelty-type plants, will be on display from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the greenhouses on Stone Boulevard behind Dorman Hall. Poinsettias also will be on sale at the greenhouses.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Freezing foods before company arrives can reduce stress during the holiday crunch.

Brent Fountain, a nutrition professor with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said cooking ahead of time and freezing dishes is much easier than exhaustive efforts the day before or the day of a large holiday meal. Proper wrapping for freezer storage is important in maintaining the food's quality.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Two Egyptian food safety officials have visited Mississippi State University as part of the Cochran Fellowship Program.

Dr. Abdel Azim A.E. Bayoumy and Dr. Safwat A. El Hadded were in Mississippi almost two weeks during November for training sessions and tours of agricultural facilities.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Grandparents and even children can feel on the outside of the consumer whirlwind that seems to pick up intensity at the holidays.

Retailers tell consumers that the holidays are about spending lots of money to buy fabulous presents. Mississippians participate in this buying frenzy, and many spend more money than they should but still don't get the peace and goodwill they want on Christmas.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- With attention focused on the many football games played during the holidays, people might not realize they may need their own game plan when it comes to eating.

Brent Fountain, human nutrition specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said as the number of tempting foods during the holidays increase, so should the effort to make wise food choices. Consider quantities, quality and frequency of foods consumed.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Christmas trees need special attention before, during and after their magical season under the lights.

Steve Dicke, forestry specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said producing Christmas trees is labor intensive. Growers have to be good retailers during the holiday season, and good farmers during the entire year.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Christmas tree growers are facing a new and welcomed challenge in the coming years: keeping up with the increasing demand for their fresh products.

Steve Dicke, forestry specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said growers have been surprised by the recent surge of interest in live trees.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Gift cards are gaining on clothing as the most popular gift to give at the holidays, but this seemingly fail-proof present often is not as popular with those who receive them.

Consumer Reports found in a recent survey that more than 23 million Americans have unused gift cards from last year worth a total of at least $972 million. Almost 1 in 5 of those who received a gift card in 2005 has not yet cashed it in for merchandise.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- While more than one singer has longed to “go home with the armadillos,” most Mississippians just want the annoying beasts to leave their yards alone.

Jerry Jeff Walker popularized the line in “London Homesick Blues,” but homeowners with a yard full of divots each morning feel no such love.

By Robert H. Wells
Delta Research and Extension Center

STONEVILLE -- A new antibiotic for aquaculture may become twice as useful against deadly bacterial infections plaguing farm-raised catfish if it receives proposed additional labeling.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A new endowed scholarship has been established at Mississippi State University in honor of Mississippi Farm Bureau president David Waide of West Point.

The scholarship is in recognition of Waide’s commitment to and efforts on behalf of Mississippi agriculture, said Vance Watson, MSU vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine.