Feature Story

MISSISSIPPI STATE - Mississippi growers are attempting to plant the 2003 crops, but rains and wet fields may change crop intentions from corn to those with later planting dates, such as cotton and soybeans.

Another factor that may influence a change in plans is an increase in nitrogen costs.

Larry Oldham, soil specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said nitrogen prices are about $30 to $40 per ton higher than a year ago, but seem to be trending downward. Natural gas accounts for 70 to 80 percent of the costs in producing nitrogen fertilizer.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Herbs are the multipurpose plants of the 21st-century garden.

Mississippi State University Extension horticulturist Lelia Scott Kelly grew herbs commercially for several years, and she is quite familiar with their advantages.

"Herbs have so many functions. They release wonderful aromas, add beauty to the landscape, are great additions to any recipe and have health benefits," Kelly said.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A cotton grower's best defense against insect pests may be a long memory.

Mike Williams, entomologist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, has monitored insect battles for many years across the Cotton Belt and especially in Mississippi. He is familiar with the weapons in growers' arsenals: transgenic cotton, insecticides, application timing and alternative crops. But he believes the most important weapon may be a grower's memory of past challenges in certain fields.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Parents can enable their children to cope better with conflict and tragedy in the world by talking openly and honestly, and remembering that children crave security particularly in troubling times.

Child development experts recommend parents take into consideration a number of factors, including age, maturity and interest level, and exposure to news media, when talking to their children about war, violence and terrorism.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The Jump$tart Coalition of Mississippi and Mississippi State University Extension Service are teaching young people how to put their money to good use during National Financial Literacy for Youth month in April.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Five stallions at Mississippi State University including a grandson of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew stand ready to provide a mutually beneficial service to the university and to Mississippi's equine industry.

"This is a win-win situation for MSU and for the horse breeders of this state," said Peter Ryan, assistant professor of animal and dairy sciences. "These stallions help our research and teaching program as we study equine reproduction. The industry will benefit from top-quality stallions available for reasonable fees."

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Cotton grown under tanning bed lights may lead to the development of new varieties that tolerate increased ultraviolet radiation.

Raja Reddy, a research professor of plant and soil sciences with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment at Mississippi State University, is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on two projects dealing with the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi manufacturers can learn ways to reduce waste and increase productivity in their plants and tour lean manufacturing companies during an April 22 through 24 conference in Starkville.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service and Forest Products Department are sponsoring the 2003 Southern Region Lean Manufacturing Conference. The theme of the conference is "Reduce Waste, Increase Productivity." Registration fees are $325 through April 11, and $350 after that date.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Parenting education programs can teach parents one very valuable lesson: how to help their children succeed academically.

Mississippi State University Extension Service specialists hold these programs in various counties in support of President George Bush's "No Child Left Behind" initiative. They offer parents training and information to better support and care for their children.

Attala County Extension director Karen Benson said meeting the needs of Mississippi's children is the goal of parenting education programs.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The nation's first specific-pathogen-free fish hatchery is up and running at Mississippi State University.

Located adjacent to and operated by MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, the 4,500-square-foot aquatic hatchery is a state-of-the-art facility for rearing catfish and other species in a disease-free environment.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- In the volatile climate of the world today, even veterinarians are involved in the war against terrorism.

Dr. Roger Easley, professor of veterinary pathology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University and a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, defined bioterrorism as "a hostile terrorist attack with a biological agent."

"Biological weapons are intended to cause physical harm, fear, panic, and disruption of economics and commerce," he said.

By Keryn Page

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- While the excessive rain in recent months has some people feeling down, it means good things for communities, industries and agriculture in the South.

In fact, a Mississippi State University Extension Service agricultural engineer says there will never be too much rain, at least in terms of the area's underground water supply.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Researchers used the value Americans and Europeans placed on a chocolate chip cookie to determine consumer attitudes towards genetically modified foods.

The research, conducted jointly by Mississippi State University and the University of Reading, England, found that Americans on average are less concerned about consuming genetically modified foods than their European counterparts.

By Laura Whelan

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Recent high-profile instances of toxic mold found in homes have raised fear in many Mississippians, but any mold growth in the home should be seen as a possible health threat.

"All molds have the potential to cause health problems," said Beth Miller, assistant professor of human sciences in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University. "They produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University and the state's community colleges are teaming up to help ensure the presence of health-care providers throughout the state in the years to come.

As Mississippi approaches a critical need for medical professionals, MSU is hosting an intense summer program that aims to entice high school juniors into a career as family medicine physicians. A related program offered at Hinds, Meridian and the Mississippi Gulf Coast community colleges will target future nurses and allied health professionals.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The director of a Mississippi State University institute has been named to a U.S. Department of Agriculture task force.

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman appointed Alan Wood, director of the Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, to the eight-member Research, Education and Economics Task Force. The group is comprised of scientists from a variety of disciplines, including medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A free, half-day quail management workshop will teach participants ways to improve bobwhite quail habitat on rural property.

The March 29 workshop will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in south Oktibbeha County. Interested participants are encouraged to register by March 26. Lunch will be provided to those who preregister.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Students at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine will hold their 19th annual open house April 4 and 5 at the Wise Center, located on the south side of campus off Spring Street.

The theme of the open house is "A whole world of opportunities." 2003 marks the 29th year anniversary of the establishment of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine by the Mississippi Legislature.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's history is closely tied to the land -- from the era when flatboats moved the cotton harvest to the Gulf of Mexico to the current technology revolution in agriculture.

Preserving the stories of the people and events that have shaped the state's rural life is the goal of a new program at Mississippi State University.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- With the threat of war looming and thousands of Mississippians being called to military duty, experts encourage families to plan ahead for their financial obligations during a deployment.

When making financial preparations, consider current salary, lifestyle and financial responsibilities.