Feature Story

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Everyone needs friends to improve their quality of life, even dairy calves.

In a study on the effects of housing types, Mississippi State University scientists found that dairy calves develop better when raised in pairs. Stephanie Ward, a dairy management and nutrition scientist in the MSU-based Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, said this research should provide insight for dairy farmers who practice grass-based dairying.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Business owners eager to capitalize on the power of technology can attend a free series of webinars scheduled for this fall.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service and the Mississippi Development Authority’s Entrepreneur Center have partnered to offer four sessions about web-based services and strategies.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Movie fans can enjoy three free Japanese films at an upcoming series at Mississippi State University’s Bost Extension Center.

The Japan Outreach Program at MSU is presenting the comedy “ROBO-G” on Aug. 22 from 6-8 p.m., the animated adventure “Brave Story” on Sept. 12 from 5-7 p.m., and the drama “Always: Sunset on Third Street 3” on Sept. 26 from 5-7 p.m.

DURANT -- A group project in Holmes County is one small town’s effort to end Mississippi’s national reign as the leader in obesity.

Detra Bishop, pastor of the John Wesley United Methodist Church in Durant, just marked the first anniversary of her church’s Health Education Center. She started the center in March 2013, involving people from other churches and a variety of contributing organizations.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A Mississippi State University food science doctoral student, received top honors at the Institute of Food Technologists’ Annual Meeting and Food Expo.

By Karen Templeton
MSU College of Veterinary Medicine

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When John and Paula Cormane took their dog to the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, they could only hope he would be able to walk back out the same doors they carried him through.

RAYMOND -- A new book should provide private landowners with a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide to current land management techniques for fisheries and wildlife.

Adam T. Rohnke, a certified wildlife biologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, served as managing editor for “Fish and Wildlife Management: A Handbook for Mississippi Landowners.”

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University scientists are conducting research to determine the economic impact of wild hog damage to agriculture in Mississippi.

Bronson Strickland and Jessica Tegt, Extension wildlife biologists in the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center, are asking farmers and foresters to participate in the study.

CARRIERE -- The 2014 Muscadine Field Day in Pearl River County on Aug. 23 will allow growers to learn from Mississippi State University researchers and examine the grape vines growing at the MSU McNeill Research Unit.

The event will run from 9 to 11 a.m. at the MSU research facility near Carriere. Participants will get to examine the fruit on the vines and hear speakers from MSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.

Timely topics related to muscadine grapes include cultivars, best production practices, and insects and disease.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A young researcher from Maine and another from Brazil are finding Mississippi to be a good place to lay the foundation for scientific careers.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Parents aren’t the only ones who struggle with time management anymore; school children are finding it more difficult to squeeze in all the things they want to do each day.

Larry Alexander, 4-H youth development specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said the beginning of the school year is a great time to make a time management plan.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Anyone interested in learning about the latest turfgrass management practices can attend the 2014 Mississippi State University Turfgrass and Ornamental Field Day to get access to industry experts.

The MSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences will host the event in Starkville on Aug. 26.

In addition to five educational workshops led by the MSU Turfgrass Team, the field day will include a vendor expo with field demonstrations and opportunities for guests to have one-on-one discussions with experts at the MSU Extension Service booth.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- An experienced consumer economics professor has been named the new family financial management specialist for the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As early corn comes to market in July, growers are reminded that timing counts for a lot when it comes to planting corn. That’s why Mississippi State University scientists are researching the effects of planting date, plant population and hybrid selection on field corn yields.

JACKSON -- Sneezing, itchy skin and swollen, watery eyes are hallmarks of spring and summer for some humans. But allergies can affect pets, too.

Dr. Juli Gunter, board-certified veterinary dermatology specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said sensitivities to fleas and environmental elements, such as grass, tree and weed pollens and house dust mites, are the most common allergies in dogs and cats.

PONTOTOC -- Sweet potato growers, crop consultants and other agricultural professionals can learn about current research and issues at a field day Aug. 20.

Researchers and specialists with Mississippi State University’s Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station will host the event at the Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station, located at 8320 Highway 15 South.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University has released the results of the winter wheat variety trials to help farmers plan for fall and winter wheat planting.

The university’s Official Variety Trials program evaluates the performance of agricultural crops planted throughout the state.

Researchers planted 82 varieties of wheat this past fall at eight locations in Mississippi. Fourteen companies provided seed for the trials.

STARKVILLE -- Land owners and property managers can get a firsthand look at the latest land management techniques during a special tour organized by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

The Golden Triangle Wildlife Management Tour will be Aug. 7 in Clayton Village at a property located on Highway 182 about 200 yards east of the MSU Golf Course. Signs will be posted along the highway. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Tours depart at 5:30 p.m. Water will be provided on the tour wagons.

July is National Ice Cream Month…

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As temperatures increase, so does the production of Mississippi State University’s ice cream, especially in July, which is National Ice Cream Month.

David Hall, MSU’s dairy process production manager, said ice cream sales have been steadily rising in recent years.

“In 2012, we sold 9,000 gallons of ice cream,” Hall said. “That year we sold 67,000 cups compared to 44,500 cups in 2005.”

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- As students head back to the classroom, parents should remain aware of their children’s online behavior -- whether for school assignments or socializing.

Jamie Varner, an instructor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service Center for Technology Outreach, said parents should warn their children about digital dangers and take practical steps to help keep them safe.