Director’s Message

Dear friends,

We’re in a busy time of year, and I wanted to share a few of the great things we are doing this summer in MSU Extension. We’ve made a lot of new friends, and we’re strengthening old relationships. Unfortunately, we are facing a decrease in our budget this year, so we’re pulling back everywhere we can while trying not to negatively affect our county and statewide programs that the people of Mississippi rely on.

Extension continues to move the needle. Farmers tell us that the decisions we help them make save them tens of thousands of dollars. Our Family, Health, and Wellness information and programs lead people to make healthier food choices and exercise more, ultimately helping prevent chronic diseases and reducing the strain on our healthcare system. We’re teaching young people life skills through 4-H youth development and setting them on track to become productive citizens and future leaders. We’re supporting businesses, community organizations, and elected officials with educational opportunities to grow their businesses and better serve the people of Mississippi.

We also care about measuring our success—the meaningful importance of what we’re doing in people’s lives—and we’re working to show the economic impact that we have on every sector of this state and beyond. We’re delivering research-based education the way the people want it, whether it’s online with short videos or the traditional Extension relationships where personnel come visit sites in person. We’re telling our story in Extension Matters so our supporters can see what we’re accomplishing and how it’s impacting Mississippi. Every opportunity you get, tell someone about the wonderful services the Mississippi State Extension Service has to offer every citizen of this state!

Hail State,

Dr. Angus L. Catchot

Director of Extension, Mississippi State University