News

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Hurricane Francine was reduced to a tropical storm by the time it reached Mississippi, and its rainfall and wind were not enough to cause major damage to the state’s cotton crop despite two-thirds of it having opened beforehand.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated just under 70% of the cotton bolls around the state had opened as of Sept. 9, three days before Francine reached the state.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Amy Knight has seen her 13-year-old son, Cameron, make substantial strides in his speech and core strength since he began horse riding three years ago.

GLUCKSTADT, Miss. -- Children, parents and child care providers in the Gluckstadt area now have a new learning center with free resources. The Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network at the Mississippi State University Extension Service provides mini-learning stations throughout the center with themed hands-on, play-based educational activities each month. Various free services are available through the center, including an educational lending library, referrals for teacher training, and family support services training.

I have fond memories of walking daily as a kid past my grandmother’s chain-link fence, admiring the bright red flowers on the Turk’s Cap growing along it. Every time I see those flowers today, childhood memories rush through my mind.

Now as an adult gardener, I’ve come to appreciate Turk’s Cap even more for its beauty and resilience.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi 4-H is developing new programs incorporating ScratchJr, an introductory computer programming application for children ages 4-7, and an instructor with the research group that created the software recently visited Mississippi State University to train educators on its curriculum.

Adding a tropical feel to your garden is like creating a lush escape right at home.

With the right plants, you can transform your outdoor space into a mini paradise full of bold colors, dramatic foliage and exotic textures. Tropical plants bring a sense of adventure and tranquility, turning even the simplest garden into a getaway where you can relax and unwind.

Whether you live in a warm climate or just want to bring a bit of the tropics to your backyard, incorporating certain plants can instantly elevate the atmosphere to a unique and inviting retreat.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Those interested in learning about the use of unmanned aircraft systems as row crop application sprayers are invited to a seminar at Mississippi State University.

The MSU Spray Drone/UAS Seminar will be held at the Bost Extension Center Oct. 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. This meeting will be presented in person and available online. Topics include regulatory updates, the current Federal Aviation Administration-approved spray drone list, current and potential spray drone restrictions and ongoing spray drone research at MSU.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Extracurricular activities offer many benefits for children and teens, but parents should help young people set important boundaries when it comes to these activities.

“Participating in sports, music, dance and other activities not only helps children learn life skills, like time management and interpersonal skills, but also teaches them about themselves -- what things they are good at and what things they enjoy,” said Lori Elmore-Staton, a human development and family science specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

If it seems like every plant in your garden is wilting in this summer’s heat, think about adding some Vermillionaire plants next year.

I recently saw some beautiful Vermillionaire plants at the trial garden of the Mississippi State University South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville. These plants were thriving in the summer heat.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Farms are the most prominent symbol of agritourism, but the industry contains numerous types of enterprises and entertainment.

The agritourism sector also creates additional income streams for producers and entrepreneurs and has been a proven community development tool in Mississippi, especially in rural areas.

This summer has not just felt hot and dry; close to half the state is in moderate to severe drought, and temperatures have been mostly in the 90s through all of August.
Mike Brown is the state climatologist and Mississippi State University professor of meteorology. He said much of the northern two-thirds of the state has been fluctuating between drought and being OK.

Floral enthusiasts and professionals can learn how to make tussie-mussie floral arrangements and the history of these bouquets during an Oct. 10 workshop in Hernando.

If you come across an enchanting, miniature landscape that captures your imagination as a world fit for fairies, then you have found a fairy garden. These tiny gardens are meticulously designed in containers, garden beds and unique spaces like old tree stumps and broken pots.

I recently visited Ross Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Hattiesburg and found some whimsical and magical fairy gardens on their property. These feature small plants, moss, pebbles and miniature accessories such as fairy houses, tiny furniture and delicate bridges.

The growing season is wrapping up on Mississippi’s 2024 rice crop, and experts anticipate a slightly higher yield but depressed prices.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that rice harvest began the first week of August. As of Aug. 11, the crop was rated 15% in excellent condition and 82% in either fair or good condition.

Yellow-flowering plants have always captivated me with their bright, cheerful hues. They bring warmth and energy to the garden, instantly lifting the mood and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Whether it’s the vibrant pop of color they add to a landscape or the way they attract pollinators with their radiant blooms, yellow flowers hold a special place in my heart.

October marks an exciting milestone for Mississippi tourism professionals who will complete training in a one-of-a-kind program. Trainees in the second annual Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program will receive their certificates of completion at the 2024 Governor’s Conference on Tourism, an annual event hosted by the Mississippi Tourism Association. Registration is now open to those that want to be part of the next class, which begins in January 2025.

PICAYUNE, Miss. -- School groups, nature enthusiasts and the public can enjoy two fun-filled days of celebrating the environment, ecosystems, wildlife and insects at the Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum in Picayune. BugFest is set for Sept. 20 and 21. The event offers insect-related displays, interactive exhibits, games and crafts. Biologists, naturalists, entomologists and other experts from Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama will host booths and give presentations on butterflies, bats, caterpillars, pollinators, spiders, crayfish, native plants, native and exotic arthropods and more.

There is a type of plant treasured for its ability to be shared. Known as pass-along plants, these are often shared by gardeners, friends and family, typically through cuttings, divisions or seeds.

These plants carry sentimental value and foster a sense of community, as they are often passed down through generations or exchanged within local gardening groups.

CARRIERE, Miss. -- Muscadine producers can learn more about growing the specialty crop during an upcoming field day. The 2024 Muscadine Field Day will be held Aug. 29 at the Mississippi State University McNeill Research Unit in Carriere.

A Mississippi State University Extension Service forage specialist recently received a national award for his high-quality work and effective program development.