MISSISSIPPI STATE – The National Association of County Agricultural Agents recognized six Mississippi State University Extension Service experts for their skill in connecting with clients.

MSU personnel won top honors in four of the 14 categories in the association’s Communications Awards Program.

Gary Bachman, along with videographers Tim Allison and Brian Utley, are the national winners in the video presentation category. Bachman also won first place in the feature story category. Bachman is an associate Extension and research professor of ornamental horticulture. He hosts the Southern Gardening TV and radio shows and writes a weekly column, also titled Southern Gardening.

Jane Parish is the national winner in the learning module category for the Mississippi Master Cattle Producer program, a 24-content-hour, comprehensive training in major beef cattle production topic areas. Parish is an Extension and research professor specializing in beef cattle.

Wayne Porter’s quarterly newsletter, Green Flash, garnered first place in the individual newsletter category. Porter was also named a national finalist in the published photo and caption category. He is a regional horticulture Extension specialist.

"MSU Extension Service agents and specialists are always trying to get information to our clients in new and innovative ways," said Gary Jackson, director of the MSU Extension Service. "From YouTube videos and online learning experiences to traditional feature stories and newsletters, we want to meet the needs of Mississippians by providing reliable, research-based information they can trust."