Feature Story from 2011

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Financial stability may seem impossible during the college years, but students who take the time to learn about money management will reap positive rewards.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Pine beetles are a threat when trees are stressed, but a cost-share program can help Mississippi private forest landowners keep trees healthy.

Andy Londo, forestry professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said proactive management activities, such as periodic thinning, can increase overall forest health and reduce the threat of a Southern pine beetle outbreak.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Only 800 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Fellowships are awarded each year, but Mississippi State University’s Phyllis Miller has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship for the third time in her career.

Miller, a professor in apparels, textiles and merchandising in MSU’s School of Human Sciences, has received a lecturing and research appointment with the College of Engineering at the University of Mauritius. The university, located in the Republic of Mauritius, an island off Africa’s southeast coast, is establishing a new college of fashion.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University Extension Service assistant professor will help the university and organizations around the state prepare for disaster situations.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University’s football team members recently found out they are not the only ones on campus with a national ranking and that representing the “cow college” is a special honor.

MSU’s Bulldogs, ranked No. 20 in the preseason USA Today Coaches’ Poll, will kick-off their 2011 season in Memphis on Sept. 1. MSU’s Jersey herd, on the other hand, is ranked No. 7 by the American Jersey Cattle Association for 2010 milk production.

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A group of Mississippi State University students recently participated in a nationwide event to help educate others about the discipline and program they love.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – New owners of food businesses can take part in an upcoming workshop to help improve their odds of success, even during the current economic challenges.

“Food as a Business” is a day-long video conference Oct. 4 with satellite locations at Mississippi State University, Hattiesburg, Raymond, Verona and Cleveland. The $40 registration fee covers snacks during breaks, lunch and conference materials. The registration deadline is Sept. 23.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Parents may think their children intentionally argue with everything they say, but the problem may be more complicated.

Louise Davis, Mississippi State University Extension child and family development specialist, said the problem could be factors beyond the child’s control.

PICAYUNE – Mississippi State University’s Crosby Arboretum in Picayune will be crawling with activities at the annual Bugfest Sept. 23 and 24.

The family-friendly event will include collecting, identifying and mounting insects for display; bug-themed crafts and games; and educational seminars on various insects and collecting techniques.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Professionals who provide home inspections, audits or health services are encouraged to participate in the Essentials for Healthy Homes Practitioner’s Course in Canton on Sept. 22 and 23.

The training will be conducted by the National Center for Healthy Housing and hosted by Mississippi State University’s Extension Service at their Madison County office. Professionals from a variety of fields will gather to share their expertise and learn from others at the two-day course. The $100 registration fee covers all course materials.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippians who want the freshest blueberries and butterbeans have more options as community-supported agriculture programs increase.

Kimberly Morgan, an agricultural economist and professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said Mississippians are participating in a trend that began within the past 20 years.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – When freshman Mitchell McCloud walked onto campus at Mississippi State University Aug. 17, he already had two classes behind him and a clear idea of where his intended major could take him.

“Through the Rural Medical Scholars program, I was simultaneously introduced to Mississippi State University’s outstanding campus and the different aspects of the path to medical school,” McCloud said.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Jacquelyn Deeds, agricultural information and education professor at Mississippi State University, was elected senior fellow of the American Association of Agricultural Education at the organization’s recent annual meeting.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – More than 120 cotton breeders from around the world spent Tuesday examining cotton research being conducted at two Mississippi State University facilities.

The group was part of the four-day Cotton Breeders’ Tour. The scientists visited university and industry locations in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana on this year’s trip. Tours are sponsored by Cotton Inc., and are held every other year, rotating through each of the nation’s five cotton-growing regions.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Increased childhood peanut allergies in America have turned many school cafeterias into no-peanut zones, but kids do not have to give up tasty and healthy foods while keeping their allergic classmates safe.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University’s 56th annual Edward C. Martin Design Symposium on Oct. 19 will focus on how landscapes can best fit their environment.

By Karen Templeton
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi State University researchers are investigating ways to improve the nutrition and growth of the state’s most profitable bird.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A fertilizer commonly used in Mississippi is the target of thefts and criminal abuse, prompting federal regulators to consider more carefully controlling this chemical’s distribution and producers to look for alternatives to avoid the hassle.

Ammonium nitrate is sold in granular form as an efficient source of nitrogen fertilizer. It is often used for pasture systems and hay production but also has other crop uses. It is desirable because the nitrogen comes in a form readily taken up by plants but not readily lost to the atmosphere.

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced a new, user-friendly icon designed to make healthy eating easier.

MyPlate, the new graphic, depicts a round plate divided into four colored sections, labeled fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. A circle, labeled dairy, represents a glass of milk. The icon is part of the education campaign for the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans.