Feature Story

By Rebekah Ray

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Research at Mississippi State University is developing new ways to apply space-age technologies to the state's agriculture in hopes of increasing efficiency and yields.

This research is being conducted by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station through the Advanced Spatial Technologies for Agriculture and the Remote Sensing Technologies Center at MSU.

By Rebekah Ray

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Catfish is not a new agricultural commodity to Mississippi, but research is underway on a new variety that may replace channel catfish as king of the farm ponds.

As a relatively new and growing industry in East Mississippi, catfish has emerged as a viable economic entity in the hilly Blackland Prairie region of the state. For the last 10 years, East Mississippi production has been primarily in Kemper, Noxubee, Lowndes, Clay, Monroe and Chickasaw counties, but there were no local suppliers of fingerlings.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The increasing value of land makes it financially harder than ever for farmers trying to survive bad crop years or farmers trying to get into the business.

Real estate prices in the South have historically been tied to returns from row crop agriculture, but with the South's economic diversification and urbanization, agriculture is just one of many factors influencing land values. With fewer acres available for farming, prices are rising even on less fertile farmland.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The convenience plastic offers holiday shoppers can be a liability if the card is lost or the account number stolen.

Automated Teller Machine cards, debit cards and credit cards are extremely popular with shoppers, especially at the holiday season. Consumers need only produce their card, signature and sometimes a Personal Identification Number to access money in their account or on their credit line.

But if that card is lost or stolen, a thief needs only the same information to make the card work for them.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Many shoppers try to avoid the holiday shopping rush by mail-ordering gifts, but while convenient at times, it can lead to more hassles.

Americans have always consumed goods through mail-order catalogs and with the popularity of the Internet, ordering merchandise has taken on a new dimension. A growing percentage of holiday shoppers are abandoning at least some shopping the old-fashioned way of standing in line, competing for items and handling objects before purchase.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's environment is the big winner as youth organizations across the state such as 4-H garner grant money from the Chevron Companies.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Gardeners discouraged by drought this year can improve their chances next season by working in their gardens this fall.

Mississippi State University gardening specialists recommended mulching, fall bed preparation, soil testing, cover crops and continued watering to prepare gardens now for next spring.

Dr. David Nagel, vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said ground covers and advance bed preparation can make a difference in next spring's garden success.

By Rebekah Ray

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For years the Mississippi Delta has been known for its production of both cotton and farm-raised catfish, but now the fish also swim in East Mississippi ponds as producers are realizing its economic potential.

No longer considered just Southern fare, catfish is the fifth most popular fish in America. In 1998, it was one of the top-five agricultural commodities in Mississippi and had a value-added production of more than $306 billion, up 15 percent from 1997.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Gardeners discouraged by drought this year can improve their chances next season by working in their gardens this fall.

Mississippi State University gardening specialists recommended mulching, fall bed preparation, soil testing, cover crops and continued watering to prepare gardens now for next spring.

Dr. David Nagel, vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said ground covers and advance bed preparation can make a difference in next spring's garden success.

By Laura Martin

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The health of thousands of Mississippians may be at risk when holiday hosts begin to serve rich foods and meals go on irregular schedules.

According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 240,000 Mississippians have diabetes. One-third of those don't know that they have the disease.

By Laura Martin

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippians have 240,000 reasons to recognize November as National Diabetes Month.

Known as the silent killer, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States, claiming thousands of lives annually.

"People don't think it is as serious as it is," said Patricia Boyd, community development director with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippians are getting a short course in constitutional law thanks to the as-yet-unresolved governor's race.

Ronnie Musgrove narrowly won more votes in the Nov. 2 general election than did Mike Parker, but he is not the governor-elect. Neither man won a majority of the popular votes cast and with the final tally not yet in, it looks as if neither will win a majority of the state's electoral votes.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A product needing a niche of its own may have secured a foothold in the hog industry as research is showing kenaf offers a way to reduce swine odors.

Dr. Tim Burcham, associate agricultural engineer with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, is testing a bio-reactor he developed to filter and biologically treat wastewater from hog production facilities.

The main goal of the research is odor reduction and wastewater treatment. Burcham's interest in the versatility of the kenaf plant spurred the development of this research.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Honor Mississippi's product accomplishments by selecting gifts made in the state for anyone on your gift list.

"Mississippi's entrepreneurial spirit has always been strong, and it's growing stronger every day," said Ann Sansing of Mississippi State University's Extension Service's Food and Fiber Center. "With specialty food manufacturers in 37 Mississippi counties, there is something for everyone when it comes to gift buying."

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Low income people in 22 Mississippi counties can learn how to make grocery dollars last longer and improve their health from wiser food choices with the help of an expanding nutrition education program.

The Family Nutrition Program is an educational effort being conducted by Mississippi State University's Extension Service with assistance from matching funds by the state Department of Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Many kind-hearted people put feeders out in cold weather for birds, but these can turn deadly for the birds under unsanitary conditions.

Dean Stewart, wildlife specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said the most important thing to ensure is that bird feeders keep the feed dry.

"If feed gets wet, grain can mold and develop funguses that can kill small birds and even harm animals as large as quail and turkeys," Stewart said. "The problem is more pronounced in small birds such as songbirds."

By Laura Martin

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Engaged couples planning year-end weddings can take advantage of decorated churches and family reunions for their special day.

Anne Stevenson, a home economist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said people planning a holiday wedding can wait and let the church or cathedral decorate and then add a few accessories to it.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Family members need to share holiday chores to minimize the stress on any individual during the hectic season.

Dr. Louise Davis, child and family development specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said the holidays can be overwhelming if one person assumes all the responsibility for the many details needing attention.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Holiday hunters following all the safety rules still need to listen to their bodies to ensure the experience will be a safe one.

Non-shooting accidents are common in the woods as hunters flock there for their favorite game. Deer stands cause the most injuries, but the physical demands of the hunt can mean out-of-shape hunters can hurt themselves if they're not careful.

By Laura Martin

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When the holiday scents of cinnamon, peppermint and fresh cookies fill the home, friends and families gather around the Christmas tree as one of the seasonal traditions.

Displaying a real Christmas tree is a traditional holiday practice in many homes.

Dr. Steve Dicke, a forestry specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said the enjoyment of the family cutting a tree and decorating it at home every year is part of a great Christmas tradition.