Feature Story from 2019

Near a bridge that connects Issaquena and Sharkey counties, Waye Windham leaned toward the side of his boat and dipped a paddle down into flood water to gauge its depth.

The water was too deep for the paddle to reach the ground. Riding with Windham was Lacey Little, who tried a much longer wooden post.

Horsemanship clinics, camps and competitions are uniting young horse enthusiasts with mature, experienced riders across the state as interest booms in the sometimes athletic and always fun equine activities.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi is one of just two states east of the Mississippi River not infested with emerald ash borers, and landscapes need everyone’s help to keep it that way.

Blake Layton, Mississippi State University Extension Service entomologist, said the emerald ash borer -- or EAB -- is an invasive, nonnative pest that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in the eastern U.S. Fairly expensive, annual treatments can protect high-value landscape trees, but they have to be applied preventatively.

HAMILTON, Miss. -- Determining the extent of tornado damage to farms in Monroe County will take weeks, but video shot from flying drones will speed up the process.

Mississippi State University Extension Service personnel have been assisting in relief efforts since the morning after an EF-2 tornado on April 13 damaged more than 140 homes in Hamilton, claiming one life and injuring 19 others.

STONEVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi State University agricultural leaders looked far and wide to find a new specialist to guide farmers with irrigation concerns.

Drew Gholson started April 1 as an assistant professor and the irrigation specialist with the MSU Delta Research and Extension Center and the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer Water Center. He replaces Jason Krutz, who was promoted to lead the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute.

Producers will have an opportunity to tour a certified organic farm and receive training on several topics related to agriculture management during a field day.

Urbanization and agricultural pressures are decreasing natural habitats for wildlife, but Mississippians can take steps to make their own landscapes wildlife-friendly.

Bob Brzuszek, Mississippi State University Extension Service professor of landscape architecture, said residential areas play an important role in conserving wildlife when carefully planned.

Southern Gardening host, columnist and Mississippi State University Extension Service horticulturist Gary Bachman has been elected a Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

Floral enthusiasts can learn how to make a basic floral arrangement in the Sweet Mississippi Flower Bowl workshops this summer.

A good night's sleep is important for everyone, but the true benefits of a restful night for people's minds and health is sometimes misunderstood and underappreciated.

JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant named May 14, 2019, a day to recognize 50 years of successful programing by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, or EFNEP.

To help confront mental health issues facing the nation today, the Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering unique first aid training to all its employees.

Red snapper suffered a population decline in Gulf Coast waters in the 1900s because of overfishing, but anglers today report they simply cannot avoid them, even when fishing for other species.

The Alliance of Sustainable Farms is holding its third in a series of field day trainings for beginning farmers and ranchers June 21.

National Dairy Month is a great time to consider the numerous health benefits dairy products provide and how supporting the industry indirectly helps a variety of people.

All-terrain vehicles are commonly used in Mississippi for entertainment and work, but driving them dangerously is a frequent cause of injuries and death.

STARKVILLE, Miss.—From writing, photography and video to social media, television and web design, Mississippi State University’s Office of Agricultural Communications and Office of Public Affairs are receiving various honors in the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi’s annual awards competition.

Mary Love Tagert is one of four individuals selected nationally as a fellow in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

Bullying is personal to Je'Kylynn Steen, whose experiences as a victim and witness, helped give her insight into a project that can help others who may face the same challenges.

As a community health intern with the Junior Master Wellness Volunteer Program, she served as the primary author of a new bullying module to help young people recognize this pervasive problem and learn strategies to stop it.

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Producers and landowners can learn more about what to consider when leasing land for oil and gas drilling during a July 16 workshop.

Balancing Farm Success with Oil and Gas Growth will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Southwest Mississippi Community College in the Horace C. Holmes Student Union.

Topics include leasing, new technology, water testing, environmental concerns and farm planning. Speakers will help landowners understand financial impacts, legal obligations and environmental management strategies.