VOLUME 3 • NUMBER 3
MAGAZINE OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR O ur Mississippi State University Extension team continues to take on—and solve—the challenges our clients face, whether related to agriculture, natural resources, youth development, family and consumer sciences, or government and community development. I am very pleased with the contributions Extension faculty and agents continue to make in developing and delivering programs based on Mississippians’ needs. I also appreciate having the opportunity to serve as Extension director, and a major highlight of my day-to-day responsibilities continues to be hearing from clients who share how Extension works for them. These comments, several of which are highlighted in this issue, show Extension’s continued impact through educational programming and local service. One Northeast Mississippi row-crop farmer shares how Extension gave him the tools he needed to destroy the wild hogs eating his soybeans, while a private well owner and a housing manager explain how Extension assistance has allowed them to enhance home safety. Also, a longtime Master Gardener volunteer gave back to Extension, in honor of his late wife, by providing a generous donation that will benefit the program throughout the state. Additionally, a 4-H family that participated in the 2017 Dixie National Sale of Champions talk about how livestock competitions are shaping them for future success. Another 4-H’er, who excels in 4-H expressive arts projects, developed a photo essay to share the 2017 4-H Photo Safari with you. Finally, two fathers explain how Extension inspired each of them to give back to the organization by becoming 4-H volunteers. It’s what Extension is doing in the field that resonates with our clients. They know our local Extension agents, and they know many of our Extension specialists and faculty members. The work they do is making a difference. I believe Extension education is reinforcing our clients’ initiative, selfdetermination, and leadership, and Extension, as it has been for more than 100 years, is the link between the people and the latest science-based research.
Sincerely,
Gary Jackson Director, MSU Extension Service
Extension Matters is published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Dr. Mark E. Keenum MSU President
Dr. Gregory A. Bohach
Vice President Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine
CONTENTS All in the Family
4
Where You Are
8
Dr. Gary B. Jackson
Director MSU Extension Service
Dr. Steve Martin
Associate Director Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dr. Paula Threadgill
Clear, Cool Water
12
Picturing Mississippi
15
Ruth’s Roots Rehabilitation
18
Celebrating Steers
22
A Cattleman’s Calling
24
Doing the “Heart” Work
27
What’s New
30
Going Hog Wild
33
Healthy Homes Awareness
37
Development Direction
40
Associate Director 4-H Youth Development, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Center for Continuing Education
Dr. Randy Loper
Department Head Extension Center for Technology Outreach
Sumner Davis
Department Head Center for Government and Community Development
Elizabeth Gregory North
Department Head Office of Agricultural Communications
Richard Swann
Assistant to the Director and Fiscal Administrator
Extension Matters is produced by the Office of Agricultural Communications.
Elizabeth Gregory North Executive Editor
Leah Barbour
Managing Editor
Keryn Page Editor
Beth Barron Designer Writers
Susan Collins-Smith Nathan Gregory Keri Collins Lewis Photographers
Jonah Holland Kevin Hudson Steven Tucker Contributor
Madison Tew Extension Matters Office of Agricultural Communications P.O. Box 9625 Mississippi State, MS 39762 We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
extension.msstate.edu
On the cover: Kate Lartigue grew up believing Extension had the answers she needed after positive experiences early in her life. Now she regularly attends MSU Extension programs in Pearl River County to learn more about gardening and taking care of her well. Read her story on page 12. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Kevin Hudson)
MAGAZINE OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE
Cayleb (left) and Landry Dyess, 4-H’ers 4 Extension M A T T E R S
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Livestock Projects Take Team Commitment STORY BY NATHAN GREGORY
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
ayleb and Landry Dyess are two of
C
know it’s just a routine we have, and it’s
Newton County Extension agent Leanne
only a handful of siblings ever to have
always been that way. They’ve put in 100
McGee helps teach families like the Dyesses
two grand champion animals auctioned in
percent to earn everything they’ve won.”
the basics of keeping livestock healthy, and
the same Dixie National Sale of Champions, but they prepare for each event the same way as every 4-H’er who competes. They start getting ready for the next
Success has not always come easily, Landry admits. “We started working harder last year,
she helps organize the Magnolia Junior Swine Circuit with Smith County Extension agents Elizabeth Kilgore and Jeremy Maness.
and we had a grand champion steer,” he
The circuit is a series of jackpot shows held
show the day after they come home from
says. “This year, we got a good hog and
in November and December.
the last one.
won grand champion in that category. To
“All livestock projects take a
“We have another set of animals in
have that and a reserve grand champion
commitment from the whole family,”
the barn already,” said 16-year-old Cayleb
steer at the same time is special. You’ve
McGee says. “The parents have to be
after the 2017 sale. “It’s a 365-day deal.”
got to have a lot of luck on your side
willing to help the kids and
because it’s hard to raise and feed two
take them to the shows.
champion animals.”
These are good projects
The Dyess family is the epitome of a 4-H family. Landry, 15, and Cayleb began competing in livestock shows when they were 8 years old. Their parents, Brannon and Angie Dyess, say the brothers have been going to shows and rodeos “since they were old enough to walk.” Their older brother, Daylan, also showed livestock frequently as a 4-H’er before he graduated high school. After relocating 3 years ago from Jasper County, the Dyesses now participate in Newton County’s 4-H program. “One thing I’m really proud of is how much effort on a daily basis they have put into their projects,” says Brannon. “They
Extension M A T T E R S 5
“All livestock projects take a commitment from the whole family. The parents have to be willing to help the kids and take them to the shows. These are good projects that bind families together and help them accomplish goals as a team.” LEANNE MCGEE
professionally done, and they do an
Corps after high school, say learning
outstanding job.”
responsibility now will serve them well in
McGee says the Dyesses are an example of parents who show strong commitment
adulthood. “The hardest part is probably how early
to their children by supporting their 4-H
you have to get up every morning,” Cayleb
livestock projects.
explains. “When you go down to the barn
“They don’t require a lot of help from
in the winter, it’s freezing cold. Your feet
me, because they’ve been doing this for a
and hands are hurting because they’re wet
that bind families together and help them
long time,” she says, “But, when most kids
and cold; then, you have to go to school.
accomplish goals as a team.”
begin showing, I spend time with them
You have to come back and do it again
and their families and show them the day-
at night, even if you’re exhausted after
to-day routines they need to have. This
school and football or baseball practice.
Brannon Dyess attributes his sons’ success in statewide competitions to the jackpot shows. “We’re not a big county, but our
includes proper feeding and grooming, along with showmanship skills.”
“But it’s sweet in the end when it pays off,” he adds.
The brothers say the most important
“The animal you’re taking care of is
attribute they have learned from raising
depending on you with its life,” Landry
and showing livestock is responsibility.
adds. “You can’t cut any corners. You have
out of Newton County,” he notes. “The
Cayleb, who plans to attend college
to take care of it and make sure it stays in
people who organize the jackpot shows
and pursue a pharmacy degree, and
good health.”
put in a lot of work to make sure they’re
Landry, who plans to join the U.S. Marine
county is really competitive. Three animals in the Dixie National sale came
6 Extension M A T T E R S
THE BEST More than 1,200 4-H’ers exhibited livestock at the 2017 Dixie National Junior Round-Up.
398
4-H exhibitors
HOGS
593
4-H exhibitors
CATTLE
68
4-H exhibitors
LAMBS
207
4-H exhibitors
GOATS
$328,257 and awarded 37 scholarships totaling $58,500.
The Sale of Junior Champions generated
Extension M A T T E R S 7
Docia England, Delta Cotton Belles member (left); Gladys Briggs, Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers member; Alma Harris, Washington County Extension agent; and Pat Word, MHV member and Washington County Extension office associate
8 Extension M A T T E R S
STRATEGIC STITCHES MHV & Delta Cotton Belles Partner to Help Cancer Patients STORY BY SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH
W
• PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
hen the Delta Cotton Belles needed help with their breast
cancer support program, they called on the Greenville Area Town and Country Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers club. The two Washington County volunteer organizations recently came together to provide breast cancer patients with mastectomy drain pouch bags—small, square sacks laced with ribbon and worn around the neck or over the shoulder under clothing. The bags are made of soft, thin flannel material and hold the drain tubes patients have after mastectomies. The Delta Cotton Belles provide breast cancer education, screening, and support to women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and live in a 10-county area. The Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers program, or MHV, is a statewide leadership program delivered through the Mississippi State University Extension Service. MHV clubs engage in public-policy education and communityservice projects. “One of the things we do as part of our Wrapped in Pink service is give patients a postsurgical care package,” explains Docia England, Delta Cotton Belles member. “We had given one of these Beth’s Blessings Bags to the mother of a young lady who was having surgery in Jackson.
“Our club is happy to be involved in this project. We’re all aware of breast cancer, and almost everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed. We hope patients’ spirits are lifted a little when they get these bags to help them through the weeks that follow surgery.” ALMA HARRIS
Later, she told me that her daughter loved our bag, but the most helpful thing she received from the hospital were the drain pouches.”
Extension M A T T E R S 9
So the group got excited about providing the mastectomy drain pouches to their clients, but they had one major stumbling block. “I don’t sew,” laughs England, who heads the mastectomy bag
and consumer sciences for 35 years. She has a wealth of sewing experience that comes in handy on projects like this. But breast cancer is personal for her.
project for the volunteer organization. “So I mentioned the project
“When Docia came to us about making the bags, I thought it was
to everyone I could, until someone suggested I check with the local
a great idea,” Briggs says. “My sister died from breast cancer when
MHV club.”
she was 35 years old. They diagnosed her on a Monday, and she
The Greenville Area Town and Country MHV club had just gotten four new sewing machines and were looking for more projects to take on. “Our club is happy to be involved in this project,” says Alma Harris, Extension agent in Washington County. “We’re all aware of breast cancer,
died on Thursday. I raised her daughter, who was 4 years old when she died.” MHV members plan to continue the mastectomy bag project, which has been well received by patients who get the bags.
and almost everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed. We
“I’ve met with well over 200 patients, and they have such a strong
hope patients’ spirits are lifted a little when they get these bags to help
faith and a great appreciation for anything you do for them,” says
them through the weeks that follow surgery.”
England, who personally delivers most of the Wrapped in Pink care
To date, the MHV club has sewn 170 mastectomy bags distributed
packages to recipients. “They all like these bags, which help keep
by the Delta Cotton Belles. At the monthly meeting, MHV members
the tubes contained and keep them from getting caught on things
gather at the Extension office to have lunch and plan or work on
and pulling.”
their current projects. “We always have a great time,” says Harris. “Since we’ve been
Some fabric and ribbon for the bags were purchased with MHV club funds, while other materials were donated by MHV members.
doing sewing projects, each member has found something they can
For more information about the Mississippi Homemaker
contribute, even if they don’t know how to sew. Some cut out the pattern
Volunteers leadership program, contact the local Extension office
pieces. Others thread the ribbon through the completed pouch, and
or visit the Extension website at extension.msstate.edu/mhv.
some iron.”
To learn more about the Delta Cotton Belles and their breast cancer
Gladys Briggs joined the MHV club about 5 years ago when she retired from Greenville High School, where she taught family
10 Extension M A T T E R S
programs, visit www.deltacottonbelles.org.
I’m Dak Prescott, and my mom died from colon cancer in 2013. I’ve taken a lot of hits on the football field, but nothing has ever hit me as hard as cancer. Watching a family member go through cancer—I mean, go through the suffering—is as hard as it gets. Talk to the ones you love about getting screened for colon cancer. And get screened yourself. Be there for each other.
#getscreened4dak
If you are over 50, or if you have a family history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor today about getting screened.
For more information, visit extension.msstate.edu/dakprint
CLEAR, COOL WATER Well Workshop Gives Peace of Mind STORY BY KERI COLLINS LEWIS • PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Kate Lartigue, well owner
12 Extension M A T T E R S
Well Owner Network workshop offered by
questions and encouraged people to
the Mississippi State University Extension
talk. It was very interactive and in a
Service and the Private Well Class (www.
comfortable, easy environment.”
privatewellclass.org). A mailing from Pearl
Barrett, an assistant professor with
River County MSU Extension Coordinator
Extension’s Center for Government and
Dr. Eddie Smith sparked her curiosity and
Community Development, conducts
subsequent attendance.
workshops across the state.
“I had always been on city water, and,
“The goal of the Mississippi Well
when we bought this place, it had a well,”
Owner Network program is to educate
she explains. “I saw a notice for the course
homeowners about their private wells
and thought, ‘Uh-oh! Am I supposed to
and the quality of their drinking water,”
ot all water is so delicious that
N
treat the well once a year with chlorine?
Barrett explains. “We also offer private
people ask for it to be carried across
What do I do?’ So I went to learn about it,
well owners a venue to have their drinking
state lines.
hoping for Well Owners for Dummies!”
water screened for bacteria. The class in
“My friends in Slidell, Louisiana, beg
Lartigue squeezed in with dozens
Pearl River County was one of the most
me to bring them gallons of my well water
of other learners concerned about
well-attended we’ve had, and participation
because they love it so!” reveals Kate
water quality.
was lively. I loved it!”
Lartigue of Poplarville. Lartigue is particularly pleased to share her water after attending a Mississippi
“We had white-haired grandmothers
After Lartigue completed the class, she
all the way to young people,” she recalls.
collected a water sample, turned it in, and
“Dr. Jason Barrett was very open to
hoped for the best.
Extension M A T T E R S 13
“They talked about how
“We are so lucky, and we don’t even
“The septic tank company wanted me
contamination shows up in the water
know it,” she says. “I don’t think we
to buy their products, and the Extension
from certain sources, like feedlots, barns
appreciate it enough.”
professionals told me something
with animals, or pesticides and paints. There’s none of that around here, other than my neighbor with six animals, but they’re downhill from me. I felt reassured.” Lartigue’s water tests came back clean: no bacteria, no E. coli, no high nitrates. “So now we know our water is pure, clean, and good. We’ll get it tested each year, and, if it comes back positive for bacteria, we know what to do,” she says. “I
Lartigue’s experience with the MSU Extension Service also includes local gardening workshops and trips to the Crosby Arboretum. But her appreciation for Extension began when she was a 4-H’er in West Texas. “I grew up in the small city of Dell City, and the county agents taught us everything,” she remembers. “So whenever I go to a new state, I always want to check out the county Extension agents. When we got to Mississippi, it was like
am now an informed well owner because
homecoming, because the agents can tell
of this course. I am confident about who
you everything from what to plant and
to call if there is an issue.”
when to plant it, to what fertilizer to use.”
Lartigue observes that Mississippi is blessed with abundant water resources.
14 Extension M A T T E R S
Extension also helped her learn how to manage her septic tank.
different,” she says. “It’s hard to find valid information, and the Extension Service provides that. They don’t have a horse in the race. They just want you to understand what works.”
PICTURING MISSISSIPPI Tishomingo County 4-H’er Jonah Holland Shares 2017 4-H Photo Safari PHOTOS BY JONAH HOLLAND
Extension M A T T E R S 15
16 Extension M A T T E R S
Jonah Holland, 4-H’er
J
onah Holland, a teen in the Tishomingo County 4-H Youth Development Program, became a leader for the 2017 4-H Photo Safari in March in Northeast Mississippi.
Jonah not only helped scout locations for 4-H’ers to visit and photograph, but he also offered activity suggestions and other feedback on behalf of the 14 4-H participants and the four adult chaperones from the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He also offered advice, support, and instruction to his fellow 4-H’ers, all of whom are talented photographers. Holland has participated in the Photo Safari since it began in 2014. This year, 4-H’ers visited Tishomingo State Park, Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo, and Old Waverly in West Point, among other places. Here is Jonah’s story of the safari, told through his own photography.
Extension M A T T E R S 17
RUTH’S ROOTS REHABILITATION Juvenile Offenders Grow a Community Garden STORY BY LEAH BARBOUR • PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Elise Deano, Hancock County Youth Court judge
18 Extension M A T T E R S
B
efore she became the Hancock County Youth Court judge, Elise
Deano was a school teacher. She jokes that she became a lawyer because she taught school, but Deano wants to make sure young people who need a helping hand get the chance to turn their lives around.
“You see these kids getting excited because they’ve never been picked for anything, and they’ve never been ‘those kids.’ So now, someone’s finally recognizing their talents and saying, ‘Run with this. I’m trusting you to run with this and make it happen.’” ELISE DEANO
In spring 2016, she opened Ruth’s Roots in the lot adjacent to the Hancock
is helping them, and it is helping me be
business, Ruth’s Cakery, in 2005, and when
County Youth Court. The farm-to-table
more effective for them and get them on
Deano approached him with her idea, he
the right road.
generously donated the use of the land.
agricultural operation, now blooming as a true community partnership, is run by
“The possibilities here are endless.”
nonviolent juveniles in the drug court program. Deano, along with the children’s attorneys and the rest of the court team, come together twice a month for garden workdays, and she says it’s making a difference. “If you just sit on the bench, and you
Although Deano thought growing a community garden would benefit
Planting the Seed Deano read about a farm-to-table community garden program in California for nonviolent juveniles, and she
the young people in her drug court rehabilitation program, she has what she calls “the opposite of a green thumb, whatever that is.” Deano knew the Mississippi State
immediately concluded that introducing
University Extension Service could
such a program in Bay Saint Louis would
deliver agricultural advice because of her
something or whatever—you miss who
be beneficial to some of the young people
mother’s Extension career as a Pearl River
and what they are,” she explains. “In my
who appear before her.
County assistant home demonstration
hear about what they’ve done wrong— they’ve failed the drug screen or they stole
opinion, getting to know them through
The name of the garden honors the
agent. However, she didn’t know her
the garden has allowed me to fashion
late wife of the lot owner, Jim Thompson.
local Hancock County Extension agent,
better sanctions and better rewards. It
Hurricane Katrina leveled their family’s
Christian Stephenson.
Extension M A T T E R S 19
“I was given his name, and someone
“You see these kids getting excited
Also, teachers are contacting Deano
said, ‘Elise, he’s fabulous!’ And I think I’d
because they’ve never been picked
to bring their classes to the garden. As a
read an article about another community
for anything, and they’ve never been
former teacher, Deano has a variety of age-
garden that he works,” Deano says. “So I
‘those kids.’ So now, someone’s finally
appropriate books about bees, chickens,
reached out to him.
recognizing their talents and saying,
and other garden-related topics. Teachers
“Now, I call him for everything,” she
‘Run with this. I’m trusting you to run
simply check books out from Deano, go
continues. “He comes out and works with
with this and make it happen,’” Deano
over the materials in class, and return the
the kids. He set up all the irrigation. He’s
explains. “These kids are like, ‘I want to
books when they visit the garden.
the one who told us where to get the salad
be doing stuff in the garden. When’s your
tables. He built these beds, and it all looks
next garden day? I want to come out there
productive and making it valuable in
great. It’s exciting!”
and do stuff with you!’”
terms of the plants that we’re taking out
“In addition to making the garden
of it, we also want to make it part of the community,” Stephenson says. “People
Taking Root
keep coming in. They’ll come in, walk
Stephenson took the opportunity to get
around, see the plants, look at the dragon,
involved with Ruth’s Roots, and he’s quick
and look at the alligator. They look at the
to say this is only the beginning.
chickens, and we have more people petting
“I’m expecting this spring is going to
rabbits than you know what to do with.
be the first good season for producing
“The great thing about this is that,
vegetables and getting a lot of products
because it’s an area where there’s a lot of
out of this garden,” he says.
foot traffic, there’s a lot of people walking
Along with four raised beds, the garden features 24 salad tables, which are elevated beds that don’t require bending down to weed, water, or harvest. Deano
by. It’s great because people can actually
Growing Strong Deano emphasizes that the entire Bay
see what’s going on,” he continues. Deano agrees and recommends other communities consider using Extension
donated a tung nut tree in honor of her
Saint Louis community has come together
assistance to open community gardens
father, who formerly edited the Tung Oil
in support of Ruth’s Roots.
and engage young people.
News. Along with fig trees, young people
“It was amazing,” she says. “Normally,
“Until I started working with
are growing corn, eggplants, peppers,
when you say, ‘I want to do this,’ you have
Extension, I didn’t realize what
squash, tomatoes, okra, and watermelon.
to reach out and beg all these people to
awesome programs it has for kids; it’s
In addition to all the plants, Ruth’s Roots
help you, but, with this garden, it was like
phenomenal,” she asserts. “Christian tells
has egg-laying chickens, honey bees, and
the heavens opened up and people were
me what grows and what doesn’t grow.
petting rabbits.
calling me asking, ‘Can I donate this?’”
He tells me when to plant stuff. I mean, I
The young people painted pictures of
An anonymous benefactor recently
guess I could research it, but why research
themselves on the fence, and the teens most
donated $10,000 to enhance Ruth’s
interested in art helped decorate the garden.
Roots, and Deano envisions a community
Sculptures of a dragon and an alligator, as
greenhouse that allows everyone, not
everyone to be able to learn how to do this
well as statues of St. Mary and St. Francis,
just the teens in her court, to get some
because it’s all for our kids.”
add to the open, relaxed environment.
gardening experience.
20 Extension M A T T E R S
when I can call Christian? “The kids are proud of this, and I want
Making a Difference Together More than 30 individuals, businesses, and community organizations have offered support to Ruth’s Roots. WHO THEY ARE*
WHAT THEY GAVE
Asplundh..................................................mulch Nicole Baker............................................rabbits Bay St. Louis Rotary.............................fundraiser that generated more than $2,000 George Blair............................................palm tree Magan Bourn..........................................St. Mary statue Kristie Buddenbaum..............................Facebook-page design Jul Dedeaux of Blue Rose Antiques....aluminum alligator Ed Edwards.............................................painted a door that became part of the fence Misty Ellington........................................iron bathtub Ramona Epperson.................................St. Francis statue Di Fillhart of Starfish Café....................freezer and money for chicken food Kat Fitzpatrick.........................................financial support Janice Guido of Bay Emporium..........weather station Tony and Lisa Guidry.............................freezer Michael and Anita Holmes...................bee hives, bees, and upkeep Sarah Johnson........................................chickens Gina Lacoste............................................created the “Ruth’s Roots” fence door Sandy Maggio of Smith & Lens..........copper donor-recognition markers McDonald Hardware.............................wood and building supplies Tami Munsch............................................labor, workday management, photography, ...................................................................and design Gail Nami.................................................bee flag, services, and glass top to see inside hive Bobby and Shirley Necaise..................built the fence and other garden labor Connie Pace.............................................garden sign and statues Ryan Rupp of Rupp Construction......blessings box Christian Stephenson............................labor, plants, know-how, and patience The Bay/Waveland Garden Club.........fig trees Jim Thompson........................................use of the land and ongoing support Jeannine Wilson......................................pavers and bird bath Molly Wilson...........................................photography *Listed alphabetically.
Extension M A T T E R S 21
22 Extension M A T T E R S
CELEBRATING STEERS The 2017 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions saw 43 champion market animals auctioned at the annual sale. During the weeklong 2017 Dixie National Livestock Show in Jackson, judges selected 14 hogs, 10 goats, 10 lambs, and 9 steers for the sale. Here, 4-H’ers practice presenting Angus heifers following months of training for the livestock show. From left are Ryland McDaniel, Union County 4-H; Randon McDaniel, Union County 4-H; J.D. Chism, Pototoc County 4-H; Gabby Simpson, Mantachie FFA; and McKinley Stegall, Union County 4-H. PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON
Extension M A T T E R S 23
Joe Davis (center) cattleman, with 4-H’ers Dalton Cooper (left) and Randon McDaniel
24 Extension M A T T E R S
A CATTLEMAN’S CALLING
Joe Davis Shapes the Next Generation STORY BY KERI COLLINS LEWIS • PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON hen third-generation cattleman
W
father, Johnny. In 2 years, they will receive
grand champion awards at the state and
Joe Davis was a teen, he had no
their 50-year award from the Angus
regional levels. Most recently, a PMCC
idea his competition in the show ring
Association. Their registered Angus herd
heifer won reserve champion in Jackson
would one day be his Extension agent in
has produced several state championship
at the Roll of Victory Angus Show, part of
Union County.
calves over the years in Mississippi,
the Dixie National Junior Livestock Show.
Tennessee, and Alabama, including
“My earliest memories are of my mom,
“Gina Wills is a lifelong friend, and my sister and I showed against her and her sister, Geri, for years. Gina got me
multiple “Mississippi Bred” champions. Davis’s new Angus enterprise
dad, sister, and I climbing into a singlecab truck pulling a trailer filled with our
back involved in 4-H clubs and judging
concentrates on using in vitro fertilization
show calves and supplies and heading to
teams, and now my son is exhibiting cattle
to produce high-end heifer calves for the
a weekend show or sale somewhere in the
within the state,” Davis says.
show circuit under the farm name PMCC,
South,” he recalls. “My parents are great
LLC. With partners Cha Cha Rita Farm,
examples of how to live your life investing
Cooper Angus, and Witcher Reds, Davis
in others.”
Now Davis combines his love of 4-H and his passion for the cattle business. Davis, who has practiced law since 1995, operates Red Fox Farms with his
has had some early success with heifers winning supreme, grand, and reserve
The highlight of Davis’s show career also occurred at the Dixie livestock show;
Extension M A T T E R S 25
he was a senior and his sister, Dawn, was
by example how to treat others and that
junior and senior winners receive awards
a freshman in high school.
your work ethic determines your success
each year.”
“We both won our showmanship classes, and I won the champion bull and she won the champion heifer in the Angus show. It was such a highlight for us as a
For many families, the Union County
in life.” Davis appreciates the leadership skills
Fair kicks off the show season and is on their calendars every year.
4-H’ers learn. “Any of the children involved in any
“Joe works so hard to make families
family after all those years of traveling
aspect always learn some leadership.
feel welcomed. He wants them all to be
across the Southeast.”
Our kids can talk to other kids, talk to
winners. He even provides homemade ice
adults, and usually speak to a group,”
cream and watermelon on show day for
he observes.
the contestants and their families,”
Davis explains how 4-H helped shape him.
Wills adds.
“I’ve grown up with 4-H and Extension
In addition to being a volunteer and
being part of my life. I’ve had tremendous
county 4-H awards sponsor, Davis is an
adults involved in my life, and a lot of
innovator. Wills said, as chairman of
stand at the Union County Fair each year,
my memories are from Union County
the beef show, he added the Top Hand
which is the program’s biggest fundraiser.
adults—the agents, personnel, and
Award to encourage participants to stretch
Given his role as the fair board’s vice
volunteers,” he shares. “Early on, I learned
themselves and learn new skills.
president, he could easily be too busy with
Davis works at the 4-H concession
other responsibilities, but he maintains
respect, treating other people nicely, and
“Any exhibitor can enter, and it
work ethic. When I think of some of the
involves nominating one calf, taking
agents I had growing up, that’s what they
a quiz, participating in showmanship,
taught us. We learned our projects and
and judging two classes,” Wills explains.
way possible,” Wills says. “He and his family
our contests, but they were teaching us
“Points are kept on each category, and
support all of our kids, no matter what.”
“Any of the children involved in any aspect always learn some leadership. Our kids can talk to other kids, talk to adults, and usually speak to a group.” JOE DAVIS
26 Extension M A T T E R S
his commitment to 4-H. “He is always willing to help out in any
DOING THE “HEART” WORK 4-H Volunteer Gives Time, Raises Funds for Projects STORY BY NATHAN GREGORY PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Robert Rice, 4-H volunteer leader
Extension M A T T E R S 27
U
Extension Service coordinates the state’s
needed a bigger robot. Club volunteer
4-H youth development program. Rice’s
leader Robert Rice secured the first
mother, Ann, started a 4-H club for
to go to National 4-H Conference in
donation toward purchasing the machine
children in Oktibbeha County’s Bell
Washington, D.C. Seeing the nation’s
from his employer.
Schoolhouse community when he was 9
capital firsthand was an eye-opening
years old.
experience for Rice.
ntil recently, the Clover Dawgs 4-H Robotics team in Oktibbeha County
Rice had several reasons for approaching Syntron Material Handling
The Mississippi State University
“At the time, my mother was a single
book, a résumé that details a 4-H member’s goals and accomplishments. He eventually had the opportunity
“I learned so much just by meeting
leaders during his fundraising efforts.
parent, and she wanted me and my sister,
other 4-H’ers from all over the country,”
His 13-year-old son, R.J., and 14-year-old
Lakezia, to meet people, travel, and learn
he says. “I think that made me a better
daughter, Reocca, are club members. Rice
different things,” Robert said. “She thought
and more diverse person.”
is also a former 4-H’er himself.
starting this club would be a good way to
“I saw the benefits of it when I was a child,” he explains, “and I want my children to have the same benefits.”
28 Extension M A T T E R S
create that avenue and keep us busy.” One of his favorite childhood memories is completing his 4-H record
4-H projects and activities now are broader in scope than when Rice was a teenager completing conservation projects. As a volunteer leader, he has assisted with
almost every interest area the club offers.
to Rice because of his kind nature and
I tell them not to be afraid of learning
He has taught grilling safety at the club’s
positive attitude.
how to do something new and broadening
cookouts and judged talent shows and
“I think he sees potential in every
their horizons,” he says. “I had R.J. do a
livestock shows. Rice also assists with
4-H’er we have in our club and is there
couple of sewing workshops. He didn’t
to motivate all of them,” she says. “He’s
want to, but he learned from it, and his
there, not just for his children, but for all
mother likes the purse he made for her.”
archery and land-judging contests. These services are in addition to his work with the club’s STEM and robotics teams. “I program machines on my job, so I’m glad to see my son’s interest in robotics,” Rice says. “I want him to be prepared
of the children. He encourages me all the
Rice encourages parents to enroll their
time. I don’t think there are enough good
children in 4-H and anyone looking to
things to say about him.”
serve their community to volunteer for
Rice says being a 4-H volunteer can sometimes be as simple as being a listening
their local 4-H clubs. “I tell people to go to their county
when he’s looking for a career, and I think
ear for children and encouraging them to
Extension office or call and ask what they
this has him on a good path.”
pursue their goals and learn new skills.
can do to volunteer their time,” he said.
Clover Dawgs 4-H Club leader Courtney Headley said 4-H’ers look up
“Kids are reluctant sometimes to try
“If you have skills in a certain area, an
things they don’t know much about, and
agent will tell you how you can help.”
Extension M A T T E R S 29
4-H DEBUTS NEW CURRICULUM WRITTEN BY NATHAN GREGORY • PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON Thirteen Winston County children test piloted a new 4-H program while their schools were on spring break in March. The new program, designed for Cloverbud 4-H’ers aged 5 to 7, uses LEGO bricks as teaching tools reinforcing the robotics fundamentals in science, technology, engineering, and math—STEM. The club’s curriculum prepares children for the junior and senior 4-H robotics programs. Along with emphasizing STEM concepts, the 4-H LEGO Engineering Club’s literature component develops participants’ reading and comprehension skills. Agents had requested a program to introduce young children to engineering and design processes, so Dr. Mariah Morgan, an assistant Extension professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Center for Technology Outreach, oversaw the LEGO Engineering Club’s development. Sandra Jackson, an Extension program associate in Winston County, led the program’s test run. The curriculum was partially funded through a grant from the Center for Community-Engaged Learning at MSU.
EXTENSION DEVELOPS WORKFORCE COMPILED BY MADISON TEW • PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON A resource developed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service shows shifts in county populations using the exemptions reported on 2014–15 federal tax returns. The map is online at https://goo.gl/LIHwuR. Developed by MSU Extension Specialist Dr. Roberto Gallardo, the Mississippi map shows counties in green and red. Green represents positive net migration, while red represents counties that had a negative net migration. Twenty-five Mississippi counties had a positive
Dr. Roberto Gallardo with Lara Bowman, executive director of The Enterprise of Mississippi in Eupora
net migration through 2014-15. To encourage economic development in a community, local and state leaders need to understand shifts in county population and the relationships among county populations.
The population map indicates where the majority of new county residents came from, as well as the new locations of those who left. Data also shows the average adjusted gross incomes of residents moving in and moving out.
30 Extension M A T T E R S
STARS FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY WRITTEN BY MADISON TEW • PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON The new Sustainability Training in Agricultural Systems, or STARS, program teaches producers how to incorporate sustainable land-management practices to increase their revenue. Producers might hesitate to implement proper resource conservation because of the time commitment, cost, lack of knowledge, or even fear of change. Row-crop, cattle, horticulture, poultry, and other agricultural producers can benefit from sustainability practices, said workshop organizer Leslie Burger, assistant professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. The STARS training, held in the spring at Prairie Wildlife Preserve in West Point, showed Extension agents who work directly with landowners how sustaining natural resources is beneficial to the environment and may increase revenue. More than 10 agents representing all regions of Mississippi attended.
Jimmy Bryan, owner of Prairie Wildlife Reserve and STARS supporter
LA-Z-BOY DONATES FABRIC COMPILED BY MADISON TEW • PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON
STARS-trained agents are sharing what they learned to increase producers’ profitability by maintaining natural resources.
Sylvia Clark, Extension associate
Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers received approximately 130 boxes of discarded upholstery fabric from La-Z-Boy Inc. MHV clubs are supported by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, and members are community volunteer leaders who meet various needs in their counties. Members around the state have sewn thousands of garments and quilts for military veterans, families, and children’s hospitals. Sylvia Clark, an Extension family and consumer sciences associate, said a La-Z-Boy representative from the Newton County plant learned about MHV sewing projects in Holmes County and wanted to make the donation. Clark says the donated fabric will be used to sew wheelchair totes, walker caddies, and lap blankets for assisted-living facilities and convalescent homes. Other material will be used for 4-H sewing clubs and summer camps.
Extension M A T T E R S 31
EXTENSION DIRECTS HERBICIDE TRAINING COMPILED BY MADISON TEW • PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON Agricultural producers interested in purchasing auxin-containing herbicides intended for 2,4-D- or dicamba-tolerant crops must first complete mandatory online educational training. The free, online training program, offered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and approved by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, became available to producers in February. Each of the six training modules helps growers safely maximize the benefits of the auxin technologies. Topics include off-target movement, tank clean-out, herbicide volatility, and label details of name-brand technologies. The self-paced program is available at www.auxintraining.com via most devices. Producers taking the test should be prepared to provide an address and their private applicator certificate number during the registration process. After successful completion, producers will receive an email from MDAC verifying proof of training. The email should be printed and taken to a pesticide dealer when purchasing auxin-containing herbicides.
YOUTH DISCOVER DAIRY SCIENCE COMPILED BY MADISON TEW • PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON The Mississippi State University Extension Service and the MSU Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences hosted about 200 people in March at the first Dairy Science Youth Field Day at the MSU Bearden Dairy Research Center. Visitors learned about the dairy industry through various stations: digestive and reproductive tracts, the anatomy of the udder, and how to milk a cow, among others. Dr. Amanda Stone, an Extension dairy specialist, says young people need to learn about where their food comes from. The field day was also an opportunity for participants to see if they might want to pursue a career in the dairy industry or in agriculture. Organizers look forward to hosting this youth event in the future.
SOIL LAB WELCOMES NEW MANAGER WRITTEN BY LEAH BARBOUR • PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON The Mississippi State University Extension Service Soil Testing Laboratory has a new manager of operations, Dr. Keri Jones. She plans to provide timely, reliable, and accurate soil analyses. Improving efficiency in the lab and updating soil nutrient application recommendations are her top goals. As leader of the lab, Jones oversees analyses of soil and plant samples. Results help crop producers improve their yields and homeowners improve their lawns and gardens. In Jones’s prior position, she worked to address erosion in Natchez with the Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District, which gave her experience in identifying and addressing clients’ concerns. Her research in plant breeding and species identification includes work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. Jones completed her doctoral degree in agronomy and master’s in biology at MSU.
32 Extension M A T T E R S
GOING HOG WILD Producer Eliminates Major Pests STORY BY LEAH BARBOUR PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON AND STEVEN TUCKER
Trevor Garrett, soybean producer and research associate
Extension M A T T E R S 33
EFFECTIVE EXTERMINATION The Garretts killed
80 hogs in 9 months.
33 23
JUN 2016 AUG 2016
14 10
SEP 2016
T
revor Garrett stays busy. He divides his days between farming
Garrett says he has known about the MSU Extension Service’s agriculture and
FEB 2017
destroying his crops, he thought he could do it on his own. He and his father first noticed wild hog
soybeans with his father, Johnnie Ferrell
natural resource programs his whole life.
Garrett, and working as a research
He works at the branch station, operated
damage to a soybean field in 2014, and
associate at Mississippi State University’s
by the Mississippi Agricultural and
the trouble progressed in 2015 when the
Pontotoc Ridge–Flatwoods Branch
Forestry Experiment Station, a longtime
family was forced to replant a few rows.
Experiment Station.
Extension research partner.
He divides his nights between sleeping and killing wild hogs in the nexus of Lafayette, Union, and Pontotoc Counties. Over 9 months, Garrett removed 80 hogs, and he shared the resulting hundreds of pounds of pork with his neighbors. “If I can’t find someone who wants to eat the pork, I will dig a hole and bury the pigs I put down, but I’ve always been able to give them away,” he says. “If you look at the history of Mississippi, we were keeping the hog population in check, but that population is on the increase. “If you want to be a part of solving the wild hog problem, seek the advice of Extension’s North Mississippi hog man, Steven Tucker.”
34 Extension M A T T E R S
However, when Garrett first determined he needed to kill the wild hogs
“In 2016, as soon as we left the field with the planter, the hogs would come down the rows at night. They destroyed 15
PHOTO BY STEVEN TUCKER
acres in two nights,” Garrett remembers.
many were in the group, also known as
“My first course of action was to park on
a “sounder.”
the field edges and wait for them to come out after dark. “I think we ended up killing one hog out of the 30-something we had. We did that for a week, and I knew we had to do something different,” he says. “I needed to talk to Steven.” Trapping wild hogs is a process, Tucker explains. He visited Garrett’s soybean field to assess the damage, and Tucker recommended Garrett place game cameras
“Then, we followed the baiting regulations from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. We put out food they seem to like—corn, dry corn, fermented corn, sweet potatoes—close to their natural path coming into the field, and they ate it up,” Tucker says. “Then, you build the trap around that spot using the same food. And if you use an electronic gate with the
near the hogs’ trail of destruction. Not
camera that sends pics to your phone, you
only would Tucker be able to figure out
wait until you get every single hog inside
where the hogs were coming into the field,
the trap, and you use your cellphone-
but he also would be able to discover how
detonated gate, and it’s down.”
KNOW THE ENEMY Wild hogs… • travel in groups, called “sounders.” • eat anything. • have no predators other than humans. • reproduce rapidly and can produce two large litters per year. • learn quickly how to avoid hunters and being captured.
Extension M A T T E R S 35
“If you don’t try to get the populations
Garrett uses his trusty .22 to finish the job.
down, anything else you want to hunt will
eradication strategies, contact your local
be run out of the area. Then, the hogs will
Extension agent through county offices
leave, and, eventually, you’ll be left with
or extension.msstate.edu. For state
nothing,” Garrett emphasizes. “It doesn’t
regulations on controlling wild hogs,
matter to the hog what it eats: baby deer,
contact the Mississippi Department
rabbit, anything it can catch. I hate to see
of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks at
people losing money because of this wild
mdwfp.com.
hog damage.” Killing the hogs is the only solution,
Transporting wild hogs for hunting
he and Tucker agree, and sport hunting
is illegal, he warns. They are not game
alone is not nearly as effective as trapping
animals; they are destructive, invasive
and killing them. Acting now can help
pests like fire ants. They carry diseases
preserve the Garretts’ farm—and farms all
dangerous to humans, pets, and livestock.
over Mississippi—for future generations.
WILD HOGS: How to Kill Them
To report damage and develop
1
2
Identify where the hog damage is.
Put up game/trail cameras in the damaged area.
6
5
Let the wild hogs feed inside the trap for a few days—until they feel comfortable consistently entering the trap.
36 Extension M A T T E R S
Examine the photos to see where hogs are coming from and how many there are to determine the right trap size.
4
Build a trap with the gate facing the hogs’ trail.
Bait the trap with corn or other feed.
7
3
Determine how many hogs are traveling in the group.
8
9
10
Monitor the cameras to ensure all the hogs are inside the trap, and drop the trapdoor.
Use your .22—or larger caliber rifle—to euthanize the hogs humanely. Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling hogs.
Continue to monitor for pig activity or damage in the area.
HEALTHY HOMES AWARENESS Housing Authority Official Shares Extension Training STORY BY LEAH BARBOUR • PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON
Russell Carroll, maintenance supervisor
Extension M A T T E R S 37
H
e is already good at what he does as maintenance supervisor with the
Canton Housing Authority, but Russell Carroll wants to be even better. Anytime he gets a chance to participate in a training program, he takes it. Carroll cares about sharing the best practices— and implementing them—to benefit the tenants on his watch. “If you pull any of these tenants from the 150 homes and ask them about me, they’ll tell you, ‘Russell will take care of it. He’ll make sure it’s done on time,’” Carroll says. “When you get to go to these different trainings, you’ve got to come back and show it. That’s what I did with the Healthy Homes training: show it.” Carroll jumped on the opportunity to participate in a Healthy Homes Initiative program, held locally at the Madison County office of the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Now, he’s applying what he learned at work and at home. “The stuff I learned in Healthy Homes, I can take it abroad: I can go other places with it. That’s what I’m doing,” Carroll explains. “It’s not about what you learn here; it’s about taking it home and teaching it to your children, your brothers, your sisters.” From controlling dust mites and bedbugs to eliminating cockroaches and rats, various Healthy Homes Initiative strategies offer tenants affordable and realistic solutions that lessen pests’ impacts, Carroll emphasizes. In the program, he discovered that, even when carpets and throw rugs look
38 Extension M A T T E R S
“The stuff I learned in Healthy Homes, I can take it abroad: I can go other places with it. That’s what I’m doing. It’s not about what you learn here; it’s about taking it home and teaching it to your children, your brothers, your sisters.” RUSSELL CARROLL
clean, they may still hold dust mites.
Often, residents will take out the
Not all vacuum cleaners are created
batteries to the smoke alarm when they
equally, Carroll warns, because some may
cook, Carroll explains. Then, they forget
redistribute the mites, or other particles
to replace them, which puts them at risk
like pet dander, into the air.
of harm.
“Bed bugs are our number-one problem over here,” Carroll continues. “Don’t get furniture from anybody unless you inspect it, and, if you see brown spots, they’re blood spots, and those bed bugs are in there. Once you put that furniture in your house, you’ll have them.” Carroll also discovered an easy way to reduce the number of roaches and other insects inside homes: instead of throwing food directly into a trash can, put the waste in a bag and tie it up or seal it. Another important lesson Carroll says he learned at Extension’s Healthy
“I teach my workers, every time you go in a home, regardless of if it’s to just change a light bulb, you check that smoke alarm,” he says. “We had a fire here one time, and the apartment was burning up, but that smoke alarm was steady beeping. So it made us feel good even though we had that fire. We keep checking the smoke alarms.” Carroll emphasizes that the Healthy Homes training program is for everybody, and the knowledge available from it can make anyone’s home safer and more comfortable. “To me, there’s more to be done,”
Homes program is regularly checking that
he says. “I want to give back by sharing
smoke alarms in each unit are working.
Healthy Homes with as many people
He supervises a team of three with two
as possible.”
groundskeepers.
Extension M A T T E R S 39
LEAVING A LEGACY Gift Keeps Memory Alive STORY BY SUSAN COLLINS-SMITH • PHOTO BY KEVIN HUDSON
Michael Hale, philanthropist, and Vicki M. Smith (pictured)
40 Extension M A T T E R S
I
n 2016, Myrtle native Michael Hale was
through her talents by teaching tap, ballet,
was limited in what she could do, but
looking for a meaningful, lasting way to
and jazz to younger students.
the Extension staff, Master Gardener
remember his late wife, Vicki M. Smith. He knew a garden park in Myrtle and
In the late 1990s when her mother
President Lisa James, and the other class
needed a nursing-care facility, Vicki
members were great to us. They always
a donation benefiting the Mississippi
established and directed the Sunshine Inn,
made her comfortable and helped her
State University Extension Service Master
Union County’s only designated assisted-
Gardener program would be fitting
living facility.
tributes and something that would have
“While she was visiting different
brought her joy—because of her love for
facilities, trying to find one for her mother,
flowers and for Myrtle.
she decided that Myrtle needed a small
Both Vicki and Michael were born and
boutique home in a quiet, country setting
raised in the small town northwest of New
where residents could enjoy fresh air,
Albany, and they built their retirement
flowers, and personal attention,” Michael
home there. They became certified Master
says. “She wanted to provide a caring
Gardeners through the home horticulture
environment where each resident enjoyed
training program in 2010.
an atmosphere of top-quality care.”
With help from state Master Gardener
In early 2009, Vicki had a stroke,
participate to the fullest of her ability.” Gina Wills, Extension agent in Union County, said the Master Gardener program was a great fit for Vicki. “Vicki and Michael were very active in the group,” Wills recalls. “It was something you could tell that they enjoyed. They are service-minded people and our Master Gardeners are very involved in our local area. “Our community calls on Master
leadership, Michael put together a plan to
leaving her partially paralyzed and
Gardeners all the time. They have a
build a 2-acre garden on property he owns
confined to a wheelchair. But she still
strong relationship with civic groups
in Myrtle. Additional land is available
had enthusiasm for life and gardening.
and organizations who call on them for
to make the garden as large as 5 acres,
She convinced Michael to join her in the
volunteer service on a regular basis. People
but it will be built in phases. The garden
Master Gardener training sessions held
trust them because they know they are
will include an educational building
at the Extension office in Union County.
reliable and informed,” Wills explains.
and landscaped spaces to accommodate
The Master Gardener program offers
group meetings, family gatherings, and
individuals 40 hours of training in home-
individual enjoyment.
horticulture topics in exchange for their
Vicki contributed to the community throughout her life, even though her
volunteer service. “Vicki was the gardener. She loved to
career kept her on the move—first as a
have beautiful flowers and plants in the
flight attendant with Delta Airlines and
landscape. She did all the work while I sat
later with Michael in the family business.
by the pool and admired her projects,”
“Vicki loved Myrtle, and philanthropy was important to her, even in small ways,” Michael explains. As a student, she was an accomplished dancer and pianist, successfully representing
Michael laughs. The Master Gardener program offered Vicki a social and creative outlet in spite of her physical challenges. “It seems like some of your friends
In addition to the garden park, Michael made a generous donation in Vicki’s memory to Extension through the MSU Foundation. Funds will be used to help expand the Master Gardener program in counties all over the state by buying supplies for projects and providing for other similar needs. “We are grateful to Mr. Hale for this generous gift to the Master Gardener program,” Extension Director Dr. Gary Jackson says. “We look forward to
Myrtle and Union County in many county,
forget you when you go through trials
working with him to grow the program
regional, and state contests. Even in high
in life, but we made a new set of friends
statewide and to honor his wife, Vicki.”
school, she felt it was important to give back
by doing this,” Michael says. “Vicki
Extension M A T T E R S 41
Happy 25th Anniversary, Master Gardeners! We congratulate the Mississippi Master Gardener Volunteers for 25 years of dedicated service to beautifying local communities.
335 % i n c
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co n
t ac t s i
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463
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Mississippi Master Gardener is a program of the MSU Extension Service.
om m u
* Based on Mississippi Master Gardeners’ selfreported annual data, presented here as averages.
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More than 1,000 volunteers in Mississippi! 42 Extension M A T T E R S
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EXTENSION’S STATEWIDE NETWORK
Box 9625 Mississippi State, MS 39762
NONPROFIT ORG. US Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit No. 290
extension.msstate.edu @MSUExtService Mississippi State University Extension Service msuextservice msuextservice Mississippi State University Extension Service
RUTH’S ROOTS REHABILITATION STORY BY LEAH BARBOUR • PHOTOS BY KEVIN HUDSON A youth court judge opened a community garden staffed by young people completing their community service requirements. Read about the project on page 18.