News From 2004

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Instead of the typical veterinary internship, one Mississippi State University student joined a human influenza response team during the severe 2003-04 flu season.

Dr. Brittany Baughman originally planned to work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studying diseases that are zoonotic, or pass between humans and animals. But when the unusually severe flu season hit, that branch of the CDC needed extra help with an in-depth study of influenza deaths in children.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

This year it looks like the snow bush will again be one of the hottest plants at the garden and patio shows, but you had shop early if you want one or more.

Some may ask, "What in the world is a snow bush? Isn't the winter long, cold and wet enough without mentioning snow?"

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- An anniversary celebration Feb. 27 will mark 30 years of veterinary education, service and research at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

While the college has grown considerably since its development and construction began in 1974, MSU-CVM Dean Dr. John U. Thomson said the mission remains constant.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi will soon host an intensive, one-of-a-kind greenhouse tomato workshop with national and international appeal.

The short course on March 9 and 10 in Jackson will be the state's 14th annual gathering exclusively dedicated to helping producers of greenhouse tomatoes. Mississippi is home to 135 growers who combine to produce a $6.5 million greenhouse tomato crop annually. In 2003, the short course attracted participants from 24 states and four countries.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Victoria Blue, a 1998 Mississippi Medallion award winner, has always been one of my favorite varieties of Salvia farinacea, or mealy-cup sage, but there are certainly some other selections worthy of a prime spot in the landscape.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine has been recognized for its efforts in achieving performance excellence.

The veterinary college earned the Quality Commitment Award, one of four awards given by the Mississippi Quality Awards program. MSU-CVM received the Quality Alignment Award last year.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The worst may not be over for cattle producers despite mid-January market rebounds from the Dec. 23 news of the nation's first case of mad cow disease.

After the discovery of one cow in Washington state with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, virtually all countries stopped accepting beef from the United States. Although domestic consumption changed very little, the loss of almost 10 percent of the beef market in exports is contributing to a build-up of supplies.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When AgrAbility fitted a step onto Donald Vowell's all-terrain vehicle, he joined the group of about 60 Mississippians served by this program for people with a disability who live or work on farms.

Vowell, an Ackerman native, was 20 when he suffered a spinal cord injury in a car wreck. He was paralyzed from the chin down, but five months of spinal cord rehabilitation helped him learn to walk again.

"Now I can walk with the aid of a cane -- not real good, not real far, not real fast -- but I can do it," Vowell said.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Most consumers never consider what happens to animal by-products that accumulate as farmers work to deliver safe, affordable food to their tables. But a recent meeting offered a platform for agricultural stakeholders to review efforts and consider future needs.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

If you are ready for some new garden appeal, look no further than two of this year's All-America Selections winners: Fresh Look Red and Fresh Look Yellow celosia.

Fresh Look Red celosia performs like a fresh floral arrangement all summer and for that reason is an All-America Selections Gold Medal Winner.

Thriving in the summer heat and humidity with drought or rainy conditions, Fresh Look Red decorates a garden or patio container with rosy red plumes.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mad cow disease will be one of the health concerns dairy producers will discuss during an in-depth seminar on herd diseases Feb. 19 in Tylertown.

In addition to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), producers will learn about Johne's disease, the U.S. Animal Identification Program, biosecurity concerns and other issues related to dairy herd health.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

If silver foliage is the first thing you think of at the mention to the word artemisia, you haven't seen Oriental Limelight. This introduction by Proven Winners has really captured the imagination of landscape designers everywhere. It is also an incredible plant for mixed baskets and containers.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Full accreditation of the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory System confirms the state's animals receive the level of care they deserve.

In December, the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians granted full accreditation to the four-laboratory system that includes labs in Jackson, Pearl, Starkville and Stoneville. The AAVLD accreditation committee conducted on-site inspections of the laboratories in September.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The deadline for catfish producers to apply for cash assistance to offset import competition and the required technical training is fast approaching.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- While imported fire ants are a problem across the South, most species of ants are actually beneficial -- helping to aerate soil, disperse plant seeds, control insect pest species, and aiding in the decay process of dead plants and animals.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Imported fire ants are a fact of life for Mississippians and most of their neighbors across the Southeast.

Scientists believe imported fire ants first arrived in the United States during 1918 at the port of Mobile, Ala., as stowaways on a ship from South America. Since then, the invaders have spread across most of the Southeast. Their name comes from the "fiery" sting of their bite.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

The Rajun Cajun ruellia really impressed me last summer and makes it high on my list for the landscape in 2004. I have grown this fiery red flower before but as usual, it is other gardeners' applications or companions that really cause my excitement.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The 2004 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions was an event for the record books as buyers set a new high total and paid a record price for a market hog.

More than 60 buyers at the Feb. 12 sale paid $197,684 for the 35 champion animals displayed by 4-H and FFA members. The previous record of $186,701 was set in 1999.

Gov. Haley Barbour told exhibitors that lessons such as self-reliance and responsibility learned raising and showing livestock will serve them well the rest of their lives.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Many Mississippi residents face more challenges to their success than others, but a Feb. 17 conference in Jackson is being designed to prepare workers to narrow the gap.

The Children, Youth and Families At Risk project, part of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, will conduct a one-day conference to enhance knowledge and skills needed by those trying to help at-risk groups.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Insects, diseases and wild animals are among the pests that challenge horticulture crop producers. An upcoming workshop in Jackson will provide the latest recommendations for successfully managing these obstacles in 2004's crops.

Mississippi State University's Extension Service is sponsoring the General Pest Management Workshop at the Agriculture and Forestry Museum on March 2. Registration is $10 and begins at 8 a.m. for the full-day event to be held in the forestry building.