Extension for Real Life

Description

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living.

Blog content is created by a core team of communicators, including Susan Collins-Smith, Ellen Graves, Natasha Haynes, Qula Madkin, Michaela Parker, and Jonathan Parrish. But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu

  • A close up shows a drone hovering above an open field.

    So, You Got a Drone

    If you finally got that drone you’ve been wishing for, keep an eye on the federal regulations that govern their use to make sure you know what you can and can’t do with it. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • A close-up of a golden brown whole-grain pancake on a nonstick griddle, with parts of two other pancakes blurred in the background.

    The Food Factor | Whole Grain Pancakes

    Ready to enjoy a tasty breakfast treat without the guilt? These whole-grain pancakes will do the trick! Be sure to top with fresh or pureed fruit, such as sliced berries or bananas. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • An adult wild hog and two piglets, all covered in coarse black hair, stand inside a wire-sided trap set in green grass on the edge of some woods.

    Top Tips for Hunting Wild Hogs

    Wild pigs must be trapped year-round, and the close of white-tailed deer season is the perfect time to begin planning your wild pig battle plan. (Photo credit: File Photo by MSU Extension )

  • A woman holds up a turquoise blue mug while sitting on a brown leather couch and smiling at the camera.

    The Food Factor | How to Make Spiced Cider

    The whole spices can be expensive, but they are strong, so they go a long way. If you’re not familiar with the spice mace, it tastes similar to nutmeg but is considered milder in flavor. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • A man fits insulation around water pipes in an unfinished attic of a home.

    Winterize Your Home Now!

    The official start of winter is just around the corner. Are you prepared for cold weather around the house? (Yes, I mean more than having a significant supply of hot cocoa and blankets!) As anyone who has wrestled with a freezing cold garden hose can attest, it’s a lot more fun to deal with the details when outdoor temperatures are still somewhat pleasant. (Photo by Micheala Parker/Cindy Callahan)

  • A young buck grazes behind four turkeys in a green, grassy food plot.

    MSU White-Tailed Deer Apps

    Chronic wasting disease is the hot topic in Mississippi’s deer-hunting circles, and for good reason. MSU Extension experts encourage deer hunters to participate in the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks program for sampling deer to get an idea of where the disease has spread. (Photo by Michaela Parker/Cindy Callahan)

  • A close-up of honey-cranberry granola bars that shows in fine detail the oats and cranberries.

    The Food Factor | Homemade Honey-Cranberry Granola Bars

    Making my own snacks gives me complete control over the ingredients. I love to use local honey in this recipe for homemade granola bars, which are lower in calories than most store-bought options, and are high in fiber. And the cranberries give this snack that sweet-tart combination I enjoy. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • A round peanut butter and jelly sandwich sits on a white plate. It is decorated to look like a turkey, with green, red, and yellow apple slices for feathers, chocolate chips for eyes, cheese for a nose and legs, and a small bit of bacon for a wattle. The plate sits on a multicolored floral placemat.

    Thanksgiving Fun for Kids

    Thanksgiving season, while full of fun, laughter, and family, can also be hectic. Having small children can add to both the joy and the craziness. (Photo by Michaela Parker/Cindy Callahan)

  • A group of people stand behind a waist-high, elevated raised gardening bed full of green potato foliage.

    Salad Table Success

    Not into conventional gardening? A salad table just may be for you.

    With these elevated gardening beds, you can grow fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the year right at your fingertips. These tables work well in small spaces and eliminate the physical demands of an in-ground garden. (Photo courtesy of Carla Moore)

Extension for Real Life