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Better Farming Radio: 2004 Archive December 27-31, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Aquaculture Leader Dr. Jimmy Avery talks about the factors that led to a 16 percent increase in the farm gate value of catfish production in Mississippi in 2004. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Rice Specialist Dr. Nathan Buehring explains why Mississippi rice producers had an above average year in 2004. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson talks about the reasons for the modest increase in the farm gate value of wheat production in Mississippi in 2004 and the dramatic decline in the value of grain sorghum production. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Dairy Specialist Dr. Angelica Chapa talks about the kind of year Mississippi dairy producers had in 2004. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Andy Londo has some New Year's resolution ideas for timberland owners. MP3 December 20-24, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Cotton Specialist Dr. Tom Barber talks about how Mississippi cotton producers fared in 2004. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Soybean Specialist Dr. Alan Blaine talks about the highs and lows of the 2004 soybean production season in Mississippi. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson talks about the kind of year Mississippi corn producers had in 2004. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Swine Specialist Dr. Mark Crenshaw talks about the factors that helped the value of hog production in Mississippi go up 44 percent in 2004. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Fisheries Specialist Dr. Marty Brunson explains how your Christmas tree can become a valuable fishing tool in a few months. MP3 December 13-17, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. John Anderson explains why the value of farm production in Mississippi this year should reach an estimated record of $5.348 billion. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl talks about why estimated net farm income in Mississippi reached a record $1.2 billion in 2004. MP3 Wednesday: Dr. Wallace Morgan, head of MSU's Poultry Science Dept., says 2004 was a successful year for Mississippi's poultry industry. Morgan says this was the first time the value of a single agricultural enterprise exceeded $2 billion. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Blair McKinley discusses the factors that led to a 12 percent increase in the farm gate value of cattle and calves in Mississippi in 2004. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Bob Daniels reviews the 2004 timber harvest and market situation. MP3 December 6-10, 2004 Monday: Jim Quinn, marketing specialist with the MSU Extension Service and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, provides his analysis of the soybean and corn markets. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. John Anderson analyzes the beef cattle markets and talks about where cattle prices are headed through the end of the year. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Turfgrass Specialist Dr. Wayne Wells talks about winter time home lawn care, lawn equipment maintenance chores and lawn care-related Christmas gift ideas. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Mike Boyd, professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at MSU, talks about the second year of his research project on grazing steers on no-till corn planted into existing pastures. MP3 Friday: Dr. John Green of George County, the Mississippi Forestry Association's Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, and Tommy Boone of Forrest County, the MFAs Outstanding Logger of the Year, are profiled. MP3 November 29-December 3, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Soybean Specialist Dr. Alan Blaine says the disease Soybean Rust has now been found in Mississippi and explains how Mississippi soybean producers should proceed as they prepare for the 2005 growing season. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Plant Pathologist Dr. Alan Henn says the disease Soybean Rust is not just a threat to soybeans; it affects several commonly grown garden vegetables and even some ornamentals, as well. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Ben West talks about the history of wildlife management in the U.S. MP3 Thursday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon analyzes the dairy market situation and outlook. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Steve Dicke explains why everyone should trim a real Christmas tree this holiday season. MP3 November 22-26, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Soybean Specialist Dr. Alan Blaine says the disease Soybean Rust has been detected in the U.S. for the first time and explains what this means for Mississippi soybean producers. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Forage Specialist Dr. Richard Watson says the disease Blast is widespread in ryegrass pastures across Mississippi. Watson has tips on how to identify and control this disease. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Cotton Specialist Dr. Tom Barber previews the 21st annual Cotton Short Course that will be held Dec. 8-9 on the MSU campus. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Dairy Specialist Dr. Angelica Chapa has tips for dairy producers on how to manage their cows during cold, wet weather. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Andy Londo has tips for landowners who plan to plant pine trees this winter. MP3 November 15-19, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. John Anderson talks about three factors that are likely to have a major impact on beef cattle prices over the next few months. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Horticulturist Dr. David Nagel previews the Deep South Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show that will be held Dec. 8-10 in Mobile, AL. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson provides an update on Mississippi's wheat crop and has tips for wheat producers. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Terry Kiser, head of MSU's Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, explains how his department prepares students for a variety of careers in animal related industries. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Andy Londo explains why some pine tree needles change color and fall. MP3 November 8-12, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Charlie Forrest talks about record U.S. and world crop production and its impact on crop prices. MP3 Tuesday: Dr. Vance Watson, Vice-President of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at MSU, and Dr. Jimmy Smith, head of MSU's Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, talk about the agricultural research achievements at the Delta Branch Experiment Station over the past 100 years. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Ben West explains how a relatively new practice called Quality Vegetation Management benefits pine plantations and wildlife habitats. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Brian Rude, associate professor of animal and dairy sciences at MSU, has tips for beef cattle producers on the best ways to supplement winter forages, and producers may be surprised at some of his recommendations. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. John Kushla talks about hunting leases and managing timberland to enhance wildlife habitat. MP3 November 1-5, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Fisheries Specialist Dr. Marty Brunson talks about a farm pond management practice that should be carried out now to set the stage for good fishing next spring. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon analyzes the dairy market, talks about the outlook for feed prices and provides background information on some important dairy legislation. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Dr. Larry Oldham explains how anyone who grows something, whether it's a home lawn or 5,000 acres of cotton, should begin with a soil test. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Dr. Jane Parish previews the 2004 Mississippi Beef Cattle Improvement Association's Fall Bull Sale that will be held at the Hinds Community College livestock arena in Raymond on Thurs., Nov. 11. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Trey DeLoach talks about the Enhanced Forestry Education Program in Mississippi. MP3 October 25 - 29, 2004 Monday: Jim Quinn , marketing specialist with the MSU Extension Service and the MS Farm Bureau Federation, offers crop marketing strategies to cotton, soybean and corn producers. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Cotton Specialist Dr. Tom Barber talks about the late-season increases for Mississippi's projected average cotton yield, which is now forecast to hit 925 lbs./acre, just below last year's record of 932 lbs./acre. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl explains how farmers will be affected by the new regulations that modified the Fair Labor Standard Act's guidelines for overtime pay. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Dairy Specialist Dr. Angelica Chapa previews the 15 th annual Mississippi/Louisiana Dairy Management Conference that will be held Nov. 4 at the Southwest Events Center in Tylertown. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Trey DeLoach explains how a forestry consultant can make a timber sale go much smoother and make more money for the seller. MP3 October 18 - 22, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Soybean Specialist Dr. Alan Blaine talks about the Mississippi soybean harvest and about disease problems that plagued Mississippi's soybean crop during the growing season MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson advises wheat growers how to grow high-yielding wheat. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Terry Hanson talks about a study he conducted that shows while the catfish industry has been struggling, better times may be around the corner. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Molly Nicodemus, assistant professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at MSU, talks about the horses that will be sold at the annual Animal and Dairy Sciences Production Sale at the Mississippi Horse Park in Starkville Nov. 18. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Andy Londo explains why and how leaves change colors in the fall. MP3 October 11 - 15, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Rice Specialist Dr. Nathan Buehring recaps the 2004 rice production season in Mississippi. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Poultry Specialist Dr. Berry Lott has tips for poultry producers on how to hold down broiler house heating costs this winter. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Horticulturist Dr. David Nagel previews the Fall Flower and Garden Fest that will be held at the Truck Crops Branch Experiment station in Crystal Springs on Oct. 15 and 16. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Livestock Agent Kipp Brown explains why fall is a good time for beef cattle producers to make management decisions that improve herd health. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. John Auel has tips for homeowners on fireplace safety. MP3 October 4 - 8, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Cotton Specialist Dr. Tom Barber has an update on the cotton harvest in Mississippi. MP3 Tuesday: Dr. Bill Herndon, agricultural economist at MSU, talks about the outlook for farm milk prices, a new dairy herd retirement program and a new national dairy program being considered in Congress. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Plant Pathologist Dr. Alan Henn explains how Hurrican Ivan and other tropical storms have increased the chances of the disease Soybean Rust arriving in the U.S. much earlier than expected. MP3 Thursday: Gale Chrestman, previews the junior livestock shows that are part of the Mississippi State Fair that begins today at the state fairgrounds in Jackson. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Trey DeLoach talks about the three steps that landowners need to follow to get ready to plant pine trees in the late winter or spring. MP3 September 27 - October 1, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Ben West has tips on planting food plots for deer. MP3 Tuesday: Benny Graves, sweet potato specialist with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, provides an update on the Mississippi sweet potato harvest and previews the National Sweet Potato Festival that will be held in Vardaman on Sat. Nov. 6. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Horticulturist Dr. David Nagel has tips on how to grow greens in Mississippi. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Terry Smith, assistant professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at MSU, talks about a research project that is looking at the feasibility of grazing dairy cows on corn. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Bob Daniels talks about a new timber price reporting service that is available to Mississippi timberland owners. MP3 September 20-24, 2004 Monday: Jim Quinn, marketing specialist with the MSU Extension Service and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, talks about his outlook for corn, soybean and cotton prices. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. John Anderson analyzes the beef cattle markets. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Engineer Jim Thomas explains why poultry producers need to evaluate whether the water flow to their broiler houses is fully supplying the houses' drinkers, cool cells and foggers. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Peter Ryan, associate professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at MSU, previews the 1st Annual MAFES Equine Fall Sale that will be held at the Mississippi Horse Park in Starkville Sept. 25. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. John Kushla explains how pine trees and forage crops can be grown on the same land at the same time. MP3 September 13-17, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Cotton Specialist Dr. Tom Barber has tips for cotton producers on defoliation timing. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson talks about the latest wheat variety trials and explains how farmers can access and use the trial results. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Entomologist Dr. Blake Layton talks about protecting yourself from mosquito bites and protecting your home from invasion by Asian lady beetles. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Tom Althen, professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at MSU, talks about how his department prepares students who are interested in enrolling in MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. MP3 Friday: Dr. Tom Monaghan, program coordinator for the Mississippi Forestry Association, previews the MFA's annual meeting that will be held Oct. 20-22 in Jackson. MP3 September 6-10, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Aquaculture Specialist Dr. Jim Steeby provides an update on Mississippi's catfish industry. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Soybean Specialist Dr. Alan Blaine explains why soybean yields in Mississippi have been well above expectations at this point in the harvest season. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Charlie Forrest talks about the outlook for agricultural exports and imports over the next couple of years. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Mike Martin, advisor to MSU's Block and Bridal Club, talks about the history of the club, some of its activities and the benefits of membership. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Tim Traugott talks about some common and not-so-common forms of mast, nuts on the forest floor that serve as food for wildlife. MP3 August 30-September 3, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Turfgrass Specialist Dr. Wayne Wells talks about the 5 things homeowners need to do to prepare their home lawns for the coming winter months. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Ben West talks about what hunters and landowners can do to increase the body and antler size of white-tailed deer. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon analyzes the dairy market situation and outlook. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Forage Specialist Dr. Richard Watson explains how beef cattle producers can cope with the expected poor quality hay crop this fall and winter. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Tim Traugott explains how using herbicides to control low-quality hardwoods in the understory of thinned pine plantations can enhance wildlife habitat and tree growth. MP3 August 23-27, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Dr. Larry Oldham explains why fall is the best time to apply lime to pastures and row-crop land. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Cotton Specialist Dr. Tom Barber has timely production tips for cotton producers as the production season winds down and the harvest season approaches. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl advises farmers on how to deal with rising interest rates and oil prices. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Terry Kiser, head of MSU's Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, talks about what the beef cattle industry is doing to tenderize beef before it reaches consumers, and about what consumers can do to make the meat they buy even more tender. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Steve Dicke previews the annual meeting of the LA-MS Christmas Tree Association that will be held Sept. 18-19 in Natchez. MP3 August 16-20, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Natural Resources Specialist Dr. Jim Miller previews Dove Food Plot Demonstration Field Days that will be held Aug. 21 at Tara Wildlife north of Vicksburg and Aug. 28 at Black Prairie WMA in Crawford. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Entomologist Dr. Angus Catchot talks about controlling late-season insects in cotton and soybeans. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. John Anderson talks about changes in beef demand and the size of the nation's beef cattle herd, and how these changes will affect beef cattle prices. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Rick Evans, research coordinator at MSU's Prairie Research Unit, talks about what beef cattle producers need to be doing in preparation for the upcoming winter months. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Steve Dicke talks about Project Learning Tree, an environmental education program that allows educators to use nature as a window to teach reading, math, English, history and science to children in grades K-8. MP3 August 9-13, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Horticulturist Dr. David Nagel talks about a recent trip he made to the Ukraine to help their farmers generate more income from the fruits and vegetables they grow. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Entomologist Dr. Blake Layton talks about an outbreak of fall armyworms in pastures and explains what farmers can do to control them. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Fisheries Specialist Dr. Marty Brunson says now is the time to renovate your farm pond and explains what to do and how to do it. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Dr. Jane Parish previews the Cattle Nutrition Short Course that will be held Aug. 17 and 18 at MSU with remote locations in Verona, Senatobia, Decatur, Raymond, Hattiesburg and Magnolia. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Steve Dicke talks about the benefits of fall herbicide applications to timber stands. MP3 August 2-6, 2004 Monday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon explains why farm milk prices in August will be 16 percent below what they were in July. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Rice Specialist Dr. Nathan Buehring provides an update on Mississippi's rice crop. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson has tips for corn producers on how to reduce harvest-related losses. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Rhonda Vann, research animal scientist at the Brown Loam Experiment station in Raymond, previews the Cattlemen's Field and Hay Day that will be held at the station on Aug. 14. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Marc Measells talks about the roster of Extension Forestry short courses that are available to all Mississippi forest landowners. MP3 July 26-30, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Entomologist Dr. Angus Catchot provides an update on the cotton insect situation in Mississippi. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Cotton Specialist Dr. Tom Barber provides an overview of the state's cotton crop and talks about some things producers need to focus on as the growing season winds down. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Agricultural engineer Jim Thomas talks about the late-season irrigation needs of corn, soybeans and cotton. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Terry Kiser, head of MSU's Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, talks about the work being done to implement a national livestock identification system. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Debbie Gaddis talks about the history of MSU's College of Forest Resources, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary Sat., July 31 with a Grand Alumni Reunion on the MSU campus. MP3 July 19-23, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Natural Resources Specialist Dr. Jim Miller previews a series of Natural Resource Enterprise workshops designed to help landowners identify and capitalize on income-producing opportunities. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson has some late-season production tips for corn producers to help them harvest what should be a record-yielding crop. MP3 Wednesday: Benny Graves, sweetpotato specialist with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, provides an update on Mississippi's sweetpotato crop. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Swine Specialist Dr. Mark Crenshaw tells livestock producers about a free environmental assessment they can have on their operations and previews the Environmental Quality Assurance short course scheduled for July 28 at Mississippi State University. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Glenn Hughes previews the Longleaf Alliance Conference that will be held Oct. 12-15 at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg. MP3 July 12-16, 2004 Monday: Jim Quinn, marketing specialist with the MSU Extension Service and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, provides marketing strategies for corn, soybean and cotton producers. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Dr. Larry Oldham explains how row-crop farmers should go about evaluating their crop's fertility needs before the end of the month. MP3 Wednesday: Dr. Terry Hanson, aquaculture economist with MSU's Department of Agricultural Economics, provides an update on the economic status of Mississippi's catfish industry. MP3 Thursday: Gale Chrestman, 4-H livestock specialist, talks about the State 4-H Horse Championship that is underway at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Glenn Hughes explains why it's important for timberland owners to have a will. MP3 July 5-9, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Fisheries Specialist Dr. Marty Brunson talks about the impact of heavy June rains on farm ponds. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. John Anderson talks about some of the fundamental factors affecting cattle prices. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl talks about the implications of the World Trade Organization's ruling that U.S. cotton subsidies violate WTO trade agreements. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Dr. Jane Parish talks about the importance of minerals to beef cattle. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Bob Daniels talks about the winners of the recent 4-H forestry competition. MP3 June 28-July 2, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Charlie Forrest talks about the results of the 2002 Census of Agriculture. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Ben West talks about how to get rid of unwanted bats in your attic and how to attract bats to control mosquitoes around your home. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon explains why farm milk prices are dropping nearly 13 percent in July and provides his outlook for farm milk prices for the rest of the year. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Blair McKinley tells beef cattle producers how to minimize the effect of heat on their animals. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Tim Traugott tells landowners who grow oaks for acorn production to enhance wildlife habitat that it's possible to produce acorns much more quickly than ever imagined. MP3 June 21-25, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Fisheries Specialist Dr. Marty Brunson has some timely farm pond management tips. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Entomologist Dr. Blake Layton has tips on how to avoid being bitten by ticks and mosquitoes. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Turf Specialist Dr. Wayne Wells talks about the four essentials for good home lawn growth this time of year. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Scott Willard, associate professor of animal and dairy sciences at MSU, talks about a new research project that looks at crossbreeding dairy cattle for heat tolerance. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Tim Traugott explains how to plan a timber harvest and sale that will benefit wildlife habitat on your property. MP3 June 14-18, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson talks about Mississippi's wheat harvest and has tips for farmers who plan to plant soybeans after they harvest their wheat. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon explains how the U.S. is changing its foreign trade policy and how this is affecting American farmers. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Poultry Specialist Dr. Berry Lott explains how broilers are kept cool during the hot summer months. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Livestock Agent Kipp Brown talks about the Mississippi Club Goat Association's seminars and sale that will be held Sat., June 19 at Hinds Community College in Raymond. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. John Kushla talks about the potential for harvesting and marketing the pine straw from loblolly pine plantations. MP3 June 7-11, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Agricultural Engineer Jim Thomas has tips for corn, soybean, rice and cotton producers on getting ready to irrigate their crops. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Horticulturist Dr. David Nagel has advice on what to do to get ready to plant pumpkins in early July. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Dr. Larry Oldham says some Mississippi row crops need sulfur and explains how producers can determine if their crops are sulfur deficient. MP3 Thursday: Some myths about Brahman influenced cattle are dispelled in this report from the May 21 Beef Cattle Short Course in Raymond. The program features interviews with baseball great and cattle producer Nolan Ryan, Dr. Joe Paschal and Dr. Bill Turner of Texas A&M University and cattle producer Bobby Dickens of Sumrall, MS. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Hardwoods Specialist Dr. John Hodges explains how to manage bottomland hardwoods for timber production and wildlife habitat. MP3 May 31-June 4, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson says Mississippi's corn crop is off to a great start and talks about the things that corn producers can do in June to keep it in excellent condition. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon explains why farm milk prices have reached another record high and provides his outlook for where prices are headed the rest of the year. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension wildlife specialist Dr. Ben West explains how to tell the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Swine Specialist Dr. Mark Crenshaw talks about how Mississippians interested in learning more about hog production can access the experts and facilities at the Wiley L. Bean Swine Demonstration Unit in Pontotoc. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Trey DeLoach explains why pine timber stands should be thinned and has tips on when and how to thin them. MP3 May 24-28, 2004 Monday: A look at the potential for raising crawfish in the Mississippi Delta. The program includes interviews with Dr. Jim Steeby and Dr. Jimmy Avery with the National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Dr. Lou D'Abramo, professor of wildlife and fisheries at MSU and producers Lonnie and Spencer Kight of Yazoo City. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Forage Specialist Dr. Richard Watson tells hay producers the best ways to cut and store hay. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Plant Pathologist Dr. Alan Henn talks about what's being done to make sure there are ample fungicide supplies to control the disease soybean rust once it arrives in this country. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Peter Ryan, assistant professor of animal and dairy sciences at MSU, has timely advice for horse owners. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Butch Bailey talks about the three main kinds of bark beetles pine trees owners need to watch for. MP3 May 17-21, 2004 Monday: Dr. Tim Walker, rice researcher with the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, provides an update on Mississippi's rice crop. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Dr. Larry Oldham explains why farmers need to avoid using nontraditional soil additives and fertilizers. MP3 Wednesday: Roger Barlow, president of the Indianola-based Catfish Institute, talks about his organization's efforts to sell U.S. farm-raised catfish in Canada and other foreign markets. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Blair McKinley talks about the changing cattle industry and how producers will need to change in order to maximize their profits in the future. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Butch Bailey explains why native trees are the best trees to plant in your home landscape. MP3 May 10-14, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. John Anderson talks about the recent World Trade Organization's ruling on U.S. cotton subsidies and its possible impact on U.S. farmers. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Poultry Specialist Dr. Chris Fritts previews the Mississippi Poultry Association's Poultry Management School that will be held May 12 and 13 on the Mississippi State University campus. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Soybean Specialist Dr. Alan Blaine talks about what's being done in Mississippi and across the nation to prepare for the arrival of the devastating disease called soybean rust. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Dairy Specialist Dr. Angelica Chapa previews the May 27 Statewide Field Day that will be held at the Buddy and Neville Rials Dairy in Kokomo, Mississippi. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Debbie Gaddis explains what Mississippi timberland owners can learn from their Oklahoma counterparts. MP3 May 3-7, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl talks about the outlook for fuel prices and how farmers can deal with rising fuel prices. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon explains why farm milk prices are at record high levels and talks about the outlook for prices for the rest of the year. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension wildlife Specialist Dr. Ben West has tips on how to control unwanted beavers in Mississippi. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Dr. Jane Parish previews the Mississippi Beef Cattle Short Course that will be held Fri., May 21 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the McKenzie Auditorium on the Hinds Community College campus in Raymond. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Butch Bailey talks about the Teachers Conservation Workshops where teachers can learn how current conservation practices can be integrated into classroom work and student projects. Workshops will be held June 6-11 in Ellisville and June 20-25 in Booneville. MP3 April 26-30, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Corn Specialist Dr. Erick Larson talks about changes in the Extension Service's guidelines on how much nitrogen to apply to corn. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Ben West talks about providing summer nutrition for white-tailed deer. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Horticulturist Dr. David Nagel has tips on planting and growing squash. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Molly Nicodemus, assistant professor of animal and dairy sciences at MSU, previews the 2004 MSU Horseman's Association AQHA-sanctioned quarter horse show that will be held May 15 and 16 at the Mississippi Horse Park and AgriCenter in Starkville. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. John Kushla talks about income producing alternatives from forestland. MP3 April 19-23, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Grain Crops Specialist Dr. Erick Larson talks about a new problem plaguing Mississippi's wheat crop and what producers can do about it. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Plant Pathologist Dr. Alan Henn talks about Sudden Oak Death, a disease that affects oak trees and azaleas, and efforts to keep it out of Mississippi. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Aquaculture Specialist Dr. Jim Steeby reviews the highlights of the 29th annual World Catfish Festival held Sat., April 3 in Belzoni. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension 4-H Youth Livestock Specialist Gale Chrestman talks about the changes in the State 4-H Cookout Contest. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Dr. Andy Londo explains how homeowners in rural areas can protect their homes from wildfires. MP3 April 12-16, 2004 Monday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. John Anderson talks about the acreage trends that were revealed in the March 31 U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Prospective Plantings report. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Agricultural Economist Dr. Charlie Forrest talks about the outlook for hog prices. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Agricultural Economist Dr. Bill Herndon explains why farm milk prices are expected to soar to record high levels. MP3 Thursday: MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Blair McKinley previews the "Production Targets for Success in the Beef Industry" short course that will be held May 21 at Hinds Community College in Raymond. Nolan Ryan, former baseball star and current president of the American Breeds Association, is one of the featured speakers. MP3 Friday: MSU Extension Forester Trey DeLoach talks about the potential for a Southern pine beetle attack in Mississippi pine trees this year. MP3 April 5-9, 2004 Monday: Dr. Terry Hanson, assistant professor of agricultural economics at MSU, talks about the results of a U. S. catfish industry survey he just completed. MP3 Tuesday: MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Ben West talks about what homeowners can do to make their backyards more attractive to birds and other wildlife. MP3 Wednesday: MSU Extension Fisheries Specialist Dr. Marty Brunson has tips on how to control unwanted weeds and vegetation in farm ponds. MP3 Thursday: Dr. Mike Martin with MSU's Food Science Institute talks about a quality issue within the swine industry and what the industry is doing to assure that good quality pork products are reaching consumers.