Clay County Extension Office

06/01/2026

That’s a lot of milk!

Today, we're celebrating the ladies behind some of Mississippi State University favorite dairy products!

The herd at the Bearden Dairy Research Center includes more than 140 cows and produces the equivalent of approximately 369,000 gallons of milk each year. That milk supports the MAFES Custer Dairy Processing Plant, where it is transformed into fan-favorite ice cream flavors and Edam cheese.

Beyond the products, the dairy provides valuable teaching and research opportunities, giving students hands-on experience with modern dairy management practices and preparing them for careers in the industry.
From the classroom to the creamery, it all starts with the cows. 🐄

05/31/2026

Announcements End of Challenge Update Hello, everyone! We wanted to share a few important updates on what will happen with the app and your access after the challenge ends on May 31st.We’ll be holding a second challenge in the Fall, on October 12th through November 22nd, so don’t delete the Move...

05/28/2026

Selling food you make for commercial sell needs a label. USDA has a new guide to use. You can also contact our office and we can help get you in touch with a specialist on campus that can walk you through the process to get it right!

FSIS has released a new version of its Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book. The new version replaces the existing 21-year-old book. The Policy Book is intended to be guidance to help manufacturers and prepare product labels that are truthful and not misleading. Changes in this publication are to add new entries, correct errors, condense material, and reformat the entries for ease in reading and use.

This is a very useful guide when thinking of naming and developing a product with a common name, requiring specific ingredients, or tied to a specific identity. You can download the new version of the Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/guidelines/2005-0003.

05/26/2026

This weeks Magnolia Moves Winners!

05/22/2026

Don’t take a holiday with food safety! Be safe this weekend!

05/22/2026

New Soil Testing Information! Soil testing is the first step to healthy soil and productive crops, pastures, turf and gardens.

Follow the steps below to submit your soil sample:

Order online. Visit soiltesting.extension.msstate.edu and follow the instructions to complete your order. Enter your contact info, sample names and crop or intended use.

Choose payment. Cost is $12 per sample. You may pay by cash or check sent with your soil sample or choose to receive an invoice to pay by credit card. Your payment options are cash, check or invoice.

Prepare and label your sample. Collect the soil to be tested. Fill the sample collection container to the fill line and close the container. Write the “sample name” (and your name, if desired) on the outside of the container. Clearly write your order number and sample name on each container. This information must match what was entered online.

Ship or drop off your sample. The new shipping address and drop off location is:
Southern Soil & Plant Lab, LLC.
117 Haley Barbour Parkway
Yazoo City, MS 39194

Receive results. Results will be sent to you and your county Extension office. You can contact your Extension agent for assistance with the sample report and recommendations.

Important Reminders

Cost is $12 per sample.

You may pick up your soil sample containers from your county Extension office.

You are responsible for shipping samples to the soil testing laboratory.

Contact your local Extension office for help with collecting soil samples, understanding crop codes, interpreting soil test reports and general soil fertility questions.

05/22/2026

Offices will be closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day. Have a safe holiday weekend!

05/22/2026

Mole and Voles, Whats the difference

05/20/2026

Yep, we test gauges!

05/19/2026

Winners for this week’s Magnolis Move!