Perry County Extension Office

06/02/2026

Hay season has started! The value of hay as a supplemental feed largely depends on different factors:

1. Applying the recommended fertilizer per cut of hay. One application of potash or nitrogen at the beginning of the season will not last the whole summer.

2. Cutting at the right stage of maturity to balance yield and nutritive value.

3. Controlling your weeds. They can reduce your forage production and rob nutrients from your field.

4. Properly storing your hay to minimize hay losses. (Do you know that leaving your hay exposed to weather can result in 30-50% hay loses? That means that to make a ton of dry matter hay cost $100, you will be losing $30-50 per ton.)

5. Conducting a hay analysis in each cut of hay. This will allow to determine any necessary changes in your management practices but also will allow to match the nutritive value to specific livestock class.

Don't Guess, Hay Test! Follow Mississippi Forages for more content like this.

06/01/2026

Club Congress 2026
We had a blast at Club Congress last week! We did lots of cool new things. We participated in contests, went on several different tours, attended fun workshops, met new friends and made lots of memories! Here are some pictures we took along the way! We are excited for next year!

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Here's your June landscape checklist for Mississippi! Some tasks to consider are...

Plant daylilies and summer annuals.
Scout for pests and diseases.
Plant warm season grasses.
Fertilize ornamental shrubs and trees.
Remove faded flowers.
Plant crape myrtles while blooming.

Learn more about these tasks here: https://extension.msstate.edu/blog/june-garden-checklist

05/28/2026

This is just a little sneak peak of all the awesome things happening here at MSU for Red, White, and You Club Congress 2026! We can't wait to share our adventures with everyone when we get back home!

05/28/2026

Is that a frog or a toad hopping by? If you’ve ever found yourself asking that question, you’re not alone! It’s a common point of confusion.

These facts about each can help you distinguish frogs from toads:

Habitat

First, ask yourself--where am I? If you’re near a lake, pond, or swamp, it may be a frog that you’re spying. Frogs need to keep their skin moist and often choose to live near bodies of water to maintain moistness. Toads, however, use water for breeding but not for maintaining skin moisture. They’re more likely to be found in yards, gardens, and other drier habitats.

Hops

Now, look at its movement. Frogs take larger leaps while toads take slower, lower hops or even crawl at times. Frogs also prefer to escape from threats by swimming through the water, while toads rely on other forms of defense such as their warty skin to deter predators.

Appearance

If you can get close enough, take a look at the appearance of your new nature friend. Frogs have smoother, more moist skin than toads, which are dryer and bumpier. Frogs are often leaner, while toads are much stouter. Frogs are recognizable by their bulging eyes while toads have smaller eyes that don’t protrude as much.

Common Mississippi Species

Here in Mississippi, you are likely to encounter these specific residents...

American Bullfrogs: The largest frogs in North America, known for their deep “jug-o-rum” call. They are always found near permanent bodies of water.

Southern Toads: Very common in Mississippi suburbs and forests. They are easily identified by the prominent “crests” on their heads between their eyes.

Green Treefrogs: Often found clinging to windows or siding at night. They have smooth green skin and sticky toe pads for climbing.

BLOG POST: https://extension.msstate.edu/blogs/extension-for-real-life/frog-vs-toad

05/26/2026

We want to give a shout out to our Perry County 4-H Club Seniors for 2026! We are so proud of them and cannot wait to see what great things they will accomplish! Congratulations to you both!!!

05/26/2026