Markets & Ag
LINNEUS, Mo. — Missouri ranks eighth in the nation in hay production, producing 4.83 million tons per year, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Hay is a major feed for beef production and other livestock industries in Missouri. “Despite the vastness of the hay industry, making hay can be an indicator of an unprofitable…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists say the spotted lanternfly (SLF) might appear in Missouri this summer. MU Extension and Lincoln University urban entomologist Emily Althoff says SLF recently was found in Illinois. “It’s knocking at our door,” says Althoff in a press release. First detected in the U.S. in 2014, SLF has…
Read Full Article The weather is hot and humid most days with little or no rain. Hopefully we will be getting more rain in the coming days. The Japanese Beetle has started to show itself. They appear in late June and are around for about six weeks. One customer showed me one inside a bag with a leaf.…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri livestock and forage specialists are reporting ergot infestations that can cause major losses in livestock, said MU Extension state specialist in veterinary toxicology and animal health Tim Evans. Ergot is a toxic fungus that infects the seed heads of many grasses and some cereal grains. It can cause severe…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Allison Meyer will share the latest research in feeding and managing pregnant beef cows and heifers at the Tuesday, July 22, virtual session of the Pearls of Production: Women in Agriculture series. The session runs from 7 to 8 p.m. Meyer will give updates on how to manage and feed cows during…
Read Full Article SHELBY COUNTY, Mo. — Shawn and Kelly McEwen believe that agriculture’s success deserves support from the entire community. The McEwen family is proud to be a part of the agricultural traditions of newly #Agri-Ready Designated Shelby County near Leonard. Shawn and Kelly McEwen have a traditional farm, raising hogs, cattle and crops. Their children, Dylan…
Read Full Article CANTON, Mo. — Canton R-V elementary students have enjoyed hands-on lessons about agriculture during enrichment programming this summer. The school partnered with Missouri Farmers Care’s Agriculture Education on the Move™ (Ag Moves) to provide students with ten foundational lessons on agriculture topics, teaching students that their food comes from farms and the products used in…
Read Full Article JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Tomatoes are one of the most commonly grown vegetables in home gardens. While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, there are a few diseases you should keep your eye out for. Three of the most common diseases people encounter are early blight, Septoria leaf spot, and anthracnose. All of these diseases are…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri Extension’s Pearls of Production program has announced its upcoming schedule of events designed to support and empower women in livestock industry. The 2025 lineup features a “Pixels of Production” virtual webinar series and an in-person hands-on conference on Nov. 8 in Columbia. Pearls of Production helps women gain…
Read Full Article POTOSI, Mo. — In May, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agricultural business Rachel Hopkins and her father harvested and wrapped wheat and clover baleage at their farm in east-central Missouri. “After everything was done, Dad said, ‘When you get a chance, figure out what this feed cost us,’” she recalls. Hopkins keeps records…
Read Full Article MILAN, Ill. — Most of the time I work hard to achieve a desirable outcome in my landscape but, from time to time, a plant comes along that is easy to care establish and care for without being too aggressive, is beautiful and produces food for wildlife and my family…black elderberry is one of those…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Wildlife can be more formidable pests than insects, diseases and weeds. Just like people, deer and other critters are drawn to food that is tasty and convenient, he said. A garden…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — There are many gray areas in life. That’s not the case with people’s opinions about okra, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. People either love it or loathe it. Okra lovers point toward its unique flavor and many uses. Okra haters can’t see how anyone can eat something so slimy,…
Read Full Article LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — Cattle producers interested in improving the quality, consistency and marketability of their replacement heifers are encouraged to enroll in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program (SMS), Missouri’s premier heifer development initiative. Backed by research and supported by University of Missouri Extension livestock specialists, the program emphasizes reproductive soundness, health, genetics and overall…
Read Full Article LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — An emerging cattle disease, Theileria orientalis ikeda, has been confirmed in both Missouri and Iowa, prompting Extension experts to urge producers to stay informed and work closely with veterinarians. According to an April 2024 University of Missouri Extension news release, the disease was initially confirmed in six Missouri counties. As of…
Read Full Article MARION COUNTY, Mo. — Lacey Miller is a testament to the spirit of American agriculture and community leadership in #Agri-Ready Designated Marion County. Lacey represents legacy and tradition with an unwavering commitment to the land and people around her as a fifth-generation farmer. Alongside her husband, Nathan, and their children Reed and Natalie, the Millers…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — I recently received my first question about Japanese beetles. Throughout a growing season, plants, insects, diseases and many other natural processes emerge, develop and complete their life cycles. How do we know when to expect Japanese beetles to emerge? Or squash vine borers? To help answer these questions, we can use weather…
Read Full Article You can do anything you want to do in your garden, flowerbed and yard during this time of year. You can harvest cool-season vegetables. Even some fruit is ready to harvest. Working on the St. Mary Community Garden has been a learning experience in several ways, such as knowing what people like and don’t like…
Read Full Article ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Kochia, a highly competitive weed that can reduce yields by as much as 70%, has been found in northwestern Missouri soybean fields, says Wayne Flanary, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy. Kochia is not new to Missouri, according to Flora of Missouri, a project of the Missouri Botanical Garden…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Mo. — Nothing says Fourth of July like a juicy, red slice of watermelon. July is observed as National Watermelon Month. University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Matthew Huchteman says there are a few simple steps to check watermelons for ripeness and flavor. Ripe watermelons have a certain look, weight and sound. Watermelons come…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management reports the capture of its first Japanese beetles of the season, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. The beetles appeared in Stoddard, Barton, Christian and Holt counties, as reported by MU’s Pest Monitoring Network, which gathers information from across the state. Since Japanese beetles are…
Read Full Article LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — Even though June is winding down, it’s never too late to recognize the importance of June Dairy Month, a time to celebrate the hardworking dairy farm families who bring nutritious, delicious dairy products to our tables every day. June Dairy Month has been a tradition across the United States for more…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Land management can feel overwhelming, especially when landowners aren’t sure where to begin. With so many topics to consider, it’s easy to feel stuck. The Your Land, Your Legacy workshop series is designed to break down complex topics into manageable, practical steps. This series helps landowners build confidence and skills to care for…
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