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Pumpkin ushers in fall decorations, foods

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STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – It is pumpkin time, when people celebrate the versatile vegetable that marks seasons, holidays and traditions. This member of the squash family has been grown in North America for thousands of years, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Katie Kammler. Some pumpkins are kitchen workhorses, lending color, fiber and flavor to […]

Dragonflies moving south as temperatures start to cool off

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — The days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are starting to cool off. We can start seeing changes in the landscape. Many of our landscape plants are starting to look a little ragged this time of year, while others, like goldenrod and asters, are in their full glory. Before we know it, […]

Time to test fields for soybean cyst nematode

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Right after soybean harvest is the time to test fields for soybean cyst nematode, the No. 1 pathogen of soybean in the United States. Sampling in soybean stubble in 2022 can help with 2023 planting decisions, says Mandy Bish, University of Missouri Extension specialist and interim director of the SCN Diagnostics clinic, which can […]

Attracting wildlife with native plants

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MACOMB, Ill. — A parent fed up with their child’s persistent use of technology (internet, video games, tablet, you name it) has decided to pull the plug on their sedentary habits. They strip the devices from their child’s hands and throw them outside and say “Go play!” The child looks around. Before them lays their […]

New resources available to Missouri farmers; September is Suicide Prevention Month

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch reminds Missouri farmers and their families during Suicide Prevention Month that MU Extension has resources for farmers and ranchers. Suicide Prevention Month, observed in September, is a good time to talk with rural family and community members about increased risks of suicide, […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week: MU Extension offers mental health resources for farmers, ranchers

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Take care of the farm and the farm will take care of you. That’s common advice handed down from one generation to the next. But farmers often face stress that the farm can’t take care of, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist. Farmers tend to put their […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week: New AgriStress Helpline available to Missouri farmers

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri farmers and rural families seeking mental health support can turn to the new AgriStress Helpline. Farmers and ranchers take pride in their ability to handle challenges and are often reluctant to seek help, particularly for mental health issues, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. The goal of […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week: Safety no accident, says family of tractor rollover victim from Taylor, Mo.

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TAYLOR, Mo. — It started as an ordinary Father’s Day with plans for a family get-together celebrating the beloved head of the family. Little did Lacey Miller know that it would be the last Father’s Day that her father would spend on earth. Miller’s father, Marion County farmer Ralph Griesbaum, died in a tractor rollover […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week: Missouri farmers seeking rollover protection devices for tractors

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — More than 70 Missouri farmers since 2016 asked for help to install tractor rollover protection devices from a national program that provides rebates, but the waiting list is long, and only one Missouri farmer has received assistance so far. University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch says this is […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week: Make your mowing habits a cut above

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Mowing is a leading cause of farm tractor rollover accidents, which, in turn, are a leading cause of farm fatalities. Smaller utility or garden-type tractors equipped with deck or belly mowers are also susceptible to rollovers and tip overs on hilly terrain. A dreaded chore for some, a joy for others, mowing […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week: Review safety practices on farm with children

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COLUMBIA, Mo.— Many consider the farm an ideal place to raise children, but with its idyllic charm comes dangers, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. About three children die from an agriculture-related incident each day, according to the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. National Farm […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week: Farming is the most dangerous job in U.S.

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — More people die while farming each year than while serving as police officers, firefighters or other emergency responders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a rate of 23 work-related deaths per 100,000 workers in the agricultural industry. That is seven times higher than the national average for workers. Fall harvest – […]

U of I Extension to offer rainscaping demonstration Thursday in Nauvoo

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NAUVOO, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension will offer a rainscaping demonstration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21 at the corner of Hyde and Hotchkiss in historic Nauvoo. A group photo will be taken at approximately 7 p.m.  Twenty-five community members and leaders who have participated in the rainscaping workshop series will be planting a […]

Consider lawn needs in fall

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — For home lawns, Missouri weather is like Goldilocks’ porridge. For some types of grass it’s too hot and for others it’s too cold. In Missouri, the hard part is finding a grass for which the weather is “just right.” There is no one-size-fits-all grass for Missouri lawns, say University of Missouri Extension […]

Clearing up the science on Monarch Butterflies

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MACOMB, Ill. — Have you read some of the headlines lately concerning monarch butterflies? “Monarch Butterflies are Thriving!” “Monarch Butterflies are Endangered!” Both headlines (or something similar) recently saturated newsfeeds for Americans. Considering these stories came out about two weeks apart, what is a person to think? Are monarch butterflies OK? Are they in peril? […]

Sunflower: Story of this summer goddess begins with search for love

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COLUMBIA, Mo — The sunflower’s story begins with a tale of unrequited love. According to Greek mythology, the water nymph Clytie fell in love with the god of the sun, Apollo, who dazzled the earth as he drove his golden chariot across the sky each day. When he rejected Clytie’s affection, it nearly drove her […]

Moving houseplants indoors and caring for them over winter

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — As we draw nearer to fall, it’s time to start thinking about bringing houseplants back indoors for the winter. Many houseplants are native to tropical an subtropical climates and, while they may do great outdoors during the summer, cannot tolerate our cold temperatures. When the thermometer starts to consistently get below 55 […]

Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inducts new members; seven are from Northeast Missouri

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SEDALIA, Mo. — “Making the best better” for generations of Missouri 4-H club members, 40 volunteers joined the 2022 Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame on Aug. 20 at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. The Missouri 4-H Foundation recognized people who have created a legacy of service to 4-H by honoring them with membership in […]

Tar spot of corn confirmed in Lewis County, Mo.

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic confirmed tar spot in three corn samples collected in the Missouri counties of Lewis and Holt on Aug. 30, according to Peng Tian, the clinic’s lab director. Tar spot of corn is an emerging disease threat. In 2018, yield losses of 20-60 bushels per acre were […]

Fall flowers usher out summer in a blaze of color

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Fall is time for the changing of the guard in flower beds and containers. As some summer flowers shout their last hurrah, others gradually fade into the background. To fill in holes in the landscape, many nurseries and garden centers offer replacement plants such as mums, asters and pansies that will spruce […]

Lasagna gardening: Layers and layers of goodness

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JACKSON, Mo. — As traditional gardening season takes a bow, lasagna gardening makes a grand entrance. Lasagna gardening is no-till, no-dig gardening that uses materials typically thrown away such as kitchen and yard waste, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg. Aufdenberg says lasagna gardening is environmentally friendly and frees the gardener from tilling, […]

Two local classrooms taught by WIU alumni awarded grants from Compeer Financial

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MACOMB, Ill. — High school agriculture classes taught by eight Western Illinois University School of Agriculture alumni will be enhanced by funding awarded recently by the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America. Area teachers whose classrooms were impacted by money from the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program include Mariana Roberts, a 2018 graduate who teaches […]

Managing spider mites in garden, at home

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Spider mites are a common pest on many types of plants. The most commonly encountered species is the two-spotted spider mite. While we often think of them attacking houseplants, particularly during the winter months, they can also be a problem on fruits, vegetables and landscape plants, particularly during hot, dry weather. What […]

Lawn care advice for people who don’t care about lawns

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MACOMB, Ill. — Each year, I try to write a couple of articles about lawns. Each time I’ve written one of these, I have assumed you, the reader, care about your lawn. Turns out, there are a lot of people who have lawns, that don’t care about having a perfectly manicured turf. You just want to know […]

Regional drought calls for winter feed strategies

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MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Drought in southwestern Missouri calls for long-term and short-term feed plans for beef and dairy herds. University of Missouri Extension state dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton urges producers not to panic as local feed supplies dwindle. There are options to carry herds through winter until spring pastures green. Hamilton and extension specialist […]

WIU Ag major matches Illinois State Fair record during Sale of Champions

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MACOMB – Not only did Western Illinois University senior agriculture major Ashtin Guyer, of Flat Rock, IL, show this year’s Illinois State Fair Grand Champion Market Steer, her entry also created a bidding war between Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and his wife, MK, to purchase her entry, “King,” which ended by matching a fair record of $105,000.

Webinars in September explore business of growing specialty crops

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The final segment of University of Missouri Extension’s Specialty Crop Business Management Series begins in September. The webinar series helps new and established farmers learn how to make informed business decisions to become successful, says Juan Cabrera-Garcia, MU Extension state horticulture specialist. “Successful farmers have a better quality of life that creates […]

Golden rule for dorm room plants: Keep it simple

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — One way to spruce up a college dormitory room is to add plants, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. Dorm rooms can appear a bit bare and dreary, Warmund says, but plants can add color and provide a pleasant atmosphere. “After spending the day in lecture halls, a plant-filled […]

Local 4-H Leader inducted into 4-H Hall of Fame

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois 4-H program recently honored 4-H leaders and volunteers at the Illinois State Fair. Adams County 4-H leader Carolyn Roberts of the Burton Fliers 4-H Club was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her work helping local youths and promoting 4-H in the community. Adams County 4-H officials said Roberts shares […]

Managing brown rot of peaches, other stone fruit in garden

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Ever gone out to pick a peach, only to find it has a large brown, mushy spot? The likely culprit is brown rot. Brown rot (Monilinia spp.) is one of the most common diseases that affects peaches and other stone fruits like nectarines, plums, cherries and apricots. While fruit infections may be […]

Apply fall nitrogen now to boost forage stockpiles

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory recommends applying fall nitrogen in mid-August to cool-season pastures. Despite drought conditions in much of the state, Lory says in a press release, “We need to get nitrogen applied now so we can take full advantage of the rains when they do arrive.” […]

Illinois Extension program teaches rainscaping practices

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MACOMB, Ill. — Illinois Extension will be the host of a rainscaping workshop in Hancock County. During this series of classes, participants can learn landscape design and management practices that reduce pollution from runoff. This four-part workshop will take place on Sept. 12, 14, 19 and 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 130 Young Street, Nauvoo, […]

Farm lease programs for landowners, renters offered Aug. 24 around Missouri

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Landowners and renters can learn about farm leases from University of Missouri Extension specialists from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, at seven locations across the state. Participants can also attend via Zoom, says Joe Koenen, MU Extension county engagement specialist in agriculture and natural resources and longtime presenter on farm […]

Learn about tractor rollover protection at the Missouri State Fair 

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SEDALIA, Mo. — Fairgoers can learn how to prevent one of the leading causes of farm deaths and disabilities – tractor rollovers. University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Agriculture will showcase tractor rollover protection at the Missouri State Fair, which runs through Aug. 21. Fairgoers can see interactive demonstrations and videos on rollover […]

Missouri 4-H, MU Extension were hosts of first Crop Scouting Day July 19 at Bradford Research Farm

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Twenty-seven 4-H youths and volunteers learned about common Missouri crops, insects, diseases and weeds, as well as pesticide usage and safety at the first Missouri 4-H Crop Scouting Day, July 19 at the University of Missouri Bradford Research Farm near Columbia. Missouri 4-H and MU Extension hosted the event. Demonstrations included weed […]

Short forage supplies require producers to make tough decisions

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Dry weather and short pastures have reduced forage supplies, prompting livestock producers to ponder “could have, would have, should have” scenarios, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch. Producers should try to match their herd needs to anticipated forage supplies, Meusch says. This requires planning before a drought. Many factors […]

Drought requires feed efficiency in cattle

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WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Low supplies of hay make feeding cattle a challenge. Elizabeth Picking, a University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in southwestern Missouri, sees the effects of severe drought in her area – dwindling hay supplies, poor-quality hay, high prices and ponds going dry. Under these conditions, cattle producers need to be more […]

Nitrate, prussic acid poisoning follow drought

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Nitrates and prussic acid build up in forages to levels dangerous to livestock during drought. Livestock face severe illness and even death after eating affected forages, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Jamie Gundel. Nitrates tend to concentrate in the bottom third of the plant. It shows in the plant’s stem and […]

Blister beetles reported in large numbers in Missouri

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Farmers, livestock owners and gardeners across the state report that blister beetles are appearing in large numbers this summer, says Pat Miller, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist. Blister beetles produce a toxin that can harm livestock. The toxin, called cantharidin, can cause animals to become sick and even die. Cantharidin is […]

It’s important to disconnect garden hose in summer to prevent it from fusing to spigot this winter

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MACOMB, Ill. — I’ve been there. It is late fall and there is a hard freeze about to hit. A wise gardener once warned leaving a hose connected to a spigot during a hard freeze could lead to disaster. As water freezes, it expands. Any water trapped in the nozzle or spigot could expand to […]

MU guide looks at reconsidering silage pricing

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Drought throughout much of Missouri has renewed interest in how to price silage. An updated University of Missouri Extension publication looks at silage costs and revenues. Given current corn and input prices, MU Extension economists Ray Massey and Joe Horner say farmers should reconsider long-standing rules of thumb for pricing. Massey and […]

Missouri dairy producers have their eyes on drought

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Northern Missouri has received plenty of rain, and dairy producers there are hopeful about making a silage pile, while those in the state’s southern counties are looking at options as drought conditions and oppressive heat have taken hold. “There’s a lot to consider as a dairy farmer during times of high heat […]

Managing pond stress in drought

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Continued drought combined with high temperatures can have devastating effects on fish ponds. During a drought, pond waters can drop to dangerous levels, increasing aquatic plant growth, decreasing water quality and stressing fish, making them more vulnerable to disease and death, says Bob Pierce, University of Missouri Extension fisheries and wildlife state […]

Stormwater woes, and how rain gardens can help

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MACOMB, Ill. — What is a watershed? No matter where you live, you are in a watershed. All of Illinois, minus that sliver of land bordering Lake Michigan, is in the Mississippi River Watershed. But we can break down this massive watershed into more local streams and rivers. For instance, I grew up in Adams […]

How to help your trees recover from drought

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Dry soil conditions can significantly reduce the life span of valuable landscape trees. “Because they are difficult and expensive to replace, your trees need attention during and after periods of drought,” says University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist Hank Stelzer in a press release. Most of a tree’s active roots are […]

Turnip: A vegetable with political significance

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Turnips drew national attention during the presidency of native Missourian Harry S. Truman. “Evidently, the congressional session of 1948 was a particularly argumentative one, with the GOP-dominated Congress refusing to pass any of President Truman’s initiatives,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein in a press release. In response, the president […]

Time to transplant irises: They do best when transplanted August to October

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Now is the time to transplant one of America’s most popular flowers, the iris. Although irises can be transplanted at any time, they do best when established in the landscape from August to mid-October, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Irises are relatively easy to grow. They need at least […]

Plants respond to heat differently than humans

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COLUMBIA, Mo — Extreme heat affects plants differently than humans. With triple-digit temperatures this summer, grain crop growers should understand how heat affects plants, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold. First, human concepts such as “heat index” or “feels like” do not apply to plants, Wiebold says. People and plants feel and react […]

Celebrating hummingbird moths during National Moth Week

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The hummingbird moth is the Superman of the summer flower garden. This supersized hoverer is a fascinating and perplexing pollinator, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist and entomologist Tamra Reall. With a span of 2-6 inches, the moth looks like a miniature hummingbird. Its wings beat rapidly as it hovers over […]

University of Missouri Extension to be host of free strip trial scouting school Aug. 4 in Palmyra

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will host free strip trial scouting schools throughout the state from late July through mid-August. Mandy Bish, MU Extension Integrated pest management coordinator, will lead the four schools, which she says will vary slightly by region. Topics include an overview of the Missouri Strip Trial program and 2018-21 foliar fungicide […]

Emerald Ash Borer: Is it OK to move firewood yet?

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MACOMB, Ill. — Many years ago, when the emerald ash borer had just arrived in northern Illinois, a colleague came across a flatbed trailer loaded with cut ash trees at a gas station. At that time, Illinois counties confirmed with EAB had a quarantine that restricted moving ash wood outside of the county. Most Extension […]

Lack of rainfall during R1 stage spells trouble for corn crop in much of Missouri

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — One and one quarter inch. That’s how much rain corn plants need each week in July and August to maintain rapid growth and produce the best possible yields. Mother Nature has not been kind to Missouri’s corn crop this year, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold. One indication is the […]

MU Extension offers resources for farmers amid deepening drought

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Pat Guinan, associate extension professor of climatology with University of Missouri Extension, says “it’s not a good situation” for agriculture in the southern two-thirds of Missouri where scant rainfall and high temperatures have led to worsening drought. The ample moisture in northern Missouri ends abruptly where drought conditions begin in central through […]

How to protect landscape plants during drought

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MACOMB, Ill. — The summer of 2012 saw my first year as an Extension horticulture educator. It also was one of the driest years on record. Illinois saw massive shortages of rainfall that year, complete with water restrictions, loss of crops and the demise of many ornamental landscapes. It was a summer that will be […]

Market animal sale set for Aug. 2 at Adams County Fairgrounds

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MENDON, Ill. — The Adams County Beef Producers, along with the Adams County Market Animal Sale Committee, will have its 22nd annual market animal sale on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at the Adams County Fairgrounds. The evening will begin with a complimentary dinner for buyers, served from 5 p.m. until sale time at 6 p.m. All […]

Managing squash vine borer in the garden

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — A variety of insects will feed on squash. One of the more troublesome is the squash vine borer. If you’ve grown squash and had a runner or two start wilting, there’s a good chance you’ve had an encounter with squash vine borer. Squash vine borers will feed on both summer and winter […]

Orr Agricultural Center to hold agronomy field day on Wednesday

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BAYLIS, Ill. — The Orr Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center, 37804 State Highway 104, will be the site of an agronomy field day from 9-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 20. The event will begin the University of Illinois Orr Crop Science shop with wagon tours starting at 9 a.m. Various presentation will be made outdoors through […]

How to buy meat directly from the farm

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — One option for consumers buying meat is to purchase directly from the producer. A new University of Missouri Extension publication offers guidelines for buying all or part of animal from a livestock producer and having the meat processed and packaged. In a press release, MU Extension agricultural business specialist Jennifer Lutes, who wrote the […]

Four free ‘Mastering Missouri Cover Crops’ events scheduled in July around state

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture will host free cover crop workshops in late July at four locations throughout the state. These one-day events are for farmers, landowners, those in the ag industry, conservation staff and anyone else interested in learning more about cover crops for their region, said Rob Myers, an […]