Markets & Ag
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s northernmost counties could soon see the first frost of fall, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zack Leasor. Although near-freezing temperatures are not currently in the forecast, daily temperature normals are dropping about one-half degree daily, and daylight is dwindling at a rate of 2-3 minutes less per day. The…
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SALEM, Mo. — Kevin Crider knows a troublemaker when he sees one, whether it be two-legged or four-legged. Before joining University of Missouri Extension as a feral hog outreach educator, Crider spent 28 years as a Colorado state trooper and as a U.S. park ranger. He also was a Missouri Department of Conservation feral hog…
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SEDALIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H community honored this year’s inductees into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame in August at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. Local Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inductees include: In a press release, Rachel Augustine, senior director of advancement for the Missouri 4-H Foundation, said, “This year’s inductees represent…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Oct. 2 is National Nematode Day and marks a good time to test fields for soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the No. 1 pathogen of soybean in the United States. In a press release, Mandy Bish, University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist and director of the SCN diagnostics clinic said, “We anticipate the…
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MACOMB, Ill. — As summer transitions to fall, many Illinoisians are looking forward to everything pumpkin-spiced, hoodie weather and the fall color of our trees. However, even at the tail end of summer heat, there are trees already rewarding us with some fall color. But is it a reward or a call for help? Some…
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Pearls of Production, taught by University of Missouri Extension women specialists to women producers, is celebrating its 10th year and offering one-day events on Sept. 30 and Nov. 4. Pearls began in 2013 to offer women hands-on training in agriculture production practices. In a press release, MU Extension livestock field specialist Heather Conrow said, “With…
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MILAN, Ill. — As the day lengths shorten, our family has been spending the last fading moments of sunlight on our patio, trying desperately to hang on to summer amid the start of the school year. During these last moments of daylight, I am reminded of the beauty found at the edges of our landscape.…
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It looks like we will be having nice weather in the coming days, so enjoy it. Working in your garden, flowerbed and yard during this time of year can be really rewarding. There are many things to be doing with the weather the way it is now. The other day I did a podcast with…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — As summer transitions to fall, our landscapes also transition. The bright-colored flowers of summer begin to fade, and many plants begin to look ragged. Goldenrod and asters often provide much-needed color to the landscape. However, another plant that can add some color to our landscapes is Tithonia, also known as Mexican sunflower.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists urge producers to closely watch cattle grazing pastures with Johnson grass and other sorghum species. Cattle producers in several drought-stressed parts of Missouri have recently reported cattle deaths from suspected prussic acid or hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) poisoning, says Tim Evans, an MU Extension state specialist in animal…
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MEXICO, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialists will offer a program on Missouri farm leases in September. Participants may attend Tuesday, Sept. 12, or Wednesday, Sept. 13, in person at sites throughout the state or through Zoom. There will be numerous timely topics of interest to Missouri landowners, said MU Extension ag…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — In a press release, David Trinklein said, “The delicate, ephemeral nature of flowers undoubtedly adds to our appreciation of them. Many literally are ‘here today, gone tomorrow.’” But flowers can be enjoyed all year long by drying them, said Trinklein, and now is the perfect time to gather the excess from our…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said, “Some perennials can suffer from too much of a good thing.” As it grows, year after year, a perennial’s growth clump, or crown, gets so big the plant begins to compete with itself for light, water and nutrients. Eventually this self-struggle leads to fewer…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Unlike most of Missouri’s native trees, the American smoketree displays spectacular colors throughout the growing season, says University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist Michele Warmund. American smoketree is a hardy and adaptable small tree or shrub that grows 15 to 30 feet at maturity. It thrives in full sun and in alkaline…
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MACOMB, Ill. — It is late August. Do you know what that means? Apples! Yes, our apple trees are beginning to yield their bountiful fruits. A few days ago, I walked over to a friend’s apple tree and pulled down on a low-hanging apple with no signs of blemishes or damage. The fruit slipped off…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — This is the time of year when cattle producers need to pay extra attention to heat stress in their operations, says University of Missouri Extension beef specialist Eric Bailey. Unlike many other animals, cattle can’t rid their bodies of heat by sweating. Instead, they pant. Heat-stressed cattle show symptoms such as open-mouth…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Livestock producers are sweating, and it’s more than just the heat of summer, says Katie Neuner, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agricultural business. Hay shortages caused by drought have forced producers to buy and transport hay from long distances, adding to feed input costs. Additionally, many producers have had to…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish says tar spot of corn has spread into many new counties in 2023. Bish recently confirmed tar spot in five more counties. This brings to 31 the number of Missouri counties in which tar spot has been confirmed between 2019 and 2023. Bish…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Lady beetles are widely considered a gardener’s friend. Sure, multi-colored Asian lady beetles can be a nuisance when they enter our homes during the fall. But they are all predatory, beneficial insects that feed on various pest insects such as aphids and mealy bugs, right? Two species of lady beetle, the Mexican…
Read Full Article BOLIVAR, Mo. — It’s pretty simple math: Too little grass + too many cows = too little cash. Missouri livestock producers love their cows and never want to sell them, even when grass and water dry up, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker. Instead of culling cows, they will go to…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Grazing cornstalks or drought-stricken corn can fill feed gaps during drought, says University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist Eric Bailey. There are some nutritional concerns, and producers must commit to moving cattle to new pastures to successfully use cornstalks as feedstuff, but there are benefits. Cows are selective grazers. They choose the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The recent shift to milder temperatures is a pleasant reminder that it is time for gardeners to plant cool-season vegetables, said University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist David Trinklein. Warm days and cool nights make conditions ideal for a second round of cool-season vegetables, Trinklein said. They most often are more flavorful…
Read Full Article BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will offer a self-paced “Conventional Vegetable Production Series” this fall. In a press release, Justin Keay, MU Extension horticulturist, said, “We know vegetable growers are busy. Many hold an off-farm job in addition to their on-farm responsibilities. We recognize that offering content to growers in multiple formats…
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The weather over the past few days has been really nice, especially when compared to the weather we had for all of the Dog Days of Summer. The Dog Days of Summer ended on Friday, Aug. 11. It’s too bad we didn’t get all this much-needed rain in the early spring. The weather is finally…
Read Full Article BOLIVAR, Mo. — It’s pretty simple math: Too little grass + too many cows = too little cash. Missouri livestock producers love their cows and never want to sell them, even when grass and water dry up, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker. Instead of culling cows, they will go to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Lenders serving farmers and rural communities are invited to attend University of Missouri Extension’s 43rd Missouri Agricultural Lender Seminar series this fall in eight locations across the state. Agricultural business and policy specialists and researchers will present market and policy outlooks, farm financial conditions and land values, said Ben Brown, MU Extension…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The drought in Missouri has taken a toll on cool-season grasses, diminishing forage for cattle and other livestock. In a press release, Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist, said, “Native warm-season grasses are the ideal forage for summer during the production slump of cool-season grasses due to heat, especially…
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MILAN, Ill. — On a recent family vacation, I revisited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As I return to places I was privileged to visit as a child, I prepare for the trip, in part, by trying to dig deep into my memory bank and recall as much as I can about the place…
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MACOMB, Ill. — It is time for another installment of “What’s under my sink and can I use it in the garden?” Today comes a home remedy that originates back to the 19th Century. In 1871, gardener Anne Hale recommended using spirits of ammonia for stimulating flower growth. Over 150 years later, peek under most…
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SPRINGFIELD – With the 2023 Illinois State Fair about to get underway, Gov. JB Pritzker and Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II officially unveiled this year’s butter cow. The cow was sculpted by artist Sarah Pratt and inspired by dairy farmer Lorilee Schultz, from Mill-R-Mor Dairy in Orangeville, who is depicted harvesting milk from…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — During drought, beef producers might find a best friend in their local veterinarian, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans. In a press release, Evans said, “Although veterinarians always provide a valuable service to animal owners, their value to livestock producers becomes increasingly important during drought, high heat and limited…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Heat waves put extra stress on livestock. A University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist advises taking specific, ongoing steps for dairy cows throughout heat waves. Heat abatement In a press release, Scott Poock, state extension specialist in veterinary medicine, said, “Dairy cows become heat-stressed starting at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Fans should start…
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It seems like that the days of late June and most of July have been some of the hottest and driest we have had in many years. The heat has been very hard on almost everything. Hopefully you have been writing down everything that you have been doing to help your plants survive the hot…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists are getting reports of illness and death in cows and small ruminants that may have ingested perilla mint. Perilla mint, a toxic summer annual, is also known as rattlesnake weed, purple mint and beefsteak plant. Most healthy animals will eat around perilla mint if other more palatable…
Read Full Article TROY, Mo.— Row crop farmers have a Cover Crop Decision Tool to help them decide which cover crop will work best on their farms for potential fall/winter grazing. The free online tool simplifies decision-making and reduce risks for those wanting to plant cover crops, says University of Missouri Extension specialist Charles Ellis. The Cover Crop…
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MRN Editor David Adam talks to Joe Harris, the agricultural specialist for TI-Trust about farming, farm markets and the weather. Are we past the point of no return on a drought this year? Mercantile Bank sponsors the Business Spotlight.
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Producers looking for ways to grow forages during drought might consider planting an “annual pasture within a perennial pasture,” says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann. Naumann says this is a good year to add cool-season annual grass seed to perennial pastures. Cool-season grasses can extend the growing season,…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Mention wasps to someone, and you’ll likely get a negative reaction. Wasps are often seen as scary, angry insects that are dangerous and likely to sting. While some wasps can be aggressive at times, and some pack a powerful sting, they are good insects to have around. They are the unsung heroes…
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MILAN, Ill. — As the summer days pass by, garden harvest becomes a regularly performed task of our Master Gardeners. The demonstration gardens that were so thoughtfully planned, plants or seeds so carefully planted, and growing plants lovingly tended to for the past few months are producing delicious, nutritious crops. The vegetables grown by Master…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Small pockets of Missouri pastures may have gone unscathed by the 2023 drought. Those lucky enough to have grass should consider stockpiling tall fescue, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Stockpiling is the process of building forage supplies by letting grass go ungrazed until frost. Stockpiled forage can…
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HERMITAGE, Mo. — In the midst of drought, Missouri livestock producers face dwindling water supplies for their herds. Few options remain for this year, but producers can explore resources from local, state and federal agencies for the future, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Terry Halleran. Halleran says it is important to plan now since…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Many Missouri corn growers are unsure about when to green chop and/or ensile their drought-stressed crops. There are key points to take into consideration on both the crop and livestock side, according to University of Missouri Extension specialists. Agronomy recommendations (MU Extension state agronomy specialist Kelly Nelson): Nitrate management recommendations (MU Extension…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — You can’t squeeze blood from a turnip, but you can easily grow this tasty and nutritious vegetable. In a press release, David Trinklein, horticulture state specialist for University of Missouri Extension, said, “The turnip is an underappreciated and underused fall vegetable crop.” Plant turnip seed in late summer It’s best to plant…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agricultural economists recommend that you check with your crop insurance agent before cutting or grazing drought-damaged crops as relief forages. Some producers are finding that drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. They are using the corn to fill feed gaps. Ben…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo.— Drought. You’re either in it, preparing for it or recovering from it. That’s how University of Missouri Extension specialists describe the sentiments of farm families facing yet another year of uncertainty. In a press release, Rob Kallenbach, associate dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, said Missouri stands at…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — Producers in northeast Missouri can hear crop and forage updates from University of Missouri Extension specialists at a free event in August. The MU Extension Crop and Forage Chat will be 9-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at the Shawn Kiefaber/Kenny Lovelace Farm, one mile west of Palmyra, off U.S. 61 on County…
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The weather has not changed much over the past several days and weeks. Some of you are getting much-needed rain, and others of you aren’t. You need to realize we are now starting the real days of summer. I have had a few more people ask me about tips on how to water their gardens…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture recently announced about $2 million in initial funding will be available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops or silvopasture approaches on their farmland. The deadline to apply for incentive payments is Aug. 31, says Rob Myers, director of the Center for Regenerative…
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ADAMS COUNTY, Ill. — The Adams County Beef Producers, along with the Adams County Market Animal Sale Committee, will hold the 23rd annual market animal sale on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Local livestock exhibitors have spent many hours in preparation working with their animals for the show and sale. The evening…
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BOONVILLE, Mo. — Forage producers searching for options amid sustained drought should consider emergency forages, says Todd Lorenz, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist. The drought is not going away and producers need to find a way to fill feed gaps, he says. Three years of back-to-back drought leave producers searching for options. The 2021…
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MACOMB, Ill. — In Illinois, our historic grasses have been tallgrass prairie species. These include big bluestem, yellow Indian grass, and switch grass. It would make sense that a person wishing to include native prairie grasses in their landscape would opt for the tallgrass species. Yet, if you ask me, I would steer most folks…
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CAMP POINT, Ill. — Bailey Park in Camp Point will be the location for a fundraiser for the Central FFA chapter. “Party til the Cows Come Home” will be held from 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. Entertainment will be provided by local bands Mugshot & Bandit and Clover from 5-10 p.m. Admission is $5.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — As the summer fair season ramps up, biosecurity should be top of mind for those who show animals, especially in the case of swine, where keeping African swine fever out of the country is a top goal. University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Cory Bromfield said she’s noticed less concern overall about African…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Drought combined with high temperatures can have devastating effects on fish ponds, but pond owners can take steps to alleviate these effects. 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…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Some drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. Droughty corn offers options when feed supplies are tight, but producers should think the process through, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz. There are three main things to do before deciding to use droughty corn…
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URBANA, Ill. — Farming is stressful, and the Illinois agriculture community faces unique challenges every day that take a toll on mental health. A new program from University of Illinois Extension gives farmers and their families access to professional mental health care for free. The Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program broadens access to care…
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STOCKTON, Mo. — In a press release, Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, said “Early wean calves to reduce cow herd nutrient needs to match drought-limited feed resources.” In addition, early weaning can improve calf performance because calves are put on a more nutritious diet following weaning. Davis discusses strategies to help…
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TROY, Mo. — Drought has pushed livestock producers to hunt for emergency hay. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension specialist Charlie Ellis said, “If you are lucky enough to have hay, take special care to reduce waste this year. “This is a good year to pinch pennies and plan on doing some extra…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Your beautiful tomato plant is setting fruit and soon has nice green tomatoes. Then, to your horror, a dark sunken spot shows up at the bottom of the fruit. You might think an insect or disease has attacked your plant, but such is not the case. Old-timers referred to the problem as…
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MACOMB, Ill. — Following a series of windy days and storms with high winds in central Illinois, we have received reports on large sections of trees lost, gashes left in the trunks of trees, and large splits in tree trunks. What do you do when a severe windstorm damages your landscape trees? Obviously, during an…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Don’t forget plant care when planning your summer getaway. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund said, “After a wonderful vacation, it’s never fun to come home to dead plants.” Before the trip, arrange for a reliable neighbor or plant sitter to water indoor and outdoor plants, says…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — As hay supplies dwindle, University of Missouri Extension agronomist Rusty Lee is showing forage producers how to use a simple, inexpensive treatment to stretch feed supplies during drought. Ammoniation boosts the nutritive value and digestibility of poor-quality hay, cornstalks, wheat straw and other feedstuffs that livestock producers turn to when hay is…
Read Full Article VERSAILLES, Mo. — With more than 90 percent of Missouri under drought, browning lawns and wilting cornfields are common sights. But don’t forget about your trees. A lawn can be replaced in months, but it takes decades to replace a large tree, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Joni Harper. Trees are a…
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MONROE CITY, Mo. — California’s Proposition 12, which imposes livestock confinement regulations on farmers around the country who sell to the state, became the law of the land on July 1. Scott Hays is a fifth generation pork producer at Two Mile Pork in Monroe City, and when it comes to livestock, he believes local…
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Hort Report provides information to help you with your garden, flowerbed, yard and other landscaping projects. Readers questions are welcome. Welcome to all the new readers of The Hort Report. Thanks to Bob Gough and David Adam with Muddy River News for giving this opportunity to write for them. I hope all the…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Gardening has many rewards, says David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. In a press release, Trinklein said “One of them is the satisfaction of sharing your plant knowledge with others.” The MU Extension Master Gardener program is designed to do just that, Trinklein said. “Its motto, ‘helping others…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Forage producers can convert tall fescue pastures to nontoxic novel-endophyte fescue without incurring the main expense usually associated with pasture renovation through mid-July. Typically, the main cost to consider in the conversion process is having land out of production, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Producers can make…
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