Markets & Ag
TROY, Mo. — Farmers: it’s time to put away the pocket protector. Your phone can do the work of dozens of seed corn pens and notebooks, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist Charles Ellis. By pointing your smartphone camera at a QR code, you can instantly link to webpages. Liken it to a…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Perhaps no plant brightens a shady area more than hosta, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The hardy perennial that thrives in shade is low-maintenance and easy to grow. “It is little wonder, then, why hosta was selected by the National Garden Bureau as its Perennial of the Year for…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley lists two weeds to watch in 2024. Knotroot foxtail, like yellow foxtail, has a short, hair-like ligule and a typical foxtail-like seedhead. Unlike yellow foxtail, however, this species has short, knotty rhizomes. The invasive perennial is also known as bristle grass. Knotroot foxtail is…
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MILAN, Ill. — Although we have been taught colors since before we began attending school, colors can be challenging and complicated. There is so much variety it may seem overwhelming. I think of the wall of paint color swatches at the hardware store. You may recall entire sections are devoted to shades of blue or…
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MACOMB, Ill. — I should not be writing this. The voice in my head says to keep my mouth shut. Yet, the other voice says, maybe someone will find this information helpful. That is after all what we are supposed to do at Illinois Extension, make sure the knowledge and research do not stay locked…
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JACKSON, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists have the buzz on how the April 8 solar eclipse will stop bee activity for a few minutes in parts of Missouri. MU Extension agronomist and beekeeper Travis Harper says the upcoming eclipse offers a buzzworthy opportunity to learn about solar eclipses and apiculture – the science…
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JACKSON, Mo. — The warmer weather has prompted alfalfa weevil larvae to start feeding early which means growers should be scouting the crop. Anthony Ohmes, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist, says now through April is the time to walk alfalfa fields to look for larvae activity. “The economic threshold for alfalfa weevils is…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — A favorite spring flower, the Easter lily, should be kept away from cats. If ingested, it could kill them. The perennial plant’s white, trumpet-like flowers might not sound the warning that all parts of it are highly toxic to felines. Tim Evans, University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist, said even small amounts…
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The calendar says it is spring, but the weather acts like we can still have several more days of winter. So what can you be doing? I have seen several yards already have been mowed once. I realize many people cut grass short no matter the time of the year. You should allow grass to…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — If you mention the word “lily” to most people, they’ll think of the Easter lily. Although an attractive potted plant, that pure white beauty struggles somewhat in Missouri’s climate if planted outdoors, said David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. But don’t lament. There are many gorgeous lily hybrids…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — A University of Missouri Extension specialist urges caution among producers in Missouri after a newborn goat in Minnesota recently tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the first case of HPAI in goats in the U.S. “There is no immediate threat to sheep and goat producers in the state of…
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — While explaining new requirements in the National Dairy FARM 5.0 program, a University of Missouri Extension specialist told dairy producers to be aware of what may be coming in 2027. At the Missouri Dairy Expo last month in Springfield, Scott Poock said FARM 6.0 will probably require some form of group housing…
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Hopefully many of you have received some much-needed rain during the last few days. The rain, with the above-normal temperatures, will help many plants start to grow. I have had some questions in the past few days about getting new grass to start to grow. Spring and fall are the best times to start new…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — With the arrival of warmer weather in the spring, we start to see signs of new life in our landscapes. Birds begin singing, our landscapes start turning green again, and spring ephemeral plants start to emerge. Among the spring ephemerals in Illinois, one of the most captivating and commonly encountered are Virginia…
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MILAN, Ill. — We live in a fast-paced world. From food to information to travel, what took our grandparents hours, days or weeks to obtain, we can have in seconds and minutes. Fresh produce and plant material are no different. Carrots, berries, melons and bananas are available year-round in the local grocery store. Not far…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein says it is time to plant bulbs indoors for later enjoyment outdoors. When started indoors before the weather warms, these inexpensive, tender bulbs give gardeners a jump start on spring color. Call them “instant gratification” for gardeners, said Trinklein. Most greenhouses and big box stores…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Prices paid in 2024 for dairy products should be similar to 2023, while net returns may be better, according to University of Missouri Extension economist Scott Brown. Brown told attendees at the 2024 Missouri Dairy Expo that average weather and feed costs will be key factors for this year’s outlook. In a…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — National Animal Poison Prevention Week, March 17-23, is a time for pet owners to assess what plants and products can potentially poison their animals, identify signs they’ve been poisoned and learn how to prevent pet poisoning. It is also a good time to remind livestock owners of springtime dangers of potential poisons,…
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TROY, Mo. — Soils are much drier now than they were at the start of last year’s planting season, says University of Missouri Extension climatologist Zachary Leasor. Despite gains in December and January, soil moisture sits below average for most of the state, Leasor says. Soil moisture plays an important role in the upper part…
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The 2024 Rules for the Road Trucking Seminar will be held on March 20 starting at 9 a.m. at the Ursa Farmers Coop headquarters (old Greenfield School) located at 2397 Hwy 96 N, Ursa, IL. Coffee and doughnuts will be served. Make a reservation by calling the Farm Bureau office at 217-222-7305. Prices subject to confirmation…
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MILAN, Ill. — We live in a fast-paced world. From food to information to travel, what took our grandparents hours, days, or weeks to obtain, we can have in seconds and minutes. Fresh produce and plant material are no different. Carrots, berries, melons and bananas are available year-round in the local grocery store. Not far…
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GREEN RIDGE, Mo. — Missouri cattle producer John Chamberlin didn’t want to sell his cows when drought lingered and hay supplies and forages dwindled last year. With more than 600 head of Angus cows, Chamberlin looked to the internet for ideas. A University of Missouri Extension video on the benefits of grazing standing milo intrigued…
Read Full Article CARROLLTON, Mo. — Some things just go together like biscuits and gravy or peanut butter and jelly. Likewise, plants have companions that produce best when planted side by side, says Kathi Mecham, a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist in Carroll County. With gardening season ahead, Mecham suggests considering how plants can benefit each other.…
Read Full Article February 22, 2025
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