Markets & Ag
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…
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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…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers are encouraged to conduct a midyear “farm tuneup” as they approach the middle of 2023. Just as farm equipment needs the occasional tuneup, farm management practices can use proactive examination and adjustment to keep an operation on track for the rest of the year. University of Missouri Extension recommends five steps…
Read Full Article January 17, 2025
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