Markets & Ag
GALENA, Mo. — Compared to other parts of the agricultural community, graziers of cattle depend less on fossil fuel and more on solar energy to turn a natural resource like grass into a sellable commodity, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. Graziers can save on operating expenses and provide quality feed to meet…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Poison hemlock, a plant that can kill livestock, is flowering and setting seed now in much of Missouri. While early control is recommended, it still can be managed with spot treatments or mowing, says Kevin Bradley, University of Missouri Extension weed scientist. Poison hemlock is one of the first pasture weeds to…
Read Full Article 
MILAN, Ill. — If you have noticed ragged, irregular holes in your hostas or other broad-leaf garden plants, you may be dealing with garden slugs. These soft-bodied pests can be found in shady, moist gardens, and although small, they can cause significant damage. Identifying Slugs Slugs are members of the mollusk family, closely related to…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Bearing fruit ranging in color from red, orange and yellow to purple, white and chocolate-black, sweet peppers are the Easter eggs of the vegetable garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Like potato and tomato, sweet pepper is a member of the nightshade family. Sweet peppers are easy to establish…
Read Full Article 
NORTHEAST, Mo. — A new collaborative initiative, Hogs for Hunger, is set to tackle food insecurity in northeast Missouri by supplying area food pantries with locally produced pork. This program is a partnership between Missouri Farmers Care, the Missouri Pork Association and United Way of the Mark Twain Area. Both Missouri Farmers Care and United…
Read Full Article 
MACOMB, Ill. — As demand for water resources and concern for water conservation increase across the U.S, drip irrigation is becoming a popular method to reduce water bills and safeguard water resources. Drip irrigation is a method that enables water to gradually seep onto the soil surface or directly into the root zone through a…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Good scouting is the best way to identify tar spot in corn, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Tar spot was confirmed in June of 2023 and 2024 in Missouri, which is earlier than in previous years, when the disease showed up in August or September. This earlier…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — When faced with a sparse or failed stand, crop producers have to ask themselves a difficult question: Should I replant? In a press release, Drew Kientzy, University of Missouri Extension research analyst, said, “Poor stands are not a happy sight, and replant decisions come with a lot of second thoughts and lost…
Read Full Article 
QUINCY — Step back in time to explore the roots of local agriculture at the 1930s Ag Museum this summer. Guests can learn firsthand what farming looked like in the early 20th century through authentic displays, demonstrations and historical context. These special events are hosted through a partnership between the Don McKinley Family, owners of…
Read Full Article 
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — As gardeners, we’re often on the lookout for low-maintenance plants with colorful flower displays. One such plant that fits that description, and is vastly underutilized in the landscape, is Baptisia. These easy-to-grow native perennials are primarily grown for their colorful floral displays, ranging from blue, purple, white, and yellow. They can also…
Read Full Article 
SALEM, Mo. – Feral hog occupancy of Missouri watersheds has fallen 84% since 2016 when the state’s Feral Hog Elimination Partnership began. Funded by the U.S. Farm Bill and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the partnership comprises 18 federal and state entities work together to eliminate feral hogs on public and private lands.…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — It’s the time of year when flies and ticks start becoming a problem for cattle, and they can be more than just a nuisance. “These external parasites not only cause irritation and stress but also reduce production efficiency and serve as vectors for certain cattle diseases,” said Craig Payne, University of Missouri…
Read Full Article 
Hort Report: Think about pruning bushes, shrubs within 30 days after they finish blooming, flowering
Hoping everyone had a Great Mother’s Day with their mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Enjoy the time you have together. Congratulations to all the seniors. Succeed in all your dreams. As your spring shrubs and bushes finish flowering this spring, think about pruning them within a month of them finishing blooming and flowering for this year. …
Read Full Article 
MILAN, Ill. — Homeowners looking to enhance their landscape this year while managing stormwater have options available. Green infrastructure options include permeable pavement, rain barrels, large trees, green roofs, raingardens, bioswales and more. Each of these systems are designed to utilize technologies or replicate natural systems in urban areas that create habitat, reduce the heat…
Read Full Article 
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) encourages farmers and agrichemical facilities to take part in a free agrichemical container recycling program. Beginning in the middle of July and continuing into August, sites throughout the state will collect containers that are recycled to make shipping pallets. “This program grows in popularity each year…
Read Full Article LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the University of Missouri Extension is emphasizing the importance of mental health in farming and rural communities. Brenda Schreck, a livestock field specialist with MU Extension and based in Lewis County, highlights the challenges faced by Missouri farmers, ranchers and their families. “In 2022,…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row …. ” So begins “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian poet and military physician. “The poem’s powerful imagery of sacrifice, remembrance, and duty helped to make poppy one of the most recognized symbols to…
Read Full Article 
Now is the time to be cleaning your flowerbeds, getting them ready for planting in 2025. Killing weeds and keeping them out of your garden and flowerbeds is important, to growing vegetables and flowers. Now is a great time to be doing this. A weed is considered anything that grows where you don’t want it…
Read Full Article 
As the global population continues to rise, modern agronomy faces increasing pressures to enhance productivity while maintaining sustainability. Autonomous agriculture has emerged as a promising solution, integrating robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced sensor technologies to transform traditional farming into a more efficient, precise, and sustainable practice. By automating routine tasks and optimizing farm management,…
Read Full Article 
MACOMB, Ill. — During my time as an Illinois Extension educator, I have run across many garden myths. Too many to keep track of. But some myths keep on coming up in teaching and talking with Illinoisians. Some myths are more localized, while others are widespread and often touted as garden “hacks” online. Some garden…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — Northeast Missouri cattle producers are encouraged to take advantage of the long-standing Missouri Bull Testing Program, an initiative designed to improve the genetic quality, performance and profitability of beef herds across the state. The Missouri Bull Testing program is sponsored by the Northeast Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association and is a cooperation…
Read Full Article 
LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — May is officially recognized as Beef Month, shining a spotlight on the dedicated farmers and ranchers who raise high-quality cattle while caring for the land. Missouri is home to more than 53,000 farms, spanning more than 10 million acres, and supports more than 4.3 million head of cattle. Beef production is…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — According to Greek mythology, Iris was a goddess who served as a messenger between the divine world and the human world. The Greek gods never communicated directly with mortals. Instead, they sent Iris, who traveled on a rainbow. “Legend has it that colorful flowers sprung up at the end of the rainbow…
Read Full Article July 14, 2025
ROADTRIPS WITH RANDY: DICK BROS.
Obituaries
Current Weather
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN