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Crop scouting event for youths set for July 19 at University of Missouri Bradford Research Farm

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Youths can learn to scout for weeds, diseases and insects in crops July 19 at the University of Missouri Bradford Research Farm. Missouri 4-H Crop Scouting Day is for students ages 11 to 18. “Much of the day will focus on teaching and hands-on training,” said MU Extension weed specialist Mandy Bish in […]

New online Master Gardener training begins Aug. 14

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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. Its motto, ‘Helping others learn to […]

Rose rosette continues to plague garden roses

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Rose rosette is a devastating disease of roses. There is no cure. Infected rose bushes should be removed from the landscape and destroyed, said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. The disease first appeared on wild multiflora roses, which are considered a noxious weed in many states, including Missouri. […]

Titan kicks off ‘Flags Over Harvest’ campaign to help American farmers

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QUINCY — Titan International, Inc. recently kicked off its second annual “Flags Over Harvest” campaign to support American farmers and their commitment to buying American-made Titan and Goodyear® farm tires. Building on the success of last year’s campaign, Titan is giving away a free American flag for farmers to display on their equipment during harvest season. […]

Waterlily: Easier to grow than you might think

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Some gardeners consider waterlilies to be the ultimate challenge. Many admire them but few grow them, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Though waterlilies may appear exotic and fragile, they are tough and durable, Trinklein said. “Once established, waterlilies flower well into late summer and provide an exotic addition to […]

Firecracker penstemon adds burst of patriotic color to landscapes in summer

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Flowering stems of firecracker penstemon pop with color and add a burst of red flowers to landscapes in summer. Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is just one of about 270 species of penstemon, also known as beardtongue. “Its showy stamens protrude from the flower and resemble a hairy tongue,” said Michele Warmund, University […]

As dryness intensifies across state, Missourians encouraged to submit drought reports

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Dry conditions continue to intensify across Missouri, especially the southern half of the state, according to the June 30 U.S. Drought Monitor map. “June was overall a hotter-than-average-month for Missouri, averaging about 2 degrees above normal, and it was also a dry month for most locations,” said Pat Guinan, University of Missouri Extension […]

Add some fireworks to your garden this Fourth of July

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — The Fourth of July holiday often includes parades, barbeques, and fireworks. Fireworks often fill the night sky with their colorful, albeit fleeting displays. The fireworks don’t have to be restricted to the Fourth, though. Whether it be their color, flower shape, or name, a number of plants can add some “fireworks” to […]

MU Extension guide, spreadsheet help estimate farmland values

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Buyers and sellers who need an estimate of the value of a piece of farmland may not always find it feasible to get an appraisal, particularly one that reflects the land’s historical value needed to calculate taxes and settle estates. University of Missouri Extension offers a publication and spreadsheet that give estimated […]

Discussions about weeds, herbicide products part of University of Missouri’s Pest Management Field Day July 7

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri’s 2022 Pest Management Field Day is Thursday, July 7, at the MU Bradford Research Farm, at 4968 Rangeline Road, about eight miles east of Columbia. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with opening remarks soon after 8 a.m. Tour wagons will depart by 8:30 a.m. MU Extension state weed […]

MU Extension guide helps farmers with replant decisions

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Challenging weather has forced Missouri farmers to make difficult decisions on whether to replant crops because of sparse stands or delayed planting. A newly revised University of Missouri Extension guide, “Corn and Soybean Replant Decisions,” gives farmers a step-by-step procedure to estimate the financial aspect of replanting, says Ray Massey, co-author of […]

MU Extension offers cool gardening tips for hot days

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JACKSON, Mo — Both gardeners and their plants need extra care when it’s hot outside, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg. She reminds gardeners to take care of themselves first so they can tend to gardens and flowerbeds. Consider gardening in the early morning and late evening to avoid high temperatures and harsh […]

Picking right tree for your windbreak will protect home from wind, blowing snow

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MACOMB, Ill. — Picking a tree for a windbreak is a big decision. A windbreak protects a home from the constant Illinois wind and blowing snow. With this important job, you want the trees that make up your windbreak to be strong and healthy for as long as possible. To help in making that decision […]

Don’t let food safety mistakes spoil fun at summer picnics

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Summer is a time for enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables and outdoor picnics. Don’t let food safety mistakes spoil the fun. Food safety doesn’t begin in the kitchen, or even the market, says Londa Nwadike, extension food safety specialist for the University of Missouri and Kansas State University. In a press […]

MU Extension urges farmers to sign up for the USDA Census of Agriculture 

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension economists urge farmers to sign up for the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture. The deadline to sign up to receive a census form is June 30. Sign up at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. MU Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations and others use […]

More than 20 species of fireflies can be found in Illinois

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JACKSONVILLE — One of the most exciting times of the year is the first appearance of small flashing yellow lights in the evenings. The arrival of fireflies or lightning bugs is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Fireflies are one of the few insects that people don’t actively try to kill. However, in many places, people […]

Popular Illinois land conservation program reopens, enrollment begins June 15

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Farmers, ranchers and agricultural landowners with property prone to flooding and nutrient runoff can enroll in Illinois’ reopened land conservation program. The Illinois Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, is one of the oldest and […]

Highly toxic poison hemlock in full bloom throughout Missouri

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri roadsides, hillsides and pastures are decorated with white spring flowers, but those flowers are poison hemlock. This weed is highly toxic to humans and animals, according to University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. Poison hemlock is one of the first weeds to green up in spring and grows six […]

MU Extension offers alerts for key insect pests

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri’s Pest Monitoring Network offers free text alerts to notify farmers when insects are active in specific locations, says MU Extension entomologist Kevin Rice. The six key insects currently affecting agricultural crops are Japanese beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, black cutworm, corn earworm, fall armyworm and true armyworm. In late May, specialists […]

Sweet peppers: The Easter eggs of the vegetable garden

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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 […]

Gladden a late-summer garden with gladiolas

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Few flowers bring more late-summer gladness than gladiolas, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Their colorful flowers are known botanically as spikes. Individual flowers on the spike are called florets. “Glads are somewhat unique in that the florets on the spikes all point in the same direction,” Trinklein said in […]

Proper planning, choosing plant species helpful for creating a successful windbreak

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MACOMB, Ill. — Hold on to your hats! It is windy here in Illinois. Wind can be destructive to homes and landscapes, plus it can make being outside miserable. This is why many Illinoisians plant windbreaks around their homes to keep that biting wind from causing a drafty house, prevent drifting snow and make being […]

‘It’s almost like we’re living in a prison’: Loraine couple, Illinois EPA file lawsuits against northern Adams County hog confinement

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LORAINE, Ill. — Two civil suits filed in Adams County Circuit Court claim County Line Swine, Inc., a 5,000-hog confinement in northern Adams County, and Carroll Family Farms, LLC, of Carthage, which owns the swine and provides feed for the facility, are operating the hog confinement with improper methods that have harmful impacts on local […]

Big, beautiful blooms make peonies a Memorial Day tradition

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COLUMBIA, Mo. —  In the 1800s, peonies were one of the few flowers in bloom in late May. After the Civil War, mourners used peonies to adorn the graves of fallen soldiers on Decoration Day, which we now call Memorial Day. The huge, lavish blooms emit a luscious floral perfume that continues to make them […]

Great landscapes begin with quality topsoil

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Quality landscapes begin with quality topsoil. Topsoil is the top 3-10 inches of the soil. Most surface soils have higher organic matter content than subsoil, but not all surface soil is ideal for gardens or lawns, says Manjula Nathan, director of the University of Missouri Extension Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory.

More than 500 species of bees can be found in Illinois

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Now that May has arrived, many landscapes are full of blooming plants and the buzz of bees. When you mention bees to most people, images of golden-yellow honey bees come to mind. However, there is a lot more to bees than honey bees. In fact, there are over 20,000 bee species worldwide and around 500 species of bees […]

University of Illinois Extension to offer Junior master gardeners and master naturalists programs

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QUINCY — The University of Illinois Extension in Quincy will hold a six-session Junior Master Gardener and Master Naturalist program on Mondays and Thursdays starting June 6 at John Wood Community College for local youths ages 9-12 to learn about gardening and natural resources through hands-on activities and outdoor investigations. The mission of the Junior Master […]

Surveyors count more than 215,000 Indiana bats at Hannibal’s Sodalis Nature Preserve

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HANNIBAL, Mo. — Bat biologists are celebrating the news the number of endangered Indiana bats at Sodalis Nature Preserve has increased almost 20 percent. The bat census at Sodalis, conducted in February 2022, confirms its place as the country’s most important hibernation spot for this species with an estimated 215,296 Indiana bats. Vona Kuczynska, biologist […]

Munching a bunch of edible flowers can add nutrition, texture, color to your plate

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Edible blooms give flower power to spring meals, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund.  Edible flowers add nutrition, texture and color to your plate, Warmund says. They can be candied, stir-fried, added to butters, steeped for teas and added to breads, soups, sauces, desserts or salads. Some of the culinary […]

On patrol for critter control: Deer, rabbits, squirrels cab inflict damage in your garden

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Pest control in the garden might conjure images of a season-long battle with bugs, weeds and diseases. But sometimes four-legged “friends” such as deer, rabbits and squirrels can inflict far more damage, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Protecting the garden against famished fauna can be a challenge. “Hunger is […]

Delayed planting can affect Missouri corn yields

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Once again, wet soils have delayed corn planting throughout Missouri. The USDA’s May 2 Crop Progress and Condition report for the state shows that 27% of intended corn acres is planted – half the five-year average. Southeastern Missouri, the state’s earliest-planted region, has had the greatest delay in corn planting.  The most important effect […]

Rain, heat increase risk of ponding for corn, soybean crops

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Temperatures in the low 90s the week of May 8 combined with intense or recurrent rainfall could result in damage to corn and soybean crops from ponding, saturated soils and flooding, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold. Survival of submerged corn and soybean seedlings depends on seed quality, flood duration, […]

Forage: Mission possible?

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Interested in an impossible task? Try making dry hay in Missouri in early spring. But baleage can turn spring forage harvest in Missouri into “Mission: Possible.” Baleage is the ensilage of large bales of high-moisture forage, says Rob Kallenbach, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist. Producers make large round or square bales […]

Planting progress shifts in warmer, drier weather

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Warmer and drier weather is expected to help farmers make solid planting progress this week. Normally, corn planting advances about 17 percentage points this week to 67 percent complete by May 15, says Martyn Foreman, University of Missouri Extension instructor in agricultural economics. In a press release, Morgan Foreman, University of Missouri […]

Fall application increases risk of nitrogen loss for corn

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — High nitrogen prices and concerns about fertilizer supplies have disrupted nitrogen management for the 2022 growing season. In a press release, John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist, said, “For corn, there were many reports of anhydrous ammonia being applied earlier than normal and that more nitrogen was applied in […]

The Dogwood: The state tree of Missouri is nature’s little showoff

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The annual display provided by dogwood trees in the Ozark woodlands is a spectacular scene. University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said in a press release, “Inconspicuous for most of the year, these diminutive denizens of our forests outdo their towering neighbors with spectacular exhibitions of color before most other species […]

Missouri grazing schools teach cost-saving practices

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Producers can ease the burden of rising fertilizer prices by making good use of “free fertilizer” on pastures through management-intensive grazing. “When cattle rotate through small paddocks, they distribute their manure. This manure is ‘free fertilizer,’” said John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist, in a press release. “Cattle can […]

Designing from the ground up: Ground covers for your landscape

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MACOMB, Ill. — Our landscapes are more than flowers and trees. Within a natural landscape, you will find multiple layers starting at the ground level and moving all the way up into the canopy of the trees. Plants will intermingle creating communities based on the conditions present such as shade, heavy clay soil, or a […]

Missouri farm income to set new records in 2022

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farm income appears on pace for another record year, according to John Kruse, associate research and extension professor in agricultural and applied economics at the University of Missouri. In a press release, Kruse said, “It’s not often when there are back-to-back record years for Missouri farm income, but the data suggests […]

No reports of spotted lanternfly in Missouri but vigilance urged

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – While not yet detected in Missouri, spotted lanternfly remains a concern for vineyards, certain trees and specialty crops as it continues to spread west. If spotted lanternfly reaches Missouri, early detection and insecticide control measures will be key to reducing the economic damage, says Dean Volenberg, viticulture extension professor with the University […]

Caring for spring-blooming bulbs after flowering

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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Our days are getting longer and warmer, and many gardens are awash in color from spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils and tulips. Unfortunately, the blooms will eventually fade, leaving many of us wondering what we can do to help make sure that they are ready to go again next year. Leave the leaves […]

Nebo woman, Fowler man named distinguished alumni from WIU School of Agriculture

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MACOMB, Ill. – Four graduates from Western Illinois University’s School of Agriculture recently were named Distinguished Alumni. The honor is a tradition that started in 2020 during the school’s 100th anniversary. This year’s honorees are 1985 alumnus Mary (Turnbull) Barnes of Nebo, 1983 alumnus Marsha Webster of Allerton, Iowa, 1987 alumnus Kurt Rahe of Bluffs […]

Mosquitoes can take bite out of outdoor fun; here is what you can do to avoid them

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BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — April showers bring May flowers and mosquitoes. With mosquitoes come not just itchy bites but the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, Zika virus and yellow fever, among others, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist and entomologist Tamra Reall. Prevention The best way to avoid […]

Woolam wins award at Illinois 4-H state awards program

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Lance Woolam from Central Adams Firecrackers 4-H Club was an award winner at the Illinois 4-H state awards program on April 9 at the I Hotel and Conference Center. Woolam also is a member of the Adams County 4-H Federation and Adams County STEM SPIN Club. Woolam was awarded the Emerald Leadership […]

Killing annual weeds in winter wheat may not be good financial decision

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Killing common annual weeds in winter wheat may not be a good financial decision, especially when input costs are high, says University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. Winter wheat is one of the most competitive crops planted, Bradley says. He offers these guidelines based on research from MU and other […]

Deadline to apply for Missouri Century Farm Family recognition extended to June 1

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — There’s still time to apply to the Missouri Century Farm Program. The deadline has been extended a month to June 1. If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1922, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. To qualify, the same family must have owned […]

Diversification could boost farm profits

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Ever considered diversifying production on the farm? Producing beef cattle and meat goats on the same farm may improve your financials, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Jennifer Lutes. Lutes developed a model that looks at the economics of co-grazing – a diversification strategy involving production of more than one […]

Evaluating costs and benefits of renovating endophyte-infected pastures

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Nearly 98 percent of Missouri’s pastureland is tall fescue infected with an endophyte that can cause fescue toxicosis in grazing livestock. Fescue toxicosis lowers reproduction rates, milk production, gain and weaning weights. It also causes health problems, including lameness and heat stress. By replacing toxic fescue with other forages, producers eliminate animal […]

New partnership makes it easier to access information about local and regional food systems

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new partnership between the University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security and MU Extension will make it easier to access information about local and regional food systems and food security. In a press release, Bill McKelvey, senior project coordinator, said, “The goal of the partnership, currently called the Community Food Network, […]

Guarding against emerging tick-borne disease in Missouri

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BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — As temperatures rise, humans and animals become meal tickets for ticks. Heartland disease, an emerging infectious disease first found in northwestern Missouri in 2009, is another reason to take precautions against ticks, says University of Missouri horticulture specialist and entomologist Tamra Reall. Heartland disease symptoms include fever, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of […]