Markets & Ag
Fifth-generation family farm from Rushville places first in High Times Hemp Cup national competition
RUSHVILLE, Ill. — Stoney Branch, a fifth-generation family farm in Rushville, recently won first place in the High Times Hemp Cup’s flower and pre-roll category for their CBD hemp strain, Blueberry Waffles. In a press release, co-founder and cultivation director Justin Ward, said, “Our small family operation has worked diligently over the last four years…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri, through MU Extension, will partner with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on a $25 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, which will foster more vibrant, resilient food systems throughout a five-state region. Heartland is among 12 regional centers the…
Read Full Article GALENA, Mo. – There are many reasons to avoid cutting low when mowing hay, but money is the main one, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. Schnakenberg recommends a height of 4 inches for cool-season grasses like tall fescue, bromegrass, orchardgrass and timothy and 8 inches for native warm-season grasses. Typically, legumes such…
Read Full Article STOCKTON, Mo. — Drought and overgrazing have left cattle pasture stands thin and possibly in need of renovation, said University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis. He urges cattle producers to use summer annuals as a tool to thicken stands or begin the renovation of cool-season perennial pastures. In a press release, Davis said,…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Several species of ornamental magnolias grace the Missouri landscape with colorful flowers from March through mid-June. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmond said, “In addition to showy, prolific blooms, magnolias’ sweet, citrusy floral fragrance permeates the air and beguiles the senses.” Magnolia flowers have a fascinating history,…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — What winter-weary heart is not thawed by the arrival of sunshine-yellow daffodils and colorful tulips? Unfortunately, once their blooms fade, these harbingers of spring are often relegated to afterthoughts, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said. After spring bulbs flower, their greatest work lies ahead, and they need care to ensure…
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MILAN, Ill. — Arbor Day is inspired by the multitude of benefits trees provide, the desire to have more trees in our communities, and a call to action to plant trees on this day. I have spent my entire career planting trees and my entire life admiring, climbing and loving trees so for me, planting…
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TRUXTON, Mo. – Strip-grazing milo (grain sorghum) is a money-saving alternative winter feed plan for cattle, according to University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Rusty Lee. In a press release, Lee said, “Winter feed expenses are the killer of profits. It’s the top reason for whether a cattle producer will make a profit or loss.”…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Bees are a welcome site in our gardens. Without the help of bees (and other pollinators) pollinating many of our plants, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the myriad of flowers, fruits, and vegetables we have in our landscapes. Despite all their benefits, one bee species may not always be a welcome…
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COLUMBIA, Mo — University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts says now is the time to check for ergot in the seed heads of grasses. Ergot can cause severe illness in livestock, especially cattle and horses. One early sign is yellow syrup drops called honeydew in flowering seed heads. Honeydew hardens and turns…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — It’s time to make the first cutting of hay in Missouri, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Waiting too long leads to poor-quality feed for livestock next winter. For best quality, harvest hay in May before seed heads pollinate, says Roberts. Early cutting helps pastures reset for later,…
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MACOMB, Ill. — The problem with many plant diseases is once you notice them it’s often too late. That’s especially true with our trees. We often don’t gaze at the canopies of our trees looking for problems. The typical homeowner won’t notice disease or insect damage until visible symptoms surpass 10 percent of the canopy.…
Read Full Article February 22, 2025
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