Markets & Ag
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri soybean farmers should be on the lookout for several species of stink bugs in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. According to a 2024 survey, green stink bug was the most prevalent in Missouri soybean crops, accounting for a little more than 70% of the stink…
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MACOMB, Ill. — Welcome to astronomical winter. Our calendars mark the beginning of winter as Dec. 21 (sometimes Dec. 22) because of where Earth is in its orbit around the sun. Is it too much of a leap to say that gardeners and those who work outdoors are particularly connected to this astronomical event? I…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension is studying the use of pig manure as a crop fertilizer in research at the MU Bradford Research Farm in Columbia. The study is looking at corn yields and soil health indicators under three separate treatments on 5 acres at Bradford Farm, said Teng Lim, extension professor of…
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QUINCY — The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced that nominations are open for the Agribusiness of the Year award and the Larry Fischer Ag Educator of the Year award. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6. Winners will be honored at the annual ag banquet on Tuesday, March 11.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension has partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation on a program to establish white oak seed orchards on private land. These orchards are intended to provide a steady supply of white oak acorns from trees of known quality and growth characteristics, says Brian Schweiss, MU Extension specialist in…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Few plants can boast colorful, long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage the remainder of the year, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Florist’s kalanchoe delivers both, making it a versatile houseplant. Its vibrant flowers provide a welcome burst of color during the dreary days of winter, Trinklein said. There is nothing…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — During the holiday season, plants often play a central role in our decorations. While poinsettias, Amaryllis, holly, holiday cacti and evergreens receive much of the attention during the holidays, paperwhites also appear in many stores. These easy-to-grow plants with delicate white blooms make them a popular choice for holiday decorations. What are…
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MILAN, Ill. — Three of my most prized trees are the oaks we planted in our front yard shortly after we moved. They share our front yard with a black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), red twig dogwoods (Cornus sericea), witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) and apple (Malus spp.) trees. Our adopted oaks have become established and have…
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PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Missouri farmers may have grown the peanuts that you enjoy in holiday candies like peanut brittle or peanut clusters. In 2020, the USDA named Missouri a primary peanut-producing state, a designation for states averaging more than 10,000 tons of peanut production annually over three years, says Justin Calhoun, University of Missouri Extension…
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SALEM, Mo. — November is a good time to review winter feeding plans, according to University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch. “Forage growth has come to an end, so making sure producers have what they need to feed their livestock though the winter is important,” Meusch said in a press release. “These three…
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MACOMB, Ill. — The McDonough County Community Foundation recently announced a donation from Genie Marshall to support the Macomb agriculture program with the “Phil Marshall Agriculture in Classroom Fund” at the Macomb Middle School. Phil Marshall, who farmed several acres east of Macomb for over 40 years and passed away in 2010, was always supportive…
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MACOMB, Ill. —Thanksgiving is an American tradition. We get together with family or friends to celebrate a successful harvest and recognize what we are grateful for. Thanksgiving has been a part of American culture since the beginning. While Thanksgiving Day is a tradition, millions of Americans will spend an entire weekend with family and friends.…
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The weather is more normal for this time of year. We are finally getting rain that will seal the cracks in the ground, helping the roots on plants, shrubs, bushes, trees and grass survive the coming winter. Nov. 11-20 is Indian Summer, and the weather is supporting it. Hopefully we keep these temperatures for several…
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COLUMBIA, Mo.— In a press release, David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension, said, “Given most nuts ripen late in the year, they have long been associated with the holiday season.” It also is one of the few times consumers see what nuts look like in nature. Nuts often are purchased with their…
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INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Don’t be intimidated by the the prospect of cooking a big Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not that difficult, even for novice cooks, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist. First, make sure you have enough bird, says Tammy Roberts. If you’re hosting a large group, get at least one pound of whole…
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QUINCY — Plat books are a reference tool for landowners and business owners. They serve as essential guides for agriculture, land development, hunting, real estate, utilities, municipal government and more. The latest edition, the 2025 Adams County Land Atlas and Plat Book, is now available with the Adams County Bicentennial logo on the front cover. The…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us start planning our holiday meals. While turkey, cranberries and pumpkins may get most of the attention, herbs also play an important role in our Thanksgiving meals. Herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley and chives provide flavor and a pleasing aroma to our meals. They can also…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Squash usually takes a back seat to sweet potato, cranberry and pumpkin in modern-day Thanksgiving meals. Yet squash is rich in both history and nutrition, said University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe members enjoyed squash at the first Thanksgiving in 1621 in Plymouth colony. The…
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MILAN, Ill. — As the autumn leaves fall from our trees, the trunk and branching structure become more prominent and visible. This transformation can add new dimensions and interest to a landscape, but it can also draw our attention to tree health challenges we might have overlooked in other seasons. As we observe the trees…
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The American Farm Bureau Federation has voted to terminate the membership of Illinois Farm Bureau Federation, effective Dec. 20. The vote came Tuesday from the AFBF board of directors, which met following a meeting with IFB and Country Financial executives in Bloomington, Ill. Country and IFB share the same board of directors and executives. In an email to…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Moisture and fall forage growth have been disappointing in 2024. The bumper crop of corn this year has prompted many cattle farmers to consider feeding their cows corn silage. “We had an outstanding growing season, and hay supplies are plentiful,” said University of Missouri Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey in a…
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MACOMB, Ill. — If there is one certainty for all humans, it is that we are drawn to natural elements. Two of the best examples are how we can become transfixed when looking at fire or water. Scientists have studied this effect and shown that our brains reduce stress chemicals when we are staring at…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — If a little is good, a lot must be better. That’s often the approach home gardeners take when plants and flowers don’t do well, says University of Missouri Extension soil scientist Manjula Nathan. But adding more fertilizer and topsoil without testing the soil may be a waste of money. It also can…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Some gardeners take a hands-off approach to leaves in the fall. But leaves allowed to remain on lawns can pack down to form a tight mat that prevents sunlight from reaching the grass, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Leaves also trap and hold moisture, which increases the potential for…
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