Markets & Ag
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will offer a self-paced “Conventional Vegetable Production Series” this fall. In a press release, Justin Keay, MU Extension horticulturist, said, “We know vegetable growers are busy. Many hold an off-farm job in addition to their on-farm responsibilities. We recognize that offering content to growers in multiple formats…
Read Full Article The weather over the past few days has been really nice, especially when compared to the weather we had for all of the Dog Days of Summer. The Dog Days of Summer ended on Friday, Aug. 11. It’s too bad we didn’t get all this much-needed rain in the early spring. The weather is finally…
Read Full Article BOLIVAR, Mo. — It’s pretty simple math: Too little grass + too many cows = too little cash. Missouri livestock producers love their cows and never want to sell them, even when grass and water dry up, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker. Instead of culling cows, they will go to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Lenders serving farmers and rural communities are invited to attend University of Missouri Extension’s 43rd Missouri Agricultural Lender Seminar series this fall in eight locations across the state. Agricultural business and policy specialists and researchers will present market and policy outlooks, farm financial conditions and land values, said Ben Brown, MU Extension…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The drought in Missouri has taken a toll on cool-season grasses, diminishing forage for cattle and other livestock. In a press release, Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist, said, “Native warm-season grasses are the ideal forage for summer during the production slump of cool-season grasses due to heat, especially…
Read Full Article MILAN, Ill. — On a recent family vacation, I revisited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As I return to places I was privileged to visit as a child, I prepare for the trip, in part, by trying to dig deep into my memory bank and recall as much as I can about the place…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — It is time for another installment of “What’s under my sink and can I use it in the garden?” Today comes a home remedy that originates back to the 19th Century. In 1871, gardener Anne Hale recommended using spirits of ammonia for stimulating flower growth. Over 150 years later, peek under most…
Read Full Article SPRINGFIELD – With the 2023 Illinois State Fair about to get underway, Gov. JB Pritzker and Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II officially unveiled this year’s butter cow. The cow was sculpted by artist Sarah Pratt and inspired by dairy farmer Lorilee Schultz, from Mill-R-Mor Dairy in Orangeville, who is depicted harvesting milk from…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — During drought, beef producers might find a best friend in their local veterinarian, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans. In a press release, Evans said, “Although veterinarians always provide a valuable service to animal owners, their value to livestock producers becomes increasingly important during drought, high heat and limited…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Heat waves put extra stress on livestock. A University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist advises taking specific, ongoing steps for dairy cows throughout heat waves. Heat abatement In a press release, Scott Poock, state extension specialist in veterinary medicine, said, “Dairy cows become heat-stressed starting at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Fans should start…
Read Full Article It seems like that the days of late June and most of July have been some of the hottest and driest we have had in many years. The heat has been very hard on almost everything. Hopefully you have been writing down everything that you have been doing to help your plants survive the hot…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists are getting reports of illness and death in cows and small ruminants that may have ingested perilla mint. Perilla mint, a toxic summer annual, is also known as rattlesnake weed, purple mint and beefsteak plant. Most healthy animals will eat around perilla mint if other more palatable…
Read Full Article TROY, Mo.— Row crop farmers have a Cover Crop Decision Tool to help them decide which cover crop will work best on their farms for potential fall/winter grazing. The free online tool simplifies decision-making and reduce risks for those wanting to plant cover crops, says University of Missouri Extension specialist Charles Ellis. The Cover Crop…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Producers looking for ways to grow forages during drought might consider planting an “annual pasture within a perennial pasture,” says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann. Naumann says this is a good year to add cool-season annual grass seed to perennial pastures. Cool-season grasses can extend the growing season,…
Read Full Article JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Mention wasps to someone, and you’ll likely get a negative reaction. Wasps are often seen as scary, angry insects that are dangerous and likely to sting. While some wasps can be aggressive at times, and some pack a powerful sting, they are good insects to have around. They are the unsung heroes…
Read Full Article MILAN, Ill. — As the summer days pass by, garden harvest becomes a regularly performed task of our Master Gardeners. The demonstration gardens that were so thoughtfully planned, plants or seeds so carefully planted, and growing plants lovingly tended to for the past few months are producing delicious, nutritious crops. The vegetables grown by Master…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Small pockets of Missouri pastures may have gone unscathed by the 2023 drought. Those lucky enough to have grass should consider stockpiling tall fescue, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Stockpiling is the process of building forage supplies by letting grass go ungrazed until frost. Stockpiled forage can…
Read Full Article HERMITAGE, Mo. — In the midst of drought, Missouri livestock producers face dwindling water supplies for their herds. Few options remain for this year, but producers can explore resources from local, state and federal agencies for the future, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Terry Halleran. Halleran says it is important to plan now since…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Many Missouri corn growers are unsure about when to green chop and/or ensile their drought-stressed crops. There are key points to take into consideration on both the crop and livestock side, according to University of Missouri Extension specialists. Agronomy recommendations (MU Extension state agronomy specialist Kelly Nelson): Nitrate management recommendations (MU Extension…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — You can’t squeeze blood from a turnip, but you can easily grow this tasty and nutritious vegetable. In a press release, David Trinklein, horticulture state specialist for University of Missouri Extension, said, “The turnip is an underappreciated and underused fall vegetable crop.” Plant turnip seed in late summer It’s best to plant…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agricultural economists recommend that you check with your crop insurance agent before cutting or grazing drought-damaged crops as relief forages. Some producers are finding that drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. They are using the corn to fill feed gaps. Ben…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo.— Drought. You’re either in it, preparing for it or recovering from it. That’s how University of Missouri Extension specialists describe the sentiments of farm families facing yet another year of uncertainty. In a press release, Rob Kallenbach, associate dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, said Missouri stands at…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — Producers in northeast Missouri can hear crop and forage updates from University of Missouri Extension specialists at a free event in August. The MU Extension Crop and Forage Chat will be 9-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at the Shawn Kiefaber/Kenny Lovelace Farm, one mile west of Palmyra, off U.S. 61 on County…
Read Full Article The weather has not changed much over the past several days and weeks. Some of you are getting much-needed rain, and others of you aren’t. You need to realize we are now starting the real days of summer. I have had a few more people ask me about tips on how to water their gardens…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture recently announced about $2 million in initial funding will be available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops or silvopasture approaches on their farmland. The deadline to apply for incentive payments is Aug. 31, says Rob Myers, director of the Center for Regenerative…
Read Full Article ADAMS COUNTY, Ill. — The Adams County Beef Producers, along with the Adams County Market Animal Sale Committee, will hold the 23rd annual market animal sale on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Local livestock exhibitors have spent many hours in preparation working with their animals for the show and sale. The evening…
Read Full Article BOONVILLE, Mo. — Forage producers searching for options amid sustained drought should consider emergency forages, says Todd Lorenz, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist. The drought is not going away and producers need to find a way to fill feed gaps, he says. Three years of back-to-back drought leave producers searching for options. The 2021…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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.…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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 EWING, Mo. — Chris Chinn, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, will be the featured speaker at a free Women in Agriculture workshop from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the First Baptist Church of Ewing, 21875 Highway 6. The event is free, and lunch is included. Chinn, a fifth-generation farmer, lives in…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom has new resources available for schools, thanks to funding from Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America. In a press release, Kinsey Tiemann, the agricultural literacy coordinator for Adams County, said, “Keeping resources available at no cost to schools is a critical element of our mission so partners like…
Read Full Article GALENA, Mo. — Thistles have taken advantage of grass stands weakened by drought, and many southwestern Missouri fields now have large amounts of musk and bull thistles, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. He reminds Missouri landowners that state law requires them to control all Canada, musk or Scotch thistles and prevent them…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — With Missouri forage supplies in short supply due to drought, some livestock producers are looking at wheat straw as feedstuff, despite its poor nutrient quality. This leaves wheat farmers asking what the value of their wheat straw is, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist Ray Massey. Massey and agriculture economist Joe…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Tar spot of corn has been confirmed in two northern Missouri counties: Holt County in northwestern Missouri and Marion County in northeastern Missouri, as well as in six counties in central Iowa and one in northeastern Kansas. This is the earliest tar spot has ever been found in the Missouri. The disease…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — I met a good farmer today. In recollection, I don’t think I’ve ever met a bad farmer, but this encounter was different. Immediately we hit it off. The conversation turned from the windbreak I came to look at to our former dogs. We talked about marriage and kids. It seemed like I…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Cute critters by day, gardeners’ worst enemies by night. Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. In a press release, Trinklein said “Our four-legged ‘friends’ can be more formidable garden foes than insects, diseases and weeds. Because of…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers have a new tool to alert them to insects, crop diseases and other important information from University of Missouri Extension specialists. MU Extension specialists launched the Mizzou Crop and Pest Text Alert system in response to their clients’ desire for an easy way to get important, timely information in the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — With dry weather and short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows. Give careful thought to which grass eaters go first, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist. Under drought stress, identifying those cows becomes urgent.…
Read Full Article JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Peonies are a common sight in many yards. They are typically grown for their showy blooms in the spring but also have attractive foliage that can act as a backdrop in landscape beds. While peonies are relatively problem-free, a few diseases, powdery mildew and leaf blotch, show up fairly regularly on plants…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo.— The flickering of fireflies signals the beginning of warm summer nights. Although these common beetles evoke a sense of wonder for many people, they are simply performing a luminescent courtship ritual that has evolved over countless years, says University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist Michele Warmund. About 2,200 are known species of fireflies…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agronomists are reporting thin pasture stands and low yields statewide in the wake of re-emerging dry conditions. In a press release, Terry Hallleran, an agronomist in Hickory County in southwestern Missouri, said, “Most barns are empty. Most fence rows are empty. Farmers are getting nervous.” Valerie Tate in…
Read Full Article HILLSBORO, Mo. — During drought, proper watering can help plants survive dry spells, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly. Kelly gives 10 tips to help your plants survive lack of precipitation. Kelly recommends against watering edible plants with water caught in rain barrels, which can contain contaminants from roofing materials and birds. Use…
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. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said, “The hauntingly eloquent words of McCrae helped to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — According to Greek mythology, a golden-winged goddess named Iris traveled on a rainbow to bring messages from gods to mortals. Legend has it that colorful flowers sprung up at the end of the rainbow wherever she stepped. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said “Today, the flower…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists welcomed 21 volunteers to its ranks on May 16. Adams County will benefit from 13 new Master Naturalists, Hancock County with four, Pike County with two and Schuyler and Peoria counties each with one new volunteer. Students within the class successfully completed nine weeks of training…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri farmers who check rain gauges daily can help other farmers across the nation by reporting precipitation totals. Tony Lupo, University of Missouri professor of atmospheric science and interim MU Extension climatologist, encourages farmers to be citizen scientists by reporting daily precipitation totals to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow network,…
Read Full Article JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) have been growing in gardens for centuries and remind many of us of our parents’ or grandparents’ gardens. Despite being ‘old-fashioned,’ hollyhocks have had a bit of a resurgence in recent years. Their tall, stately flowers are an impressive sight in the garden. Growing hollyhocks Hollyhocks are native to…
Read Full Article WEST PLAINS, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agronomists in south-central, southwestern and northwestern Missouri have reported sightings of true armyworms. In a press release, Sarah Kenyon, MU Extension agronomy specialist in West Plains, said “Farmers should be scouting pastures, wheat and corn fields for true armyworms to avoid damage. Dusk or dawn is the…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — Every day I drive up to my house, I am confronted with the neglect of my landscape. Admittedly, I did not cut back my ornamental grasses this spring. At a Memorial Day pool party, the conversation turned to neighbors who don’t cut back their grasses. Everyone agreed, uncut ornamental grasses drove them…
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