Markets & Ag
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…
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FULTON, Mo. — The University of Missouri Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program has announced its upcoming spring sales dates: May 20 in Vienna and Carthage, May 21 in Kingsville, and June 4 in Palmyra. MU’s Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program uses the latest research on health, nutrition, genetics and reproductive science to ensure Missouri producers continue to be national leaders in providing quality…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Read Full Article 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…
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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…
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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,…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Read Full Article 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Read Full Article January 17, 2025
MUDDY RIVER MORNINGS: Jan. 17
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