Markets & Ag
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When things go bad on the farm during harvest, it is important to act quickly and report later, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 15-21, Funkenbusch brought attention to reporting methods. Learn more at https://www.necasag.org/NationalFarmSafetyandHealthWeek. The U.S. Department of Labor…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — It is difficult to make blanket recommendations on fall nitrogen fertilizer rates to pastures because of the variability in how forages are managed in the Fescue Belt, says University of Missouri Extension state nutrient management specialist John Lory. But fescue pastures need a source of nitrogen to thrive, he says. “Judicious use”…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — When it comes to bulbs this time of year, much of our attention is focused on getting ready to plant spring-blooming bulbs, and rightfully so. From crocus and daffodils to tulips and alliums, these plants provide a burst of color early in the year before many of our landscape plants begin blooming.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Flying monkeys, creepy crawlies and monsters under the bed need to make way for the Joro spider. But Missouri arachnophobes can rest easy for a bit, says University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff. Introduced to the United States a decade ago, the Joro spider is a slow traveler. To date,…
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MILAN, Ill. — The recent turn in the weather has me feeling all the fall vibes. I’m ready for leaves to turn, for pumpkin spice to be in everything, and for sweater weather. Although as a kid and young adult, Halloween hasn’t traditionally been my favorite holiday, but my kids love it which means I…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Everyone loves seeing social media posts of smiling farm kids with their animals at local fairs. But no one enjoys seeing these photos more than criminals who could put your family’s safety and property at risk, says Brenda Schreck, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in livestock. Wait until you return home…
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PALMYRA, Mo. — Six regional sales are scheduled later this year, including one in Palmyra, for heifers enrolled in the University of Missouri Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program. “Show-Me-Select is a program that benefits sellers and buyers,” Thiago Martins, state extension beef reproduction specialist, said in a press release. “Sellers are rewarded for raising heifers…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Good livestock handling practices can improve animal comfort and make livestock management safer for people and animals, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Brenda Schreck. Accidents happen most often during common activities such as feeding, handling, loading and transporting. Schreck says animal behavior specialist Temple Grandin teaches that it is important…
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MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. — Breeding season will be here before we know it. Is your herd prepped for success? Here are steps you can take to maximize your breeding season. Schedule pre-breeding exams The easiest thing you can do to prep for breeding season is make sure you have healthy, reproductively sound cattle. Have your…
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The weather has been dry the past few days. Many of you should be watering your vegetables to make sure they get plenty of water this time of year. When watering, water early in the morning or early in the evening for about one hour before sunset. Watering at these times of day will allow…
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Look no further than your local woods for fresh, flavorful fruits and nuts says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Kelly McGowan. In the woods, you’ll find a colorful and tasty assortment of edible delights, including wild strawberry, gooseberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, plums, mulberry, elderberry, grapes, persimmons, pawpaws and nuts, McGowan says.…
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MACOMB, Ill. — Recently, chilly mornings have me grabbing my hoodie before loading the kids into the car for school. Apple orchards are starting to advertise cider and donuts. Mums are starting to adorn front porches. And that smell…could it be? Pumpkin spice! I will continue to lie to myself and proclaim summer still has…
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INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The “Miss Congeniality” of Missouri backyard fruits might be the honeyberry. Honeyberry’s ability to thrive in conditions that often challenge blueberries makes it a promising choice for gardeners seeking a productive and low-maintenance fruit, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. This crowned jewel of a bush grows in a variety…
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SEDALIA — On a hot and humid afternoon in the Swine Barn of the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, brothers Cole and Ty Murphy keep watch over their two hogs. Ty, 14, said he likes the hard work caring for pigs requires. “Every night we’re walking them for five to 10 minutes, working hair, cleaning…
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Mark McDonald and Randy Phillips take you to Four Winds Farm, just north of Quincy, an 1870’s, 6th generation family farm, owned by Deborah Lee. Since 2002, the homestead has gradually evolved into a chemical-free growing area for herbs, vegetables, fruit and flowers. In 2005, a cozy Bella Luna Patio was constructed from recycled wood;…
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JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Despite the bad name they get, yellowjackets are beneficial insects. The larvae are meat eaters, consuming caterpillars and other insects that adults have captured and brought back to the nest. Adults, on the other hand, primarily feed on flower nectar and other sweet liquids. However, as the calendar creeps closer and closer…
Read Full Article TROY, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension’s website lists numerous apps to help in decision-making on the farm, says MU Extension agricultural engineering specialist Charles Ellis. “These apps can help you make objective decisions to better manage your crops and livestock,” Ellis said in a press release. “By entering information from your farm, you can…
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MARYVILLE, Mo. — Twilight gardens delight the senses of sight and smell by adding another dimension to the gardening experience, says Gwen Funk, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. Also known as moon gardens, twilight gardens use white flowers and plants to capture reflected moonlight. “The use of the color white showcases how we can,…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — A new report from the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources outlines the critical role of forests in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plant material. “Carbon and Biomass Dynamics in Missouri Forests and Implications for Climate Change” was prepared for the Missouri Forest Products Association with…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Few flowering perennials provide more enjoyment for less effort than an iris. With colorful blooms that rival those of orchids in intricacy, irises grow easily in the garden. Seemingly, without a care in the world, they rarely require the gardener’s attention to thrive. However, gardeners should give the carefree beauty some attention…
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The dog days of summer are over. The weather has been great to be doing all types of garden work and harvesting all types of vegetables. I was asked when to harvest cantaloupe the other day. Look at the stem on the cantaloupe where it is attached to the vine. Put pressure on it. If…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), will offer free testing for all common oak tree diseases in 2024. In a press release, Peng Tian, director of the Plant Diagnostic Clinic on the MU campus, said, “With this service, we hope to collect…
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TROY, Mo. — Corn planting in 2024 was a tale of two seasons, early and late, requiring special attention to drying and storage, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist Charles Ellis. Planting got off to a good start this year. Then Missouri averaged more than 6 inches of rain in April, about 2…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Highly pathogenic avian influenza infected dairy cattle in some states earlier this year, though not in Missouri. Could the disease affect pigs? Cory Bromfield, University of Missouri Extension swine veterinarian, said it could happen, but to date only one natural case of H5N1 has been reported in the U.S., and that was…
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MILAN, Ill. — For the most part, we think of fungal infections as undesirable and cause adverse effects on plants. Fungal pathogens can destroy crops, weaken and deform plant parts or kill the host plant entirely. Fungal pathogens cause billions of dollars of economic loss annually. Within this context, as we cultivate our landscape, it…
Read Full Article January 17, 2025
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