Markets & Ag
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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — April showers bring May flowers and mosquitoes. With mosquitoes come not just itchy bites but the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, Zika virus and yellow fever, among others, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist and entomologist Tamra Reall. Prevention The best way to avoid…
Read Full Article CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Lance Woolam from Central Adams Firecrackers 4-H Club was an award winner at the Illinois 4-H state awards program on April 9 at the I Hotel and Conference Center. Woolam also is a member of the Adams County 4-H Federation and Adams County STEM SPIN Club. Woolam was awarded the Emerald Leadership…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Killing common annual weeds in winter wheat may not be a good financial decision, especially when input costs are high, says University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. Winter wheat is one of the most competitive crops planted, Bradley says. He offers these guidelines based on research from MU and other…
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