Markets & Ag
BAYLIS, Ill. — High school students from more than 30 Illinois and Missouri schools honed their agriculture skills at John Wood Community College’s Ag Alumni Association’s 21st annual Livestock Judging Invitational on Sept. 20, at the college’s Agricultural Education Center near Baylis, a facility shared with the University of Illinois. The event was sponsored by…
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The first day of fall was Sept. 22. The daylight hours are getting shorter. You have less time to work in your garden, flowerbeds and yard after 5 p.m. I enjoy this time of year and always find things to do every day. The weather has been hot and dry for the past several weeks.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension’s Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide tells us that frost is likely coming within two weeks in the northernmost part of the state. That means that it’s time to think about protecting plants from frost, said MU Extension state horticulture specialist David Trinklein. Although near-freezing temperatures are not currently in the forecast, daily…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension’s network of weather stations soon will be updated to provide long-term soil moisture information to help forecast, monitor and respond to flood and drought. MU Extension state natural resources specialist Michael Sunde and state climatologist Zack Leasor will work alongside John Travlos, co-director of the Missouri Mesonet, to…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Sedums, also known as stonecrop, are low-maintenance plants that come with a host of benefits. They withstand extreme heat and drought, yet some are winter-hardy as far north as USDA hardiness zone 3. “In short, sedums are about as low-maintenance as plants can get,” said University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist David…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — After experiencing drought in 2022 and 2023, Missourians were eager for a wet growing season. Missouri saw above-average statewide monthly precipitation from April to July, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. On July 23, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported only 1.1% of the state as abnormally dry, and there…
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MACOMB, Ill. — Habitat was once thought of as something outside of town in the countryside. Today incorporating habitat into home landscaping in and around towns and cities has become a top trend across the United States. However, a naturalistic style of landscape design does not always fit our homeowners association covenants, city codes or…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – As autumn approaches, many garden flowers show the ravages of a long, often brutal, summer. However, it’s at this time that dahlias are most spectacular, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Warm days and cool nights associated with late summer and early fall cause dahlias to produce flowers with intense,…
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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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