University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management has issued its first pest alerts of the growing season. MU Extension state field crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida says corn and wheat growers should be on the lookout for early season pests, including black cutworm and true armyworm. Significant numbers of black cutworm moths…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension horticulturists ask the public not to plant unsolicited seeds received in the mail. MU Extension horticulturist Kelly McGowan says she has had recent reports from Springfield-area residents who have been mailed seeds they did not order. MU Extension, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (www.aphis.usda.gov), Missouri…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The flowering dogwood tree celebrates its 70th birthday as the Missouri state tree in 2025. There is no better place to celebrate than Missouri’s Ozark woodlands from mid-April to early May when the dogwood is in bloom, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “Inconspicuous for most of the year, these…
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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — You can look high and low, but you likely won’t find a climbing vine that compares to the clematis, known as the “Queen of the Vines,” says Gwen Funk, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in horticulture. Part of the buttercup family, clematis comprises several species and numerous cultivars. Color, bloom…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — April is National Gardening Month and a good time to plant a garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. For those who lacked the motivation in the past to garden, consider these benefits: Economic. Vegetable gardening is an excellent way to save on the food bill. The National Gardening Association…
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TUSCUMBIA, Mo. — Soil testing and proper fertilization are key to productive warm-season forages in Missouri, says Rudra Baral, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy In a new publication, Baral gives guidelines for soil testing and fertilizer management for warm-season forages in Missouri. “Maintaining healthy forage for livestock requires understanding the specific needs…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – A favorite spring flower, the Easter lily, should be kept away from cats. If ingested, it could kill them. The perennial plant’s white, trumpet-like flowers might not sound the warning that all parts of it are highly toxic to felines. Tim Evans, University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist, said even small amounts…
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NOVELTY, Mo. — As the growing season approaches, many growers will consider using drones to spray their fields. A new University of Missouri Extension publication, “Economics of Drone Ownership for Agricultural Spray Applications,” introduces cost-estimating tools for farmers and custom operators interested in investing in drones for spray applications. In a press release, Adauto Rocha,…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – You may have seen edamame in grocery stores or on salad bars and not known what it is, says Todd Higgins, University of Missouri Extension specialist in horticulture. Edamame is a type of soybean grown for direct consumption by people. Edamame (pronounced eh-duh-mah-may) translates from Japanese as “beans on a branch” since…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — March is the ideal month to plant two of the hardiest and most nutritious vegetables a home gardener can grow easily: cabbage and kale, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Both are attractive in the garden, with colors ranging from pale green through dark blue to deep reddish purple. Flavors…
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TUSCUMBIA, Mo. — Now is the time for forage growers to plan for drought, says Rudra Baral, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy. Diversifying your forage base with warm-season grasses and legumes can provide a buffer against weather-related forage shortages, says Baral in a new MU Extension publication, “Maximizing Summer Grazing: A Guide…
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WEST PLAINS, Mo. — For cow-calf producers, it is ideal to have one healthy calf on the ground per cow per year. Producers should also strive to have cows that are productive in the herd for many years. On average, a cow must stay in the herd for six years for the producer to break…
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ST. LOUIS, Mo. — With a little bit of planning, gardeners can enjoy small amounts of fresh produce throughout the season by succession sowing, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Eliza Pessereau. Succession sowing, sometimes called relay planting, means planting seeds of a particular crop at regular intervals so that the plants mature at…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — It is hard to think about gardening when the weather is cool. “However, now is the perfect time to start seeds of certain garden plants indoors so they will be ready for transplant when warmer weather arrives,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist David Trinklein in a press release. By kick-starting…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Drought is costing Missouri agriculture significant amounts of money. Since the 1980s, Missourians have had 16 drought disasters costing $1 billion or more, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the total cost of these disasters is between $10 billion and $20 billion.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — If you’ve ever seen a cow suddenly collapse in early spring, seemingly out of nowhere, you might have witnessed a case of grass tetany, says University of Missouri Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey. This metabolic disorder, historically linked to magnesium deficiency, can be a problem for cattle grazing lush cool-season grasses.…
Read Full Article POTOSI, Mo. — Missouri is coming off consecutive years of severe droughts and depleted cool-season pastures. As drought lingers, so do old practices that worsen its impact, says Rachel Hopkins, University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist. She likens it to an oft-quoted definition of insanity – “doing the same thing over and over and…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Ask five farmers how much their hay bales weigh, and you’ll probably get five different answers — none of which are backed up by a scale ticket. “That’s because most folks think they know their bale weights, but more often than not, they’re guessing,” said University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Proper management of the spring flush of tall fescue gives pastures and cattle a head start for the rest of the grazing season, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann. Spring flush occurs when conditions are right for cool-season grasses to come out of their dormant state. This happens…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Pest Monitoring Network offers free, timely pest alerts to farmers and gardeners, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. Early detection allows farmers to take quick action before infestations become severe. By scouting and monitoring their fields, farmers can make management decisions to prevent yield loss and reduce…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — The high price of eggs and egg shortages in some places have led some consumers to seek out other sources of protein. “Eggs are still a good source of protein and nutrients, but, ultimately, it’s up to the consumer to decide if they fit within their budget or not,” said Sarah Wood,…
Read Full Article MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. — With spring calving season underway, producers want as many healthy calves on the ground as possible. “A lot of folks see pregnancy loss within their herd and think of it in two ways: either a cow aborting a calf during gestation, or losing the calf after it is already made it…
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JACKSON, Mo. – Get a jump on the gardening season by starting vegetable and flower seeds indoors now, says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg. In a press release, Aufdenberg said, “Starting seeds indoors doesn’t have to be difficult. Knowing the basics is the best way to start.” Sow most garden seeds six…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — You can’t grow turkey in the straw, but you can grow side dishes and floral centerpieces for a turkey dinner in the straw. Straw bale gardens are becoming popular with growers who are plagued with poor soil or limited garden space, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Straw bale gardening…
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HANNIBAL, Mo. — Master Naturalists have conducted educational projects and volunteer community service to improve Missouri’s environment for the past 20 years. Master Naturalists are drawn to everything in nature from birds and bats to bees and trees. The Mississippi Hills Master Naturalist Chapter is one of 12 chapters in the state. Its 100-plus members…
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