University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri Extension’s Pearls of Production program has announced its upcoming schedule of events designed to support and empower women in livestock industry. The 2025 lineup features a “Pixels of Production” virtual webinar series and an in-person hands-on conference on Nov. 8 in Columbia. Pearls of Production helps women gain…
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POTOSI, Mo. — In May, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agricultural business Rachel Hopkins and her father harvested and wrapped wheat and clover baleage at their farm in east-central Missouri. “After everything was done, Dad said, ‘When you get a chance, figure out what this feed cost us,’” she recalls. Hopkins keeps records…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — There are many gray areas in life. That’s not the case with people’s opinions about okra, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. People either love it or loathe it. Okra lovers point toward its unique flavor and many uses. Okra haters can’t see how anyone can eat something so slimy,…
Read Full Article LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — Cattle producers interested in improving the quality, consistency and marketability of their replacement heifers are encouraged to enroll in the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program (SMS), Missouri’s premier heifer development initiative. Backed by research and supported by University of Missouri Extension livestock specialists, the program emphasizes reproductive soundness, health, genetics and overall…
Read Full Article LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — An emerging cattle disease, Theileria orientalis ikeda, has been confirmed in both Missouri and Iowa, prompting Extension experts to urge producers to stay informed and work closely with veterinarians. According to an April 2024 University of Missouri Extension news release, the disease was initially confirmed in six Missouri counties. As of…
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CARTHAGE, Mo. — Nothing says Fourth of July like a juicy, red slice of watermelon. July is observed as National Watermelon Month. University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Matthew Huchteman says there are a few simple steps to check watermelons for ripeness and flavor. Ripe watermelons have a certain look, weight and sound. Watermelons come…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management reports the capture of its first Japanese beetles of the season, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. The beetles appeared in Stoddard, Barton, Christian and Holt counties, as reported by MU’s Pest Monitoring Network, which gathers information from across the state. Since Japanese beetles are…
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PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Showcase your historic tractor through a new club established by the American Tractor Museum in collaboration with University of Missouri Extension and Missouri Farm Bureau. The MU Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES) has set up a database for the American Tractor Club, a project of the Perryville, Mo., museum created…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Cattle rid their bodies of heat in three ways: radiation, convection and evaporation. “If your cattle can’t use all three methods, they’ll overheat fast,” says University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey in a press release. Summer heat knocks weight off calves and pounds off milk, Bailey says. Losses…
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COLUMBIA, Mo.— Nativars, superhero plants that possess the virtues of native plants but in a more attractive package, make good choices for landscaped areas. Use nativars as part of your gardening “green movement,” University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said. Native plants earn gardeners’ accolades because they grow naturally in the local environment. They…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — Some record high prices marked the spring sales of Show-Me-Select bred heifers. The combined gross amount from the five regional sales was $2,321,900 for 602 bred heifers. University of Missouri Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program takes nearly a year to complete. Heifers undergo an examination usually four to eight weeks before breeding.…
Read Full Article GALENA, Mo. — Compared to other parts of the agricultural community, graziers of cattle depend less on fossil fuel and more on solar energy to turn a natural resource like grass into a sellable commodity, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. Graziers can save on operating expenses and provide quality feed to meet…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Bearing fruit ranging in color from red, orange and yellow to purple, white and chocolate-black, sweet peppers are the Easter eggs of the vegetable garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Like potato and tomato, sweet pepper is a member of the nightshade family. Sweet peppers are easy to establish…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Good scouting is the best way to identify tar spot in corn, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Tar spot was confirmed in June of 2023 and 2024 in Missouri, which is earlier than in previous years, when the disease showed up in August or September. This earlier…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — When faced with a sparse or failed stand, crop producers have to ask themselves a difficult question: Should I replant? In a press release, Drew Kientzy, University of Missouri Extension research analyst, said, “Poor stands are not a happy sight, and replant decisions come with a lot of second thoughts and lost…
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SALEM, Mo. – Feral hog occupancy of Missouri watersheds has fallen 84% since 2016 when the state’s Feral Hog Elimination Partnership began. Funded by the U.S. Farm Bill and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the partnership comprises 18 federal and state entities work together to eliminate feral hogs on public and private lands.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — It’s the time of year when flies and ticks start becoming a problem for cattle, and they can be more than just a nuisance. “These external parasites not only cause irritation and stress but also reduce production efficiency and serve as vectors for certain cattle diseases,” said Craig Payne, University of Missouri…
Read Full Article LEWIS COUNTY, Mo. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the University of Missouri Extension is emphasizing the importance of mental health in farming and rural communities. Brenda Schreck, a livestock field specialist with MU Extension and based in Lewis County, highlights the challenges faced by Missouri farmers, ranchers and their families. “In 2022,…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row …. ” So begins “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian poet and military physician. “The poem’s powerful imagery of sacrifice, remembrance, and duty helped to make poppy one of the most recognized symbols to…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — Northeast Missouri cattle producers are encouraged to take advantage of the long-standing Missouri Bull Testing Program, an initiative designed to improve the genetic quality, performance and profitability of beef herds across the state. The Missouri Bull Testing program is sponsored by the Northeast Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association and is a cooperation…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — According to Greek mythology, Iris was a goddess who served as a messenger between the divine world and the human world. The Greek gods never communicated directly with mortals. Instead, they sent Iris, who traveled on a rainbow. “Legend has it that colorful flowers sprung up at the end of the rainbow…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — For yield and quality, May is the best time to harvest cool-season grasses, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann. May is when cool-season grasses transition from the vegetative stage to the reproductive stage. Many grasses such as tall fescue, orchard grass and Kentucky bluegrass are already flowering in…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Most flowering annuals in gardens around the U.S. have stood the test of time, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. For example, geraniums were planted in Europe in the 17th century and have been an American favorite for more than 200 years. Petunia, as we know it today, appeared in…
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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Plan now to use basic design principals to create a patriotic garden this summer, says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Gwen Funk. “Designing your outdoor living space comes with many opportunities for creativity,” said Funk in a press release. “One might be thinking about themed garden beds, pots and hanging…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – A master pollinator steward program offered by University of Missouri Extension begins soon. The five-week program focuses on ways to protect and support pollinators, which are declining significantly due to a loss of feeding and nesting habitats, says MU Extension field specialist in horticulture Tamra Reall. Pollinators – including bees, butterflies and…
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