University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Though physically demanding and time-consuming, scouting fields for insect pests is essential to crop health, yields and profits, says University of Missouri Extension state entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. Weekly scouting during the growing season helps producers identify and manage problems for early intervention, Valmorbida says. He advises more frequent monitoring when weather favors…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — There is an old Missouri saying, “On the 25th of July, sow your turnips, wet or dry.” This local proverb vaulted into the national spotlight during the presidency of Missouri native Harry S. Truman, said University of Missouri Extension state specialist David Trinklein. Evidently, the congressional session of 1948 was particularly contentious,…
Read Full Article INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Patience and a bucket of soapy water are your best friends when fending off Japanese beetles in the garden, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. Reall recommends tapping beetles off plants by hand and putting them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. You can also shake them…
Read Full Article Post-drought pasture improvement takes more than rain; four things to do after back-to-back droughts
LINNEUS, Mo. — Heavy rainfall throughout much of Missouri on July 2 may have lessened worries about drought damage in pastures, but one good rain won’t undo the damage to mismanaged pastures during two straight years of drought, according to two University of Missouri Extension specialists based at the MU Forage Systems Research Center in…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri corn and soybean growers are reporting growing numbers of Japanese beetles in crops in recent weeks, says University of Missouri Extension state entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. Valmorbida uses numbers from MU Extension’s Pest Monitoring Network, which gathers information from across the state. The highest numbers are reported in northwestern Missouri’s Gentry County.…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — A yield-robbing corn disease, tar spot, is gaining ground in Missouri. Tar spot has been confirmed in 19 counties in 2024, says University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Corn growers in nearly half of the state’s counties have reported tar spot since Missouri’s first confirmed case in 2018. The counties…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mulches benefit gardens throughout the year, but they are particularly helpful during the heat of summer, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Maintain 2-4 inches of an organic mulch to keep the soil cool. This promotes root growth and curbs soil moisture loss. Mulch also prevents the germination of weeds…
Read Full Article NEVADA, Mo. — Rain is always a wild card when deciding the right time to mow hay. “Pop-up showers and storms are a risk this time of the year,” University of Missouri Extension agronomist Hunter Lovewell said in a press release. This unpredictability makes it important to keep an eye on weather forecasts and understand…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardening is an activity with many rewards, said David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. “One of them is the satisfaction of sharing your plant knowledge with others,” Trinklein said in a press release. The MU Extension Master Gardener program was designed to do just that. “Its motto, ‘helping…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri’s landowners, agricultural lenders, rural appraisers and others with firsthand knowledge of land transactions are invited to respond to the annual Missouri Farmland Value Opinion Survey. This University of Missouri Extension survey captures information on land transactions that have occurred in the calendar year, including those for cropland, pastureland, timberland and recreational…
Read Full Article OSCEOLA, Mo. — Sheep and goats are susceptible to heat stress in the summer, and a revised University of Missouri Extension publication updates management practices for producers to protect their animals. In a press release, David Brown of MU Extension said, “Heat stress in sheep and goats occurs when the animals are unable to regulate…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — There is scientific evidence suggesting that eating something spicy on a hot summer day will make you feel cooler, says University of Missouri horticulturist David Trinklein. “Consuming spicy foods leads to a phenomenon known as ‘gustatory facial perspiration,’ which ostensibly cools the body more quickly than a cold glass of lemonade or…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — As summer arrives in the Show-Me State, farm business operators often experience periods of fluctuating labor needs. Seasonal workers, including young people, can offer extra capacity during critical times. In a press release, Ryan Milhollin, University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist and a co-author of MU Extension’s “Missouri Farm Labor Guide,” which…
Read Full Article FORSYTH, Mo. — Selling beef directly from the farm to consumers gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Though adoption has slowed, selling direct to consumers remains a popular option for Missouri beef producers as an alternative to selling live animals, as it allows the producer to capture additional value otherwise obtained by others in…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The cicada symphony may be coming to an end, but the effects of the performers are becoming apparent. Calls and emails are beginning to come into University of Missouri Extension offices from homeowners reporting the ends of many tree branches are turning brown and dropping off. “In the past few days I…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — A new tool developed by University of Missouri Extension’s state soybean specialist Andre Froes de Borja Reis can indicate soybean growth and anticipate yield deviations before the end of the season. “This tool is designed to predict soybean development and yield based on crop growth models,” Reis said in a press release.…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — On-farm strip trials are an effective way for farmers to test their nitrogen fertilizer rate on corn. “A wet May has lots of farmers wondering about the nitrogen status of their corn crop,” said John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist, in a press release. “Wet conditions and warm soils…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA Mo. — Learn to deal with diseases, insects and weeds in your vegetable garden during a three-part webinar series presented by University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialists from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, June 3 through June 17. Tomatoes, a favorite vegetable garden plant, have numerous issues each year, says Debi Kelly, who will…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — In the 1800s, peonies were one of the few flowers in bloom in late May. After the Civil War, mourners used peonies to adorn the graves of fallen soldiers on Decoration Day, which we now call Memorial Day. The huge, lavish blooms emit a luscious floral perfume that continues to make them…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Our ancestors couldn’t go to the hardware store or shopping mall to buy utensils and other household essentials. Instead, they improvised with items found in nature. The dried fruit of several members of the cucumber family proved useful for many purposes, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. We call these…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Data from the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture indicates that the age of the average farmer continues to increase in Missouri and across the country. In the Show-Me State, the average operator is 57.9 years old, a slight 0.9% increase from 2017 census data; this trend closely mirrors the national average, which…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Right after daffodils, tulips and hyacinths have spent their last flowers, many homeowners mow the plants down. That’s a bad idea if you want them to keep flowering year after year. Spring-flowering bulbs need to photosynthesize and produce food in order for the bulbs to enlarge and set the stage for the…
Read Full Article OSCEOLA, Mo. — The benefits of spring lambing and management tips are part of a new University of Missouri Extension publication for sheep producers. In a press release, David Brown, MU Extension small-ruminant specialist, said, “Spring lambing has been found to be more profitable than fall and winter lambing. The abundance of spring forage lowers…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Soybean gall midge is appearing about 10 days earlier than usual in Nebraska crops, says University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension crop protection and cropping systems specialist Justin McMechan. That could spell trouble for Missouri soybean growers as well. First found in 2019 in Missouri, it is in the state’s far northwestern counties of…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. —Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is a good, productive grass to include in forage mixtures in the Ozarks region, but having too much of this grass can limit production. Monitoring the amount of Kentucky bluegrass in the forage stand can be helpful to producers. This perennial cool-season grass is identified by the narrow, V-shaped…
Read Full Article SALEM, Mo. — With cattle prices at record high levels and many forecasts projecting relatively high prices for the next couple of years, some producers feel they can do no wrong. In times like these, even less-productive cows and mismanaged calves are likely to make a profit. High prices are a welcome change for cattle…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Director of Veterinary Extension Craig Payne urges cattle producers to watch for signs of disease associated with Theileria orientalis (ikeda), a protozoal organism recently detected in Missouri. This organism, which primarily affects cattle, causes disease by infecting red blood cells. The immune system attacks the infected cells, resulting in…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri dairy farmers are urged to protect their dairy herds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus as the USDA and other federal agencies investigate an illness among dairy cows in seven other states (Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas and North Carolina). The illnesses in those states have been confirmed…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — April is National Gardening Month and a good time to plant a garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Whether strictly for food production or beautifying the home landscape, gardening is one of the most popular activities among households in the United States. For those who have lacked the motivation…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension is recruiting farmers for a project aimed at improving the productivity of forage-based operations in areas dominated by tall fescue grass. Participating operations would work with extension specialists to implement grassland management practices that are known to improve productivity and provide environmental benefits, according to Harley Naumann, MU…
Read Full Article TROY, Mo. — Farmers: it’s time to put away the pocket protector. Your phone can do the work of dozens of seed corn pens and notebooks, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist Charles Ellis. By pointing your smartphone camera at a QR code, you can instantly link to webpages. Liken it to a…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley lists two weeds to watch in 2024. Knotroot foxtail, like yellow foxtail, has a short, hair-like ligule and a typical foxtail-like seedhead. Unlike yellow foxtail, however, this species has short, knotty rhizomes. The invasive perennial is also known as bristle grass. Knotroot foxtail is…
Read Full Article JACKSON, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists have the buzz on how the April 8 solar eclipse will stop bee activity for a few minutes in parts of Missouri. MU Extension agronomist and beekeeper Travis Harper says the upcoming eclipse offers a buzzworthy opportunity to learn about solar eclipses and apiculture – the science…
Read Full Article JACKSON, Mo. — The warmer weather has prompted alfalfa weevil larvae to start feeding early which means growers should be scouting the crop. Anthony Ohmes, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist, says now through April is the time to walk alfalfa fields to look for larvae activity. “The economic threshold for alfalfa weevils is…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — A University of Missouri Extension specialist urges caution among producers in Missouri after a newborn goat in Minnesota recently tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the first case of HPAI in goats in the U.S. “There is no immediate threat to sheep and goat producers in the state of…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein says it is time to plant bulbs indoors for later enjoyment outdoors. When started indoors before the weather warms, these inexpensive, tender bulbs give gardeners a jump start on spring color. Call them “instant gratification” for gardeners, said Trinklein. Most greenhouses and big box stores…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — National Animal Poison Prevention Week, March 17-23, is a time for pet owners to assess what plants and products can potentially poison their animals, identify signs they’ve been poisoned and learn how to prevent pet poisoning. It is also a good time to remind livestock owners of springtime dangers of potential poisons,…
Read Full Article New exhibition rules for showing cattle, swine at county fairs, exhibitions go into effect this year
COLUMBIA, Mo. — New exhibition rules issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture late last year for showing cattle and swine at county fairs and exhibitions go into effect this year. University of Missouri Extension specialists say the changes encourage healthy animals. In a press release, Marcia Shannon, MU Extension state swine specialist, said, “Because…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Managing a pond or lake for sport fishing takes time, resources and a year-round commitment. Timing is crucial for many pond and lake management practices. The approaching spring is an ideal time in Missouri to evaluate and determine if ponds need to be stocked or restocked, said Robert Pierce, associate extension professor…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The phrase “waste not, want not” goes back to a time when the essentials of life were difficult to obtain, but it continues to be good advice today, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. It applies even to ashes produced this time of the year by wood-burning fireplaces and stoves.…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Sam Polly, coordinator of University of Missouri Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program, wants to make Missouri a safer place that allows for its agricultural economy to continue to grow. Polly says the program is the backbone of agricultural and commercial pest management in Missouri. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries contribute $369 million annually…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Successful fish farming in Missouri depends on identifying and serving market niches, according to an updated guide from University of Missouri Extension. In a press release, Ryan Milhollin, MU Extension agribusiness management specialist, said, “There are a lot of successful aquaculture businesses in Missouri. Each business has found its market niche.” The…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Valentine’s Day flowers will last longer if kept watered and fed, said University of Missouri horticulturist David Trinklein. Trinklein’s tips and homemade preservative recipe provide an extended warranty of sorts to make certain flowers last up to twice their normal lifespan. Cut flowers age when they lose more water than they take…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The leaves are down, winter is upon us, and that means it’s prime time for pruning oak trees which can be infected by the oak wilt fungus if they’re pruned during the high-risk period mid-March through mid-July. In a press release, Hank Stelzer, state forestry specialist with University of Missouri Extension, said,…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri soybean yields have the potential to reach or exceed national averages, says University of Missouri Extension state soybean specialist Andre Reis. Nationally, soybean yields have grown at a pace of 0.4 bushel per acre per year over the past 80 years according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Illinois growers…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Just in time to brighten the dull, dreary days of winter, the National Garden Bureau has named the African violet as its houseplant of the year for 2024. The choice is an excellent one, says University of Missouri Extension state horticulture specialist David Trinklein. African violets thrive in most interior settings, provide…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Many Missouri beef producers found themselves trying to pull a rabbit out of the hat as they rang in 2024 with low hay supplies, says University of Missouri Extension beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey. Bailey says post-drought feeding woes leave producers challenged with “what to feed when there is no feed.” The…
Read Full Article OSCEOLA, Mo. — Sheep need extra protection in harsh winter weather. In a press release, David Brown, University of Missouri Extension small-ruminant specialist, said, “The end goal for the producer is to ensure sheep and goats thrive through cold winter months.” Shelter Their thick coats protect sheep from extreme weather, Brown said, but the challenge…
Read Full Article BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will offer a six-part webinar series on the production of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, elderberries and specialty berries. The classes will stream 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays from Jan. 30 to March 5. Attendees also will receive access to previously recorded classes on fruit production. Topics…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Farmers and ranchers have a new tool to find or list hay and co-product feedstuffs for sale: Feedstuff Finder, developed by University of Missouri Extension for individuals looking to buy or sell products. As drought and transportation issues make finding quality feed ingredients difficult, Feedstuff Finder helps livestock producers and feed producers…
Read Full Article KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Beef producers can use a window of profitability to make their farm business more bulletproof. University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist Joe Horner says successful beef producers can make small changes in three areas to make their farm less vulnerable to risks: plants, animals and business. Being good in just one of…
Read Full Article KINGSTON, Mo. — The “Leave the Leaves” movement could just as easily be called “Save the Pollinators,” says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Manoj Chhetri. Chhetri, who serves northwestern Missouri from his base in Caldwell County, agrees that letting leaves do their thing is better than carting them off to a landfill. That has…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Cranberries have long been considered the crown jewel of Thanksgiving dinners, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. In a press release, Trinklein said, “This comes at somewhat of a surprise, since cranberries likely were not served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621.” Although the pilgrims undoubtedly were aware of the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Buyers paid more for Missouri farmland in 2023, according to the annual Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey from University of Missouri Extension. More than 300 responses were collected from Missouri lenders, farmers, rural appraisers and others familiar with Missouri land values in October 2023. Survey respondents gave estimates of land values for…
Read Full Article KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Feeder Flash livestock market analyst Corbitt Wall will be the featured Friday night speaker at the 24th annual Missouri Livestock Symposium, Dec. 1-2 at William Matthew Middle School in Kirksville. Wall, a fourth-generation cattleman, reports daily market information and shares commentary on current livestock markets on National Beef Wire, says Garry L.…
Read Full Article OSCEOLA, Mo. — Fall is the natural mating season for sheep and goats, and University of Missouri Extension has a new publication for producers: Breeding Season Considerations for Sheep and Goats. MU Extension small-ruminant specialist David Brown said peak fertility for sheep and goats is late September through November, but some breeds will cycle in…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Americans are projected to spend more than $800 million on Halloween pumpkins this year, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The U.S. pumpkin industry can thank Irish immigrants and a mythical character named “Stingy Jack” for Americans’ rush to buy carving pumpkins in October. According to Irish legend, Stingy Jack…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund invites you to explore the weird world of plants with terrifying names and demonic smells. In a press release, Warmund said, “Enter, if you dare, into the ghoulish side of the plant world.” Some of Warmund’s wicked good greenies: Brain cactus. This wonder looks like…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo.— Our ancestors couldn’t go to the hardware store or shopping mall to buy utensils and other household essentials. Instead, they improvised with items found in nature. The dried fruit of several members of the cucumber family proved useful for many purposes, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. We call these plants…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — To some, “Don’t let the bedbugs bite” isn’t just a quaint good-night wish. Bedbugs are a nightmare for people in the hospitality and housing industries, says Sam Polly, coordinator of University of Missouri Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program. With zero tolerance for these tiny pests, it is important to hire the right…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — A forestry field day might seem like an unlikely place to spend a wedding anniversary, but a northeastern Missouri couple thought it sounded like “a good outing to someplace we had never been before” to celebrate 55 years of a marriage as strong as the forest’s trees. Ed and Janet Watson live…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — Blessing Health Hannibal, Hannibal Clinic Health Services and University of Missouri Extension are offering a series of three free workshops for parents, guardians and caretakers of 10 to 17-year-olds. The “Building Strong Families: Focus on everyday life of teens and pre-teens” workshops will be held Thursday, Oct. 5, 12 and 19, from…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s northernmost counties could soon see the first frost of fall, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zack Leasor. Although near-freezing temperatures are not currently in the forecast, daily temperature normals are dropping about one-half degree daily, and daylight is dwindling at a rate of 2-3 minutes less per day. The…
Read Full Article Pearls of Production, taught by University of Missouri Extension women specialists to women producers, is celebrating its 10th year and offering one-day events on Sept. 30 and Nov. 4. Pearls began in 2013 to offer women hands-on training in agriculture production practices. In a press release, MU Extension livestock field specialist Heather Conrow said, “With…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists urge producers to closely watch cattle grazing pastures with Johnson grass and other sorghum species. Cattle producers in several drought-stressed parts of Missouri have recently reported cattle deaths from suspected prussic acid or hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) poisoning, says Tim Evans, an MU Extension state specialist in animal…
Read Full Article MEXICO, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialists will offer a program on Missouri farm leases in September. Participants may attend Tuesday, Sept. 12, or Wednesday, Sept. 13, in person at sites throughout the state or through Zoom. There will be numerous timely topics of interest to Missouri landowners, said MU Extension ag…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said, “Some perennials can suffer from too much of a good thing.” As it grows, year after year, a perennial’s growth clump, or crown, gets so big the plant begins to compete with itself for light, water and nutrients. Eventually this self-struggle leads to fewer…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Unlike most of Missouri’s native trees, the American smoketree displays spectacular colors throughout the growing season, says University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist Michele Warmund. American smoketree is a hardy and adaptable small tree or shrub that grows 15 to 30 feet at maturity. It thrives in full sun and in alkaline…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — This is the time of year when cattle producers need to pay extra attention to heat stress in their operations, says University of Missouri Extension beef specialist Eric Bailey. Unlike many other animals, cattle can’t rid their bodies of heat by sweating. Instead, they pant. Heat-stressed cattle show symptoms such as open-mouth…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Livestock producers are sweating, and it’s more than just the heat of summer, says Katie Neuner, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agricultural business. Hay shortages caused by drought have forced producers to buy and transport hay from long distances, adding to feed input costs. Additionally, many producers have had to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish says tar spot of corn has spread into many new counties in 2023. Bish recently confirmed tar spot in five more counties. This brings to 31 the number of Missouri counties in which tar spot has been confirmed between 2019 and 2023. Bish…
Read Full Article BOLIVAR, Mo. — It’s pretty simple math: Too little grass + too many cows = too little cash. Missouri livestock producers love their cows and never want to sell them, even when grass and water dry up, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker. Instead of culling cows, they will go to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Grazing cornstalks or drought-stricken corn can fill feed gaps during drought, says University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist Eric Bailey. There are some nutritional concerns, and producers must commit to moving cattle to new pastures to successfully use cornstalks as feedstuff, but there are benefits. Cows are selective grazers. They choose the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The recent shift to milder temperatures is a pleasant reminder that it is time for gardeners to plant cool-season vegetables, said University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist David Trinklein. Warm days and cool nights make conditions ideal for a second round of cool-season vegetables, Trinklein said. They most often are more flavorful…
Read Full Article BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will offer a self-paced “Conventional Vegetable Production Series” this fall. In a press release, Justin Keay, MU Extension horticulturist, said, “We know vegetable growers are busy. Many hold an off-farm job in addition to their on-farm responsibilities. We recognize that offering content to growers in multiple formats…
Read Full Article BOLIVAR, Mo. — It’s pretty simple math: Too little grass + too many cows = too little cash. Missouri livestock producers love their cows and never want to sell them, even when grass and water dry up, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker. Instead of culling cows, they will go to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Lenders serving farmers and rural communities are invited to attend University of Missouri Extension’s 43rd Missouri Agricultural Lender Seminar series this fall in eight locations across the state. Agricultural business and policy specialists and researchers will present market and policy outlooks, farm financial conditions and land values, said Ben Brown, MU Extension…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The drought in Missouri has taken a toll on cool-season grasses, diminishing forage for cattle and other livestock. In a press release, Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist, said, “Native warm-season grasses are the ideal forage for summer during the production slump of cool-season grasses due to heat, especially…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — During drought, beef producers might find a best friend in their local veterinarian, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans. In a press release, Evans said, “Although veterinarians always provide a valuable service to animal owners, their value to livestock producers becomes increasingly important during drought, high heat and limited…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Heat waves put extra stress on livestock. A University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist advises taking specific, ongoing steps for dairy cows throughout heat waves. Heat abatement In a press release, Scott Poock, state extension specialist in veterinary medicine, said, “Dairy cows become heat-stressed starting at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Fans should start…
Read Full Article TROY, Mo.— Row crop farmers have a Cover Crop Decision Tool to help them decide which cover crop will work best on their farms for potential fall/winter grazing. The free online tool simplifies decision-making and reduce risks for those wanting to plant cover crops, says University of Missouri Extension specialist Charles Ellis. The Cover Crop…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Producers looking for ways to grow forages during drought might consider planting an “annual pasture within a perennial pasture,” says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann. Naumann says this is a good year to add cool-season annual grass seed to perennial pastures. Cool-season grasses can extend the growing season,…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Small pockets of Missouri pastures may have gone unscathed by the 2023 drought. Those lucky enough to have grass should consider stockpiling tall fescue, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Stockpiling is the process of building forage supplies by letting grass go ungrazed until frost. Stockpiled forage can…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Many Missouri corn growers are unsure about when to green chop and/or ensile their drought-stressed crops. There are key points to take into consideration on both the crop and livestock side, according to University of Missouri Extension specialists. Agronomy recommendations (MU Extension state agronomy specialist Kelly Nelson): Nitrate management recommendations (MU Extension…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — You can’t squeeze blood from a turnip, but you can easily grow this tasty and nutritious vegetable. In a press release, David Trinklein, horticulture state specialist for University of Missouri Extension, said, “The turnip is an underappreciated and underused fall vegetable crop.” Plant turnip seed in late summer It’s best to plant…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agricultural economists recommend that you check with your crop insurance agent before cutting or grazing drought-damaged crops as relief forages. Some producers are finding that drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. They are using the corn to fill feed gaps. Ben…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Drought combined with high temperatures can have devastating effects on fish ponds, but pond owners can take steps to alleviate these effects. During a drought, pond waters can drop to dangerous levels, increasing aquatic plant growth, decreasing water quality and stressing fish, making them more vulnerable to disease and death, says Bob…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Some drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. Droughty corn offers options when feed supplies are tight, but producers should think the process through, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz. There are three main things to do before deciding to use droughty corn…
Read Full Article STOCKTON, Mo. — In a press release, Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, said “Early wean calves to reduce cow herd nutrient needs to match drought-limited feed resources.” In addition, early weaning can improve calf performance because calves are put on a more nutritious diet following weaning. Davis discusses strategies to help…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Your beautiful tomato plant is setting fruit and soon has nice green tomatoes. Then, to your horror, a dark sunken spot shows up at the bottom of the fruit. You might think an insect or disease has attacked your plant, but such is not the case. Old-timers referred to the problem as…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Don’t forget plant care when planning your summer getaway. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund said, “After a wonderful vacation, it’s never fun to come home to dead plants.” Before the trip, arrange for a reliable neighbor or plant sitter to water indoor and outdoor plants, says…
Read Full Article VERSAILLES, Mo. — With more than 90 percent of Missouri under drought, browning lawns and wilting cornfields are common sights. But don’t forget about your trees. A lawn can be replaced in months, but it takes decades to replace a large tree, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Joni Harper. Trees are a…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers are encouraged to conduct a midyear “farm tuneup” as they approach the middle of 2023. Just as farm equipment needs the occasional tuneup, farm management practices can use proactive examination and adjustment to keep an operation on track for the rest of the year. University of Missouri Extension recommends five steps…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — With Missouri forage supplies in short supply due to drought, some livestock producers are looking at wheat straw as feedstuff, despite its poor nutrient quality. This leaves wheat farmers asking what the value of their wheat straw is, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist Ray Massey. Massey and agriculture economist Joe…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Tar spot of corn has been confirmed in two northern Missouri counties: Holt County in northwestern Missouri and Marion County in northeastern Missouri, as well as in six counties in central Iowa and one in northeastern Kansas. This is the earliest tar spot has ever been found in the Missouri. The disease…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Cute critters by day, gardeners’ worst enemies by night. Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. In a press release, Trinklein said “Our four-legged ‘friends’ can be more formidable garden foes than insects, diseases and weeds. Because of…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers have a new tool to alert them to insects, crop diseases and other important information from University of Missouri Extension specialists. MU Extension specialists launched the Mizzou Crop and Pest Text Alert system in response to their clients’ desire for an easy way to get important, timely information in the…
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