University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Mowing is a leading cause of farm tractor rollover accidents, which, in turn, are a leading cause of farm fatalities. Smaller utility or garden-type tractors equipped with deck or belly mowers are also susceptible to rollovers and tip overs on hilly terrain. A dreaded chore for some, a joy for others, mowing…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo.— Many consider the farm an ideal place to raise children, but with its idyllic charm comes dangers, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. About three children die from an agriculture-related incident each day, according to the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. National Farm…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — More people die while farming each year than while serving as police officers, firefighters or other emergency responders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a rate of 23 work-related deaths per 100,000 workers in the agricultural industry. That is seven times higher than the national average for workers. Fall harvest –…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — For home lawns, Missouri weather is like Goldilocks’ porridge. For some types of grass it’s too hot and for others it’s too cold. In Missouri, the hard part is finding a grass for which the weather is “just right.” There is no one-size-fits-all grass for Missouri lawns, say University of Missouri Extension…
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COLUMBIA, Mo — The sunflower’s story begins with a tale of unrequited love. According to Greek mythology, the water nymph Clytie fell in love with the god of the sun, Apollo, who dazzled the earth as he drove his golden chariot across the sky each day. When he rejected Clytie’s affection, it nearly drove her…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Fall is time for the changing of the guard in flower beds and containers. As some summer flowers shout their last hurrah, others gradually fade into the background. To fill in holes in the landscape, many nurseries and garden centers offer replacement plants such as mums, asters and pansies that will spruce…
Read Full Article JACKSON, Mo. — As traditional gardening season takes a bow, lasagna gardening makes a grand entrance. Lasagna gardening is no-till, no-dig gardening that uses materials typically thrown away such as kitchen and yard waste, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg. Aufdenberg says lasagna gardening is environmentally friendly and frees the gardener from tilling,…
Read Full Article MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Drought in southwestern Missouri calls for long-term and short-term feed plans for beef and dairy herds. University of Missouri Extension state dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton urges producers not to panic as local feed supplies dwindle. There are options to carry herds through winter until spring pastures green. Hamilton and extension specialist…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The final segment of University of Missouri Extension’s Specialty Crop Business Management Series begins in September. The webinar series helps new and established farmers learn how to make informed business decisions to become successful, says Juan Cabrera-Garcia, MU Extension state horticulture specialist. “Successful farmers have a better quality of life that creates…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — One way to spruce up a college dormitory room is to add plants, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. Dorm rooms can appear a bit bare and dreary, Warmund says, but plants can add color and provide a pleasant atmosphere. “After spending the day in lecture halls, a plant-filled…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Landowners and renters can learn about farm leases from University of Missouri Extension specialists from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, at seven locations across the state. Participants can also attend via Zoom, says Joe Koenen, MU Extension county engagement specialist in agriculture and natural resources and longtime presenter on farm…
Read Full Article SEDALIA, Mo. — Fairgoers can learn how to prevent one of the leading causes of farm deaths and disabilities – tractor rollovers. University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Agriculture will showcase tractor rollover protection at the Missouri State Fair, which runs through Aug. 21. Fairgoers can see interactive demonstrations and videos on rollover…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Dry weather and short pastures have reduced forage supplies, prompting livestock producers to ponder “could have, would have, should have” scenarios, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch. Producers should try to match their herd needs to anticipated forage supplies, Meusch says. This requires planning before a drought. Many factors…
Read Full Article WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Low supplies of hay make feeding cattle a challenge. Elizabeth Picking, a University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in southwestern Missouri, sees the effects of severe drought in her area – dwindling hay supplies, poor-quality hay, high prices and ponds going dry. Under these conditions, cattle producers need to be more…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Nitrates and prussic acid build up in forages to levels dangerous to livestock during drought. Livestock face severe illness and even death after eating affected forages, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Jamie Gundel. Nitrates tend to concentrate in the bottom third of the plant. It shows in the plant’s stem and…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Farmers, livestock owners and gardeners across the state report that blister beetles are appearing in large numbers this summer, says Pat Miller, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist. Blister beetles produce a toxin that can harm livestock. The toxin, called cantharidin, can cause animals to become sick and even die. Cantharidin is…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Drought throughout much of Missouri has renewed interest in how to price silage. An updated University of Missouri Extension publication looks at silage costs and revenues. Given current corn and input prices, MU Extension economists Ray Massey and Joe Horner say farmers should reconsider long-standing rules of thumb for pricing. Massey and…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Northern Missouri has received plenty of rain, and dairy producers there are hopeful about making a silage pile, while those in the state’s southern counties are looking at options as drought conditions and oppressive heat have taken hold. “There’s a lot to consider as a dairy farmer during times of high heat…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Continued drought combined with high temperatures can have devastating effects on fish ponds. 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 Pierce, University of Missouri Extension fisheries and wildlife state…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Now is the time to transplant one of America’s most popular flowers, the iris. Although irises can be transplanted at any time, they do best when established in the landscape from August to mid-October, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Irises are relatively easy to grow. They need at least…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo — Extreme heat affects plants differently than humans. With triple-digit temperatures this summer, grain crop growers should understand how heat affects plants, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold. First, human concepts such as “heat index” or “feels like” do not apply to plants, Wiebold says. People and plants feel and react…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will host free strip trial scouting schools throughout the state from late July through mid-August. Mandy Bish, MU Extension Integrated pest management coordinator, will lead the four schools, which she says will vary slightly by region. Topics include an overview of the Missouri Strip Trial program and 2018-21 foliar fungicide…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — One and one quarter inch. That’s how much rain corn plants need each week in July and August to maintain rapid growth and produce the best possible yields. Mother Nature has not been kind to Missouri’s corn crop this year, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold. One indication is the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — One option for consumers buying meat is to purchase directly from the producer. A new University of Missouri Extension publication offers guidelines for buying all or part of animal from a livestock producer and having the meat processed and packaged. In a press release, MU Extension agricultural business specialist Jennifer Lutes, who wrote the…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardening has many rewards, says David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. In a press release, Trinklein said, “One of them is the satisfaction of sharing your plant knowledge with others. The MU Extension Master Gardener program is designed to do just that. Its motto, ‘Helping others learn to…
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