University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri researchers are tracking the invasive longhorned tick, which causes weight loss, lost pregnancies and even death in cattle. Researchers from the MU College of Veterinary Medicine found the tick on a Linn County pasture in August 2022. The finding marks the northernmost appearance of the tick in Missouri. It…
Read Full Article GALLATIN, Mo. — Missouri’s unpredictable spring weather makes it tough to decide when to apply preemergent herbicides on lawns, says Manoj Chhetri, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. Preemergent herbicides, a form of chemical weed control, prevent germinated weed seedlings from growing. Preemergents must be applied at the right time of year to be effective, says…
Read Full Article CLEVER, Mo. – A soil test can help forage producers avoid the costly guessing game of how much fertilizer to buy and apply, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. He recommends testing every three or four years. “If you’re not soil testing, you’re already behind,” he said March 7 at the Christian County…
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. For those who lacked the motivation in the past to garden, consider the following benefits of this popular pastime. Economic. Vegetable gardening is an excellent way to save on the family…
Read Full Article CENTER, Mo. — When Jan Golian’s husband died of a heart attack in the middle of harvest season in 2004, friends and family helped her get the crop in and the cattle sold. Her husband had always been the caretaker of the farm while she worked as a school librarian and teacher. She knew farm…
Read Full Article CLEVER, Mo. — Load ’em up and ship ’em out. That’s the advice University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Andy McCorkill gives on “crazy cows.” He spoke to livestock and forage producers March 7 at the Christian County Livestock and Forage Conference in Clever. Post-drought hay shortages have forced cattle producers to cull cows that…
Read Full Article CLEVER, Mo. – Due to poor storage and feeding methods, only about half of Missouri hay reaches the cow’s mouth, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Andy McCorkill. This leads to waste and reduced profits, especially as producers reset their herds post-drought. In a press release McCorkill said, “Make sure your high-value hay gets…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Get a head start on pastures for the year with good management of spring flush, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann. Early decisions determine pasture health for the rest of the season, Naumann says. Spring flush occurs when conditions exist for cool-season grasses to come out of their…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — In a press release, Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said, “If ever there was a flower that brings a smile to people’s faces, it has to be the pansy.” This delightful, cool-loving garden flower bears blotched petals that resemble a face smiling back at those who admire it. Midwesterners enjoy pansy’s unique…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension is celebrating the 20th year of Annie’s Project, a national nonprofit to educate and empower women in agriculture. Annie’s Project uses a methodology that builds confidence, develops networks and creates lifelong learners among women farmers, ranchers, growers, landowners and agriculturalists, said Annie’s Project co-CEO Karisha Devlin, an agricultural…
Read Full Article KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Missouri cattle producers interested in feeding out their cattle are invited to a two-day University of Missouri Extension Feedlot School, March 22-23 in Kirksville. MU livestock specialists will cover nutrition and health management, the performance of calves fed by MU and harvested locally, and the economics of feeding cattle in Missouri. Participants…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri’s growing population of black vultures has led to increasing attacks on vulnerable livestock. Black vultures often inflict damage to the eyes and tongues of young livestock, kill and feed on domestic fowl and scar animals that survive. A new MU Extension guide provides information for livestock producers to prevent and control…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension pesticide safety specialist Sam Polly encourages farmers and homeowners to observe National Pesticide Safety Education Month in February. Polly and his team work to raise awareness for pesticide safety education and share best practices. In addition to providing training for agricultural workers across the state, Polly also works…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The gift of hearts and flowers symbolizes the heartfelt admiration of a loved one through the sentiment of flowers. A houseplant that displays both hearts and flowers is cyclamen, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Sold in shades of red, pink and white, many of its species bear nearly perfect…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo — The nutritional value of eggs remains high despite the steep rise in prices. In a press release, Sarah Wood, University of Missouri Extension state nutrition specialist, said “When considering the protein content of eggs in the diet, eggs are still pretty affordable compared to other animal protein sources.” The USDA national average…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Free farm succession planning workshops from University of Missouri Extension can help Missourians guide their family farming businesses to the next generation. To help families start the succession planning process and initiate communication, MU Extension will hold Preparing for Farm Succession Planning workshops across the state in March. Six workshops will be…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Armchair farming may not be here yet, but it’s getting closer. In a press release, Kent Shannon, University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist said, “Autonomy in agriculture isn’t as far away as you think.” Agriculture is rapidly shifting to technology that can increase land efficiency, reduce labor shortages and streamline food…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Strawberries are a delectable treat any time of year, but in February they are known as the fruit of love, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. Long before the celebration of Valentine’s Day, the strawberry symbolized love and fertility due to its shape, color and wealth of seeds on the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension is taking applications from veterans for the third year of the Missouri Heroes to Hives program. The free program trains veterans in beekeeping while also addressing their mental and physical wellness, said MU Extension agronomist Travis Harper. In a press release, Harper said “Research has shown that the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo — Valentine’s Day flowers, like love, can stand the test of time if given a little TLC. Call it flor-amore. Proper care and a homemade preservative provide an extended warranty of sorts to make certain flowers last up to twice as long, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Cut flowers age…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Add legumes to fescue and other cool-season pastures at the right time to add pounds and profits to cattle. The right time is when pastures are frozen and snow-covered, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Snow makes the seeds easier to see. Seeding on frozen ground also lessens…
Read Full Article KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Winter is the time for livestock producers to prepare pastures for drought, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann. Drought is now the rule rather than the exception in Missouri, Naumann says. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, somewhere in the state experienced drought every year but one since…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists recently received several reports of Missouri cattle dying due to fescue foot, says MU Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. These significant losses show why beef producers should check herds for warning signs of fescue foot in early January, when it most often occurs, Roberts says. Cows…
Read Full Article KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — There are important steps to take when considering selling timber, says University of Missouri Extension forester Hank Stelzer. In addition to providing additional revenue, harvesting timber can improve the health and vigor of woods and wildlife. Most landowners don’t know the value of their woodlands, Stelzer says. Too often, landowners make uneducated…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Nothing brightens a windowsill in winter like amaryllis, the National Garden Bureau’s bulb plant of the year, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The name “amaryllis” comes from a Greek word that means “to sparkle.” And sparkle it does, said Trinklein. There are more than 600 varieties of this native…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a tradition said to bring wealth and good fortune in the new year, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. This custom dates to around A.D. 500 when people ate black-eyed peas for luck during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardening is an activity with 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 Master Gardener program was initiated to do just that. Its motto-helping others learn to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Extremely cold weather is forecast for the days before Christmas, putting cattle at risk. Temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit are predicted, with the wind chill factor much lower in parts of Missouri. As temperatures drop, producers need to ensure their cattle are kept safe in the harsh weather, said University of Missouri…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Two of the three gifts of the Wise Men – frankincense and myrrh – remain in high demand more than 5,000 years after gaining popularity in religious rituals, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. Ancient Egyptians used myrrh to embalm corpses and Romans burned it as a type of incense…
Read Full Article KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Livestock producers have options for reducing hay waste and feeding costs while improving animal behavior and performance, says University of Missouri Extension specialist Charlie Ellis. Farmers can choose from several methods to reduce waste based on their preferences, labor availability and climate, says Ellis. Here are four basics from Ellis: Ellis calls…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Procrastinators win the prize in the “Safest Holiday Decorations” category. In a press release, David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist, said “In days of old, people rarely brought holiday greenery into the home before Christmas Eve. Doing so was considered bad luck for the coming year.” Today, the holiday season begins…
Read Full Article KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Good-quality hay bales are like precious gems. They’re valuable and worthy of your safest storage, says Charles Ellis, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agricultural engineering. Proper storage is one way producers can reduce hay waste. Ellis offers a few steps to consider when deciding what hay to store: High moisture…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Roadway accidents and combine fires make harvest the most dangerous time of the year for those who work in America’s most dangerous occupation – farming, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. In a press release, John Worden, interim coordinator of MU Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute,…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — A century ago, poinsettia was added to Santa’s “naughty” list, but the plant’s reputation for being poisonous is unfortunate, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Its pretty bracts and leaves pose no danger to people and pets, other than possible allergic reactions. The myth that poinsettia is toxic can be…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Made famous by the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving, cranberries have long been a favorite at holiday dinners despite their sharp, bitter taste. Americans gobble up about 400 million pounds of the bitter berry annually, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. About 20% of its consumption comes during the Thanksgiving season. Pilgrims…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — If you gobble until you wobble at Thanksgiving dinner, take your flock of family and friends for a trek across a tallgrass prairie for a memorable Thanksgiving holiday outing, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. Along the hike, look for the tall, reddish-brown seed stalk of big bluestem grass (Andropogon…
Read Full Article GALENA, Mo — With a shortage of standing forage for cattle and the low availability of hay, it is more important than ever this winter to reduce waste when feeding hay. Hay waste is normal, but University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Tim Schnakenberg says it can be controlled and minimized. There can be considerable…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host eight regional seminars Nov. 4 through Dec. 8 to update agricultural lenders on four factors that will affect lending decisions and client success in 2023 Commodity price outlook. Current and proposed government policies. International trade. Farmland values and rental rates. In a press release, Ben Brown,…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Increased volatility in prices of farm inputs such as fertilizer is likely here to stay well into 2023, says Ben Brown, University of Missouri senior research associate for the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute. U.S. prices for fertilizer stabilized in June and then declined in July and August, but Brown says it…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — If you think autumn is the time to put away your gardening tools for the year, think again. It’s bulb-planting time. In a press release, David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension, said “Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths won’t greet you in the spring if they’re not planted in the fall.…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — According to some traditions, apple bobbing can foretell love and heartbreak. University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund says bobbing for apples was central to courting in Great Britain in days gone by. Each floating apple represented a potential husband. With one successful try, a young woman was destined to marry her…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Ben Franklin’s adage of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could be gardeners’ theme song for November. Gardeners should close the curtain on this season and begin looking forward to the next, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Next year’s success is influenced greatly by this…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Drought continues to plague growers and livestock producers in parts of Missouri, especially in the southwest corner of the state, raising concerns about feed availability. “It’s a perfect storm of high fertilizer prices, reduced fertilization of pastures lending to lower hay yields and drought in the southern half of Missouri,” Eric Bailey,…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Mo. — Spending on houseplants and office plants has flourished in recent years, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Robert Balek. The act of giving houseplants as get-well gifts surged in 2019, and the increase has continued since then, Balek says. According to a 2021 survey by the National Gardening Association, spending on houseplants…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Fall is prime time for harvesting juicy, crunchy fresh apples at their peak of perfection. “While munching on those tasty fall treats, make sure to peruse the nursery catalogs and place an order for apple trees to plant in your own yard,” Michele Warmund, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist, said in a…
Read Full Article JACKSON, Mo. – Nothing spells spring like blooms peeking out from the depths of winter. Planning and planting in fall will reward gardeners with blooms in spring, says Donna Aufdenberg, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. During a recent MU Extension Integrated Pest Management Town Hall, Aufdenberg gave tips on how gardeners can buy and plant…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Fall is the time to harvest, cure and store ornamental gourds, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “Gourds are thought to be among the first domesticated plant species, dating back to as early as 13,000 B.C,” Trinklein said in a press release. “Through the years, dried gourds served many purposes…
Read Full Article STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – It is pumpkin time, when people celebrate the versatile vegetable that marks seasons, holidays and traditions. This member of the squash family has been grown in North America for thousands of years, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Katie Kammler. Some pumpkins are kitchen workhorses, lending color, fiber and flavor to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Right after soybean harvest is the time to test fields for soybean cyst nematode, the No. 1 pathogen of soybean in the United States. Sampling in soybean stubble in 2022 can help with 2023 planting decisions, says Mandy Bish, University of Missouri Extension specialist and interim director of the SCN Diagnostics clinic, which can…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Take care of the farm and the farm will take care of you. That’s common advice handed down from one generation to the next. But farmers often face stress that the farm can’t take care of, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist. Farmers tend to put their…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch reminds Missouri farmers and their families during Suicide Prevention Month that MU Extension has resources for farmers and ranchers. Suicide Prevention Month, observed in September, is a good time to talk with rural family and community members about increased risks of suicide,…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri farmers and rural families seeking mental health support can turn to the new AgriStress Helpline. Farmers and ranchers take pride in their ability to handle challenges and are often reluctant to seek help, particularly for mental health issues, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. The goal of…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — More than 70 Missouri farmers since 2016 asked for help to install tractor rollover protection devices from a national program that provides rebates, but the waiting list is long, and only one Missouri farmer has received assistance so far. University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch says this is…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article 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. – 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…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Rose rosette is a devastating disease of roses. There is no cure. Infected rose bushes should be removed from the landscape and destroyed, said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. The disease first appeared on wild multiflora roses, which are considered a noxious weed in many states, including Missouri.…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Some gardeners consider waterlilies to be the ultimate challenge. Many admire them but few grow them, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Though waterlilies may appear exotic and fragile, they are tough and durable, Trinklein said. “Once established, waterlilies flower well into late summer and provide an exotic addition to…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Flowering stems of firecracker penstemon pop with color and add a burst of red flowers to landscapes in summer. Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is just one of about 270 species of penstemon, also known as beardtongue. “Its showy stamens protrude from the flower and resemble a hairy tongue,” said Michele Warmund, University…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Buyers and sellers who need an estimate of the value of a piece of farmland may not always find it feasible to get an appraisal, particularly one that reflects the land’s historical value needed to calculate taxes and settle estates. University of Missouri Extension offers a publication and spreadsheet that give estimated…
Read Full Article KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Summer is a time for enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables and outdoor picnics. Don’t let food safety mistakes spoil the fun. Food safety doesn’t begin in the kitchen, or even the market, says Londa Nwadike, extension food safety specialist for the University of Missouri and Kansas State University. In a press…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension economists urge farmers to sign up for the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture. The deadline to sign up to receive a census form is June 30. Sign up at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. MU Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations and others use…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri roadsides, hillsides and pastures are decorated with white spring flowers, but those flowers are poison hemlock. This weed is highly toxic to humans and animals, according to University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. Poison hemlock is one of the first weeds to green up in spring and grows six…
Read Full Article 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…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Few flowers bring more late-summer gladness than gladiolas, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Their colorful flowers are known botanically as spikes. Individual flowers on the spike are called florets. “Glads are somewhat unique in that the florets on the spikes all point in the same direction,” Trinklein said in…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Whether you are a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals or the Kansas City Royals, show your true colors in a baseball-themed garden this summer, says Michele Warmund, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. For Cardinals fans, some of the easy-to-grow bedding plants with red flowers that perform best in full sun include…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Cattle producers need to pay attention to heat stress in their operations during this time of year. Unlike many other animals, cattle cannot rid their bodies of heat by sweating. Instead, they pant. Heat-stressed cattle show symptoms such as open-mouth breathing, slobbering and restlessness. Chronic heat stress leads to long-term problems such…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The poppy is one of the most recognized symbols honoring soldiers who have died in combat. The Flanders poppy (Papaver rhoeas), also known as the corn poppy, is a common flower native to Europe. Its seeds often lie dormant for years and spring to life when the soil is disturbed. This happened…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Numbers are dropping for Avian influenza, informally known as avian flu or bird flu, according to Robert Pierce, University of Missouri Extension wildlife and fisheries specialist. Fewer reports of dead and sick birds point to an end to the current outbreak of avian influenza, Pierce says. Rising summer temperatures will also likely…
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. — Quality landscapes begin with quality topsoil. Topsoil is the top 3-10 inches of the soil. Most surface soils have higher organic matter content than subsoil, but not all surface soil is ideal for gardens or lawns, says Manjula Nathan, director of the University of Missouri Extension Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory. The…
Read Full Article FULTON, Mo. — The University of Missouri Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program has announced its upcoming spring sales dates: May 20 in Vienna and Carthage, May 21 in Kingsville, and June 4 in Palmyra. MU’s Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program uses the latest research on health, nutrition, genetics and reproductive science to ensure Missouri producers continue to be national leaders in providing quality…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Edible blooms give flower power to spring meals, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. Edible flowers add nutrition, texture and color to your plate, Warmund says. They can be candied, stir-fried, added to butters, steeped for teas and added to breads, soups, sauces, desserts or salads. Some of the culinary…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Pest control in the garden might conjure images of a season-long battle with bugs, weeds and diseases. But sometimes four-legged “friends” such as deer, rabbits and squirrels can inflict far more damage, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Protecting the garden against famished fauna can be a challenge. “Hunger is…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Temperatures in the low 90s the week of May 8 combined with intense or recurrent rainfall could result in damage to corn and soybean crops from ponding, saturated soils and flooding, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold. Survival of submerged corn and soybean seedlings depends on seed quality, flood duration,…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Interested in an impossible task? Try making dry hay in Missouri in early spring. But baleage can turn spring forage harvest in Missouri into “Mission: Possible.” Baleage is the ensilage of large bales of high-moisture forage, says Rob Kallenbach, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist. Producers make large round or square bales…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Producers can ease the burden of rising fertilizer prices by making good use of “free fertilizer” on pastures through management-intensive grazing. “When cattle rotate through small paddocks, they distribute their manure. This manure is ‘free fertilizer,’” said John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist, in a press release. “Cattle can…
Read Full Article BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — April showers bring May flowers and mosquitoes. With mosquitoes come not just itchy bites but the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, Zika virus and yellow fever, among others, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist and entomologist Tamra Reall. Prevention The best way to avoid…
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