University of Missouri Extension
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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — April is National Gardening Month and a good time to plant a garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — A favorite spring flower, the Easter lily, should be kept away from cats. If ingested, it could kill them. The perennial plant’s white, trumpet-like flowers might not sound the warning that all parts of it are highly toxic to felines. Tim Evans, University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist, said even small amounts…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 April 01, 2025
CLUB MUDDY: RONNIE MCKENZIE
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