University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. — “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row …. ” So begins “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian poet and military physician. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said, “The hauntingly eloquent words of McCrae helped to…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — According to Greek mythology, a golden-winged goddess named Iris traveled on a rainbow to bring messages from gods to mortals. Legend has it that colorful flowers sprung up at the end of the rainbow wherever she stepped. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said “Today, the flower…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri farmers who check rain gauges daily can help other farmers across the nation by reporting precipitation totals. Tony Lupo, University of Missouri professor of atmospheric science and interim MU Extension climatologist, encourages farmers to be citizen scientists by reporting daily precipitation totals to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow network,…
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WEST PLAINS, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agronomists in south-central, southwestern and northwestern Missouri have reported sightings of true armyworms. In a press release, Sarah Kenyon, MU Extension agronomy specialist in West Plains, said “Farmers should be scouting pastures, wheat and corn fields for true armyworms to avoid damage. Dusk or dawn is the…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — In a press release, David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension, said, “While not a leading star on the herbaceous ornamental stage, gaillardia can comfortably fill the supporting actor role in your garden.” Commonly called “blanket flower,” this colorful perennial produces daisy-like flowers that come in shades of yellow,…
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HILLSBORO, Mo. — One of summer’s most showstopping bloomers is easy to transplant and propagate, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly. Hydrangeas burst with blooms summer and fall in colors ranging from blues and white to lavender and pinks. Bloom size varies on this low-maintenance perennial shrub, which tolerates almost any type of…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri forage producers should begin removing seed heads from tall fescue grass pastures soon to reduce toxic endophytes that thwart herd health and profits, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Seed heads typically emerge by mid-May in most of Missouri’s tall fescue pastures. They contain five times more…
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GALENA, Mo. – There are many reasons to avoid cutting low when mowing hay, but money is the main one, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. Schnakenberg recommends a height of 4 inches for cool-season grasses like tall fescue, bromegrass, orchardgrass and timothy and 8 inches for native warm-season grasses. Typically, legumes such…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Several species of ornamental magnolias grace the Missouri landscape with colorful flowers from March through mid-June. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmond said, “In addition to showy, prolific blooms, magnolias’ sweet, citrusy floral fragrance permeates the air and beguiles the senses.” Magnolia flowers have a fascinating history,…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — What winter-weary heart is not thawed by the arrival of sunshine-yellow daffodils and colorful tulips? Unfortunately, once their blooms fade, these harbingers of spring are often relegated to afterthoughts, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said. After spring bulbs flower, their greatest work lies ahead, and they need care to ensure…
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TRUXTON, Mo. – Strip-grazing milo (grain sorghum) is a money-saving alternative winter feed plan for cattle, according to University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Rusty Lee. In a press release, Lee said, “Winter feed expenses are the killer of profits. It’s the top reason for whether a cattle producer will make a profit or loss.”…
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COLUMBIA, Mo — University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts says now is the time to check for ergot in the seed heads of grasses. Ergot can cause severe illness in livestock, especially cattle and horses. One early sign is yellow syrup drops called honeydew in flowering seed heads. Honeydew hardens and turns…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — It’s time to make the first cutting of hay in Missouri, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Waiting too long leads to poor-quality feed for livestock next winter. For best quality, harvest hay in May before seed heads pollinate, says Roberts. Early cutting helps pastures reset for later,…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Some flowers don’t mix well with felines. A spring favorite, the Easter lily, is one that could kill a curious cat. The perennial plant’s white, trumpet-like flowers might not sound the warning that all parts of it are highly toxic to cats. Easter lilies are true lilies. They grow from bulbs, not…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo — A newly released study shows that planting cover crops and reduced tillage could substantially lower the number of prevent plant (PPL) acres and subsequent federal crop insurance payments. Cover crops lower the number of PPL acres in wet springs, reducing the loss odds by 24%, according to the six-state study released in…
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COLUMBIA, Mo — Sometimes, gardeners take the “if some is good, more must be better” approach, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Justin Keay. But it’s possible to shower your garden with too much love in the form of fertilizer, manure and compost. More fertilizer and organic matter won’t necessarily produce more flowers or produce,…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — George Washington knew the value of a good seed: “Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind,” the founding father wrote, “for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.” University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz agrees, especially when…
Read Full Article JACKSON, Mo — Beautiful flower gardens begin with the right bedding plants, says Donna Aufdenberg, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. Before heading to the garden center, research what plants do well in your area, Aufdenberg says. Also consider whether your gardening space is sunny or shady. Aufdenberg has more tips: Aufdenberg and other MU Extension…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Few things match the culinary delight of fresh peas from the family garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Peas are tastiest immediately after being picked, before too much of the sugar converts to starch. For the same reason, peas that mature in cool weather are tastier than those harvested…
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Dahlias, the national flower of Mexico, burst with fiestas of colors in late summer and early autumn when other flowers begin to fade. These easy-to-grow annuals are popular choices for cut gardens or the backdrop of borders, says Kelly McGowan, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. Plant dahlias once the danger of frost…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — April is the season of new beginnings, especially for plant lovers. Outdoors, spring-flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees dot the landscape. Indoors, seasonal plants enliven and brighten dreary rooms, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. Crocus, daffodil, hyacinth and tulips are harbingers of spring, with their foliage emerging from the soil…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension is offering free biosecurity workshops in April and May on how to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks in livestock and poultry operations, including backyard flocks. In a press release, Teng Lim, MU Extension agricultural engineer and a member of the MU Biosecurity Team, said “The importance of…
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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…
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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…
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