University of Missouri Extension
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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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…
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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…
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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 January 21, 2025
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