University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Some drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. Droughty corn offers options when feed supplies are tight, but producers should think the process through, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz. There are three main things to do before deciding to use droughty corn…
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STOCKTON, Mo. — In a press release, Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, said “Early wean calves to reduce cow herd nutrient needs to match drought-limited feed resources.” In addition, early weaning can improve calf performance because calves are put on a more nutritious diet following weaning. Davis discusses strategies to help…
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TROY, Mo. — Drought has pushed livestock producers to hunt for emergency hay. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension specialist Charlie Ellis said, “If you are lucky enough to have hay, take special care to reduce waste this year. “This is a good year to pinch pennies and plan on doing some extra…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Your beautiful tomato plant is setting fruit and soon has nice green tomatoes. Then, to your horror, a dark sunken spot shows up at the bottom of the fruit. You might think an insect or disease has attacked your plant, but such is not the case. Old-timers referred to the problem as…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Don’t forget plant care when planning your summer getaway. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund said, “After a wonderful vacation, it’s never fun to come home to dead plants.” Before the trip, arrange for a reliable neighbor or plant sitter to water indoor and outdoor plants, says…
Read Full Article VERSAILLES, Mo. — With more than 90 percent of Missouri under drought, browning lawns and wilting cornfields are common sights. But don’t forget about your trees. A lawn can be replaced in months, but it takes decades to replace a large tree, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Joni Harper. Trees are a…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers are encouraged to conduct a midyear “farm tuneup” as they approach the middle of 2023. Just as farm equipment needs the occasional tuneup, farm management practices can use proactive examination and adjustment to keep an operation on track for the rest of the year. University of Missouri Extension recommends five steps…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — With Missouri forage supplies in short supply due to drought, some livestock producers are looking at wheat straw as feedstuff, despite its poor nutrient quality. This leaves wheat farmers asking what the value of their wheat straw is, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist Ray Massey. Massey and agriculture economist Joe…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Tar spot of corn has been confirmed in two northern Missouri counties: Holt County in northwestern Missouri and Marion County in northeastern Missouri, as well as in six counties in central Iowa and one in northeastern Kansas. This is the earliest tar spot has ever been found in the Missouri. The disease…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Cute critters by day, gardeners’ worst enemies by night. Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. In a press release, Trinklein said “Our four-legged ‘friends’ can be more formidable garden foes than insects, diseases and weeds. Because of…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers have a new tool to alert them to insects, crop diseases and other important information from University of Missouri Extension specialists. MU Extension specialists launched the Mizzou Crop and Pest Text Alert system in response to their clients’ desire for an easy way to get important, timely information in the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — With dry weather and short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows. Give careful thought to which grass eaters go first, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist. Under drought stress, identifying those cows becomes urgent.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo.— The flickering of fireflies signals the beginning of warm summer nights. Although these common beetles evoke a sense of wonder for many people, they are simply performing a luminescent courtship ritual that has evolved over countless years, says University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist Michele Warmund. About 2,200 are known species of fireflies…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agronomists are reporting thin pasture stands and low yields statewide in the wake of re-emerging dry conditions. In a press release, Terry Hallleran, an agronomist in Hickory County in southwestern Missouri, said, “Most barns are empty. Most fence rows are empty. Farmers are getting nervous.” Valerie Tate in…
Read Full Article HILLSBORO, Mo. — During drought, proper watering can help plants survive dry spells, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly. Kelly gives 10 tips to help your plants survive lack of precipitation. Kelly recommends against watering edible plants with water caught in rain barrels, which can contain contaminants from roofing materials and birds. Use…
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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…
Read Full Article 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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