Cole County Extension Center

Upcoming programs

Business programs for new businesses

Chris Thompson, Cole County business specialist, hosts classes, including Starting a Small Business: The First Steps and The Basics of Writing a Business Plan, for new businesses almost every month. Interested? Visit our Business programs page or email Chris at thompsoncv@missouri.edu.

Cole County Extension Fall Festival

The County Extension Council will be hosting the 37th Cole County Extension Fall Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Jefferson City Jaycees' Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come see what around 175 vendors have to sell. Numerous products will be sold, something for everyone. Gate fee is $2 for all aged 13 and up. Please come early, the fall festival will close an hour earlier this year than in past years. More than 3,000 come to this one day event. It only takes place once a year, the Saturday after Labor Day.

Vendors seeking to sell - Applications can be found here or contact Jane at the email below. The main building is FULL. Only small-home based businesses are allowed. Store-front businesses and those selling food or flea market type items are not allowed. Display or informational booths are also not allowed. Please direct questions to Jane Kempker at kempkerj@missouri.edu

Master Gardener Hotline

Master Gardeners (MG's) will be answering home horticulture questions at the Cole County Extension Center. Send your insect, lawn or garden questions to our MG's. They will be on hand at this center on Tuesday and Friday's from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. April 16 through September 27. Questions can be sent by email to muextcolemastergard@missouri.edu or their direct phone number is 573-634-2824 x 303. Please remember they are only in the office two days a week but they will reply to you as soon as they can.

Preserving the Harvest

Food preservation classes are being offered again at the Cole County Extension Center on Monday night’s form 6 – 8:30 p.m. each class is $15 or $60 for all 5 classes. What a great way to preserve your garden delights. Classes offered are: Freezing and Drying (June 17); Pickling/Water Bath Canning (June 24); Jams and Jellies/Water Bath Canning (July 1); Salsas and Fruits/Water Bath Canning (July 8); Pressure Canning (July 15). Each session will include detailed research-based information and recipes to take home. Print out this flyer, fill it out and return it to the office at least one week prior to the class of interest along with payment.

By the way, our office also tests pressure canning dial gauges. We charge $2 per lid.

Square Foot Gardening

Save the date and stay tuned for the Square Foot Gardening class that will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Cole County Extension Center from 9 a.m. - noon. Direct further questions to Jane Kempker at kempkerj@missouri.edu

Master Gardener Classes

The next series of Master Gardener Classes in Cole County will be held at the Extension Center on Monday's from 6 - 9 p.m. starting August 19. These classes will run weekly (skipping Labor Day) through November 11. Please email Jane Kempker at kempkerj@missouri.edu if you would like information mailed to you later this summer.

When drought stops plants making protein, nitrate poisoning can kill grazing livestock

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought-stricken forages that accumulate nitrates can kill grazing livestock, quickly, warns a University of Missouri plant scientist.

“We’re getting reports of cattle dying,” says Rob Kallenbach, MU Extension forage specialist. “As hot weather without rain continues, we expect to hear of more death losses. It happens at the start of every drought.”

To read the rest of this article, click here.Call ahead to make sure Ed Brown is available to test a sample or contact Ed directly at the Miller County Extension Center at 573-369-2394 or email brownedw@missouri.edu

Join 4-H

There are 11 active 4-H Clubs in Cole County, and you don't have to grow up on a farm to belong to 4-H. Currently, Shooting Sports is the fastest growing project but with so many choices to choose from, almost anyone can find something that they enjoy. 4-H is open to all youth ages 5-18. Contact youth specialist Jenny Flatt at flattj@missouri.edu to find out more.

Master Gardeners

Central Missouri Master Gardeners meet most months at McClung Park at 6 p.m. except in January and December. Most of these meetings are open to all.

Stay up-to-date with Cole County

Please send an email to Jane Kempker, kempkerj@missouri.edu, to be added to a monthly email list. You will be the first to know what is happening with your local extension center in Cole County.