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MU website tracks risk of nitrogen loss
Friday, May 17, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Grain producers can track rainfall and risk of nitrogen loss during spring on a website from a University of Missouri plant scientist.
Topsoil lost to rainfall costs farmers money
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As rainfall increases, the amount of topsoil decreases. So does the amount of grain the land can produce.
Media available: photo
MU agronomist: Plant now, add nitrogen later
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The wettest first quarter of the year since 2008 has delayed nitrogen fertilizer applications and corn planting.
Media available: photos
Clay soil: A mixed blessing, but easily corrected
Monday, April 29, 2013
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – You dig your first spadeful of soil in your new garden and discover you have a shovel full of clay.
Media available: audio; photo
Planting corn in wet soil can damage root system
Thursday, April 18, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri corn growers chomping at the bit to plant should practice patience to prevent harm to their plants’ root systems.
Media available: photo
Farming? There’s an app for that
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Smartphone apps aren’t just for social networking or entertainment. A growing number of apps make use of smartphone technology to help farmers do their job.
Media available: photo
Mark your calendars for MU field days
Monday, April 8, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or this spring is your first in the field, the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) field days will offer ample opportunities to learn about techniques, tools and technology that you can employ on your farm.
Media available: photos
In-between crops
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo. — They have intriguing names such as hairy vetch, pearl millet and birdsfoot trefoil. Collectively known as cover crops or green manure, they've been used for years to increase soil productivity by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into soil, making it available for cash crops such as corn and saving farmers money on input costs.
Media available: photos
Winter weather and plant injury
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Road salt comes in handy when streets, sidewalks and driveways are slippery with ice. It’s not so handy when it splashes onto plants or soaks into the soil.
Media available: photo
Soil tests take the guesswork out of fertilizing your lawn and garden
Friday, March 1, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Many garden and home-improvement stores offer a seemingly endless selection of fertilizers. What’s the best choice for your lawn or garden? Only your soil knows for sure.
Media available: photo
Cover crops can provide many benefits
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Having plant growth in fields year-round can improve the soil, according to Tim Reinbott, superintendent of the University of Missouri Bradford Research Center. He says using cover crops in the fall and spring can provide large benefits.
Timing is key for nitrogen application on winter wheat
Friday, February 15, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– With winter wheat coming closer to green-up, producers need to consider fertilizer management options. A University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist says proper timing of fertilizer application is important.
Committee searching for nutrient reduction strategies
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Nutrient loads can cause problems with water quality. That’s why the Missouri Nutrient Reduction Strategy Committee is working to decrease the amount of nutrients that end up in the Mississippi River.
Many vegetables grow well in high tunnels
Friday, February 8, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo. While tomatoes are the most popular choice for high tunnel production, many other vegetables, fruits and flowers flourish in the controlled environment of high tunnels, said University of Missouri Extension regional horticulture specialist James Quinn.
Six feet under, the drought lives on
Thursday, February 7, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Even if the Midwest gets normal rain and snow, it will take almost two years for soil moisture deep in the earth to recharge and sustain normal crop growth, said a University of Missouri soil scientist.
Media available: video
Atrazine has a huge impact on Missouri economy
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.–Atrazine, presently used on more than 85 percent of the corn acres in Missouri, is considered one of the most effective and least costly herbicides in use. University of Missouri Extension is helping farmers and communities manage atrazine runoff so the herbicide remains available.
New or expanding livestock operations need to assess water needs
Thursday, January 17, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.–Producers who plan to start or expand a livestock operation need to think about water before moving forward.
Understanding system is key to uniform application of anhydrous ammonia
Thursday, January 10, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo.– For uniform application of anhydrous ammonia, it’s important to understand the system you’re using, said an agricultural engineer at University of Missouri’s recent Crop Management Conference in Columbia.
Expect 8 Percent Meat Price Increase in 2013 Due to Drought’s Impact on Livestock
Thursday, August 9, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The livestock industry is taking a direct hit by this summer’s drought, and that will impact consumers’ wallets next year, says a University of Missouri agricultural economist.
Media available: video
Forage nitrates hottest topic on beef tour at MU Greenley Research Center field day
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
NOVELTY, Mo. – Zac Erwin stood by a drought-stunted field of Sudangrass as he talked to wagon-loads of field day visitors at the MU Greenley Research Center, Aug. 7.
Drought-damaged soybeans can make cattle feed; MU economist has calculator for hay:bean value
Friday, August 3, 2012
COLUMBIA – Soybeans that won’t make a seed crop offer potential high-quality forage for beef and dairy producers. The decision to cut beans for hay won’t be easy, say University of Missouri Extension specialists.
Lush green soybean field may not be good sign; MU specialist says nutrients are in leaf, not pod
Friday, August 3, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers are reporting that in spite of prolonged drought and hot temperatures their soybean plants appear amazingly green for this time of year.
Delta Research Center Field Day Features Innovations for Farming in a New Era
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – Building on more than 51 years of service to the agriculture industry, the University of Missouri T.E. “Jake” Fisher Delta Research Center will host its annual Field Day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 31.
Media available: photos
The secret's in the soil
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A healthy garden starts from the ground up.