Procurement Conference 2021
Do you do business with the local, state, or federal government? Or would you like to add the government as a customer? Join us for a one-day conference to network with government agencies and small business support programs to reach your business goals.
Missouri 4-H youths test knowledge at State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 2021 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest gathered 19 youths and their coaches in late March and early April.The contest consisted of an online qualifying exam in March; the top four teams in each age division advanced to the in-person portion in April.Top junior competitors (ages 8-13):First: Bailey Spalding, Jackson County.Second: Elizabeth Pruett, Jackson County.Third: Kelsa Kirk, Jackson…
Should I Export My Business’s Goods and Services?
Are you a small business owner that is not currently exporting your goods and services, but is considering it? Are you concerned about how to make the right decision on this important question for your company and how to prepare your business for success in this area? If so, this column is for intended for you. It is my goal to share information to help position you and your business for a decision on exporting.
Do spring safety check on and off the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Planting season brings increased risk of physical injury and mental stress among farmworkers and families, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch. Before heading to the fields, review basic safety lessons with workers and family members, she says. Rural roadway safety
4-H youths test skills at 2021 State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest took place virtually Feb. 27-28, drawing 81 competing 4-H members, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture and natural resources educator.
Keeping Missourians up to speed
When Ron Brown was approached to check out University of Missouri Extension’s Master Gardener program, he thought the opportunity to expand his already extensive gardening knowledge would only help as he worked in his home garden and a community garden in Ferguson, Mo. But Brown wasn’t sure what to expect since he hadn’t been in a classroom in years.
Bold goal, bold future: Doubling the value of Missouri agriculture by 2030
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s bold goal for a bold future takes the old adage “go big or go home” to another level. What is the bold goal? Double the value of Missouri agriculture by 2030 while sustaining the state’s natural resources.
Data sheets document UM System's impact
COLUMBIA, Mo. – County-level data sheets on the impact of the University of Missouri System are at www.umsystem.edu/ums/sc/datasheets. The printable two-page PDFs have been updated with data for FY 2020.
Missouri land values continue to grow
COLUMBIA, Mo. – All classes of Missouri land values grew steadily in the past year, according to the University of Missouri Extension’s annual survey of farmers, rural appraisers and agricultural lenders. Ray Massey, MU Extension agricultural economics professor, heads the survey efforts.
Missouri farmer spreads MU Extension mission to beginning producers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s array of soils and topography allows producers to grow an extensive list of vegetables, from leafy greens to cucurbits. Springfield farmer Curtis Millsap is one of many producers who benefit from University of Missouri Extension guidance on commercial horticulture. Since 2003 he and his wife, Sarah, have been working with MU Extension, particularly horticulture specialist Patrick Byers.
Missouri 4-H'ers warm state with handmade blankets
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H’ers have been hard at work making blankets since the State 4-H Fashion Revue in October. Fifty 4-H’ers from 19 counties donated 72 handmade blankets to Project Linus as a result of a philanthropy challenge at the event.
Free hotline offers counseling, referrals for Missourians in crisis
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians in crisis can take advantage of a free 24-hour hotline for stress counseling as well as information and referrals on legal, financial, crisis/disaster and personal health topics. Individuals can seek help by phone or live online chat.
Connecting to Careers
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Scott Hoad was at a low point this spring, trying to piece together a decent living after being laid off from a job painting commercial aircraft. Then Hoad crossed paths with Amy Patillo, a University of Missouri Extension labor and workforce development specialist based in Springfield.
FireUP Your HR for Small Business
Seize the opportunity to develop real-time human resource (HR) tools in order to get better results and gain a distinct competitive edge.
MU plant diagnostic clinic helps Amish producers in Clark
CLARK, Mo. – On Friday mornings at the Clark Produce Auction, University of Missouri Extension agronomist Dhruba Dhakal sets up a table, plant posters and an MU Extension sign. MU Extension’s objective is to serve all Missourians with resources and research needed to improve lives, communities and the economy. When Dhakal noticed Amish producers in Clark could benefit from a plant diagnostic clinic, he knew there was only one thing to…
UM System Health Care Finder: Helping to identify and solve local health care needs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The new University of Missouri System Health Care Finder aims to increase Missourians’ access to health care and boost the state’s health care outcomes.
MU Extension: Do not plant seeds you did not order
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulturists are asking the public to report unsolicited seed deliveries. MU Extension horticulturist Robert Balek notes that there have been reports from around the country of people receiving small padded envelopes of seed that they did not order. The seeds appear to originate from China.
MU Extension announces '4-H Goes Online'
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Starting this fall, Missouri 4-H will be able to reach more youths and families across the state through an easy-to-use online learning platform called Canvas that brings 4-H project-based learning directly into the home.
Broadband is a necessary utility. Let’s treat it like one.
Editorial by Marshall Stewart, University of Missouri vice chancellor for extension and engagement, and chief engagement officer for the University of Missouri System.
Nanova — Columbia
Updates to Nanova’s story:
New COVID-19 tracking tool monitors continuous 14-day trends as nation, states reopen
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new tracking tool developed at the University of Missouri provides a continuously updated 14-day snapshot of new cases of COVID-19 in every county in the nation, helping the public monitor trends in cases as local stay-at-home restrictions are lifted and other measures are gradually repealed.
Young entrepreneurs share inventions, hone pitches in 2020 Pitch Challenge
A crime-fighting alert bracelet that looks like a smartwatch. A simple way to sanitize toilet brushes.
MU Extension offers Wednesday town hall meetings online for farmers, gardeners
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is offering online town hall meetings led by agronomy, livestock and horticulture specialists.“MU Extension has long served as a trusted and necessary resource to help Missourians get food on the table and gardens in the backyard,” says Lee Miller, coordinator of MU’s Integrated Pest Management program. “We’ll strive to continue this even through COVID-19.”
May proclaimed Older Americans Month in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The city of Columbia has designated the month of May as Older Americans Month — a fitting recognition of the insights and contributions older adults bring to society during a pandemic that has disproportionately affected this vulnerable population globally, said Jack Wax, advisory council chair for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Mizzou.