Two weeds to watch in pastures, hayfields in 2024
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley lists two weeds to watch in 2024. Knotroot foxtail, like yellow foxtail, has a short, hair-like ligule and a typical foxtail-like seedhead. Unlike yellow foxtail, however, this species has short, knotty rhizomes. The invasive perennial is also known as bristle grass.
Partnership helps southern Missouri landowner stave off feral hogs
SALEM, Mo. – If anything is worse than a pasture rooted up by feral hogs, it’s a pasture that dries and hardens after hogs leave damaged areas the size of tractor tires.Freddie Leroux’s damaged pastures need to be repaired and reseeded. He waits for soaking rains to soften the ground so he can smooth out ruts.
Wanted: Missouri Digital Ambassadors
The University of Missouri Broadband Initiative is recruiting more volunteer Digital Ambassadors to help people in their communities take advantage of high-speed internet access.
MU Extension to teach gardening with hydroponics
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In the near future, you might not need to go to the garden or the grocery store to get your favorite salad fixings. Instead, you might be able to pluck them from your desktop or kitchen countertop.Horticulture educators from University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Cooperative Extension soon will teach classes in hydroponics, a system for growing plants without the usual constraints of the outdoors –…
Project helps reduce Missouri feral hog population by 65%
SALEM, Mo. – Kevin Crider knows a troublemaker when he sees one, whether it be two-legged or four-legged.
Missouri SBDC continues to “Elevate” second-stage businesses
This spring, five Missouri small businesses began the journey to grow beyond the second stage. Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC’s) Elevate program, these five business owners, at no cost to them, are gaining knowledge from various experts that most small-business owners rarely have access to.
Missouri youths compete at 2023 State 4-H Poultry Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Thirty-six youths from across Missouri attended the 2023 State 4-H Poultry Day, June 10 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center in Columbia.Competitions included a poultry judging contest, quiz bowl, egg demonstration contest, photo contest and dozen egg contest.
Severe-weather resources from MU Extension
News releases, videos, publications and more. Publications In-depth information is available from these MU Extension publications, which are available for free download. (To access publications, use the links below or go extension.missouri.edu/publications/ and search by publication number.)
Horticulturist plants seeds of hope in community
JACKSON, Mo. – Retired engineer Lois Caron’s lifelong thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Missouri Extension office where she often bent the ear of MU Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg.“She was a lifelong learner,” says Aufdenberg. “We had something that she wanted. We had knowledge, and she wanted that knowledge.”
Show-Me MO Success podcast: Tower Rock Stone Co. and Recovery Friendly Workplaces
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Substance use disorders affect workforces throughout Missouri. Addiction costs Missouri an estimated $34.5 million every day, or $12.6 billion a year.
4-H Feeding Missouri grants awarded by Missouri Farmers Care Foundation
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Seventeen Missouri 4-H clubs have been awarded 2023 4-H Feeding Missouri grants through the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation. This is the fourth year the Foundation has provided grants for Missouri 4-H clubs to fund local food security efforts.
Four SE Missouri cattle producers recognized
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Four southeastern Missouri cattle producers were recognized recently for their contributions to the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program over more than a quarter of a century each.The four were recognized prior to the most recent Show-Me-Select sale, says Erin Larimore, University of Missouri Extension animal science research specialist.
Missouri SBDC elevates business, impacts economic development
Over the past two years, a group of 22 second-stage Missouri small businesses increased sales by $10.7 million, made capital investments of $8.2 million, and added 74 jobs. These businesses were beneficiaries of research and advice from leading experts in a customized consulting program called Elevate. Targeted at second-stage businesses, Elevate is sponsored by the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with…
Master Showman Competitions: Displaying Youths’ Hard Work
The Issue 4-H and FFA Livestock projects impact youth life skill development in motivation, responsibility, goal setting, discipline, and leadership (Anderson et al., 2015; Boleman et al., 2004; Evans, et al. 2019; Heavner et al., 2011; Rusk et al, 2003). Knowledge of husbandry and showing procedures increased the longer youth participate in the projects (Havner et al., 2011; Rusk et al., 2003).
Leadership change in extension and engagement
University of Missouri President Mun Choi has announced that Marshall Stewart, chief engagement officer for the UM System and vice chancellor for extension and engagement for MU, is leaving the university to pursue another opportunity as Kansas State University's senior vice president for executive affairs, university engagement and partnerships, and chief of staff, effective Jan. 20, 2023.
Adding value to the family farm business, Inland Cape Rice Mill - Scott City, MO
Sam Schneider and his wife eat rice at every meal, so transitioning the family farm into growing rice was a challenge he was happy to take on.
More Missouri farmers growing peanuts
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – This is peanut harvest time in the Missouri Bootheel. Interest in the versatile legume has grown among Bootheel farmers since 2018, says University of Missouri Extension soils and cropping systems specialist Justin Calhoun.
Glufosinate-resistant Palmer amaranth found in Missouri Bootheel
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension researchers have confirmed the first case of glufosinate-resistant Palmer amaranth in Missouri’s Bootheel region.Palmer amaranth has been MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley’s No. 1 weed to watch in the rest of the state for years.Palmer amaranth spreads and adapts quickly to herbicides. When it goes to seed, the weed is a superstar, producing as many as 1 million seeds per…
Drought requires feed efficiency in cattle
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Low supplies of hay make feeding cattle a challenge.Elizabeth Picking, a University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in southwestern Missouri, sees the effects of severe drought in her area – dwindling hay supplies, poor-quality hay, high prices and ponds going dry.
MU Extension resources for farmers amid deepening drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “It’s not a good situation” for agriculture in the southern two-thirds of Missouri, where scant rainfall and high temperatures have led to worsening drought, said Pat Guinan, associate extension professor of climatology with University of Missouri Extension.The ample moisture in northern Missouri ends abruptly where drought conditions begin in central through southern Missouri, Guinan said.
MU Extension crops podcast debuts
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension field specialists have launched a podcast that explores topics of interest to Missouri row crop producers.
Cool gardening tips for hot days
JACKSON, Mo. – Both gardeners and their plants need extra care when it’s hot outside, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg.She reminds gardeners to take care of themselves first so they can tend to gardens and flowerbeds.Consider gardening in the early morning and late evening to avoid high temperatures and harsh sun.
MU Extension guide, spreadsheet help estimate farmland values
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Buyers and sellers who need an estimate of the value of a piece of farmland may not always find it feasible to get an appraisal, particularly one that reflects the land’s historical value needed to calculate taxes and settle estates.
Helping Midwesterners celebrate freedom — safely, Powder Monkey Fireworks - Weldon Spring, MO
“The last two years were our best two years,” said Chris Sander, owner of Powder Monkey Fireworks in three Missouri locations: Weldon Spring, Cape Girardeau and Bowling Green. Not many businesses can say that about sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
10 Missouri small businesses prepare to “Elevate” beyond the second stage
Ten second-stage Missouri small businesses are learning from experts and each other how to move to the next level. Selected from across the state and representing the advertising, construction, health care, manufacturing, and retail trade industries, the following businesses are participating in the 2022 Elevate program supported and led by the Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).