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Missouri 4-H holds virtual livestock judging contest
COLUMBIA, Mo – The 2020 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest took place virtually Sept. 12-13. More than 100 youths from across the state applied their evaluation and communication skills in this contest. Youths involved with the livestock judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success, says Maria Calvert, state 4-H agriculture and natural resources educator.
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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.
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Streaming through a pandemic, Creative Edge - Cape Girardeau, MO
Creative Edge adapted to COVID-19 by helping clients stream services, keeping business running and reaching new audiences.
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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.
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MU Extension: Do not plant seeds you did not order
Warns people not to plant unsolicited seeds from abroad to avoid invasive pests, diseases, or viruses.
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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.
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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.
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Nanova — Columbia
Nanova Inc., founded by MU engineering faculty, secured $7M in funding and built a 6,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in Columbia, Missouri.
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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.”
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Why small business owners need to understand copyrights
Learn why understanding copyrights is essential for small business owners to protect and profit from their creative work.
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Your business income statement has a few surprises
Many small business owners take their financial statements and put them on the back burner. This lack of attention can result in the business owner being caught in a cash flow crunch or, worse, waking up one day to ask, “Where has my money gone?”
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How to protect your valuable business ideas
Discover legal ways to safeguard your business ideas — patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets — from rivals and misuse.
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"Yes Virginia, there is funding for your business … "
Just as the reference to the 1890s editorial in The (New York) Sun indicates, there is funding in the capital world for many businesses if they cannot get it from traditional local or institutional banks.
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Small business owners and the financial records payoff
Just the other day, I had a discussion with a local small business owner about where his money went. His financials showed he made a profit, but he did not have it in his bank account. As we talked, I asked questions about his record-keeping. He pulled out his checkbook and indicated that that was his method of keeping records. I asked about balance sheets, cash flow and profit and loss and he was hooked to learn more.
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Tips for dairy herd safety during COVID-19
Protect dairy workers during COVID-19 with safety zones, hygiene, and limited farm traffic.
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MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab still open and serving Missouri agriculture
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For now, the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory remains open. “We understand the essential role the lab plays in supporting Missouri's agricultural industry,” said Robert Kallenbach, MU Extension senior program director for agriculture and environment. “If we can continue to operate safely, the MU Soil Testing Laboratory in Columbia will continue to accept samples.”
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COVID-19 and farms
MU Extension specialists offer guidelines and tips for COVID-19 safety on the farm.
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Farmers face unique safety risks during COVID-19
Farmers and ranchers face heightened risks from deliveries, equipment sharing, and close contacts during COVID-19 and need adapted safety protocols.
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MU Extension specialists on coping with COVID-19's financial impact
Get expert advice on managing the financial impact of COVID-19, including budgeting, debt relief, and financial planning strategies.
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Show Me Resilience
Missourians unite to overcome challenges, accessing resources, online programs, and support during difficult times.
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The three pricing strategies for small business owners
A question that frequently comes up in my counseling sessions is, “What can I charge for this?” After a few discussions and cost gathering, we arrive at a true cost. Honestly, there are only three pricing strategies a small business owner can use in any situation: everyday low price (EDLP); high price, high value; and market parity.
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Who really are your customers?
When I was in the advertising business, I would always ask my clients, “Who are your customers?” “Everyone” was a common response. Even if I questioned further, I received the same response. I would finally start to talk about categories — like their most frequent customers or those who only came in at specific times of the year — and we would start to get a better picture.
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Coupons still a solid small business sales strategy
Coupons are the most common sales promotional tool used by businesses. Their usage continues to grow each year, as they provide a way for the consumer to save money while offering the retailer a way to grow and retain sales. The coupon has consistently proven to be an effective business tool.
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How to set your business apart from your competition
As I spend time with friends, I often hear them say, "There is no unique place to go shop these days. They all have the same stuff." To which I reply: "Why do you shop where you do?" This at times leads to an interesting dinner conversation. But it always reminds me that many business owners may not know how to set themselves apart from the competition at little or no cost.
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Small business succession planning means success in small towns
Many small rural towns in Missouri have a large population of aging baby boomers. They are retiring at the rate of 10,000 per day or over 4 million annually, according to the Washington Post. But what are they doing with their business assets when they retire?