Show-Me-Select rules require genetically tested bull EPDs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – New sire selection rules for Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers improve reliable calving-ease genetics.“Bulls used in the heifer program will carry DNA-tested EPDs (expected progeny differences),” said Jared Decker, University of Missouri Extension geneticist.The rules going into effect Feb. 1, 2019, were set by the SMS governing board of farmers.“DNA tests add reliability to EPDs for selecting herd bulls,” Decker said.
MU food scientist studies soy rations for swine, poultry to add high-oleic fat
COLUMBIA, Mo. – To make better bacon, feed a better soybean. Bryon Wiegand, University of Missouri food scientist, studies the use of Missouri’s high-oleic soybean oil in livestock rations.In a report at Soy Day, Wiegand joined MU faculty telling farmers how their soybean checkoff dollars support research. They spoke at the Bay Farm Research Facility east of Columbia.
Don’t be fooled by fancy food labels — read the ingredients
These days many people are very intentional about selecting healthy and nutritious foods for themselves and their families. And yet even the most conscientious may be fooled by fancy food labels that cleverly make consumers think they are getting something better than they are. Some tricks have been around for a long time. Here are some described in the April 2011 issue of Nutrition Action HealthLetter.
Food labeled as “natural” isn’t necessarily healthy
According to an August 2008 issue of Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, we are spending $13 billion per year on foods labeled as “natural.” The word “natural” makes it seem like the food is better for you, but that isn’t necessarily the case.
Summer can create challenges for food budget
It is important to provide balanced, nutritious meals for your children throughout the summer. Unfortunately, summertime can pose challenges to the family food budget because children are eating more meals at home.
Spring into savings at the grocery store
You don’t have to be an extreme couponer to save money on your groceries. Here are nine things you can do to save your family about $200 a month.
Choose lean ground beef for better health
While shopping at the grocery store, it is easy to spend a long time at the meat counter trying to make a decision about which package of ground beef to buy. There are percentages written on the package and there is a big price difference. For health, it is best to purchase the leanest ground beef. If that is too hard on your wallet, there are ways you can decrease the fat in ground beef.
Beans are inexpensive, healthy and convenient
Beans are one of the best values around when it comes to the amount of nutrients for your dollar. One cup of cooked pinto beans provides 14 grams of fiber, 14 grams of protein, less than one gram of fat and around 230 calories.
Organic produce – Is it the best choice?
Most of us would like to feed ourselves and our families the most nutritious foods we can. Sometimes, however, it is not clear what choice to make. Marketers would have us think organic is best, but a report in a Tufts Health and Nutrition Letter describes an analysis of current research that indicates that organic may not be as great as once thought in terms of nutrition.
Free Seasonal and Simple app
The Seasonal and Simple smart phone application is available for both iOS and Android devices. The application is free to download.
Brussels sprouts can be a nutritious treat
Brussels sprouts, the green cruciferous vegetables sometimes referred to by children as “cannon balls,” are not typically a favorite from the vegetable group. But when they are selected well, eaten soon after they are picked and cooked properly, they can be a nutritious treat.
Make a mystery meal into a culinary delight
It’s time to eat. You open the fridge and find some brown rice, a small piece of meat and some leftover vegetables. How can this possibly become a meal? Here are some tips on converting a mystery meal of leftovers into a culinary delight.
Pick a peck of peppers this summer
Peppers come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and flavors ranging from sweet to spicy hot. They are a colorful addition to any meal, or they can be enjoyed as a snack on their own.
Helping children develop good health habits
Parents play an important role in helping their children develop good health habits. Healthy children eat well, live a physically active life and feel good about themselves and others.
Back-to-school nutrition
With the new school year upon us, parents should be reminded of the important role nutrition plays in assuring kids a successful school year. Nutrition and learning go hand in hand.
Healthy habits for your preschool-aged child
Preschool is a good time to help your child develop good eating habits. Because your child is with you most of the time, it is easier to influence their food choices. Keep in mind that the eating habits learned during this time can be carried into the future.
Good nutrition can be a tough sell to finicky eaters
The picky food preferences of children can make even the best of parents struggle to ensure their child eats right and to keep mealtimes from being a battle.
Feed your young athlete for maximum performance
Eating healthfully helps an athlete reach maximum potential. Good stamina and energy are a result of eating healthy meals on a regular basis. The timing of meals and choice of food also can have an impact on physical performance.
Small grain crops seeded this fall replace dry pastures for cow herds
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Seeding winter annual small grain offers fall grazing for beef cow herds short on grass and hay.“Lots of calls are coming in,” said Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist. He offers encouraging words and cautions.Interest grew as some local USDA Farm Service Agency offices offer added drought disaster assistance.
Drought stays as beef farmers plan on fall rains to make winter pasture
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Stunted, stemmy pastures unable to support grazing cattle have potential. Depend on fall rains to bring fall regrowth, says University of Missouri Extension forage agronomist Craig Roberts.Cool-season grass growth always slumps in summer. Fescue goes dormant. This year, the slump dives deep with lack of rain and too much heat. In spite of that, Missouri farmers should prepare for fall regrowth for winter grazing.
Choose a pressure canner to safely preserve foods
With each year’s growing season, there seems to be another round of “new and improved” kitchen gadgets to make preserving the harvest easier and better. Some can be a great help; others, like the electric multi-cooker appliances, may not result in the safe canned product one might be expecting.
Packing perfect pickles
It can be very rewarding to serve your family and guests your very own homemade pickles. Whether you are a novice or experienced pickle maker there are things to keep in mind when making your pickled products. Below are several questions that we have received at the Extension office with the correct answers:
Blanch vegetables before freezing
Every fresh sweet corn season I hear people telling others to preserve their corn by just putting it in the freezer. Unless you are freezing onions or green peppers, blanching is a must before freezing vegetables.