Four counties join Missouri EATs to strengthen local food systems
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri EATs welcomes Dade, Barry, Lawrence and Harrison counties to the program’s 2025-2026 cohort. The Missouri EATs initiative, a program of University of Missouri Extension, is part of the Missouri Rural Food Access Partnership, a statewide collaboration dedicated to creating resilient and thriving food systems across Missouri. These new counties join Nodaway and Mississippi counties from the 2024-2025 cohort.
MU Hundley-Whaley Farm, Field and Family Day set for Sept. 3
ALBANY, Mo. – The 48th annual University of Missouri Hundley-Whaley Farm, Field and Family Day is Sept. 3 at Albany in northwestern Missouri.
Johnsongrass appears in NW Missouri crops, pastures
Johnsongrass seems to be rearing its ugly head again in northwestern Missouri. Reaching over 6 feet in height, this perennial is a common weed of roadside ditches, crops and pastures. It grows quickly and is very competitive with other crops and forages.
Mizzou meets Missouri at the State Fair
Whether it’s through interactive exhibitions, educational programming or support for young leaders, Mizzou plays a proud role in helping the fair fulfill its mission to champion Missouri agriculture and inspire future generations.
Graves-Chapple field day, Aug. 26, looks at tech, crops and pests
FAIRFAX, Mo. – The annual field day at the University of Missouri Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center near Corning on Aug. 26 will look at the many ways producers use drones to improve farm efficiency and yields. MU Extension agricultural engineer and center director Jim Crawford says attendees will also hear about crop diseases and pests in Missouri crops this growing season.
2025 Missouri Hunger Atlas now available
Food insecurity is on the rise in Missouri, according to the newly released 2025 Missouri Hunger Atlas. Published every other year, the atlas provides local leaders, nonprofits and agencies with data they can use to guide resources and shape solutions.
A path to protect pollinators
MU Extension has partnered with the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail Coalition, which is working to make Missouri a fueling station for pollinators as they migrate between Canada and Mexico.
Update on MU Extension SNAP-Ed programming
Congress passed a budget reconciliation bill that has eliminated funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), and the program is officially ending Oct. 1, 2025.
When your garden becomes a drive-thru for wildlife
Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife. Just like people, deer and other critters are drawn to food that is tasty and convenient. A garden is wildlife’s equivalent of a fast food drive-thru.
Keep the sparkle, skip the ER: Fireworks safety for July 4
They light up the sky, but fireworks can also send people to the emergency room. Before you celebrate, take a few simple steps to keep your family safe.
Expert comment: Potential cuts to federal food assistance, nutrition education
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee recently approved a proposal that would make it harder to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), reduce benefits and make other changes. Jo Britt-Rankin, director of MU Extension SNAP-Ed, is available for interviews about SNAP, SNAP-Ed and how the proposed changes could affect Missourians.
Report outlines Missouri population growth
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Analysis from University of Missouri Extension has placed Missouri as the 19th-most-populous state in the U.S. as of 2024, with 6.25 million residents.
Missouri's best-kept secret is hiding in plain sight
How MU Extension helps people help themselves—all across the state.
NW Extension team wins big at Extension & Engagement Week
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension hosted its annual Extension & Engagement Week Oct. 21-23. The event brought together community leaders, educators and administrators from across Missouri to celebrate and strengthen the university’s mission of public engagement and outreach.
Heatstroke can kill quickly in hot cars
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that. “It’s not just negligent parents or indifferent caregivers. When juggling the demands of work, parenting and daily life, it’s easier than you might think to make a simple but fatal mistake,” says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety…
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.)
Patterson Family Foundation awards grant for 4-H youth workforce development
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Patterson Family Foundation has awarded funds to Missouri 4-H for a three-year pilot project focusing on youth workforce development, overcoming barriers to higher education and improving financial literacy. The project, which incorporates multiple 4-H programs, targets youths in the rural counties of Harrison, Livingston, Nodaway, Pettis and Vernon.
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.
Tar spot of corn confirmed in June in Missouri – the earliest ever
In June 2023, tar spot of corn was confirmed in Holt and Marion counties, Missouri, marking the earliest detection in the state.
Graves-Chapple weather station updates to real-time information
ROCK PORT, Mo. – An upgraded University of Missouri weather station in Atchison County now provides real-time weather data. The South Atchison weather station will give the agricultural community automated critical information, says Jim Crawford, director of the MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center.
Flood-related resources from MU Extension
News releases, publications and more. News releases
MU Graves-Chapple Center to add building
ROCK PORT, Mo. – For more than 30 years, the University of Missouri Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center near Rock Port has provided information to help growers increase their profitability and continue to be good stewards of their land and the environment.
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).
NW Missouri broadband planning offers statewide model
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Efforts to expand broadband access and digital literacy in northwestern Missouri can be a model for the rest of the state, said B.J. Tanksley, director of broadband development for the Missouri Department of Economic Development.