
Some Basics of Exporting
In the first article, we shared some basic information on some of the “whys” of exporting, including the expected growth in the international market for US businesses and available resources in this area for the small business owner to succeed. In this article, we will start to explore some of the factors to take into account as you reach a decision regarding if exporting is the right next step for your business.

Acts of Neighboring Are Easier Than Many People Imagine
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Performing an act of neighboring is easier than many people imagine according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “Acts of neighboring are often simple gestures that you help you be a good neighbor, lift up others and make your neighborhood or community a better place to live,” said Burton.

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.

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.

April in National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Everyone in the community has a role in helping build the foundation and future of the children in their community. Below are a few examples of how community members can help prevent child abuse and neglect:

Child Abuse and Neglect is a Public Health Issue
April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Child abuse and neglect is a public health issue and is referred to as behavior that results in harm, potential harm, or threat of harm directed toward a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in care, custody, or control of the child. There are four common types of abuse and neglect:

Supporting Families in Your Community
Children are shaped by their earliest experiences and relationships. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as child abuse and neglect, can cause high levels of stress.

Bold goal, bold future: Doubling the value of Missouri agriculture by 2030
Missouri aims to double the value of agriculture by 2030 through innovation in production, processing, and local food systems, driving community growth.

Risk for Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults
Older adults are at risk for loneliness and social isolation. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) issued a report stating more than one-third of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Some might use loneliness and social isolation interchangeably however there are differences. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact an individual…

Positive Relationship Development Impacts Your Neighborhood and Community Says Specialist
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The relationships we have with others impact different aspects of our lives, according to Amber Allen, a human development specialist with University of Missouri Extension. We have relationships with our children, significant others, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone we interact with daily. Those relationships impact our families, neighborhoods, communities, coworkers, schools, churches, organizations, and…

A Handwritten Note to a Neighbor Can Be a Game Changer
A handwritten note can have a powerful impact, offering a personal touch that builds connections and encourages others, especially in times of isolation.

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.

The Myth of Multitasking
Have you ever been paying a bill online, while trying to get dinner ready, while letting the dog out, all while asking your family about their day. Societal norms have told us multitasking makes us more efficient and allows us to get more done all at once. However, the opposite is true we get less done; become more stressed; and tired. Researchers suggest that multitasking can actually reduce productivity by as much as 40%.

The Health Benefits of an Attitude of Gratitude
It is that time of year where we start saying what we are thankful for however, having an attitude of gratitude throughout the year can have many health benefits. Gratitude is defined as the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself; it is a general state of thankfulness and appreciation.

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
Discover how veterans can leverage educational benefits and career resources to transition into civilian careers with valuable connections and support.

Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inducts new members for 2020
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Making the best better” for generations of Missouri 4-H club members, 44 volunteers joined the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame. The 2020 inductees, from 36 counties, have established a legacy totaling 1,008 years of service to 4-H.

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.

MU Extension develops COVID dashboard for Andrew County
SAVANNAH, Mo. – Like health departments across Missouri, the Andrew County Health Department has its hands full with efforts to track and contain the spread of COVID-19. The staff, who often work well into the evening, needed a better way to share critical information with the public.

Three Key Factors Needed for a Healthy Neighborhood
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Three factors continually show up in research when people express what they want in a “healthy” neighborhood: safe, clean, and friendly. According to David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, individuals can take actions that will improve these factors in their neighborhood.