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.
Clinton County selected to test new broadband technology
A small town in northwestern Missouri is one of seven communities in the nation testing experimental technology that could expand rural access to high-speed internet and the opportunities that can bring. Missouri University of Science and Technology is leading a team that has been awarded a one-year, $300,000 grant through the technology nonprofit US Ignite’s Project OVERCOME.
Bold goal, bold future: Doubling the value of Missouri agriculture by 2030
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s bold goal for a bold future takes the old adage “go big or go home” to another level. What is the bold goal? Double the value of Missouri agriculture by 2030 while sustaining the state’s natural resources.
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.
Missouri farmer spreads MU Extension mission to beginning producers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s array of soils and topography allows producers to grow an extensive list of vegetables, from leafy greens to cucurbits. Springfield farmer Curtis Millsap is one of many producers who benefit from University of Missouri Extension guidance on commercial horticulture. Since 2003 he and his wife, Sarah, have been working with MU Extension, particularly horticulture specialist Patrick Byers.
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
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Scott Hoad was at a low point this spring, trying to piece together a decent living after being laid off from a job painting commercial aircraft. Then Hoad crossed paths with Amy Patillo, a University of Missouri Extension labor and workforce development specialist based in Springfield.
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.
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.
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.
MU Extension: Do not plant seeds you did not order
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulturists are asking the public to report unsolicited seed deliveries. MU Extension horticulturist Robert Balek notes that there have been reports from around the country of people receiving small padded envelopes of seed that they did not order. The seeds appear to originate from China.
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.
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.
Nanova — Columbia
Updates to Nanova’s story:
Spotted Wing Drosophila
Spotted Wing Drosophila has been found in fruit crops all over Missouri, starting in 2013. This reference page includes articles, photos, and links to web sites with more information. Photos are at bottom of this page. Newspaper columns from Tim Baker, NW Region Horticulture Specialist
New COVID-19 tracking tool monitors continuous 14-day trends as nation, states reopen
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new tracking tool developed at the University of Missouri provides a continuously updated 14-day snapshot of new cases of COVID-19 in every county in the nation, helping the public monitor trends in cases as local stay-at-home restrictions are lifted and other measures are gradually repealed.
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.”
MU CARES launches COVID-19 Testing Dashboard
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri’s Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES) has launched the COVID-19 Testing Dashboard, an online mapping and charting tool that provides a graphical look at COVID-19 testing in each state. Testing rates and positive test rates are important indicators for the prevalence of COVID-19 in populations as states move toward easing physical distancing restrictions and allowing…
Missouri Food Finder
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Food Finder (www.MOFoodFinder.org) is a new online tool that easily connects Missouri consumers with people growing and selling locally produced food in their region. (Note: Since initial publication of this news release the site has been renamed Show Me Food and can be found at ShowMeFood.org.)
Mobilizing mask makers in NW Missouri
CAMERON, Mo. – Volunteers across northwestern Missouri have mobilized into a virtual sewing factory, turning out homemade masks to help protect local health care providers and emergency responders against COVID-19. Their goal is 15,000 masks, and volunteers have already completed — or are actively working on — about 8,000 masks right now.
Tips for dairy herd safety during COVID-19
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton and veterinarian Scott Poock used to repeat one word to students and workers at MU’s Foremost Dairy Research Center. “Intake. Intake. Intake” has given way to “Sanitize. Sanitize. Sanitize.”
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.”
COVID-19 and farms
MU Extension specialists offer guidelines and tips for COVID-19 safety on the farm.
Farmers face unique safety risks during COVID-19
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers and ranchers face unique safety risks as COVID-19 continues to spread.The predicted peak of the COVID-19 outbreak likely will hit as spring planting season shifts into high gear, says Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy.Physical distancing becomes difficult as farmers receive seed and chemical deliveries, Lee says.