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.
What will it take to help small towns survive?
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Many small Missouri towns – perhaps most -- need new businesses and improvements in their downtown area, according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension. "One key is going to be rethinking how we do things," said Burton. "I just read 'The Total Town Makeover' by Andrew McCrea. He encourages communities to rethink business, community, and homes in small-town America."
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.
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
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.
Like a Good Neighbor, Sort of
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A landmark study on “good neighbors” by State Farm (2015) found that a sense of community among neighbors is a constant desire across generations. But, the State Farm survey also showed that Millennials may not know exactly how to connect; while Baby Boomers are generally most satisfied with relationships.
Scare up Good Times Year Round
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Halloween may look different for children and neighborhoods this year. But it is a good reminder that a neighborhood block party is the opportunity to scare up fun any time of year."A neighborhood block party is an opportunity for neighbors to get together, meet each other, have fun, and maybe work together on an everyday activity," said David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri…
The Power of Partnership
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri has launched MU Community Connect, a platform designed to improve opportunities for connection between the university and various populations in the communities they serve.
Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame inducts new members
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.
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.
New Class Teaches You to Become an Engaged Neighbor; Practice on National Good Neighbor Day Sept. 28
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- National Good Neighbor Day is this month, and University of Missouri Extension is encouraging residents of Republic, Ash Grove, Bois D'Arc, Willard, and Walnut Grove to find ways to celebrate the day on Sept. 28 (or alternately Saturday, Sept. 26).“Neighboring does take time and effort. But, there are both personal and community benefits,” said David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri…
Corn residue: cheap grazing for cattle
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Grazing drought-dried corn and cornstalks offers cattle inexpensive, nutritious forage, say two University of Missouri Extension specialists.Many corn and livestock growers turned to longtime MU Extension livestock specialist Eldon Cole to ask about grazing dried-up corn after persistent drought in southwestern Missouri this season.SW Missouri cows thrive in drought-stricken corn
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.
Wantland tops State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
SEDALIA, Mo. – The State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest looked somewhat different this year, but Lila Wantland remained consistent and led the field in dominating fashion at the Aug. 22 event held at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Wantland repeated her 2019 win, following up 2018 and 2017 victories in the intermediate division.
Survey Results of COVID-19 Remote Arrangements
University of Missouri Extension Wright County Engagement Specialist Janice Weddle and University of Missouri Extension Douglas County Engagement Specialist Dr. Krista Tate conducted surveys in rural areas to better understand and document outcomes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic remote work and school arrangements. After analyzing data collected from March to July, the results have been compiled.
Leadership Lesson: It is Halftime, What Adjustments Will You Make?
Most coaches have a pre-game plan. For example, Coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs has his first 15 players of the game planned out before the kickoff.Then as the game unfolds there are always surprises. Then comes the mid-point of the game.Halftime is where the real genius of coaches shows up."The halftime adjustments separate good coaches from the great coaches," said David Burton, county engagement specialist for University…
New dairy podcast takes research to the barn
MONETT, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel is a self-proclaimed “science geek.” She likes pawing through the latest science journals to keep on the cutting edge of dairy research that could improve the bottom line of Missouri dairy producers.
Happy, Mad, Sad, Glad: Helping Children Identify their Emotions
As summer comes to an end and plans for the school year unfold the children in your life might feel a wide range of emotions. It is our role as adults to help children identify those emotions. We can also model to children how to appropriately express our feelings. Children deal with many of the same emotions adult do.
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.
Birth order effects on personality and intelligence
“Birth order and it’s effects on the person has been fascinating scientists and the general public for at least one hundred years,” says Janice Weddle, County Engagement Specialist in Youth Development for the University of Missouri Extension. There have been several studies to try to pinpoint birth order effects on intelligence and personality, but results are met with criticism due to many factors, like the confounds of the research…
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.