Species spotlight: Persimmon
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) goes by many common names; American persimmon, common persimmon, eastern persimmon, simmon, possumwood, and even sugar-plum. It ranges from southern Connecticut/Long Island to Florida, and west to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa.On the local landscape, its range is just as variable; occurring in rocky, dry, open woods; edges of woods, glades, prairies and wetlands, old fields, fencerows,…
Chancellor announces new vision for MU Extension and Engagement
Inspired by “all things Missouri,” the chancellor unveils a new vision to deepen engagement, expand program reach, and foster community-driven solutions statewide.
The power of protein
Everywhere we look we see new, great protein-boosted drinks and foods. But how much protein is really needed, and do Americans get enough or too much?
Be wary of energy drinks
Despite their popularity, energy drinks are not the best option nutritionally, said Tammy Roberts, former University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“Unfortunately, the energy in these drinks comes from sugar and stimulants like caffeine, guarana, ginseng and green tea,” Roberts said.
Pills, powders can't replace training and diet for young athletes
Young athletes, eager to be a starting player or earn a scholarship, may be tempted to follow the lead of pros and use performance enhancers to gain a competitive edge.Dale Brigham, University of Missouri nutrition and fitness specialist, said high school and college athletes are better off focusing on their diet and training, rather than relying on performance-enhancing supplements.
Active aging — Stay strong and stay healthy
When people talk about being physically active, many think of aerobic activities, but it is also about being strong. Getting the heart and lungs working to full capacity has great health benefits. Walking is perhaps the most common form of this type of exercise. When the weather permits, the walkers abound. But as a person ages, fear of falling may prevent him/her from getting out and moving.
Sports nutrition for better performance
You train hard, learn about the latest techniques and make sure your equipment is top-notch. You work hard to be good at your sport. But have you fueled your body for the demands you place on it?
Uncommon mite shows up in SW Missouri wheat fields
Winter grain mites, an unusual pest, have appeared in southwestern Missouri wheat fields, potentially affecting crop health.
New physical activity recommendations
The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association have released their 2007 recommendations for physical activity. These guidelines have been revised since the last update in 1995. Their goal is to help people live more active and healthy lives.
Pigs can’t sweat to cool off; give them help on hot days
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Pigs can’t cool themselves through sweating and need special attention during heat waves, says University of Missouri Extension swine nutrition specialist Marcia Shannon.Pigs take priority over any other animals on the farm when temperatures rise, Shannon says. Pigs have few working sweat glands to remove body heat.Shannon offers these tips:Provide an adequate, constant supply of fresh drinking water cooled to room…
Osher at Mizzou helps Columbia make Kiplinger’s top 10 list of great places to retire
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute makes Columbia one of the top 10 places to retire, according to the August 2015 edition of Kiplinger’s, a Washington, D.C.-based magazine of business forecasts and personal finance advice. Osher, part of University of Missouri Extension, complements Columbia’s institutions of higher learning with its noncredit programs for adults 50 and over.
Different distillers grains may change feed rations
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Ethanol plants are getting more efficient at extracting fuel from corn, and that can affect the quality of distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production often used as an economical feed alternative for hogs and poultry.“They are doing some further extraction to get more of the corn oil out of distillers grains,” says Marcia Shannon, University of Missouri Extension swine specialist. “So we’re getting a little bit…
Location, timing critical for double-crop success
COLUMBIA, Mo.–Double-cropping soybeans after wheat provides the opportunity to harvest two crops in the same year from the same piece of land. But there are challenges and concerns with double-cropping, and a University of Missouri Extension agronomist says location is a big factor.
MU Extension teaches kids that cooking matters
Kids learn healthy cooking and nutrition skills through hands-on lessons, building confidence and smart eating habits.
Mercury Communications, Inc.
The challenge Mercury Communications, Inc., a cellular tower manufacturer in Fenton, Mo., has been receiving assistance from the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) since June 2013 to improve training, marketing and advertising.
McCormick Armstrong Co. Inc.
The challenge McCormick Armstrong Co. Inc., a Kansas manufacturer, offers a world of printing solutions from domestic commercial sheet-fed and web printing, digital printing, bindery, mailing and fulfillment to a vast array of international production solutions.
PWI, Inc.
Aviation-lighting firm expands markets, upgrades to ISO 13485, and grows sales with trade assistance support.
Major Custom Cable Inc.
Learn how Major Custom Cable used trade-adjustment funding to upgrade its systems, improve quality, and add over $1M in revenue.
KC Tent & Awning Company
A Kansas City awning maker doubled revenue, expanded staff, and improved processes with trade-assistance support.
Express Scale Parts, Inc.
Learn how Express Scale Parts secured $75,000 in federal trade‐assistance funds, matched for $150,000, to upgrade operations and boost sales.
DTE, Inc. — Lebanon
Providers of custom automation, tooling and engineering services across industries, strengthened through strategic support to modernize operations.
HY-C Company, Inc. - St. Louis
Since 1947, a St. Louis hearth products maker grew from a garage operation into a city-block factory, evolving from aluminum chimney caps to steel accessories.
Custom Powder Systems — Springfield
Custom Powder Systems (CPS) designs, builds and automates the equipment used to dispense, size, mill and blend the powders used in the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries. The company also provides cleaning systems that rid these machines of powder residue, preventing cross contamination, ensuring FDA safety regulations are met and protecting the machine operators.
Avoid identity theft during tax season
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Identity thieves thrive during tax filing season. Take steps to prevent those electronic criminals from lining their pockets with your refund and personal information, says University of Missouri Extension personal finance specialist Andrew Zumwalt. First, file taxes promptly. Identity thieves try to file early so your refund goes to them before you file.
File a tax return even if you don't have to
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension personal finance specialist Andrew Zumwalt offers three reasons why you should file a tax return even if it is not required.