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.
Ask a Master Gardener: Difference between coated and plain seed
Readers can pose questions or get more information by calling 417-874-2963 and talking to one of the trained volunteers staffing the Master Gardener Hotline at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Greene County located inside the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807. Q. What is the difference if a seed is called “pelleted” or “coated” or just a plain seed? L.M., Ozark Answer by Master Gardener Mark…
Neighborhood art can spread kindness and joy in a community to combat isolation and loneliness
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Robert Frost once said, “Good fences make good neighbors.” While many families are sheltering-in-place, that phrase could be “good art makes good neighbors,” according to David Burton, a county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
MU Extension specialists on coping with COVID-19's financial impact
Get expert advice on managing the financial impact of COVID-19, including budgeting, debt relief, and financial planning strategies.
Show Me Resilience
Show Me Resilience. In challenging times, Missourians come together. This simple phrase illustrates how University of Missouri Extension and communities across the state are showing up for each other. People, businesses and communities across Missouri are working together in innovative and engaging ways – bringing the resources of the University of Missouri to the people who need them.
Seeding oats and clovers now improves spring grazing
STOCKTON, Mo. – Now is the time to seed oats and clovers to improve spring cattle grazing resources and reduce costs, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis. “Feed is a major cow-calf operation cost,” says Davis. Oats and clovers are forages to seed now to improve spring grazing resources and help reduce supplemental feed costs.
Neighboring has both personal and community benefits
How well do you know your neighbors? Can you name each of the neighbors that adjoin your property or apartment? Do you know a personal fact about each one? Do you speak to your neighbors? It turns out that less than two percent of Americans can say yes to all three of these questions.
Are you crazy busy? Setting priorities are key to regaining joy (and sanity)
“Hello, I am busy.” That has nearly become the standard greeting in the United States of America. But there is an answer that brings improvement, and it is not simply better “time management,” according to David Burton, county engagement specialist in community economic development with University of Missouri Extension.
Put your best fork forward: National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education campaign launched each March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign expanded from National Nutrition Week to National Nutrition Month in 1980 to reflect growing professional support and increased public interest in nutrition. The goal of the campaign is to reiterate the basics of healthy eating and to celebrate the expertise of registered dietitian nutritionists.
Strategies for nitrogen on wheat this spring
It was a difficult fall in Missouri and much of the Midwest. Crops came out late, crops came out wet, fields were rutted, wheat got planted late or not at all, and once the wheat was up it found itself in a hostile (cold & wet) environment.
Nitrogen: Flex and go fast
It's April 4 and raining again in central Missouri. A lot of work planned for fall did not get done. Opportunities to catch up in late winter or early spring have been nil. I expect a spring where the value of good decisions will be magnified.
Dicamba injury and insurance
Dicamba can harm neighboring plants, leading to third-party injury claims involving business liability insurance plans.
Third-party injury and federal crop insurance
Multi-peril crop insurance is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agencies. For row crop producers, the most common multi-peril crop policies purchased are revenue protection and yield protection. Both of these insurance products use the insured farmer’s actual yields in determining the level of indemnity, if any, to be paid.
Professional liability insurance
Perhaps the best-known type of professional liability insurance is malpractice insurance carried by medical professionals. Professional liability insurance carried by other professionals, such as accountants and architects, is frequently called errors and omissions insurance. Professional liability insurance is intended to covers lawsuits arising from professional services.
Wantland tops 2019 state 4-H dairy judging contest
Lila Wantland judged herself to the top of the senior division of the Missouri State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest. The contest was held Aug. 17 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Wantland was the high individual in the intermediate division of the state contest in 2018.
Water availability
Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report
Impact of major weather events
Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report
Wildlife population trends
Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report
Atrazine detects in surface water
Atrazine levels in Missouri surface water sometimes exceed EPA's 3 ppb limit but remain below harmful thresholds.
Farmer participation in conservation programs
Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report
Precision ag tools
Discover how precision ag tools like sensors, drones, and GPS improve efficiency, cut costs, and boost yields for smarter farming.
Fertilizer usage and efficiency
Farmers are improving fertilizer efficiency, producing more crops per unit. Adoption of better nutrient management practices is increasing.