Kochia found in NW Missouri soybean fields
Kochia, a highly competitive weed that can reduce yields by as much as 70%, has been found in northwestern Missouri soybean fields. Kochia is not new to Missouri, but this may be the first report of kochia showing up in cropland.
Report outlines Missouri population growth
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Analysis from University of Missouri Extension has placed Missouri as the 19th-most-populous state in the U.S. as of 2024, with 6.25 million residents.
Missouri's best-kept secret is hiding in plain sight
How MU Extension helps people help themselves—all across the state.
The 'soy of gardening' includes edamame
COLUMBIA, Mo. – You may have seen edamame in grocery stores or on salad bars and not known what it is, says Todd Higgins, University of Missouri Extension specialist in horticulture. Edamame is a type of soybean grown for direct consumption by people. Edamame (pronounced eh-duh-mah-may) translates from Japanese as “beans on a branch” since they are often sold with the pod still attached to the stem.
MU Extension, Extension Foundation launch national group to support veterans
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension, in collaboration with the Extension Foundation, has launched a new Connect Extension subgroup, “Extension for Veterans: Honoring Service, Providing Support.” This initiative is designed to support extension professionals who work with or are interested in engaging veterans, serving as a national hub for sharing resources, best practices, and innovative programs.
Extension horticulturist named Conservationist of the Year
Todd Higgins was honored as 2025 Conservationist of the Year for promoting soil health and conservation practices across northwest Missouri.
Are insects the future of food?
Insects are a sustainable, nutritious food source gaining attention. Learn about their benefits, the role they could play in the future of food, and more.
10 ways to manage high input costs in 2025
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomist Wayne Flanary says 2025 likely will be a year when corn producers need to batten down the hatches to offset low sale prices and high input costs. MU Extension ag business economist Ben Brown and others predict that corn prices will fall below the $4.30 mark by the end of 2025, a marked drop from $6.54 per bushel in 2023.
Gardening boosts your immune system
Discover how gardening can strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being through nature and physical activity.
Turkey triumph: Master the perfect Thanksgiving bird
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Don’t be intimidated by the the prospect of cooking a big Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not that difficult, even for novice cooks, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist. First, make sure you have enough bird, says Tammy Roberts. If you’re hosting a large group, get at least 1 pound of whole turkey per person, especially if you want leftovers. If you don’t want leftovers or are cooking a turkey…
Serving those who served
Discover how dedicated programs support veterans with resources, education, and community services to ease their transition to civilian life.
Sedum: Pollinators love this easy-peasy purple and pink plant
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Sedums, also known as stonecrop, are low-maintenance plants that come with a host of benefits. They withstand extreme heat and drought, yet some are winter-hardy as far north as USDA hardiness zone 3. “In short, sedums are about as low-maintenance as plants can get,” said University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein.
Missouri growers are sweet on honey of a berry
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The 2024 “Miss Congeniality” of Missouri backyard fruits might be honeyberry. Honeyberry’s ability to thrive in conditions that often challenge blueberries makes it a promising choice for gardeners seeking a productive and low-maintenance fruit, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. This crowned jewel of a bush grows in a variety of soils and resists disease and pests.
MU study looks at poultry litter's impact on soybean yields
ROCK PORT, Mo. – A six-year study at the University of Missouri’s Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center in northwestern Missouri looked at the impact of poultry litter on soybean crops. “Poultry litter is increasingly being applied to row crops in northwest Missouri,” said MU Extension agronomy specialist Wayne Flanary, who conducted the research. “Manures such as litter are valuable because they add organic matter and…
Mosquitoes can take a bite out of outdoor fun
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - With summer rain come mosquitoes, and with mosquitoes come not just itchy bites but the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, Zika virus and yellow fever, among others, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist and entomologist Tamra Reall. Prevention
Battling Japanese beetles in your garden and flowers
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Patience and a bucket of soapy water are your best friends when fending off Japanese beetles in the garden, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. Reall recommends tapping beetles off plants by hand and putting them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. You can also shake them off the plant into the bucket.
Truman gardens still bloom with beauty thanks to Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners continue to care for Truman Gardens, preserving its historical beauty with vibrant blooms that enhance the visitor experience.
Missouri Master Gardeners volunteer to teach others their passion
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – During this National Volunteer Week, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall notes that volunteers across the state are the backbone of the Missouri Master Gardener Extension Program. “They are such an important part of our extension mission and are ambassadors for sharing research-based information with our communities,” Reall says.
Kansas City neighborhoods 'write the vision'
A self-described data geek, Shatomi Luster-Edward has the All Things Missouri link bookmarked for ready access. Luster-Edward has found the MU CARES data-mapping and data-visualization tool vital to her work as MU Extension Urban West regional director.
Total eclipse is brief 'buzzkill' for bees
JACKSON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists have the buzz on how the April 8 solar eclipse will stop bee activity for a few minutes in parts of Missouri. MU Extension agronomist and beekeeper Travis Harper says the upcoming eclipse offers a buzzworthy opportunity to learn about solar eclipses and apiculture – the science of bees.
Creating a Kansas City regional arts inventory
University of Missouri Extension’s Urban West Region is partnering with ArtsKC to develop a comprehensive asset map and online arts inventory for the five-county Kansas City metro region. The ArtsKC Regional Arts Impact Dashboard helps to:
Master Gardener works to help prevent diabetes through fresh food
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Toni Gatlin can’t change genetics, but she hopes to change the eating habits of children to help prevent diabetes. About 37 million Americans – around 11% of the U.S. population – have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health problems linked to diabetes affect the eyes, kidneys, heart and nerves, says MU Extension health and safety…
MU Master Gardeners 'Dreams' team grows love of gardening, education
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City and Master Naturalists use gardening to teach students to grow healthy food and dream big. The Extension Master Gardener group, called Urban Green Dreams, works with Kansas City youths using Eating From the Garden, a research-based MU Extension program for fourth and fifth grade students.
Tuesday Tip videos bring gardening tips alive
Get expert gardening tips in short, engaging videos covering topics like plant care, pest control, and seasonal advice for gardeners at every level
Billions of cicadas bring buzzy magic to Missouri in 2024
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Billions of cicadas will buzz this spring as two broods emerge at the same time. These broods last emerged together in 1803 and won’t appear together again for 221 years. That means that your grandchildren’s great-great-great grandchildren likely will be the next group to experience the dual emergence of these cicada broods that appear in 13- and 17-year life cycles, says University of Missouri Extension specialist…