Results from fall SW Mo. Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Days
STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is important for reproductive performance and profitability of the cattle operation to identify bulls that are not sound breeders and replace them prior to the breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. This is the goal of the Southwest Missouri Fall Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) Days, which also educate cattle producers on bull management for a successful…
SW Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale results
Southwest Missouri’s heifer sale saw 112 head average $3,205 per head, with top lots reaching $4,500.
Heatstroke can kill quickly in hot cars
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that. “It’s not just negligent parents or indifferent caregivers. When juggling the demands of work, parenting and daily life, it’s easier than you might think to make a simple but fatal mistake,” says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety…
Severe-weather resources from MU Extension
Access free resources, guides, and videos to stay safe and prepared during severe weather and flooding emergencies.
“Missouri’s Most Engaged Neighbors” Announced as Part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week Awards
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Twelve Missourians have been chosen for statewide recognition as “Missouri’s Most Engaged Neighbor” for 2023 as part of the planned activities for Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4). Sixty-two people were nominated for recognition as one of Missouri's most engaged neighbors. Each of them received an acknowledgment letter and gift by mail.
Best Acts of Neighboring Announced from Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2023
Missourians shared nearly 20,000 acts of kindness during Good Neighbor Week, celebrating community and connection statewide.
Partnership helps southern Missouri landowner stave off feral hogs
SALEM, Mo. – If anything is worse than a pasture rooted up by feral hogs, it’s a pasture that dries and hardens after hogs leave damaged areas the size of tractor tires. Freddie Leroux’s damaged pastures need to be repaired and reseeded. He waits for soaking rains to soften the ground so he can smooth out ruts.
Missouri Good Neighbor Week Gains Momentum in 2023, Blows Past Goal
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Missourians from all walks of life celebrated the first Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4) by doing and reporting neighboring acts and nominating others as the most engaged neighbors in their respective counties. For the second year, University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project teamed up to sponsor the week across Missouri.
Drought meetings offered in SW Missouri Aug. 4
Attend free SW Missouri meetings Aug. 4 for cattle producers on drought survival, hay management, and feeding strategies.
Things to consider as you feed your way through the drought
“Cattle producers are dealing with varying degrees of drought and forage resources,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension livestock field specialist. Some cattle producers have received adequate rain and are recovering from the 2022 drought through rebuilding forage and cattle resources. Other cattle producers have received limited rain and are continuing to deal with drought conditions from 2022 with less resources in 2023.
Missouri SBDC continues to “Elevate” second-stage businesses
This spring, five Missouri small businesses began the journey to grow beyond the second stage. Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC’s) Elevate program, these five business owners, at no cost to them, are gaining knowledge from various experts that most small-business owners rarely have access to.
Missouri Good Neighbor Week named Program of the Year at Neighborhoods USA conference
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, returned from the 48th annual Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference in El Paso, Texas, May 24-28, with the Best Neighborhood Program award. This year's conference drew more than 625 people from 34 states and featured educational workshops, speakers, tours, networking opportunities and an awards program.
Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show call for entries
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Now that hay season is in full swing, it is a good time to pull hay samples for entry in the Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show in Springfield, says University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Tim Schnakenberg.Entry deadline is July 17. To enter, contact the nearest MU Extension specialist. They are available to help pull the core samples from the 10-bale entry.
Convoy of Hope partners with MU Extension on new weather station
A new weather station in Greene County provides real-time data to support agriculture and research in southwestern Missouri.
Flood-related resources from MU Extension
Access practical tips and guides to stay safe, protect property, and recover after floods.
Goal of Turquoise Tables Is To Create Gathering Spot for Neighbors
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Getting to know your neighbors may be as easy as getting a picnic table, painting it turquoise, and creating a neighborhood gathering spot in your front yard. Sounds a bit crazy, but according to David Burton, a University of Missouri Extension community development specialist, the turquoise table movement that began in 2018 is still going strong nationwide.
Avoid applying nitrogen to tall fescue pastures in spring
Reduce livestock loss and toxin risk by avoiding nitrogen fertilization on tall fescue pastures in spring; reserve fertilizing for fall.
Cheap hay isn't cheap
Cheap hay can cost more in the long run due to poor quality, storage, and feeding practices.
Registration open for fescue workshop
Register for a March workshop on renovating toxic tall fescue pastures and integrating improved varieties into grazing systems.
Workshop tells how and why to renovate tall fescue pastures
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Forage and beef producers can learn from world-renowned forage experts the how and why of renovating toxic tall fescue pastures at a March 23 workshop in Mount Vernon, Missouri.
Missouri SBDC elevates business, impacts economic development
Over the past two years, a group of 22 second-stage Missouri small businesses increased sales by $10.7 million, made capital investments of $8.2 million, and added 74 jobs. These businesses were beneficiaries of research and advice from leading experts in a customized consulting program called Elevate. Targeted at second-stage businesses, Elevate is sponsored by the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with…
Forage expert gives 4 top reasons to frost seed legumes
Frost seeding legumes boosts pasture yield, cattle health, and reduces fertilizer costs in Missouri fields.
Master Showman Competitions: Displaying Youths’ Hard Work
The Issue 4-H and FFA Livestock projects impact youth life skill development in motivation, responsibility, goal setting, discipline, and leadership (Anderson et al., 2015; Boleman et al., 2004; Evans, et al. 2019; Heavner et al., 2011; Rusk et al, 2003). Knowledge of husbandry and showing procedures increased the longer youth participate in the projects (Havner et al., 2011; Rusk et al., 2003).
Emergency Response Is a Good Reason for Developing Relationships With Neighbors
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- When a disaster strikes, who are you going to call? Several residents in rural Highlandville recently answered that question with action when they reached out to their neighbors and came to help when a neighbor's home caught on fire. It all began with an effort by Echo Alexzander to meet her new rural neighbors, which turned out to be essential for an emergency response just a few weeks later.
Springfield's Tool Library a Model for Other Towns or Neighborhoods
A Springfield tool-sharing library promotes affordability, community, and sustainability—and offers a blueprint for other towns.