The following publications might be of particular interest to people in Webster County. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Deciduous Shrubs

Reviewed

Christopher J. Starbuck
Department of Horticulture

Safe Ground Handling of Horses

Revised

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

During the last decade, participation in horse-related activities has continued to grow. The National Safety Council estimates that more than 10 million people in the United States are involved in equine sports. Membership in many horse associations has grown steadily.

Buying a Horse

Revised

Wayne Loch
Department of Animal Sciences

Buying a horse should be well planned and carefully thought out. Don't settle for less than you expect or more than you can handle. There are always other horses and other days.

Water-Efficient Gardening and Landscaping

Reviewed

Editor's note
Since this guide was printed and last reviewed, a note alerting readers to the invasive nature of amur honeysuckle has been added to this page.

Denny Schrock
Department of Horticulture

Septic Tank/Absorption Field Systems: A Homeowner's Guide to Installation and Maintenance

Revised

70% of septic tanks don't function properly. Visit our site for our: Septic Tank/Absorption Field Systems: A Homeowner's Guide to Installation and Maintenance.

Plants Poisonous to Livestock

Reviewed

Fred Fishel
Department of Agronomy

Seeding Rates, Dates and Depths for Common Missouri Forages

Reviewed

Visit our site for our resource on Seeding Rates, Dates and Depths for Common Missouri Forages.

How to Manage and Control Storm Water Runoff (Fact Sheet)

New

Storm water runoff poises many risks to health and the environment. Visit our site to read our How to Manage and Control Storm Water Runoff (Fact Sheet).

Drinking Water Well Management (Work Sheet)

New

Work sheet 3

Fact sheet 3

How to Manage and Control Storm Water Runoff (Work Sheet)

New

Work sheet 2

Fact sheet 2

Household Wastewater: Septic Systems and Other Treatment Methods (Fact Sheet)

New

Visit our website here to view our Household Wastewater: Septic Systems and Other Treatment Methods (Fact Sheet).

Drinking Water Well Management (Fact Sheet)

New

Learn how to keep your well water free of harmful contaminants. These tips on well location, construction and maintenance; water testing; and abandoned wells can help.

Household Wastewater: Septic Systems and Other Treatment Methods (Work Sheet)

New

Work sheet 4

Fact sheet 4

Assessment 1
Septic system design and location

This work sheet is used with Fact Sheet 4, which provides information and resources to address household wastewater problems that may be revealed through the use of this work sheet.

Pesticide Dilution Table

Reviewed

Fred Fishel
Department of Agronomy

Personal Protective Equipment for Working With Pesticides

Reviewed

Fred Fishel
Department of Agronomy

Managed Grazing Systems and Fencing for Distribution of Beef

New

Learn about the layout, design and advantages of continuous, rotational and management-intensive grazing. Paddocks, fences, and how to calculate your grass production and needs are also covered in this University of Missouri Extension guide.

Separation Distances for Livestock Manure Management Systems

Revised

Charles D. Fulhage
Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

All-Terrain Vehicles

Revised

Since their introduction, the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has increased dramatically each year. In addition to widespread recreational use, the agricultural sector has realized the value of the ATV as a workhorse. Unfortunately, fatalities and injuries involving ATVs are occurring at an alarming rate. Many of these accidents could have been prevented by knowing and following a few steps for safe ATV use.

Interpreting Missouri Soil Test Reports

Reviewed

John A. Lory
Plant Science Unit and Commercial Agriculture Program

Peter Scharf and Manjula V. Nathan
Plant Science Unit

Nitrate in Drinking Water

Reviewed

Reviewed and adapted for Missouri from Nitrate in Drinking Water by Karen Mancl, Water Quality Specialist
The Ohio State University

Wanda Eubank, Jerry D. Carpenter and Beverly A. Maltsberger
MU Extension

Nix Anderson
Missouri Department of Health,

Reducing Pond Seepage

Revised

Donald L. Pfost
Department of Agricultural Engineering

Don Williams and Richard Koenig
Natural Resources Conservation Service

Pesticide Application Safety

Revised

David E. Baker
Department of Agricultural Engineering

The great variety of pesticides used in America's agricultural production system presents varying degrees of hazard. These products were made to alter life cycles of living pest organisms, and many of these products are dangerous to people if not handled properly.

Tractor Tire and Ballast Management

New

William W. Casady
Department of Agricultural Engineering

Careful management of ballast and tire inflation pressure can maximize tractive efficiency, minimize compaction, increase tractor drivetrain life and increase profitability.

Noise: The Invisible Hazard

Reviewed

Farm workers experience one of the highest rates of hearing loss among all occupations. This is due in part to the many potential sources of loud noise on the farm: tractors, combines, grinders, choppers, shotguns, conveyors, grain dryers, chain saws, etc. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause permanent hearing losses unless noise control measures are taken.

Johnsongrass Control

New

Johnsongrass is a troublesome perennial grass weed that reduces yields in many crops. Visit our website to learn about Johnsongrass control.