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.
Controlling Runoff and Erosion at Urban Construction Sites
Reviewed
Runoff from construction sites is a major source of sediment. Visit our site to learn about Controlling Runoff and Erosion at Urban Construction Sites.
A Guide to the Common Forages and Weeds of Pastures
Reviewed $30
Editor's note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available for purchase.
Nitrate in Drinking Water
Reviewed
Nitrate contamination in drinking water poses health risks to infants and livestock, leading to conditions like methemoglobinemia.
Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri
Revised
Get custom service rates for fieldwork, planting, fertilizer, crop harvesting, hauling and heavy equipment activities from a survey of farmers, agribusinesses and contractors.
Making and Using Compost
Reviewed
Making compost transforms garden waste into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner, enhancing soil structure and fertility while reducing landfill use.
Pruning and Care of Shade Trees
Reviewed
Yearly pruning during the first few years can help a tree become established and strong. Learn when and how to prune and problems you might encounter.
Water-Efficient Gardening and Landscaping
Reviewed
Learn water-saving techniques for gardening, from drought-tolerant plants to efficient irrigation methods, and create a sustainable, beautiful landscape.
Grass Clippings, Compost and Mulch: Questions and Answers
Reviewed
Yard waste is valuable landscape resource. Visit our site for our Grass Clippings, Compost and Mulch: Questions and Answers resource.
Pruning Ornamental Shrubs
Reviewed
Learn effective techniques for pruning ornamental shrubs, including timing, tool selection, and maintenance tips to promote healthy plant growth.
Steps in Fertilizing Garden Soil: Vegetables and Annual Flowers
Reviewed
Learn how to test soil, apply fertilizers, and maintain nutrient levels for healthy vegetable and flower gardens.
Buying a Horse
Reviewed
Carefully plan your horse purchase with tips on budgeting, selecting, and evaluating horses, and ensuring long-term success in horse ownership.
Community Gardening Toolkit
Revised
Learn how to plan, start, and maintain a successful community garden with tips on organizing, site selection, funding, and long-term management.
Roses: Selecting and Planting
Reviewed
Roses are well adapted to many different environmental conditions. They are useful as landscape plants and prized as cut flowers.
Watering and Fertilizing Tomatoes in a High Tunnel
Reviewed
Proper watering and fertilization are essential for tomatoes in a high tunnel. High tunnels keep out natural rainfall, so timely irrigation is necessary.
Fruit Spray Schedules for the Homeowner
Reviewed
This guide provides seasonal spray schedules for common fruits, helping homeowners manage pests and diseases for healthier harvests.
Plants Poisonous to Livestock
Reviewed
Guide to identifying common Missouri plants toxic to livestock, including symptoms and habitats.
Missouri Fence and Boundary Law Reference Guide
Revised
Learn about Missouri fencing and boundary laws, including duties, rights, and resolving disputes between landowners regarding fences and boundaries.
Verbal Farm Rental Agreements Under Missouri Law
Revised
Learn about the problems and risks associated with informal verbal farm leases, and see the minimum requirements to include in a basic written lease.
Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers
Reviewed
Learn how farms can market local food directly to consumers by building relationships with buyers, discovering customer needs, providing quality service.
Missouri Farm Labor Guide
Revised
Learn good human resource practices related to employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training and termination that your farm or agribusiness can use.
Market Channels for Locally Raised Foods
Revised
Sell Missouri vegetables via CSAs; U-pick sales; on-farm, roadside, farmers markets; co-ops; wholesale auctions; restaurants; institutions; supermarkets.
Safe Drinking Water in an Emergency
Reviewed
Learn how to store and purify water safely for emergencies, including boiling, bleach treatment, and proper container use.
Managing Ponds and Lakes for Aquaculture and Fisheries in Missouri: Pond Construction and Management Considerations
Reviewed
A well-designed pond offers recreation, livestock water, and fish production, requiring proper construction and management.
Starting and Operating a Farmers Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Revised
Learn what makes a farmers market successful. Get tips about how to start or improve a market to make local food available in your community.
Common Diseases in the Home Garden
Reviewed
Parasitic diseases and nonparasitic disorders can cause serious vegetable losses in home gardens.