Woodland management: Just say no to high-grading

Many forest and woodlot owners oftentimes learn too late that some forestry techniques can limit options for future benefits and enjoyment — both in the long run and short term. While well-planned timber harvesting can increase your benefits, high-grading and related practices should be avoided.

Good fences make good neighbors: Missouri’s optional fence law counties

As of May 2016, 19 Missouri counties had opted into the optional county fencing statute [Section 272.210 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMO) fencing statute]. These counties are Bates, Cedar, Clinton, Daviess, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Newton, Putnam, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, Sullivan, St. Clair and Worth.So, what are the basic differences between the general and optional fencing statutes?

Good fences make good neighbors: Missouri’s general fence law 

Time and Mother Nature (particularly over the past winter and spring) can wreak havoc on fence lines. If you are faced with repairing or replacing a boundary fence line, now is a good time to review Missouri’s current fencing and boundary laws, particularly if you are new to the Show-Me State.

Study shows danger of short grazing toxic-fescue pastures by cattle herds

COLUMBIA, Mo. – New forage research gives reason to not graze toxic fescue grass too short. The bottom 2 inches of infected grass holds highest levels of the alkaloid causing problems for grazing livestock.The findings guide ways to manage fescue’s toxic impact, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The message for herd owners: Don’t allow cows to grub fescue pastures into the ground.

Reduce your risk: Landowner liability

Most woodland owners believe that any liabilities arising from a lawsuit by someone injured while on their property are covered by their homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s a nice thought, but the truth is a lot of homeowner’s insurance does not cover your woodlands at all.Common misconceptions about landowner liability

Good fences make good neighbors: Livestock trespass

The liability of the livestock owner depends on whether the animals crossed an exterior or a division fence. An exterior fence is one that is not within a common enclosure. A fence along a public highway is an exterior fence. Division fences, on the other hand, are fences that separate adjoining landowners.

Good fences make good neighbors: Boundary line disputes

Boundary location disputes usually arise in connection with rebuilding or relocating old fences. The principle referred to as squatter’s rights, properly called the doctrine of adverse possession, then becomes important. This legal doctrine provides that someone in possession of land continuously for a period of 10 years may receive absolute title to the land if his or her possession was adverse to the interests of the true owner. The…

Chain saw chaps, protective gear help woodcutters avoid injury

COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you are looking for a holiday gift for anyone who owns a chain saw, consider chain saw safety chaps, said University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist and woodcutter Katie Kammler. "A $100 pair of chain saw chaps is well worth it when you compare it to the cost of a hospital emergency room visit," Kammler said. Conventional jeans or pants do not protect against chain saw injuries.

Winterize roses in December

COLUMBIA, Mo.

Carefully select topsoil when doing fall yard work

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Not all topsoil is created equal.

Inexpensive soil tests can save farmers thousands

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Soil tests can save farmers thousands of dollars, says Manjula Nathan, director of the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory.Too often, farmers follow routine fertilization schedules and end up applying too much fertilizer to fields, Nathan said. A simple soil test gives the farmer accurate information to guide nutrient management decisions.

Two heifer sales on same day, Nov. 17, lead six-sale Show-Me-Select season

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Two sales of bred heifers in one day start the fall season for Show-Me-Select Replacements. Sales on Nov. 17 are first of six. Those are Joplin Regional Stockyards in Carthage and Kirksville Livestock, LLC.Kirksville starts at 6:30 p.m., while Carthage starts at 7 p.m.

MU Extension advises poultry and livestock producers of Nov. 15 emission filing deadline

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialist Teng Lim advises poultry and livestock producers to be aware of a Nov. 15 deadline that could affect their operations.

Landowner spotlight

Ed Keyser was surprised to be named Missouri’s 2012 Tree Farmer of the Year. Although he has worked tirelessly managing his tree farm just a few miles west of Kirksville, Mo., he did not consider his small farm worthy of such attention.

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