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Mountain Grove couple named Missouri Tree Farmers of the Year
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – You can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear. That is what University of Missouri Extension state specialist in forestry Hank Stelzer often hears when talking with landowners, and even some professional foresters, about an Ozark woodland. “But the Schmollinger Tree Farm in Mountain Grove is a testament that a plan and perseverance can resurrect a severely abused and neglected Ozark woodland into a healthy and…
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2025 Missouri 4-H State Livestock Judging Contest
University of Missouri Extension hosted the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on June 6 at the Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia. The event drew 87 youths from across the state to demonstrate their skills in evaluating livestock.
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When your garden becomes a drive-thru for wildlife
Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife. Just like people, deer and other critters are drawn to food that is tasty and convenient. A garden is wildlife’s equivalent of a fast food drive-thru.
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Missouri 4-H State Poultry and Rabbit Day
University of Missouri Extension hosted the 2025 State 4-H Poultry and Rabbit Day on June 14 at the MU Animal Science Research Center. Sixty-six 4-H youths from around the state participated in activities focused on poultry and rabbits. Participants competed in Poultry Judging Contests, Poultry Quiz Bowl, Rabbit Judging Contest, Photo Contests, Rabbit Knowledge Test, Rabbit Breed ID and a Dozen Egg Contest.
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MU Extension and partners develop appraisal guide for wild turkey habitat
Landowners interested in improving habitats for wild turkeys on their property have a new tool: University of Missouri Extension, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the National Wild Turkey Federation, has developed a publication featuring habitat evaluation tools landowners can use to rate conditions on their property and then begin to address any limiting factors to enhance habitats for wild turkeys.
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Drones, herbicide-resistant weeds top MU Crop and Pest Management Field Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Crop and Pest Management Field Day on July 10 is an opportunity to learn about best management practices for the most important weed, insect and disease pests in corn and soybean, said MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. Bradley and his team will share results and recommendations related to weed management during the event at the MU Bradford Research Farm in Columbia.
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Keep the sparkle, skip the ER: Fireworks safety for July 4
They light up the sky, but fireworks can also send people to the emergency room. Before you celebrate, take a few simple steps to keep your family safe.
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Drowning in waterhemp
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Two words may best describe waterhemp: prolific and smart. University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley and his team will share the latest research on treating waterhemp with chemical and nonchemical means at the 2025 Crop and Pest Management Field Day on July 10 at Bradford Research Farm in Columbia.
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Horsemen's Webinar Series looks at toxic weeds
A free University of Missouri webinar series dealing with topics that affect horse owners is underway. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, the second of four free webinars will address horse owners’ struggles with weeds in their pastures and dry lots.
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Beat the heat
Whether you’re showing livestock at a county fair, picnicking at the park or working outdoors, University of Missouri Extension has research-based resources to help you stay safe when summer temperatures sizzle.
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Self-care for the caregiver
“To be an effective caregiver, you have to be able to take care of yourself,” says Naomi Meinertz, University of Missouri Extension state specialist in aging. MU Extension offers a six-week program that helps caregivers do just that. MU Extension specialists began offering the course, "Powerful Tools for Caregivers," in the spring of 2025.
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Mizzou field days set for sites across state
Agricultural producers are invited to save the dates for these regional events in which extension specialists and researchers from the University of Missouri share their findings.
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Registration open for Garden 'n Grow in Kirksville
Youths ages 8-14 can sign up for University of Missouri Extension’s Kirksville Garden ’n Grow program. Deadline to register is July 16. The program runs 9-11:30 a.m. July 21-25 at the MU Extension Center in Adair County, 503 East Northtown Road, Kirksville.
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Missouri 4-H'ers explore equine careers across 5 states, Canada
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Equine Careers Tour, May 19-25, offered 40 Missouri youths the opportunity to explore careers in the equine industry through hands-on learning and professional engagement across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Canada.
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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.
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Discount ends soon for Midwest Board Stud Managers Conference registration
July 4 is the last day to get the $50 early bird registration discount for the 2025 Midwest Board Stud Managers Conference, Aug. 13-14 in St. Louis. Speakers from across the globe will tackle a variety of pertinent topics, said conference organizer Tim Safranski, a University of Missouri Extension state swine breeding specialist.
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Stabilizing prices, shifting interests: Inside 2025 Missouri farmland market estimates
COLUMBIA, Mo. – While Missouri’s farmland market remains relatively stable, new survey data points to rising interest—and prices—for timberland and recreational properties. That’s one of several key takeaways from the latest Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey, conducted annually by University of Missouri Extension.
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First reports of Japanese beetles received in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management reports the capture of its first Japanese beetles of the season, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. The beetles appeared in Stoddard, Barton, Christian and Holt counties, as reported by MU’s Pest Monitoring Network, which gathers information from across the state.
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Sweeten the Fourth with juicy watermelon
Nothing says Fourth of July like a juicy, red slice of watermelon. July is observed as National Watermelon Month. University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Matthew Huchteman says there are a few simple steps to check watermelons for ripeness and flavor.
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Tall fescue adds to heat stress in cattle
Cattle rid their bodies of heat in three ways: radiation, convection and evaporation. “If your cattle can’t use all three methods, they’ll overheat fast,” says University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey. Summer heat knocks weight off calves and pounds off milk, Bailey says. “Heat stress costs real money.”
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MU Sheep & Goat Field Day set for July 31 in Mount Vernon
University of Missouri Extension’s third annual Sheep & Goat Field Day is set for Thursday, July 31, in Mount Vernon. “The event provides an excellent opportunity for sheep and goat producers, and anyone interested in diversifying their farm with small ruminants, to learn, connect and engage,” said David Brown, MU Extension small ruminant specialist.
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A vision for collaboration
David Baker, assistant dean emeritus in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, was inducted into the 2025 Missouri Agriculture Hall of Fame. Baker is the first MU faculty member or administrator to be inducted.
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American Tractor Club invites owners to show off their machines
Showcase your historic tractor through a new club established by the American Tractor Museum in collaboration with University of Missouri Extension and Missouri Farm Bureau. The MU Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES) has set up a database for the American Tractor Club, a project of the Perryville, Mo., museum created to celebrate this enduring symbol of American agriculture.
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Clover Classic raises more than $85,000 for Missouri 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 15th Annual Missouri 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament, June 3 at A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia, raised over $85,000 in support of youth programs across the state. “We are incredibly thankful for the continued support of our Clover Classic community,” said Wendy Hall, chair of the Missouri 4-H Clover Classic. “The funds raised this year will make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across…
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Free drone event offered for Ozark area farmers, ranchers
POTOSI, Mo. – Ozark area farmers and ranchers can explore how they can use drones in their operations at a free event July 25 in Potosi. “Drones are transforming the way that farmers manage their ground,” says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Rachel Hopkins. “While drones are not commonly used in the Ozarks, there are still uses that Ozark farmers can take advantage of.”