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Update on MU Extension SNAP-Ed programming
Congress passed a budget reconciliation bill that has eliminated funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), and the program is officially ending Oct. 1, 2025.
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Spotted lanternfly knocking at Missouri's door
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists say the spotted lanternfly (SLF) might appear in Missouri this summer. MU Extension and Lincoln University urban entomologist Emily Althoff says SLF recently was found in Illinois. “It’s knocking at our door,” says Althoff. First detected in the U.S. in 2014, SLF has now been confirmed in 18 states, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
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Food safety tips for picnics
Picnics are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, good weather and delicious food with family and friends. But before you head outside, make sure foodborne illness doesn’t spoil your day, said Kantha Channaiah, University of Missouri Extension food safety expert.
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Drone training offered Aug. 7 at Albany
ALBANY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists will provide a full day of discussion and hands-on training for using drones in Missouri agriculture 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the MU Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center in Albany.
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Drone training offered Aug. 5 at Fairfax
University of Missouri Extension specialists will provide a full day of discussion and hands-on training for using drones in Missouri agriculture Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center in Fairfax. The event will cover kinds of drones used in agriculture and what is required of remote pilots to use these technologies.
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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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Making hay to reduce ergot infestation
MU livestock and forage specialists are reporting ergot infestations that can cause major losses in livestock, said MU Extension state specialist in veterinary toxicology and animal health Tim Evans. Ergot is a toxic fungus that infects the seed heads of many grasses and some cereal grains. It can cause severe illness and even death in livestock, especially cattle, and possibly horses.
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Asian needle ant could reach Missouri in 2025
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians should be on the lookout for the Asian needle ant during its population peak in July and August, says Emily Althoff, urban entomologist for University of Missouri and Lincoln University Extension.
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Make sure foot rot doesn't affect your bottom line
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Foot rot can lead to cattle lameness, resulting in lost performance and profitability for your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Cattle spend time in the pond and streams to cool themselves during summer, which can lead to foot rot. Davis discusses foot rot and gives prevention and treatment options.
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MU Extension Livestock Bus Tour is Sept. 23-26
STOCKTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Livestock Bus Tour will visit livestock operations in northwestern Missouri, northeastern Kansas and southwestern Nebraska beginning Sept. 23, says Patrick Davis, MU Extension livestock field specialist.
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Use simple math to find your hay cost
POTOSI, Mo. – In May, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agricultural business Rachel Hopkins and her father harvested and wrapped wheat and clover baleage at their farm in east-central Missouri. “After everything was done, Dad said, ‘When you get a chance, figure out what this feed cost us,’” she recalls. Hopkins keeps records for the farm’s hay crop, but she had never broken the cost down by field.
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Feeding tips for pregnant cows and heifers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Allison Meyer will share the latest research in feeding and managing pregnant beef cows and heifers at the July 22 virtual session of the Pearls of Production: Women in Agriculture series. The session runs 7-8 p.m.
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Use caution when hiring tree care professionals
VERSAILLES, Mo. – When hiring a tree care professional, use caution and stick to reputable companies, says Joni Harper, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in natural resources.
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The great okra divide
There are many gray areas in life. That’s not the case with people’s opinions about okra. People either love it or loathe it. Okra lovers point toward its unique flavor and many uses. Okra haters can’t see how anyone can eat something so slimy.
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Results from spring SW Mo. Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Days
“Calf production is perhaps the most important metric that supports the existence of the cattle industry, making bull health and productivity incredibly important” says Ian McGregor, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
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Mountain Grove couple named Missouri Tree Farmers of the Year
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 productive forest ecosystem, says University of Missouri Extension state specialist in forestry Hank Stelzer.
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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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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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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.