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Red, white and blue for the green thumb
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Plan now to use basic design principals to create a patriotic garden this summer, says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Gwen Funk. “Designing your outdoor living space comes with many opportunities for creativity,” says Funk. “One might be thinking about themed garden beds, pots and hanging baskets,” she adds. “Using a red, white and blue color scheme around your patio or deck could add a festive…
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![Beets are nutritious and easy to grow.Photo by Evan Amos [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2025/20250415-beets-1.jpg?itok=J5SBJi8C)
Beets: Well-rooted in nutrition
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Few vegetables elicit less excitement from the average gardener than beets, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Once relegated to pickling or making borscht, beet is enjoying greater respect due to its reported health benefits, Trinklein said. Humans have eaten beets for more than 5,000 years, he said. Beets originally had long, thin roots, and people harvested only the leaves, which…
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Damon Reynolds appointed director of LETI
I am pleased to announce that Damon Reynolds has been appointed as the new director of the Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI).
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Expert tips on smart shopping and reducing food waste
With prices on the rise, families are looking to cut their food bills. Meal planning and smart shopping can help, but you can also make sure to use the more of the food you do pay for, says Tammy Roberts, a registered dietitian and a health and human sciences specialist at University of Missouri Extension. The USDA reports that as much as 40% of edible food in the U.S. currently goes to waste, and the average family of four loses an…
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Free invasive plants workshop set for June 13 in Alton
ALTON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and the Scenic Rivers Invasive Species Partnership will hold a free “Invasive Plants 101” workshop 10 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the Alton Freewill Baptist Church in Oregon County.
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Ag drone training set for May 10 in Montgomery City
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists will provide a day of discussion and hands-on training for using drones in Missouri agriculture Saturday, May 10, in Montgomery City.
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Backyard Laying Hen Workshop set for May 10
STOCKTON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist Patrick Davis says backyard poultry production is increasingly integrated into family lifestyles.
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Learn to identify trees during spring hike
HILLSBORO, Mo. – Missouri Women Owning Woodlands will host a spring hike 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 10, at Kress Farm Garden Preserve, 5137 Glade Chapel Road, Hillsboro.
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Controlling sheep and goat parasites through forage management
OSCEOLA, Mo. – A new guide developed by University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Extension offers insights into controlling gastrointestinal parasites in sheep and goats through forage-based management.
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MU IPM issues pest alerts for black cutworm, true armyworm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management has issued its first pest alerts of the growing season. MU Extension state field crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida says corn and wheat growers should be on the lookout for early season pests, including black cutworm and true armyworm.
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Survey seeks insights from Missouri sheep, goat producers
Missouri sheep and goat producers are encouraged to participate in a survey to help shape the future of the state’s small ruminant industry. The initiative is a collaboration between University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Extension.
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Dana Brown Haynes Memorial 4-H Scholarship
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation has announced the establishment of the Dana Brown Haynes Memorial 4-H Scholarship, created by the family and friends of Dana Brown Haynes, a former trustee of the Missouri 4-H Foundation who passed away Oct. 27, 2024.
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Free workshop on forest farming set for May 3 in Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Midwest Forest Farming Coalition will hold a free workshop on how to start forest farming 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Alan T. Busby Research Farm in Jefferson City. The coalition is a partnership of farmers, landowners, researchers and other organizations, including University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University.
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Master Pollinator Steward program begins May 5
The Master Pollinator Steward program starts May 5, teaching ways to protect pollinators vital to our environment and food supply.
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MU releases payment plan decision tool for corn, soybean, wheat
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the deadline approaches for growers to select between USDA safety net programs, University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center has developed a tool to help growers decide which plans to choose for their major crops.
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MU Extension drone training day is May 1 in Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists will provide a full day of discussion and hands-on training for using drones in Missouri agriculture on May 1 in Mount Vernon.
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Don't plant seeds you didn't order
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulturists ask the public not to plant unsolicited seeds received in the mail. MU Extension horticulturist Kelly McGowan says she has had recent reports from Springfield-area residents who have been mailed seeds they did not order.
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Learn artificial insemination of cattle April 22-24 at hands-on workshop
CASSVILLE, Mo. – Looking to rapidly improve the genetic progress of your herd? University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel says cattle producers can learn artificial insemination in a hands-on workshop in southwestern Missouri.
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Keep the bedbugs at bay
Learn how to prevent and manage bedbug infestations with practical tips for detection, treatment, and long-term control strategies.
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Severe weather resources from MU Extension
Prepare for Missouri's tornadoes, floods, and late-season winter storms with expert guidance, emergency kits, evacuation routes, and communication plans.
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April is National Gardening Month
COLUMBIA, Mo. – April is National Gardening Month and a good time to plant a garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. For those who lacked the motivation in the past to garden, consider these benefits:
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Youths test equine knowledge at State 4-H Hippology Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Hippology Contest on March 15 drew 30 youths along with their coaches. The event tested participants’ knowledge in areas such as equine confirmation, behavior, equipment, diseases, anatomy, terminology and characteristics, said Kelsey Fuller, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.
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MU Extension offers feed safety plan assistance
MONTICELLO, Mo. – The federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), in place for nearly 10 years, requires elevator firms to develop and maintain documentation on their current good manufacturing practices for processing and selling animal feed. Brenda Schreck, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist, helps Missouri firms meet FSMA requirements through proper documentation.
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Happy 70th birthday to Missouri's state tree
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The flowering dogwood tree celebrates its 70th birthday as the Missouri state tree in 2025. There is no better place to celebrate than Missouri’s Ozark woodlands from mid-April to early May when the dogwood is in bloom, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Things to consider when buying replacement heifers
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Cattle prices are good right now, which provides income to invest in the next set of females to rebuild or grow the cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. One way to do this is by buying bred replacement heifers. However, it is important that cattle producers ask the right questions so that those purchased heifers are successful in their cattle operation.