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How rising diesel prices affect crop production costs
Many farms are starting the planting season with bulk tanks full of sub-$3-per-gallon diesel purchased over the winter, but the first refill this spring could cost $1.50-plus per gallon more than they paid for their last delivery. The impact of high fuel prices on a farm’s bottom line can be identified with an enterprise budget and might not be as large as many farmers expect, says Drew Kientzy, an MU Extension senior research analyst.
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Browning arborvitae may be result of lack of water
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialists are getting reports of browning arborvitae across the state. If your arborvitae is turning brown, it might be a sign of drought stress that began last fall, says Debi Kelly, University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist.
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Support 4-H through Tractor Supply Co. Paper Clover Campaign
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians are invited to make a difference in the lives of local youths by supporting the Tractor Supply Co. 4-H Paper Clover Campaign. During the campaign, April 17-May 3, customers can visit their local Tractor Supply store and purchase a paper clover at checkout, with all donations benefiting 4-H programs.
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Annual historic garden walk set for May 16-17 in Ste. Genevieve
The annual garden walk and plant sale sponsored by Ste. Genevieve Master Gardeners will feature 20 gardens 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 16-17 in Ste. Genevieve’s historic district. MU Extension Master Gardeners will open gardens with prized roses, peonies, foxglove, iris and more against a backdrop of historic French colonial homes typical of the 18th century.
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MU Extension hosts free bilingual sow production workshop April 29 in Columbia
University of Missouri Extension will host a free bilingual workshop aimed at strengthening sow production practices and supporting the state’s diverse swine workforce.
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Universidad de Missouri Extensión organizará un taller bilingüe sobre producción de cerdas en Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Universidad de Missouri, departamento de Extensión organizará un taller bilingüe destinado a fortalecer las prácticas de producción de cerdas y a apoyar a la diversa fuerza laboral del sector porcino del estado.
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Women Landowners Leading Regeneration to host sessions in 3 states
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture is bringing together women landowners and will host in-person gatherings in Missouri, Iowa and Kansas this year.
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How gardens help children thrive
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Of all the things growing in a garden, children are the most important. April is National Gardening Month and an ideal time to discuss the need to teach youngsters about what unfortunately is becoming a lost art, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “The benefits of encouraging a child to plant their own garden are numerous, long-lived and transformational,” said Trinklein.
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Replacement heifers can be opportunity in diversifying beef enterprises
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Beef heifers represent a great opportunity for increasing cowherd numbers and diversifying enterprises,” said Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist. Bailey will talk about this opportunity at the May 5-6 “Retain With Intention: Building a Better Missouri Cow Herd” program at the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm in Columbia.
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Old pots can hurt new plants
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardeners are well known for their thriftiness and commitment to protecting the environment. However, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, a false sense of economy can sometimes work against the health of the garden.
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Pollinator-friendly plants that are easy to grow, maintain
This spring, fill your garden with annuals that look great, work hard and roll out the welcome mat for pollinators, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Kathi Mecham. Many pollinator-friendly annuals are easy to grow in gardens or containers, readily available at garden centers and bloom nonstop until frost.
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Cultivating calm: Zen gardens bring peace home
While any chance to work with plants can boost one’s mood, Zen gardening is a garden style specifically designed to reduce stress and foster creativity.
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Adding value, strengthening farms
For farm families navigating a complicated economic landscape and wondering how to bring the next generation into the business in a way that makes financial sense, value-added agriculture can be a practical solution to these challenges.
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Get better hay, better returns with small changes
Hay quality has a direct impact on livestock performance and feeding costs, yet many producers lose value long before hay reaches the feeder, says University of Missouri Extension field agronomist Rudra Baral. The good news: Most quality losses are tied to management decisions that producers can control.
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Alpha-gal syndrome gives new urgency to tick prevention
As temperatures rise and people begin camping, fishing and farming, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the health dangers posed by ticks, says University of Missouri and Lincoln University Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff.
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Missouri’s health challenges reflect larger systems
Missouri’s health gaps aren’t just about clinics and hospitals. Where people live, work and connect shapes access to food, transportation, housing and care. Strengthening these systems can make healthier choices easier and improve health outcomes statewide.
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Expand the herd with the right replacement heifers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most beef cattle operations in Missouri develop and breed their own heifers rather than purchase bred replacements. Because replacement females represent one of the largest costs in producing a calf, choosing and managing the right ones is critical for long-term herd success.
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Clover Classic Golf Tournament set for June 2
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Registration is open for the 16th Annual Clover Classic Golf Tournament, set for June 2, at the Gustin Golf Course in Columbia. The event supports Missouri 4-H, University of Missouri Extension’s youth development program.
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MU Extension updates custom rates for Missouri farm services
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has updated its Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri guide, which provides current estimates of charges and payments for common custom farming activities across the state.
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Celebrating service to Missouri during National Volunteer Month
Whether through local organizations or simple acts of neighboring, volunteering creates connection, purpose and stronger communities across Missouri.
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Missouri 4-H State Rabbit Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H welcomed 30 youths and their families on March 21 to its annual State Rabbit Day. The event, hosted by Melissa Stong of Bates County and Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H educator, gave families the chance to learn more about the rabbit industry through judging contests and educational sessions.
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Helping kids manage stress
MU researchers have learned that when stress creates more tension or conflict at home, children are more likely to show signs like anxiety, pulling away or acting out. But they also found one skill that reliably helps protect kids from these challenges: self‑regulation.
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Plant a garden and believe in tomorrow
National Garden Month is observed in April, when gardeners are impatiently waiting to exercise their green thumbs, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, who explains some of the benefits of planting a garden.
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Missouri 4-H State Poultry Day
Missouri 4-H hosted its annual State Poultry Day on March 22 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center. Fifty 4-H members gathered to participate in a variety of contests and educational activities focused on the poultry industry.
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Show-Me-Select sale set for May 15 at Joplin Regional Stockyards
The southwestern Missouri spring Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale is 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Joplin Regional Stockyards, 10131 Cimarron Road, Carthage.