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Carey Portell’s next chapter
ST. JAMES, Mo. – A devastating 2010 car crash and a series of reconstructive surgeries spanning years reshaped cattle producer Carey Portell’s body and her future. Through the Missouri AgrAbility Project, Portell learned how to keep farming safely. And not only has she continued to farm, she has become an author, speaker and advocate.
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Celebrating Missouri 4-H Century Families
The Missouri 4-H Foundation recently recognized three families with the Missouri 4-H Century Family Award, which celebrates families whose combined years of 4-H membership and volunteer service total 100 years or more, demonstrating a multigenerational commitment to youth leadership, learning and community impact.
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Shamrock plants: Rockin’ by day, dozin’ at night
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Few houseplants are as charming and whimsical as the shamrock plant, says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Gwen Funk. These intriguing houseplants capture attention year-round, not just on St. Patrick’s Day.
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Stocker Cattle Risk Management Workshop set for April 2 in Hermitage
MU Extension is partnering with Hometown Crop Solutions to provide a free Stocker Cattle Risk Management Workshop 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at the MU Extension Center in Hickory County, 22126 U.S. Highway 54, Hermitage.
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Resources for Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Access resources and tips to prepare for severe weather, including tornadoes, floods, and emergency planning.
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As state’s bear population grows, MU Extension offers guidance
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new publication from University of Missouri Extension looks at black bears, their ecology and how research by the Missouri Department of Conservation helps us better understand their behavior and growing numbers. Ecology and Management of Black Bears in Missouri is available for free download.
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New accounts aim to jump-start retirement savings for children
A new type of tax-advantaged account created under recent federal tax law changes could give some children a significant head start on long-term investing, but families should understand both the opportunities and the limits before jumping in.
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Alpha-gal syndrome changes how we socialize
The rising number of Missourians diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is changing how individuals and families eat and socialize. Alpha-gal syndrome causes allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal-derived products.
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Meeting to address stocker cattle management, risk protection
MU Extension, in collaboration with the Vernon County Cattlemen’s Association and FCS Financial, will host a Stocker Cattle Risk Management Workshop 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Vernon County Fairgrounds’ Centennial Hall, 1641 E. Ashland St., Nevada.
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MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic earns national accreditation
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic has earned national accreditation from the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). The four-year accreditation, which began March 1, 2026, recognizes the clinic’s continued commitment to high-quality diagnostic services, said Peng Tian, lab director and an MU assistant extension professor.
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MU Extension offers produce safety training in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer an in-person Produce Safety Alliance Grower training on April 1 at the St. Louis Metro MU Extension center.
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Preparing Missouri’s workforce for a changing economy
From AI anxiety to new opportunities, Missouri’s workforce is in transition. Discover how MU Extension helps workers and employers build the skills to thrive in a fast‑moving economy.
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Specialty crop producers should consider risk management options
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As specialty crop producers plan for the 2026 growing season, University of Missouri Extension reminds growers that federal crop insurance application deadlines for the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and Micro Farm programs are approaching, and planning now can be critical to managing risk throughout the year.
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Notes from an Osher Donor – Weiss
"We both were attracted to the broad diversity and quality of class offerings. In addition to the purely educational aspects of Osher, we also appreciated the social opportunities that come along with attending classes." - Osher members Llona and Gary Weiss
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To age well, stay social
There’s no single formula for staying healthy as we age. A variety of factors affect how we age, and many of them are beyond our control. But there’s one factor we can focus on that plays a significant role in our satisfaction with aging: strong social connections.
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Health, wellness contribute to farm safety
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During this year’s Ag Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week, March 2-6, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch joins the American Farm Bureau Federation and other safety professionals in encouraging farmers to make their health and well-being a priority. Personal wellness directly supports farm safety and long-term farm success, Funkenbusch says.
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Grazing too soon sets up pastures up for yearlong failure
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers and ranchers often grow tired of feeding hay by late February and early March. Most can’t wait to get back to grazing. But no so fast, says University of Missouri Extension state grazing specialist Harley Naumann. “Late winter grazing pressure on cool-season pastures can compromise spring regrowth,” he says. “It is important to not begin grazing too early – at spring green-up, for example.”
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Ag technology takes to the skies in March 14 training
BUFFALO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension faculty will offer a daylong training on using drones in agriculture and other commercial applications on March 14 in Buffalo. The event offers discussion and hands-on training about how to use drones in Missouri agriculture, says Caleb O’Neal, MU Extension field specialist in plant science and lead instructor for the course.
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Connecting a city through neighboring
In Excelsior Springs, a simple idea — neighbors getting to know one another — is reshaping a city. With support from University of Missouri Extension’s Engaged Neighbor Program, residents launched block parties, volunteer efforts and business collaborations that are building trust, boosting civic pride and strengthening community ties.
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Creative entrepreneurship workshop, vendor fair coming to Poplar Bluff
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will host HOMEGROWN: Creative Entrepreneurship in Your Community, a free, two-day workshop and vendor fair to support creative entrepreneurs and strengthen the local creative economy, April 17-18, in Poplar Bluff.
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Consult vets in spring management decisions for optimal cattle health, performance
STOCKTON, Mo. – “As spring approaches, cattle operations face a range of important management decisions,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Engaging your local veterinarian can provide guidance, as they possess the expertise required to support sound management choices that enhance productivity and profitability.
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Texas County Cattlemen host Beef Quality Assurance training event
HOUSTON, Mo. — Area cattle producers and community members participated in a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training on Feb. 5 at the First Baptist Church in Houston. This educational event was hosted in partnership with the Texas County Cattlemen’s Association and University of Missouri Extension in Texas County. Progressive Ozark Bank in Houston sponsored the meal for participants.
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Tax changes to senior income, car loan interest for 2025–28
New federal tax changes will affect some seniors and car buyers beginning in the 2025 tax year, providing potential deductions on income for seniors and certain vehicle purchases.
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Tips for choosing the right pest control company
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tamra Reall, a field specialist in horticulture with University of Missouri Extension, emphasizes the importance of choosing a pest control company with the same care you would use for any other service: by considering quality, convenience and value.
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Better gardens begin with a soil test
When soil is workable, start your gardening season off right with a soil test to reveal nutrient levels and pH balance, which are critical factors for successful gardening.