Heat-related information from MU Extension
With dangerously high temperatures in much of Missouri, here are some relevant news releases and publications from University of Missouri Extension. MU Extension news releases
Missouri Master Naturalists celebrate program's 20th anniversary
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri Master Naturalists recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the program during a state conference in Columbia hosted by the Boone’s Lick Master Naturalist chapter.
Heatstroke can kill quickly in hot cars
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that. “It’s not just negligent parents or indifferent caregivers. When juggling the demands of work, parenting and daily life, it’s easier than you might think to make a simple but fatal mistake,” says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety…
Strip trials an effective way to test nitrogen rates on cornfields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On-farm strip trials are an effective way for farmers to test their nitrogen fertilizer rate on corn. “A wet May has lots of farmers wondering about the nitrogen status of their corn crop,” said John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist. “Wet conditions and warm soils can lead to nitrogen loss of fertilizer.”
Youths compete at 2024 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo – The 2024 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest was held Monday, June 3, at the University of Missouri Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia. The contest brought together 94 youths from across the state to apply their evaluation and communication skills. Youths involved with the livestock judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success, said Maria Calvert, MU…
Youths compete at 2024 State 4-H Poultry Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Forty 4-H youths from across Missouri participated in the 2024 State 4-H Poultry Day on June 8 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center in Columbia. Competitions included a poultry judging contest, quiz bowl, egg demonstration contest, photo contest and dozen egg contest.
New online Master Gardener training begins Aug. 11
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardening is an activity with many rewards, said David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. “One of them is the satisfaction of sharing your plant knowledge with others,” Trinklein said. The MU Extension Master Gardener program was designed to do just that. “Its motto, ‘helping others learn to grow,’ emphasizes service to others as the program’s main objective,” said Trinklein.
Laclede County commissioners, MU Extension expand county ag tour
LEBANON, Mo. – The Laclede County Commission, in partnership with the University of Missouri Extension Council of Laclede County, will host the inaugural Laclede County Commission Agriconomy Week this fall. This year’s theme is “Growing Laclede County’s Economy Through Agricultural Entrepreneurship,” said Randy Angst, Laclede County presiding commissioner.
New round of cover crop incentive funds available
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture has begun a second round of funding for fall cover crop planting in Missouri. About $2 million in funding is available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops on their farmland.
MU Extension sheep and goats field day, July 12, to focus on animal health
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – An effective animal health program is a crucial part of a successful small ruminant production system, said University of Missouri Extension sheep and goat specialist David Brown.
Lingering effects of recent cicada emergence
The cicada symphony may be coming to an end, but the effects of the performers are becoming apparent. Calls and emails are beginning to come into University of Missouri Extension offices from homeowners reporting the ends of many tree branches are turning brown and dropping off. “In the past few days I have answered more than a dozen inquiries related to cicada damage,” said Hank Stelzer, MU Extension’s forestry state specialist.
Marketing matters in direct-to-consumer beef sales
FORSYTH, Mo. – Selling beef directly from the farm to consumers gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Though adoption has slowed, selling direct to consumers remains a popular option for Missouri beef producers as an alternative to selling live animals, as it allows the producer to capture additional value otherwise obtained by others in the food processing chain,” said Jacob Hefley, University of Missouri…
Hickory County Cattlemen's Bus Tour is Aug. 5-8
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Bus tours are a good way to visit cattle producers, marketing facilities, slaughter facilities and college/university farms to gain knowledge and management strategies that can be used to help improve your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
MARYVILLE, Mo. – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day might not be on your list of summer highlights, but consider taking a moment this June 15 to think about the older adults in your community and their well-being, says Debbie Bennett, University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health specialist.
Early June peas
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No other vegetable is as closely associated with a month of the year as is garden pea, and few things match the gastronomic appeal of fresh peas from the garden. The term “early June peas” often appears on labels to indicate they are young and still have a high sugar content, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Peas are sweetest when they mature in cool weather, before too much of the…
Honoring the nation's dairy farmers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – June is National Dairy Month, when we honor the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers. This cornerstone of American agriculture contributes to the economy and to the health and well-being of communities. University of Missouri Extension offers resources, expertise and research tailored for dairy producers and consumers, connecting dairy products to key production and business information. Putting dairy in your diet
MU Extension Butterfly Festival is June 22 in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Bask in the wonder of live native Missouri butterflies at the seventh annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, June 22, at Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center in Columbia. The free event is a chance to learn about the life cycle and behavior of butterflies and their important role as pollinators, in addition to enjoying kids activities and food offerings, said Debi Kelly, University of Missouri…
Filling the summer forage gap
LINNEUS, Mo. – Gaps in summer forages for livestock producers can be challenging. University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist Valerie Tate in Linn County shares management solutions, including planting warm-season annual forages such as pearl millet and sorghum-sudangrass, to fill a void in summer forage production or when renovating forage stands.
Spring SW Missouri bull breeding soundness exam day results
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Bull breeding soundness exams (BSEs) are important to make sure bulls are ready for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The exam evaluates bull physical and reproductive soundness. Using bulls that fail this exam can lead to poor conception, pregnancy, calving and weaning rates, which results in poor operation productivity and profitability,…
New guide details Show-Me-Select enhanced option
COLUMBIA, Mo. – An additional marketing opportunity for cattle producers is outlined in a new University of Missouri Extension guide, “Adding Value to Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers Using Show-Me-Plus,” available at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2094.
MU Extension releases soybean yield tool
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new tool developed by University of Missouri Extension’s state soybean specialist, Andre Froes de Borja Reis, can indicate soybean growth and anticipate yield deviations before the end of the season. “This tool is designed to predict soybean development and yield based on crop growth models,” Reis said. “It simulates soybean growth in various regions of Missouri, using both historical and current weather data.”
Summer Tax School equips preparers for success with ag clients
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri tax preparers are invited to earn continuing education credit and brush up on the latest tax-related topics at a one-day Summer Tax School. University of Missouri Extension will hold the event July 2 at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Columbia, with an online option for those wanting to attend remotely.
MU Extension to showcase warm-season grasses in June farm tours
GALENA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Barry County farm tour in mid-June to highlight three successful farm operations that use warm-season grasses in their forage programs. The free tour starts at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 17.
Workshop series for women in urban ag offers risk management education
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – New and beginning women producers in urban agriculture have a new opportunity to learn about producing and marketing locally grown products. University of Missouri Extension and Annie’s Project will host a series, “Empowering Women in Urban Agriculture,” that offers insights into risk management, business planning and urban agriculture opportunities for those in metropolitan St. Louis.
Records set at SW Missouri Show-Me-Select heifer sale
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Record prices were seen at the southwest Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program sale at Joplin Regional Stockyards on May 17,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.