Growing a greater tomorrow with Victory Over the Virus gardens
Twilia Harrison was paging through a magazine one day when she came across an article about victory gardens. Decades ago, people planted home gardens to supplement rations and boost public morale throughout the world wars. That gave Twilia, of Shell Knob, an idea. Why not try something similar to bring her southwestern Missouri community together after the challenges of COVID-19?
Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) displays community art in Greene County through May 8
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Exhibits in the third annual Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) community arts program have popped up in Greene County and will be displayed April 23 - May 8, 2022. This year's "museum without walls" has addresses for 32 displays, including a couple of neighborhood art projects.
Benefit of killing annual weeds in winter wheat depends on weed, yield loss
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Killing common annual weeds in winter wheat may or may not be a good financial decision, especially when input costs are high, says University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley.Winter wheat is one of the most competitive crops planted, Bradley says.Bradley offers these guidelines based on research from MU and other reputable sources.Common chickweed
Board Chair of 100-Year Old Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Springfield Speaker at Mizzou Luncheon May 4
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Sally Hargis, vice-president and chair of the board for Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Company in Springfield, will be the guest speaker at the next Mizzou Community and Alumni Leadership Network meetings set for noon, May 4, at 425 Downtown, 425 Walnut St., Springfield, Mo. This free event is provided by the Greene County MU Extension Council. Each quarterly meeting features a guest speaker who is also a graduate of…
No reports of spotted lanternfly in Missouri but vigilance urged
COLUMBIA, Mo. – While not yet detected in Missouri, spotted lanternfly remains a concern for vineyards, certain trees and specialty crops as it continues to spread west. If spotted lanternfly (SLF) reaches Missouri, early detection and insecticide control measures will be key to reducing the economic damage, says Dean Volenberg, viticulture extension professor with the University of Missouri Grape and Wine Institute.
Breeding by protocol: 7&7 Synch
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As breeding seasons for seasonal pasture-based dairy herds and beef cows approach, it might be time to consider if a new estrus synchronization protocol developed by the University of Missouri could benefit your operation.Getting cows pregnant in beef herds and seasonal grazing dairies is critical for these operations, said MU Extension dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton and Scott Poock, MU associate extension professor…
New webpages for MU Extension and Education Centers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For more than 100 years, the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) has played a vital role in carrying out the University of Missouri’s land-grant and extension missions through research, education and engagement. Last year, the Moving AES Forward task force outlined a restructuring of this statewide network of farms and centers.
Missouri 4-H celebrates its amazing volunteers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, Missouri 4-H wants to shout out heartfelt thanks to its amazing volunteers. Thousands of people choose to spend their time volunteering for Missouri 4-H. Because of their efforts, 4-H can provide a wide variety of opportunities for Missouri youths.
Tonia Zeiler honored with Missouri 4-H volunteer leadership award
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is presenting Tonia Zeiler, of Lafayette County, with the 2022 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award for 13 years of service and support to 4-H.“We are honored to recognize Tonia Zeiler for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Lafayette County 4-H,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
Jenise Burch honored with Missouri 4-H volunteer leadership award
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is presenting Jenise Burch, of Vernon County, with the 2022 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award for nearly 60 years of service and support to 4-H.“We are honored to recognize Jenise Burch for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Vernon County 4-H,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
After the bloom fades, Easter lily can see new life
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Easter lily used for spring decorations can provide beauty and fragrance for another season.After blooming ends, plant Easter lilies outside as soon as the ground can be worked, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Jennifer Schutter. The following year, they will bloom in June and have a sweet fragrance.
Guard against emerging tick-borne disease in Missouri
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As temperatures rise, humans and animals become meal tickets for ticks.Heartland disease, an emerging infectious disease first found in northwestern Missouri in 2009, is another reason to take precautions against ticks, says University of Missouri horticulture specialist and entomologist Tamra Reall.
Evaluating costs and benefits of renovating endophyte-infected pastures
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Nearly 98% of Missouri’s pastureland is tall fescue infected with an endophyte that can cause fescue toxicosis in grazing livestock. Fescue toxicosis lowers reproduction rates, milk production, gain and weaning weights. It also causes health problems, including lameness and heat stress.By replacing toxic fescue with other forages, producers eliminate animal exposure to the harmful endophyte. You can start the process…
Strengthening Missouri's local food systems
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new partnership between the University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security (ICFS) and MU Extension will make it easier to access information about local and regional food systems and food security.
A key Missouri asset: MU Extension generated $1.2 billion economic impact in FY21
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension generated an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact throughout Missouri in fiscal year 2021, according to a recent impact analysis. That amount contributed to the University of Missouri System’s overall $6.5 billion economic impact statewide.
Get on the hook, for fish.
It is lean, packed with protein, great for heart health, and can be deep fried.Do I have you on the hook yet?
Residents Exceed Documentation Goal for Acts of Kindness Challenge; Kindness is Perfect Antidote for the Selfishness Virus
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Participants in this year's 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge helped the University of Missouri Extension document 873 kindness actions between March 20 and March 26, according to David Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension.
Food tastings are on the menu in this elementary school nutrition class
Nutrition program associate Sarah Geist has been working with Macon Elementary School in Macon County to deliver nutrition classes to children. The classes follow the Show Me Nutrition curriculum for kids from preschool to junior high. Topics range from making proper food choices based on the individual’s needs to the various food groups and their nutritional benefits.
Co-grazing: Diversification could boost farm profits
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Have you ever considered diversifying production on the farm?Producing beef cattle and meat goats on the same farm may improve your financials, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Jennifer Lutes.Lutes developed a model that looks at the economics of co-grazing – a diversification strategy involving production of more than one livestock species on the same farm.
Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) Strengthens Social Bonds Through Art April 23 – May 8 in Greene County
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Along with the invigorating energy of Spring, Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) is popping up near you from April 23 to May 8, 2022, with front lawn art created by your neighbors throughout Greene County. Think of it as a museum without walls says Deidre Argyle, an art professor at Missouri State and founder of LAWN. “LAWN is a city-wide public art exhibition made for front lawns by community members located in and…
Adding value to farm commodities can ease supply chain strain
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For two years, shoppers have seen how supply chain problems can shock the food system. Initially triggered by the pandemic, these problems have persisted due to labor shortages, transportation bottlenecks and now international conflict.
More Missouri workers commuting to jobs outside their counties
COLUMBIA, Mo. – While the past two years have fueled growth in remote work, most workers in Missouri still commute to their jobs. And some are opting for longer commutes: A new report from University of Missouri Extension shows that more workers in the state are commuting to jobs outside their home counties compared to 20 years ago.
Hog Wild
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Having grown up on a farm in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks, Jerry Richards was prepared for droughts, snowstorms and torrential rains. He wasn’t prepared for feral hogs.
Neighboring 201 Classes Are Prerequisite to Neighboring Mini-Grants in Greene County
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, is teaching two sessions of Neighboring 201 at local libraries to celebrate Mister Roger’s birthday on March 20. These classes provide an overview of neighboring, offer strategies for connecting, and explain how neighboring can improve your community, health, and quality of life.
Pasture management now leads to better grazing-season performance, profitability
“Pasture is the cheapest feed resource in a cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Proper pasture management in the late winter and early spring will help optimize forage production during the grazing months and will have a positive impact on production and profitability, Davis says.