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Plants begin to stir underground in February
Take heart, plant lovers. Winter rest is almost over, spring renewal begins.
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Monett Agriculture Conference set for Feb. 24
MONETT, Mo. – The Monett Agriculture Conference once again features dairy during the morning session and beef production in the evening. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Monett Armory in Monett will be filled with vendors supporting the education event for agriculturalist of the region, said University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel.
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Keeping Missouri calves home
Each year, thousands of Missouri calves leave the state shortly after weaning. Leaving with them is the opportunity to add value, strengthen local economies and grow producer profits. University of Missouri Extension is working to change that through its expanded Feedlot School program.
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Born Strong, Stay Healthy program supports parents before and after childbirth
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Expecting and new parents can build strength, reduce stress and feel more confident in their changing bodies through Born Strong, Stay Healthy, an exercise program offered by University of Missouri Extension. A new series of online classes begins March 23.
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Show your love with these heart-shaped houseplants
While red roses might be the iconic gift for Valentine’s Day, houseplants with heart-shaped leaves represent a longer-lived expression of affection for a special person in your life, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, who shares several good candidates for Valentine’s Day gifts.
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MU Extension specialist available for commentary on documentary series ‘Neighbors’
With HBO’s new six-part documentary series “Neighbors” debuting Feb. 13, a nationally recognized University of Missouri Extension specialist and neighboring enthusiast is available to provide interviews and commentary for reporters and broadcasters as part of a larger discussion about what it means to be a good neighbor in the United States.
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Alliance for Grassland Renewal offers free two-part webinar
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Alliance for Grassland Renewal will present a free two-part evening webinar on “Improving the Production Efficiency of Tall Fescue-Based Forage Systems” on Feb. 12 and 26. Participants can attend either or both stand-alone events. A full agenda is on the Alliance for Grassland Renewal website.
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Barry County Soil & Crops Conference is Feb. 10 in Cassville
The 97th annual Barry County Soil & Crops Conference is 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the First Christian Church, 905 Old Exeter Road, Cassville. The event will provide cutting-edge information for beef producers in southwestern Missouri, according to Ian McGregor, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
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Missouri 4-H dairy judging team finishes 4th in Louisville
Missouri 4-H had an outstanding outing with a fourth place overall team finish at the Dr. George Heersche Jr. NAILE Invitational Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville, Ken., Nov. 8, 2025, according to Karla Deaver, teach coach and University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist. Twenty youth teams competed.
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'Kissing bug' disease concerning, but not kiss of death
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As Valentine’s Day approaches, many are hoping for sweet chocolate and maybe even a swoonworthy smooch, not a kiss from the triatomine bug. This insect, commonly called the “kissing bug,” transmits Chagas disease by biting and then pooping around the bite, says Emily Althoff, urban entomologist with University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University.
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February is National Pesticide Safety Education Month
COLUMBIA, Mo. – February is National Pesticide Safety Education Month, a time to promote vigilance and best safety practices on the farm, said Sam Polly, coordinator of University of Missouri Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program, which has provided commercial pesticide recertification training to about 1,000 Missourians in the past year.
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Civic Muscle Index gauges community strength
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A few years ago, Claire Rippel came across the term “civic muscle,” referring to a community’s capacity to take action to address shared goals and challenges.
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Stretch your winter feed supply by renting acres for stockpiled fescue
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – A well-stocked hay inventory is one of the best forms of insurance a livestock producer can have, says Caleb O’Neal, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in plant science. By renting additional acres dedicated to stockpiling forage, producers can improve their chances of maintaining a dependable supply of high-quality feed at a predictable cost throughout the year, O’Neal says.
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Why rotational grazing isn’t working
Rotational grazing promises healthier pastures and higher returns, but labor, water limits and rigid plans often derail it. MU Extension forage specialist Carson Roberts explains why it fails—and how smarter rotations, better water access and flexibility can make it work.
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Learn to sell at farmers markets in March
MU Extension professionals and representatives from the Missouri Department of Agriculture will teach a five-part online series on “Selling at the Farmers Market” March 9-13 from noon to 1 p.m.
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Feb. 27 program looks at history of Ozarks soil
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A University of Missouri Extension program will help Missourians improve forage yield and sustainability by understanding soil in the Ozarks. The event is 5:30-6:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the MU Extension Center in Howell County, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains.
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MU, LU Extension offer free vegetable gardening courses
GREENFIELD, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University, in partnership with the Greenfield City Garden, will offer two series of free spring gardening classes.
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Brewing change one cup at a time
In his seventh grade history class, Noah Temple learned how children in other countries often lack access to quality education, a privilege he enjoyed every day. That led him to launch Junior Java, a business that blends entrepreneurship and purpose.
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How Missouri farmers are strengthening land and livelihoods
Missouri farmers are using regenerative agriculture practices such as cover crops, improved grazing and smarter nutrient management to protect soil and water while staying profitable, with support from MU Extension and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
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Orchids: A cure for winter doldrums
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Winter’s cold, dreary days have many daydreaming about jetting away to basking in a tropical paradise. “Such a getaway is not possible for most, but orchids can transport you to an exotic place without ever leaving home,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Three ways to be more profitable making hay
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Haymaking is a game of threes, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts. To be profitable, producers must manage three key factors: equipment expenses, quality and yield.
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Maryville to host 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
MARYVILLE, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host its 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in Maryville, Sept. 15-17.
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Antlers, Anglers and Ag event brings together farmers and outdoorsmen
NOVELTY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and partners will hold the first Antlers, Anglers and Ag: Elevating Today’s Outdoorsmen for Tomorrow’s Harvest event Saturday, March 28, at the MU Lee Greenley Jr. Memorial Research Farm in Novelty.
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State Line Crop Conference offers speakers from MU, K-State
The annual State Line Crop Conference offers updates from University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State Extension researchers. The free event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at First Baptist Church Family Life Outreach Center, 1301 E. Sixth St., Lamar, said MU Extension field agronomist Micah Doubledee.
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Ag Production Conference set for Feb. 12 in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The 101st Greene County Ag Production Conference on Feb. 12 focuses on beef, drones and hay. The event is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, 6821 W. Independence Drive.