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Plant these 'Fab 4' for flowers galore
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein says it is time to plant some bulbs indoors for later enjoyment outdoors.
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Master Gardener works to help prevent diabetes through fresh food
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Toni Gatlin can’t change genetics, but she hopes to change the eating habits of children to help prevent diabetes. About 37 million Americans – around 11% of the U.S. population – have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health problems linked to diabetes affect the eyes, kidneys, heart and nerves, says MU Extension health and safety…
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MU dairy team urges enhanced biosecurity over Texas mystery outbreak
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension dairy team cautions producers to practice elevated biosecurity in light of a recent disease outbreak in Texas dairy country, in and near the Texas Panhandle from Dalhart to Lubbock. While the source of the outbreak is unknown, it has affected several Texas dairy farms, observable through sudden decreases in milk production (up to 30 pounds per day), reduced feed intake and changes in…
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National Animal Poison Prevention Week is in March
COLUMBIA, Mo. – National Animal Poison Prevention Week, March 17-23, 2024, is a time for pet owners to assess what plants and products can potentially poison their animals, identify signs they’ve been poisoned and learn how to prevent pet poisoning. It is also a good time to remind livestock owners of springtime dangers of potential poisons, such as toxic plants, fertilizers, herbicides and other pesticides, as well as old batteries,…
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Planting potatoes on St. Paddy's Day might yield spuds that are duds
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The idea that potatoes should be planted on St. Patrick’s Day is probably good advice for some parts of our country, but not for Missouri, said University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Consider changing tilling, cover crop practices due to low soil moisture
TROY, Mo. – Soils are much, much drier now than they were at the start of last year’s planting season, says University of Missouri Extension climatologist Zachary Leasor. Despite gains in December and January, soil moisture sits below average for most of the state, Leasor says. Soil moisture plays an important role in the upper part of the soil but is even more important in the root zone.
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2024 dairy returns might improve
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prices paid in 2024 for dairy products should be similar to 2023, while net returns may be better, according to University of Missouri Extension economist Scott Brown. Brown told attendees at the 2024 Missouri Dairy Expo that average weather and feed costs will be key factors for this year’s outlook.
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Companion planting: Positive partnerships that produce more
CARROLLTON, Mo. – Some things just go together like biscuits and gravy or peanut butter and jelly. Likewise, plants have companions that produce best when planted side by side, says Kathi Mecham, a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist in Carroll County. With gardening season ahead, Mecham suggests considering how plants can benefit each other. Plan so that “function and beauty” go hand in hand, she says.
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New college scholarship for Pike County 4-H'ers
A new scholarship will help fund post-high school education for Pike County 4-H’ers, thanks to an endowed scholarship from Earl and Shari Beth Niemeyer of Bowling Green. Both were both active in Pike County 4-H as youths: Shari Beth belonged to the St. Clement Busy Bees, and Earl was a 10-year member of the Hartford Go-Getters. Their four children – Ryan, Scott, Elizabeth and Reed – were also 10-year members of the Go-Getters and…
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Construction Management Leadership Institute helps professionals hone skills
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Just a few years after graduating from the MU College of Engineering, Joe Modica is already climbing the leadership ladder, now serving as an assistant project manager at Nabholz Corp. So when he saw an opportunity to expand upon his engineering and leadership skills at Mizzou, he seized the opportunity.
Should cattle producers retain fall calves as stockers?
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Should cattle producers retain fall calves as stockers?” This is a question asked by University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis and cattle producers as they think about weaning their fall calves. Davis will discuss considerations for cattle producers as they weigh the options to retain their fall calves as stockers.
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Saving the herd with milo grazing
GREEN RIDGE, Mo. – Missouri cattle producer John Chamberlin didn’t want to sell his cows when drought lingered and hay supplies and forages dwindled last year. With more than 600 head of Angus cows, Chamberlin looked to the internet for ideas. A University of Missouri Extension video on the benefits of grazing standing milo intrigued him.
Prepare emergency supplies for spring storm season
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Natural disasters, like tornadoes and severe storms, are things we don’t like to think about until necessary. But in Missouri, being prepared for spring storm and tornado season is a necessity, according to a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.
Plans for weaned fall-born calves
SEDALIA, Mo. – While spring calving and spring bull sales may dominate the producer’s current thought process, planning for weaned fall calves might slip through the cracks. Two items to pay close attention to for weaned calves is value of gain and cost per pound of gain. Having an idea of these two calculations can provide some guidance on how weaned calves should be managed.
Things to consider when early weaning fall calves
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Markets as well as limited feed resources may lead to early weaning fall calves,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Cattle producers may be limited on feed resources, and early weaning will help reduce cow herd nutrient need. Furthermore, early weaning may help cattle producers prepare to market their fall calves a little earlier than normal because of financial…
Remove open heifers following their first breeding season
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Reproductive efficiency is important to the productivity and profitability of your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. One way to promote optimum cow herd reproductive efficiency is to cull open heifers following their first breeding season. Davis will discuss why culling these heifers improves reproductive efficiency, resource utilization and operation…
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Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Feb. 26 to March 3
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. – National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) — from Monday, Feb. 26 to Sunday, March 3, 2024 — seeks to educate, raise awareness about and bring hope to people with eating disorders and disordered eating.
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MU livestock specialists on new MDA exhibition rules
New exhibition rules issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture late last year for showing cattle and swine at county fairs and exhibitions go into effect this year. University of Missouri Extension specialists say the changes encourage healthy animals.
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Maximize your pond's potential
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Managing a pond or lake for sport fishing takes time, resources and a year-round commitment. Timing is crucial for many pond and lake management practices. The approaching spring is an ideal time in Missouri to evaluate and determine if ponds need to be stocked or restocked, said Robert Pierce, associate extension professor in fisheries and wildlife at the University of Missouri.
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Higgins selected as leader for MU Extension
University of Missouri President Mun Choi announced Feb. 22 that Chad Higgins has been named chief engagement officer for the UM System and vice chancellor for extension and engagement for MU, effective March 1, 2024. Higgins has been serving as interim in this capacity since January 2023. Higgins’ appointment comes following a national search.
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MU Master Gardeners 'Dreams' team grows love of gardening, education
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City and Master Naturalists use gardening to teach students to grow healthy food and dream big. The Extension Master Gardener group, called Urban Green Dreams, works with Kansas City youths using Eating From the Garden, a research-based MU Extension program for fourth and fifth grade students.
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2024 4-H State Meats Judging Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Feb. 17 drew 54 competing 4-H members from across the state. Held in partnership with the MU Meat Science Program, the event gave contestants the opportunity to hone their judging skills and explore career and educational opportunities, said Maria Calvert, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator. Junior division (ages 8-13)
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Feeling hopeful about the future: 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development results
Missouri 4-H is part of a recent national Replication and Reconnection Study documenting the benefits of 4-H programming. MU Extension 4-H youth development specialist Tanner Adkins and Christal Huber, former 4-H youth development specialist and now senior programing coordinator at Mizzou, led the Missouri study, surveying youths three times over an extended period.
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Successful fish farming in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Successful fish farming in Missouri depends on identifying and serving market niches, according to an updated guide from University of Missouri Extension. “There are a lot of successful aquaculture businesses in Missouri,” said Ryan Milhollin, MU Extension agribusiness management specialist. “Each business has found its market niche.”
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MU pesticide safety program vital to state's ag economy
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Sam Polly, coordinator of University of Missouri Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program, wants to make Missouri a safer place that allows Missouri’s agricultural economy to continue to grow. Polly says the program is the backbone of agricultural and commercial pest management in Missouri. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries contribute $369 million annually to the state’s economy.