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Sedum: A durable, perennial pollinator
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mention succulents to an avid gardener and it isn’t long until the conversation gravitates toward the sedums. A favorite among gardeners, sedums are recognized for their durability, drought tolerance and ability to thrive in even the most challenging environments, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. To promote this versatile plant, the National Garden Bureau has named sedum its…
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Spring color bursts with 'crown jewel' pollinator
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The National Garden Bureau has selected azalea as its 2026 shrub of the year. Renowned for their colorful seasonal displays, azaleas are becoming the crown jewel in landscapes nearly everywhere, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Registration open for 2026 grazing schools
GALENA, Mo. – Registration is open for 2026 grazing schools offered by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and University of Missouri Extension. These three-day schools help livestock producers learn the art and science of grazing cattle through a combination of classroom instruction and on-farm visits, said University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Tim Schnakenberg.
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Plant soybean early for best yields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Early planting remains strongly associated with soybean yield, according to research by University of Missouri state soybean farming system specialist Andre Reis.
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High tunnel workshop in Springfield helps vegetable growers increase yields
University of Missouri Extension will offer a workshop on how to manage pests, soil fertility, growing climate and irrigation in high tunnels 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Milsap Farm in Springfield.
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High tunnel workshop in Warren County helps vegetable growers increase yields
University of Missouri Extension will offer a workshop on how to manage pests, soil fertility, growing climate and irrigation in high tunnels 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Early Bird Farms in Warren County.
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High tunnel workshop in St. Louis helps vegetable growers increase yields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a workshop on how to manage pests, soil fertility, growing climate and irrigation in high tunnels noon-3 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, at Earthdance Organic Farm School in St. Louis County.
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Consider ROI before applying fungicides
Before applying fungicides this season, growers should carefully consider the potential return on investment (ROI), says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. In years where disease pressure is low, the cost of application may outweigh the benefits.
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MU Extension hosts high tunnel workshops for vegetable growers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a series of on-farm high tunnel workshops across Missouri this spring.
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MU Extension hosts free ag resources webinar April 9 and 16
Missouri farmers are invited to attend a free, two-part agricultural resources webinar at noon on April 9 and April 16. MU Extension livestock specialist Elizabeth Picking and agronomy specialist Haley Schwantz will lead the sessions, which highlight assistance available through state and federal partners.
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Tips to avoid black bears
With hiking and camping season right around the corner, a University of Missouri Extension has tips on how to prevent and avoid problems when in bear habitat.
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Youth gardening offers creative learning opportunities
Growing plants teaches kids more than just gardening skills, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Donna Aufdenberg.
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Watch for red crown rot in soybean
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri soybean growers should be alert for red crown rot (RCR) in 2026, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. The soilborne pathogen was confirmed in nine Missouri counties during the 2025 growing season after its initial detection in Marion County in 2024.
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Smartphones can save lives on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Your smartphone can improve farm safety during calving or planting this spring, says University of Missouri Extension state specialist for health and safety Karen Funkenbusch.
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Construction underway on new SCN Diagnostics Lab on MU campus
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Construction is underway on the new Soybean Cyst Nematode Diagnostics Lab at the University of Missouri, with completion expected by July 2026. Work on the facility began in late February.
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Sign up for pest alerts
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Now is the time to sign up for the University of Missouri’s Pest Monitoring Network. The free, timely pest alerts can be an early-warning system for farmers, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida.
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MU Extension refocuses Family Nutrition Education Programs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is repositioning its Family Nutrition Education Programs (FNEP) to strengthen nutrition education and family health resources for the most under-resourced communities across Missouri.
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Learn to rebuild, retain a better cow herd
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold an educational program on rebuilding and retaining the cow herd May 5-6 at the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm in Columbia.
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Youths test knowledge at State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest drew 45 youths from across the state on March 1. Participants tested their knowledge in a quiz bowl setting on the University of Missouri campus. The event was hosted with the help of the Mizzou Equine Teaching Facility and held at the MU Animal Science Research Center.
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Free workshop on filling worker vacancies on the farm
LANCASTER, Mo. – There will be a free workshop on farm labor challenges 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Happy Hollow Farm in Jamestown. The workshop is hosted by Missouri Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Lincoln University and University of Missouri Extension.
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4-H State Horse Judging Contest
The Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest, Feb. 28, drew 70 youths from across the state to William Woods University in Fulton. Throughout the day, youths put their equine expertise to the test by evaluating eight classes – four halter and four performance – and delivering one or two sets of oral reasons to justify their decisions.
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4-H State Meats Judging Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Saturday, Feb. 21, drew youths from 10 counties across the state. Participants demonstrated their knowledge of the meat industry by evaluating six retail or carcass classes representing beef, pork or lamb, identifying 30 retail cuts and presenting one or two sets of oral reasons to justify their placings.
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Women Owning Woodlands offers chainsaw safety workshop
Women Owning Woodlands will offer a beginner chainsaw safety workshop. The workshop includes three virtual sessions leading up to an in-person field session at MU Jefferson Farm and Garden in Columbia.
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Making sense of smart agriculture: Why trusted guidance matters
For Missouri farmers navigating the challenges and opportunities of rapid technological change, MU Extension offers unbiased, research-based guidance to help producers cut through the noise and make smart, practical decisions.
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Seed selection is important spring decision
With gardening time right around the corner, gardeners have many seed sources to choose from. Picking the right seeds can make a big difference in the success of your garden.