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Celebrating service to Missouri during National Volunteer Month
Whether through local organizations or simple acts of neighboring, volunteering creates connection, purpose and stronger communities across Missouri.
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Missouri 4-H State Rabbit Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H welcomed 30 youths and their families on March 21 to its annual State Rabbit Day. The event, hosted by Melissa Stong of Bates County and Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H educator, gave families the chance to learn more about the rabbit industry through judging contests and educational sessions.
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Helping kids manage stress
MU researchers have learned that when stress creates more tension or conflict at home, children are more likely to show signs like anxiety, pulling away or acting out. But they also found one skill that reliably helps protect kids from these challenges: self‑regulation.
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Plant a garden and believe in tomorrow
National Garden Month is observed in April, when gardeners are impatiently waiting to exercise their green thumbs, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, who explains some of the benefits of planting a garden.
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Missouri 4-H State Poultry Day
Missouri 4-H hosted its annual State Poultry Day on March 22 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center. Fifty 4-H members gathered to participate in a variety of contests and educational activities focused on the poultry industry.
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Show-Me-Select sale set for May 15 at Joplin Regional Stockyards
The southwestern Missouri spring Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale is 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Joplin Regional Stockyards, 10131 Cimarron Road, Carthage.
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Missouri Master Gardeners boost state's economy
In 2025, more than 2,000 volunteers in Missouri's Extension Master Gardener program contributed nearly 150,000 hours of service valued at over $5 million.
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Plant these 'Fab 4' for flowers galore
Jump-start your spring garden by starting four easy, inexpensive tender bulbs indoors before the weather warms. MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein suggests tuberous begonia, caladium, achimenes and calla lily. All are available in bulb or tuber form from retail outlets that feature plants.
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Why you shouldn’t try to get 'one more calf' out of past-prime cows
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef cow slaughter declined 19% in 2024 and another 17% in 2025 as producers held on to cows past their prime to get “just one more calf” from them, says University of Missouri Extension ag business specialist Wesley Tucker.
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Bull management for breeding success
What's a bull worth? What is that future calf crop worth? Davis advises cattle producers to implement effective management practices for bulls as they transition out of the breeding pasture and prepare for future breeding seasons to safeguard their investment.
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Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raises more than $25K
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The fourth annual Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raised more than $25,000 to support the Missouri 4-H Shooting Sports program March 16 at the Prairie Grove Shooting Sports Complex. The event brought together teams and sponsors from across the state for a day of competition, camaraderie and philanthropy, said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
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Managing potassium and phosphorus when prices are high
When high fertilizer prices shock the system, farmers often ask if they can delay their P and K applications until next year, when prices may be lower. The quick answer is yes – if your soil test levels are near recommended levels, says University of Missouri Extension state nutrient management specialist John Lory.
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Global speaker series celebrates International Year of the Woman Farmer
University of Missouri Extension’s Pearls of Production program will host a free global speaker series in 2026 in recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The series will feature women agricultural leaders from around the world.
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Sedum: A durable, perennial pollinator
This drought-resistant succulent blooms after most garden flowers have faded. A favorite among gardeners, sedums are recognized for their durability, drought tolerance and ability to thrive in even the most challenging environments.
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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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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 through April and May 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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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.