New DoD cybersecurity regulations
On Dec. 31, 2017, the Department of Defense (DoD) established new cybersecurity regulations for contractors. Contractors must meet these new standards, or risk losing DoD contracts. In general, contractors must assess their information systems, develop a security plan and create an action plan to deal with cyber threats. These security controls must be implemented at both the contractor and subcontractor levels. In particular, the…
Personal resources to manage stress
Work and life create stress for each of us. Why do some people cope better than others? Here are some ideas from researchers who study human behavior.Before determining how to cope with stresses, take some time to identify priorities. What are the important things in your life? Child rearing, caregiving for elderly parents, buying a home, having time alone or completing education goals are some priorities people have.
MU vet students take research to dairy parlors and pastures
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri veterinary students take campus research to parlors and pastures to help dairy farms improve.The MU School of Veterinary Medicine’s production medicine class is a popular elective, offering students two-way learning opportunities. Students share university research with farmers, and farmers share their day-to-day practices with students.
When stress is not normal
Everyone has stress, and a moderate amount of stress is normal. A stressor is any demand on your body or your mind. Stressors can be unpleasant or pleasant experiences, like a family reunion, the holidays or exercise. Situations that are considered stressful for one person may have little effect on another person.
Government procurement FAQs
Are there rules to follow in doing business with the government? The government spends billions of dollars each year purchasing products and services, some of which your company may be able to provide. However, doing business with the government can be a cumbersome process.
Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing
MO PTAC staff continually warn clients of companies that engage in deceptive marketing practices by disguising themselves to look like official government websites, then charge businesses for things that are free, such as registration in
Bonding basics
What are bonds and when are they required? According to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), a bond is a written document between a bidder or contractor (the principal) and a second party (the surety) to ensure fulfillment of the principal’s obligations to a third party (the obligee or government) identified in the bond. If the principal’s obligations are not met, the bond ensures payment, to the extent stipulated, of any loss…
Farmers seek help from MU agronomists on dry weather impact on crops, forages
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Newly made spring hay finally being baled in June may be toxic for cattle. Hold off on feeding new hay, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The longer the hay can be stored after baling, the less toxic it becomes.
Preventing heat stress helps cows produce more milk
HUMANSVILLE, Mo. – Martin Prairie Farms near Humansville treats dairy cows like guests.The family-owned dairy farm north of Humansville in Hickory County dedicates itself to top-of-the-line herd nutrition and care, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel.
Doing business with the government
When considering target markets for their products and services, many business owners often overlook one with vast potential — local, state and federal governments. Agencies and organizations at all three levels of government buy nearly everything imaginable from food, flowers and fighter jet components to janitorial services, construction and heavy equipment.
Billowing blooms crown peony the queen of spring
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Few flowers symbolize the arrival of spring more than peonies. Their huge, lavish blooms and distinctive floral scent make them one of America’s most treasured perennials, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Cool-season pastures start regrowth with arrival of warm-weather rains
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Cool-season grasses such as fescue that dominate pasture grass in Missouri need warm weather to grow.The coldest April since 1907 set back forage for Missouri’s beef cow herds. Now, warm weather with rain creates forage for grazing and haying, said forage specialist Craig Roberts in a weekly University of Missouri Extension teleconference.New grass growth works best if an early crop of seed heads were clipped. That idea…
Groundcovers: Shady characters for problem areas
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many landscapes have problem spots where nothing grows well or looks attractive, such as the area below a large tree with a dense leaf canopy.The area beneath a tree receives relatively little light. This and the competitive root systems of many tree species create a problem for gardeners, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein
Hitchhiking spotted lanternfly could become problem in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – An exotic pest that hitchhikes on train cars, trucks and boats could suck the life out Missouri crops.Spotted lanternfly has the potential to establish populations in Missouri, says University of Missouri Extension field crop entomologist Kevin Rice. It damages soybean, corn and hops, as well as fruit and ornamental trees. According to MU Extension viticulturist Dean Volenberg, it could have damaging effects on Missouri…
Dairy farmers gain margin protection before new farm bill passes Congress
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new milk price safety net for dairy producers is in place. To take part farmers must rush to their local USDA farm service center.Milk producers must sign up for the first time or re-enroll by June 1, say University of Missouri Extension dairy economists.Most dairy farmers don’t like the original USDA Margin Protection Program (MPP). That’s a dairy financial safety net in the current farm bill.
Life’s money lessons begin now for new grads
MARSHALL, Mo. – You’ve got your diploma in hand. Hopefully, you’ll have a paycheck in hand soon.Whether you’re graduating from high school or finishing college and heading into the workforce for the first time, good financial decisions early on can pave the road to success, says Trish Savage, personal finance specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
Child farm fatalities bring community together to learn about farm safety
FORTUNA, Mo. – The people of the Fortuna and Versailles areas know what a farm tragedy feels like. In the last few years, Mennonite families there lost two children to farm accidents. Another was critically injured.
StoryUP CEO Sarah Hill to appear at FilmFest 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Digital storyteller and former TV anchor and reporter Sarah Hill will present at the 2018 FilmFest 4-H, July 29-Aug. 1 in Columbia.Hill is a veteran of the interactive media industry and a pioneer in the field of digital storytelling, says University of Missouri Extension state 4-H youth specialist Bradd Anderson, who co-produces the youth film festival.
MU's Jo Turner to join National 4-H Hall of Fame
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Linda “Jo” Turner, retired Missouri 4-H program leader and former interim director of University of Missouri Extension, will be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame Oct. 19 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md.
St. Louis Storytelling Festival honors MU Extension
ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Storytelling Festival awarded MU Extension the inaugural Nancy and Ken Kranzberg Spirit of St. Louis Storytelling Award. Founded in 1980, the festival brings regional and nationally recognized storytellers to St. Louis for workshops, presentations and free storytelling events.
Species spotlight: Persimmon
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) goes by many common names; American persimmon, common persimmon, eastern persimmon, simmon, possumwood, and even sugar-plum. It ranges from southern Connecticut/Long Island to Florida, and west to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa.On the local landscape, its range is just as variable; occurring in rocky, dry, open woods; edges of woods, glades, prairies and wetlands, old fields, fencerows,…
Cattle farm tour shows how shade improves profits
ST. JAMES, Mo. – Cattle producers are invited to attend a field day at the Mingo Farm in St. James to learn how to use natural shade to improve their beef operation.The field day begins at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at the Mingo cow-calf operation, 25385 County Road 1000, St. James. University of Missouri Extension, MU Center for Agroforestry and MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources sponsor the event.
Drought tops questions called to MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extension agronomist talk was calm on the weekly teleconference. Few problems discussed on bugs, weeds, fungus or other pests. Then the weather hit the fan. Reports from across Missouri told of farmers’ concerns about lack of rain.For corn farmers it’s the threat of rootless corn. Soybean growers worry about low emergence and uneven stands.Cattle farmers ask “Where’s the grass? What do we do for hay?”
Master Gardener's coffeehouse brings farm to the city
ST. LOUIS – Master Gardener Paul Whitsitt takes the farm to the city and the city to the farm.