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MU Extension research on lavender finds options for Missouri growers
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – After three years of research, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialists are learning how to successfully grow lavender in Missouri. The popularity of lavender’s fresh scent has endured since ancient times. Cleopatra reportedly used it to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. By the 16th century, people were using it to ward off disease, preserve the dead and ease indigestion.
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Bringing internet access to Missouri’s least-connected counties
Shannon and Carter counties in southeastern Missouri have some of the worst broadband coverage in the state. Local stakeholders say that means communities in the two counties are cut off from essential health, education and employment resources. That is about to change. A $191,038 grant will help the two counties develop a comprehensive broadband adoption plan, says Alison Copeland, University of Missouri System deputy chief engagement…
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Warrensburg Adventure Club provides stability, support and a sense of belonging
Within the community of Warrensburg, Missouri, lies a sanctuary for young minds – the Warrensburg R6 Adventure Club. Led by the passionate and seasoned advocate for child enrichment, Casey Conklin, this program has blossomed into a haven where every child, regardless of economic background, finds a place to thrive.
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MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic offers free wheat virus tests in 2024
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic will offer Missouri producers free testing for five wheat viruses during 2024, says Peng Tian, director of the clinic.
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Hosta steps out of the shadows in 2024
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Perhaps no plant brightens a shady area more than hosta, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The hardy perennial that thrives in shade is low-maintenance and easy to grow.
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Total eclipse is brief 'buzzkill' for bees
JACKSON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists have the buzz on how the April 8 solar eclipse will stop bee activity for a few minutes in parts of Missouri. MU Extension agronomist and beekeeper Travis Harper says the upcoming eclipse offers a buzzworthy opportunity to learn about solar eclipses and apiculture – the science of bees.
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Creating a Kansas City regional arts inventory
University of Missouri Extension’s Urban West Region is partnering with ArtsKC to develop a comprehensive asset map and online arts inventory for the five-county Kansas City metro region. The ArtsKC Regional Arts Impact Dashboard helps to:
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Two weeds to watch in pastures, hayfields in 2024
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley lists two weeds to watch in 2024. Knotroot foxtail, like yellow foxtail, has a short, hair-like ligule and a typical foxtail-like seedhead. Unlike yellow foxtail, however, this species has short, knotty rhizomes. The invasive perennial is also known as bristle grass.
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Youths test skills at State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
FULTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, March 23, drew 81 competing 4-H members. This year’s event was hosted at William Woods University in Fulton, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture educator. After the contest, youths and coaches toured the facilities and learned more about the equine program from faculty and students. The top 10 competitors ages 8-10:
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Early appearance of alfalfa weevils prompts need to scout
JACKSON, Mo. – The warmer weather has prompted alfalfa weevil larvae to start feeding early, which means growers should be scouting the crop. Anthony Ohmes, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist, says now through April is the time to walk alfalfa fields to look for larvae activity.
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Felines not a purr-fect match for Easter lilies and similar flowers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A favorite spring flower, the Easter lily, should be kept away from cats. If ingested, it could kill them. The perennial plant’s white, trumpet-like flowers might not sound the warning that all parts of it are highly toxic to felines.
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Adulting 101: Building a foundation for future success
PLATTSBURG, Mo. – In February, MU Extension in Clinton County offered local teens a hands-on preview of basic skills they’ll need to navigate adulthood. During a day off from school, 20 teens, ages 14-18, attended Adulting 101 at the Clinton County Extension Center in Plattsburg. Community members, parents and extension council members had asked for such a program.
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Minnesota reports first U.S. goat infected with avian influenza
A University of Missouri Extension specialist urges caution among producers in Missouri after a newborn goat in Minnesota recently tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the first case of HPAI in goats in the U.S.
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Lily: More than just an Easter plant
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you mention the word “lily” to most people, they’ll think of the Easter lily. Although an attractive potted plant, that pure white beauty struggles somewhat in Missouri’s climate if planted outdoors, said David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
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MU Extension works with county to plan solar farm growth
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo – The Montgomery County Planning and Zoning Commission asked University of Missouri Extension agronomist Rusty Lee to help develop a strategy to address growing interest in solar energy farms in the county in the early part of 2021. Two years ago, that strategy become a reality. The commission wanted to guide development of solar farms while maintaining the integrity of existing residential and agricultural…
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Paired housing of dairy calves could be 'logical next step' of FARM
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – While explaining new requirements in the National Dairy FARM 5.0 program, a University of Missouri Extension specialist told dairy producers to be aware of what may be coming in 2027. At the Missouri Dairy Expo last month in Springfield, Scott Poock said FARM 6.0 will probably require some form of group housing for dairy calves, most likely paired housing.
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Patterson Family Foundation awards grant for 4-H youth workforce development
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Patterson Family Foundation has awarded funds to Missouri 4-H for a three-year pilot project focusing on youth workforce development, overcoming barriers to higher education and improving financial literacy. The project, which incorporates multiple 4-H programs, targets youths in the rural counties of Harrison, Livingston, Nodaway, Pettis and Vernon.
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Exploring the benefits of MyPlate for Older Adults
March is National Nutrition Month, an annual education campaign highlighting the importance of making informative food choices and encouraging physical activity. An important resource available to support healthy eating habits is MyPlate; an evidence-based tool provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), offering a visual for balanced meals, applicable for those ages 2 years and older.
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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.