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MU Extension resources for farmers amid deepening drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “It’s not a good situation” for agriculture in the southern two-thirds of Missouri, where scant rainfall and high temperatures have led to worsening drought, said Pat Guinan, associate extension professor of climatology with University of Missouri Extension.The ample moisture in northern Missouri ends abruptly where drought conditions begin in central through southern Missouri, Guinan said.
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Lack of rainfall during corn's R1 stage spells trouble
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One and one quarter inch. That’s how much rain corn plants need each week in July and August to maintain rapid growth and produce the best possible yields.Mother Nature has not been kind to Missouri’s corn crop this year, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold. One indication is the rapid expansion of trouble areas in the U.S. Drought Monitor, he says.
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Silage-making reminders
SEDALIA, Mo. – While it is still too soon to sound the alarm on “drought,” parts of the state are becoming severely dry, said University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz.
July farm management news and notes from MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During the summer, farm management involves a lot of day-to-day decisions. Use these news and notes from University of Missouri Extension as you and your team keep farm work on course.Review crop insurance policies before replantingExcess moisture, cold snaps and pest pressure early in the season can all result in a dissatisfying crop stand and lower yields at harvest. Replanting later than normal can also reduce yields.
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MU Extension crops podcast debuts
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension field specialists have launched a podcast that explores topics of interest to Missouri row crop producers.
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How to buy meat directly from the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One option for consumers buying meat is to purchase directly from the producer. A new University of Missouri Extension publication offers guidelines for buying all or part of animal from a livestock producer and having the meat processed and packaged.
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4-H primitive camping at Wurdack
COOK STATION, Mo. – Five Missouri 4-H youths took part in a first-ever primitive camping experience June 16-17 at the University of Missouri’s Wurdack Extension and Engagement Center in Cook Station.The campers were Neva Trosper, of Dent County, and Annabelle Edmonds, Connor Briggs, Wyatt Bobo and Evan Haberberger, all of Franklin County.
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Rose rosette continues to plague garden roses
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Rose rosette is a devastating disease of roses. There is no cure. Infected rose bushes should be removed from the landscape and destroyed, said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
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Waterlily: Easier to grow than you might think
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Some gardeners consider waterlilies to be the ultimate challenge. Many admire them but few grow them, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.Though waterlilies may appear exotic and fragile, they are tough and durable, Trinklein said. “Once established, waterlilies flower well into late summer and provide an exotic addition to any landscape,” he said.
Missouri Leads the Nation With Passage of Good Neighbor Week Bill
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Missouri Governor Mike Parsons signed HB1738 on Friday, July 1, 2022, which includes language designating Missouri Good Neighbor Week starting on National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28) and continuing for six days. The measure is a first for our nation, and it comes at a time when a reminder about the value of neighbors is desperately needed, according to University of Missouri Extension Community Development…
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Firecracker penstemon explodes with patriotic color
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Flowering stems of firecracker penstemon pop with color and add a burst of red flowers to landscapes in summer.Firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is just one of about 270 species of penstemon, also known as beardtongue. “Its showy stamens protrude from the flower and resemble a hairy tongue,” says Michele Warmund, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
Serving children with differing abilities, Unearth Potential - Joplin, MO
When Anita Archer and Erin Phipps, behavior analysts and owners of Unearth Potential in Joplin, Missouri, learned about the impending closure of the company they worked for, they worried about all the families that would be left without services for their children with differing abilities. With the encouragement of the families they were then serving, the women decided to open their own clinic.
Y partnership keeps seniors connected
This month we feature Sue Robison, county engagement specialist in Carroll County, with Bret Lyon and Kathy Lock of the Carroll County YMCA.
Soybean Cyst Nematode: Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) can substantially reduce yield, but it is not always obvious when the nematodes (Figure 1) are present. Leonardo Da Vinci's quote: "We know more about the movement of celestial bodies than about the soil underfoot" seems somewhat appropriate when discussing SCN levels in the soil.
Top 3 emerging disease issues going into 2022
#1 Tar spot of cornWho: Tar spot of corn, Phyllachora maydis
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Golfers raise more than $76,000 for Missouri 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Golfers returned to the green June 7 in support of Missouri 4-H youths for the 12th annual 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia.
Control of Fusarium Head Blight (or Scab) in Wheat
Wheat in southeast Missouri is near or at flowering, which suggest that wheat in many other regions of the state is roughly 1 to 2 weeks away. Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) (Figure 1) is a disease that can cause yield loss, reduced test weights, and reduced seed quality in wheat. The fungus that causes FHB, Fusarium graminearum, infects wheat from flowering to early grain fill stages and can also result in production of the mycotoxin…
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Consider food safety when donating to pantries
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Donating to food pantries and food banks is a way for neighbors to help neighbors, reduce food waste and aid families in need, says Londa Nwadike, extension food safety specialist for the University of Missouri and Kansas State University.
MU Extension guide helps farmers with replant decisions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Challenging weather has forced Missouri farmers to make difficult decisions on whether to replant crops because of sparse stands or delayed planting.
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Calling Missouri employers for digital skill-building opportunity
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri businesses struggle to recruit and retain employees with the technology know-how that companies need. To address that challenge, University of Missouri Extension, in partnership with the MU College of Engineering, launched the Digital Transformation Certificate Program to provide employees with technology training.
Cool gardening tips for hot days
JACKSON, Mo. – Both gardeners and their plants need extra care when it’s hot outside, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg.She reminds gardeners to take care of themselves first so they can tend to gardens and flowerbeds.Consider gardening in the early morning and late evening to avoid high temperatures and harsh sun.
MU Extension guide, spreadsheet help estimate farmland values
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Buyers and sellers who need an estimate of the value of a piece of farmland may not always find it feasible to get an appraisal, particularly one that reflects the land’s historical value needed to calculate taxes and settle estates.
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Farm management news and notes from MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farm work in Missouri has hit its stride. The following news and notes from University of Missouri Extension can help you keep yourself, your farm and your family and business relationships healthy during this demanding time of year.Gauge a fair rate to pay for custom farm servicesKnowing whether to own farm equipment or hire a custom operator to apply pesticides or other inputs often comes down to cost.
Summer food safety tips
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Summer is a time for enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables and outdoor picnics. Don’t let food safety mistakes spoil the fun. Food safety doesn’t begin in the kitchen, or even the market, says Londa Nwadike, extension food safety specialist for the University of Missouri and Kansas State University.