Image
Missouri trending wetter and warmer
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s seasons are getting warmer and wetter, especially winter and spring.For farmers, this means a longer growing season, wetter fields and potential for more plant diseases and insects.Four of the five warmest winters in Missouri on record have occurred since the early 1990s, says University of Missouri Extension climatologist Pat Guinan. The five warmest springs on record have taken place since 1977.
Take your time with power takeoffs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Survivors do not soon forget power takeoff accidents.Retired Monroe County farmer Artie Whelan recalls one of his first days back on the farm after his discharge from the U.S. Army 64 years ago.
Image
After the deluge
ROCK PORT, Mo. – Historic flooding along the Missouri River in 2019 has left many still repairing damage this fall.Cold, snowy weather in early 2019 set the stage for significant flooding in northwestern Missouri as spring approached, said University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Pat Guinan.
Image
Sharing and caring
On Nov. 17 cars lined up around the block near the North East Community Action Corp. (NECAC) office in Paris, Mo., filled with families thankful for the assistance they were about to receive.That assistance was in the form of food boxes. The Monroe City Food Pantry and University of Missouri Extension in Monroe County, with assistance from the Monroe County NECAC office, were able to provide the food boxes for families struggling with…
Image
Consider ergonomics when buying garden tools
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you have a gardener on your holiday gift list, consider user-friendly tools that suit their ability and age.When choosing tools, gardeners and gift-givers should consider ergonomics, the science of fitting equipment to create less stress on the body, says Brenda Schreck, University of Missouri Extension specialist in livestock and youth development.
Image
Poinsettia: America's most popular flower
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Poinsettia is our nation’s most popular potted flowering plant. What makes this remarkable is that most poinsettias are sold between the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Despite its short sales period, poinsettia contributed $170 million to the U.S. economy last year, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Native to southern Mexico and Central America, poinsettia has become symbolic…
Image
MU School of Medicine recognizes National Rural Health Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri School of Medicine joins health care organizations across the country to honor the thousands of health care students and professionals serving the unique health needs of an estimated 57 million rural Americans.
Money does grow on trees
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Money does grow on trees, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Sarah Havens. Just how much money depends in part on knowledge and planning by the landowner, Havens says. At the recent Pixels of Production conference for women in agriculture, Havens told participants how to improve profits and forest health. Pixels took the place of the annual Pearls of Production hands-on conference.
When price is right, wheat middlings are good cattle feed
COLUMBIA, Mo. – At the right price, wheat middlings are a good source of protein, fiber and phosphorus for livestock, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Kendra Graham.
The Health Benefits of an Attitude of Gratitude
It is that time of year where we start saying what we are thankful for however, having an attitude of gratitude throughout the year can have many health benefits. Gratitude is defined as the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself; it is a general state of thankfulness and appreciation.
Missouri afterschool programs receive micro-grants for Global Entrepreneurship Week
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri AfterSchool Network (MASN) announces the selection of seven afterschool programs to receive micro-grants for youth entrepreneurship programs during the 2020-2021 school year. The announcement coincides with Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 16-22, the world’s biggest celebration of entrepreneurship, with millions of event participants and awareness campaigns in 180 countries.
Be smart about fall N
It's October 26 and there is snow falling outside my window in Columbia. The precip over the past week may have slowed down fall field operations a little, but we're at or ahead of average on corn and soybean harvest according to USDA—unlike the past two years. This probably carries over to other field operations as well.I hope that none of you have applied anhydrous yet for next year's corn. In my opinion, October is too risky—even if…
Does wheat need N in fall?
Yes, of course wheat needs N in fall. Timely planting and decent fall tillering are very important to wheat yield potential. And adequate N supports that tillering.But soil has N, regardless of whether you put any there. Is it enough, or not enough, to maximize wheat yield potential?
Time to spread fertilizer evenly
As I write this on October 6, USDA estimates that 80% of Missouri corn and more than 75% of Missouri soybeans are in excellent or good condition. This is the best in the past 5 years for both crops.Harvest is well under way and I hope that most of you are pulling in the good yields that USDA predicted.
Preventing pests and business stress, Preferred Pest Control, LLC - St. Joseph, MO
In 1970, Russell Smith started his own pest control business, Preferred Pest Control. 50 years and three generations later, Perry and Dawn Cooperider now manage the business and have watched it grow for many years. Along with their small team of experienced exterminators, the Cooperiders keep the homes and businesses of their community clear of destructive bugs and pests.
Staying healthy during a pandemic: A rural doctors' office experience, Heartland Physicians and Surgeons - Kirksville, MO
Are you in need of a checkup, consultation, surgery, or the Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure? The staff at Heartland Physicians and Surgeons in Kirksville, Missouri is dedicated to their community’s health, even during a global pandemic.
Rural art gallery transitions to e-commerce amid pandemic, Art Impressions Gallery and Framing, Sullivan Creative - Sedalia, MO
“One of my passions is to help small businesses,” said Garnetta Sullivan, owner of her own two small businesses, Art Impressions Gallery and Framing and Sullivan Creative in Sedalia, Missouri.
MU spreadsheet tracks, evaluates colostrum management
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension dairy veterinarian Scott Poock has developed a spreadsheet to track and evaluate colostrum management data in dairy calves.
Image
Spice up the holidays for lasting memories
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The lingering aroma of spices can bring back warm and welcoming memories of the winter holidays.“The holiday season simply would not be the same without certain traditional foods and beverages. Many of these foods are special because of the use of certain spices,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Image
Missouri Care gift to help grow 4-H student nutrition advisory clubs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H received $25,000 from Missouri Care Inc. to support young people across Missouri in promoting healthy habits in their communities. The 4-H Student Nutrition Advisory Council (SNAC) initiative, piloted last year in the Kansas City metropolitan area, creates new 4-H clubs that focus on teaching nutrition along with leadership and citizenship skills central to 4-H.
Image
FilmFest 4-H helps youths reach beyond state borders
BARDSTOWN, Ky. – As COVID-19 numbers surged in Nelson County, Kentucky, 4-H extension agents Danielle Hagler and Nicole Howard brainstormed a drive-in movie approach for their county awards ceremony with the local 4-H council.
Image
Free hotline offers counseling, referrals for Missourians in crisis
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians in crisis can take advantage of a free 24-hour hotline for stress counseling as well as information and referrals on legal, financial, crisis/disaster and personal health topics. Individuals can seek help by phone or live online chat.
Image
First state chapter of Heroes to Hives beekeeping program begins at MU
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri has the first state chapter of Heroes to Hives, a program that supports veterans who want to learn beekeeping.
Image
Crops face danger of BMSB damage
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A flurry of calls and emails from homeowners about the brown marmorated stink bug to University of Missouri Extension specialists sounds a warning of what is to come in in the next two years.
Image
Missouri 4-H wins National Extension Diversity Award
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – “They were the students who were not supposed to make it,” says Donna Garcia. They are young people with the potential to become top scholars and leaders in their communities, but they face obstacles that might make success seem forever out of reach, says Garcia, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H specialist for college and career readiness.