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High rate of suicide by firearm in NE Missouri being studied
CLARENCE, Mo. – It’s harvest time in northeastern Missouri. Rows of corn furl their browned leaves up at the blazing sky in Shelby County, one of Missouri’s least-populated counties. Barely 6,000 residents live here, many of them on one of Shelby County’s 150 Missouri Century Farms recognized by University of Missouri Extension for being owned by the same family for 100 or more years.
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Nitrogen fertilizer boosts fescue yields but increases toxin
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It is difficult to make blanket recommendations on fall nitrogen fertilizer rates to pastures because of the variability in how forages are managed in the Fescue Belt, says University of Missouri Extension state nutrient management specialist John Lory. But fescue pastures need a source of nitrogen to thrive, he says.
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Don't fall victim to PTO accidents on the farm
Stay safe around farm machinery by preventing PTO accidents. Follow safety tips to avoid injuries and fatalities from spinning PTO shafts and moving parts.
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Tips for reporting near misses and accidents on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When things go bad on the farm during harvest, it is important to act quickly and report later, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 15-21, Funkenbusch bring attention to reporting methods. Learn more at https://www.necasag.org/NationalFarmSafetyandHealthWeek.
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Prepare bulls for the upcoming breeding season
STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is time to begin preparing for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. In preparation for the upcoming breeding season, Davis will discuss management strategies to make sure bulls are ready for a successful breeding season.
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Grant boosts 4-H Youth Futures program
University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development has received a five-year project award totaling $607,115 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Children, Youth and Families at Risk grant program. The funding, beginning September 2024, will support 4-H Hopeful Paths for Youth Futures, which provides college and career programming to middle and high school youths in Jackson, St. Louis and McDonald…
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From cancer research to fossils, camps bring Mizzou to young scientists in the making
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri middle school students learned the basics of cancer biology and pathology research this summer in a hands-on “mini-medical school” camp. Another group of fourth through sixth graders took a walk back through geological time and calculated who ran faster: humans or dinosaurs.
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Joro spiders are nothing to worry about – yet
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Flying monkeys, creepy crawlies and monsters under the bed need to make way for the Joro spider. But Missouri arachnophobes can rest easy for a bit, says University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff. Introduced to the United States a decade ago, the Joro spider is a slow traveler.
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MU Extension offers tips on safely handling livestock
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Good livestock handling practices can improve animal comfort and make livestock management safer for people and animals, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Brenda Schreck. Accidents happen most often during common activities such as feeding, handling, loading and transporting. Schreck says animal behavior specialist Temple Grandin teaches that it is important to understand the behavioral…
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Missouri farmland, hunting cash rental rate insights from MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri rental rates rose again in 2024, according to the latest cash rental rates survey from University of Missouri Extension. More than 600 Missouri landowners and tenants responded to the survey earlier this summer and shared their insights into rental rates and leasing arrangements for cropland, pastureland, hunting land and farm facilities.
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Teach teens about social networking dangers before fairs, conventions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Everyone loves seeing social media posts of smiling farm kids with their animals at local fairs. But no one enjoys seeing these photos more than criminals who could put your family’s safety and property at risk, says Brenda Schreck, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in livestock.
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MU Extension selects winner, finalists for NW County Council of the Year
NORTHWEST MISSOURI – The University of Missouri Extension County Council of the Year award is a recognition given during Extension and Engagement Week, held each October, to build relationships between MU Extension, campus, and community partners. The award recognizes the central role Extension Councils have in:
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Show-Me MO Success podcast: MO Pac Lumber looks to the future
MO Pac Lumber prepares for future generations with strategic succession planning and insights from Missouri SBDC's Elevate program.
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Missouri 4-H'ers celebrate summer's best story at the State Fair
SEDALIA, Mo. – The Missouri State Fair offers an opportunity for members to exhibit their skills in the 4-H Building, their showmanship in the livestock arenas and their character through demonstrations. For many, this is a culminating experience that affects youths beyond just the premium and ribbon.
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Angelo tops State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
SEDALIA, Mo. – Lexi Angelo earned high individual honors at the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest held Aug. 17 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
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Missouri growers are sweet on honey of a berry
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The 2024 “Miss Congeniality” of Missouri backyard fruits might be honeyberry. Honeyberry’s ability to thrive in conditions that often challenge blueberries makes it a promising choice for gardeners seeking a productive and low-maintenance fruit, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. This crowned jewel of a bush grows in a variety of soils and resists disease and pests.
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The woods: Missouri's other place to shop for food
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Look no further than your local woods for fresh, flavorful fruits and nuts, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Kelly McGowan. In the woods, you’ll find a colorful and tasty assortment of edible delights, including wild strawberry, gooseberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, plums, mulberry, elderberry, grapes, persimmons, pawpaws and nuts, McGowan says.
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Show-Me MO Success podcast: Choose Greater Health supports brain injury survivors
Learn how Paige Speers' Choose Greater Health supports brain injury survivors with resources and a network of medical professionals for recovery.
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September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, a time to draw attention to risk of falls among older adults.
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Early preparation equals a successful breeding season
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – Breeding season will be here before we know it. Is your herd prepped for success? Here are steps you can take to maximize your breeding season. Schedule pre-breeding exams
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4-H College and Career Pathways Conference helps youths find their voices
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development welcomed 50 middle- and high-school-aged 4-H’ers at its 22nd annual 4-H College and Career Pathways Conference on the MU campus this July.
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MU Extension offers listing of farm apps
TROY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s website lists numerous apps to help in decision-making on the farm, says MU Extension agricultural engineering specialist Charles Ellis. “These apps can help you make objective decisions to better manage your crops and livestock,” Ellis says. “By entering information from your farm, you can get answers specific to your operation.”
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Registration open for Strong Couples program
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. – Community members may enroll in Strong Couples, a free program offered by University of Missouri Extension that offers practical strategies for improving conflict resolution and enhancing relationship satisfaction.
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Mizzou professor makes a global impact through MU Extension partnership
Wilson Majee, a Mizzou health sciences professor, collaborates to adapt the Neighborhood Leadership Academy for South African community leaders.
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Hang the moon with twilight gardens
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Twilight gardens delight the senses of sight and smell by adding another dimension to the gardening experience, says Gwen Funk, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. Also known as moon gardens, twilight gardens use white flowers and plants to capture reflected moonlight. “The use of the color white showcases how we can, with planning, extend our garden enjoyment into the evening,” Funk says.