Easy use of DNA data enhances cow herds growing quality beef
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef-cow herd owners will learn new ways to raise better calves at three University of Missouri meetings in March. The sessions lead producers from proven breeding to new uses of DNA.MU Extension animal scientists David Patterson and Jared Decker will lead the ReproGene Meetings.Management of fixed-time artificial insemination allows more live calves and more uniform calf crops.
Most of Missouri remains in drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most of Missouri remains in a drought, according to a map released Feb. 8 by the National Drought Mitigation Center.The drought affects livestock farmers facing dwindling hay reserves. Row crop farmers are eyeing the situation with caution as planting season nears.
Frost-seed legumes now to improve cattle and pastures
STOCKTON, Mo. – Add legumes to grazing pastures to improve cow performance, soil health and forage production, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in Cedar County.
Workshop for growers, sellers set for Feb. 28 in Macon
MACON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day regional program on growing and selling local foods Feb. 28 in Macon.
Give Valentine's Day flowers some TLC for flor-amore
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Valentine’s Day flowers, like love, can stand the test of time if given a little TLC. Call it flor-amore.Proper care and a homemade preservative provide an extended warranty of sorts to make certain flowers last up to twice as long, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Study shows cover crops may increase yields over time
KEYTESVILLE, Mo. – Farmers need more research showing cover crops increase yields, reduce erosion and add nutrients back to the soil in corn-soybean rotation before they adopt the practice, says University of Missouri researcher Ranjith Udawatta.
Second annual Mid-Mo Expo set for backyard gardeners, small farmers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The second annual Mid-Mo Expo for backyard gardeners and small farmers offers presentations and demonstrations to improve productivity and profits.The event will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Battle High School, 7575 E. St. Charles Road, Columbia. University of Missouri Extension in Boone County hosts the event.
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors inducts 6 dairy leaders
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation inducted six members Feb. 2 during an awards ceremony at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center.Joe Horner, MU Extension dairy economist and executive secretary of the foundation, announced this year’s honorees:
Missouri Dairy Profit Seminars set at 5 locations
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Dairy Association and Multimin USA will hold the 2018 Missouri Dairy Profit Seminar at five locations throughout the state Feb. 19-23, said MU Extension veterinarian Scott Poock.The event is free for dairy producers, but lunch reservations are required. A fee of $20 is required for non-dairy producers. This will be a good opportunity for producers to learn of several ways to…
Is there clover in there?
NEVADA, Mo. – If you’ve sent a pasture or hay soil test through your University of Missouri Extension center, you’ve been asked what kind of forage you have.“Next time, before you answer, think about whether you have a legume in there and how much of it there is, or if you want to add a legume,” says Pat Miller, regional extension agronomy specialist based in Vernon County. “These things make quite a difference in the fertilizer and…
To stretch short hay supply, 'feed less, need less'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As winter feeding season continues with a forecast of Arctic weather in February, cow herd owners face dwindling hay supplies.Eric Bailey, University of Missouri beef nutritionist, gives the short answer: “Feed less, need less.”In practice, that takes management decisions and exacting math.
New MU plant pathologist talks seed treatments and SCN
COLUMBIA, Mo. – New University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette brings research on soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management to Missouri.SCN numbers are growing in Missouri as farmers devote more acres to soybean production. SCN infests about 75 percent of Missouri fields, according to a recent survey by MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources researcher Melissa Mitchum. Many of these fields have…
'Grow Your Farm' sessions begin in Eldon
ELDON, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers start Saturday, March 10, at the Eldon Career Center. University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Patricia Barrett says the practical seminars and field days give attendees opportunities to learn and network.
From citrus to cows, SW Mo. family grows own food
STARK CITY, Mo. – In the dead of Missouri winter, members of a southwestern Missouri family pluck lemons, oranges and grapefruits from trees in their greenhouse. Lee Allphin and son Jim enjoy the steady supply of flavorful fruits and vegetables from their orchard, garden and greenhouse, says Robert Balek, a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. Flowers and herbs add beauty and fragrance to their greenhouse long after the…
Workshop on specialty crop grants set for Feb. 12
HANNIBAL, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Hannibal.
Dark chocolate: the healthy way to her heart
BETHANY, Mo. – One heart-healthy way to your Valentine’s heart is dark chocolate.Dark chocolate and cocoa may have health benefits if consumed in moderation, says University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist Janet Hackert.Dark chocolate and cocoa contain greater amounts of plant-based nutrients called flavanols than other forms of chocolate. These compounds have a bitter flavor and give dark chocolate and…
A healthier Valentine's treat
BUTLER, Mo. – Charles Schultz once said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Americans apparently agree with the Peanuts creator, because an estimated 58 million pounds of chocolate will be bought for Valentine’s Day this year.For the health conscious, fruit dipped in chocolate is a great choice.
Heart-shaped leaves can add to a Valentine’s Day gift
COLUMBIA, Mo. –While roses steal the show on Valentine’s Day, many plants produce heart-shaped leaves that can be a part of a bouquet or gift. One of the best known and easiest to grow or buy is the heartleaf philodendron, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “This vining plant produces shiny green leaves with perfect heart shapes,” he said.
Ashes to ashes
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ashes produced by wood-burning fireplaces or stoves are an excellent example of the idiom “don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater,” says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.“When collected and spread on the garden, they are an excellent and free source of calcium and other plant nutrients,” Trinklein says.
Master Gardener training begins Feb. 26 in Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in Jefferson County will hold Master Gardener classes Monday evenings at Jefferson College’s Hillsboro campus.Weekly classes will be 6:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 26 to May 7, said MU Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly.
Workshop helps beginning farmers, ranchers, military veterans understand ABCs of USDA, other agencies
HANNIBAL, Mo. – Openings remain for a free Feb. 16 workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop.
Amaryllis: Plan now for show-stopping blooms next year
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Among indoor flowering plants, few match amaryllis in grandeur, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.Its blooms are spectacular in size and come in many colors and patterns. “In addition to being colorful, it is relatively easy to re-bloom. It can continue to give pleasure to its recipient for many years,” Trinklein said.If you received an amaryllis as a holiday gift, plan now so it can…
Alliance plans fescue schools to teach replacing toxic grass
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ways to replace toxic tall fescue pastures keep improving as renovations move across the Fescue Belt from Missouri to Georgia.Five grazing schools in five states in March will clarify a complex system, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.