![Six-year yields for plots treated with chicken litter and untreated plots.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240715-poultry-litter.jpg?itok=LJ4XPuk1)
![Six-year yields for plots treated with chicken litter and untreated plots.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240715-poultry-litter.jpg?itok=LJ4XPuk1)
MU study looks at poultry litter's impact on soybean yields
ROCK PORT, Mo. – A six-year study at the University of Missouri’s Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center in northwestern Missouri looked at the impact of poultry litter on soybean crops. “Poultry litter is increasingly being applied to row crops in northwest Missouri,” said MU Extension agronomy specialist Wayne Flanary, who conducted the research. “Manures such as litter are valuable because they add organic matter and…
![Learn the status of grouse and their habitat and management needs at the Forest and Wildlife Management Workshop on Sept. 7 in Callaway County near Portland, Mo. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240805-grouse.jpg?itok=2iccAO4-)
Participants will learn land management practices at Sept. 7 workshop
PORTLAND, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and partners invite the public to a forest and wildlife management workshop on Sept. 7. The free event is 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bill and Margie Haag’s property in Callaway County near Portland, Mo.
![ag lenders seminar map](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/Aglendersmap.jpg?itok=h5i2tncP)
Fall series highlights what ag lenders need to know in 2025
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension invites lenders serving farmers and rural communities to “What Ag Lenders Need To Know in 2025.” The 44th annual seminar will be hosted in six locations across the state.
![Four computerized patient mannequins and virtual reality devices are on board the 30-foot MU Health Care Mobile Clinical Simulator vehicle, which will be among the many things to do at the Hundley-Whaley Farm, Field and Family Day on Sept. 4. Photo courtesy of MU Health Care.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240805-mobile-sim-4.jpg?itok=hxF8fUB7)
MU Mobile Sim offers lifesaving training at Hundley-Whaley field day
ALBANY, Mo. – A free Sept. 4 event at one of University of Missouri Extension’s education centers offers families an opportunity to learn critical lifesaving skills. “Farm families will have many interesting and exciting opportunities to learn skills that could save lives on the farm during the MU Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center’s 47th annual Farm, Field and Family Day,” says Jennifer Miller, director of the center.
![boxes for the brave](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240805-boxes-1.jpg?itok=q8GeV6rc)
Boxes for the Brave: 4-H volunteer event at the Missouri State Fair
SEDALIA, Mo. – Handmade thank you cards along with personal care products, snacks, energy drinks, socks, decks of playing cards and much more will be headed to 250 Missouri soldiers stationed overseas later this month thanks to 4-H’ers at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. As part of the Missouri State Fair’s Military Appreciation Day, Sunday, Aug. 11, Missouri 4-H will host a special Boxes for the Brave packing event in the 4-H…
![Closeup of red spheres (perithecia) that appear on the roots of soybean infected with red crown rot, a yield-robbing soybean disease recently confirmed in Missouri for the first time. Photo courtesy of Mandy Bish, MU Extension plant pathologist.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/Pericethia2.jpg?itok=-OphgD-1)
First case of red crown rot confirmed in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish reports confirmation of red crown rot, a yield-robbing soybean disease, in Marion County in northeastern Missouri. This is the first confirmed incidence of the disease in the state. Bish says MU Extension specialists have been scouting for the pathogen since its confirmation in Illinois in 2018.
![FEMA - State Disaster Recovery Centeer](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/th-4126883472.jpg?itok=abNuPD_m)
Federal disaster assistance available in southern Missouri
Households and businesses in southern Missouri affected by severe weather and flooding May 19-27 can apply for federal assistance, says Conne Burnham, University of Missouri Extension emergency management coordinator.
![MU Extension state entomologist Ivair Valmorbida and state soybean specialist Andre Reis recently hosted a group of influential farmers and crop consultants from soybean production regions in Brazil. The group visited Sanborn Field, MU soybean field trials, campus labs and an area soybean farm. Photo courtesy of Ivair Valmorbida.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/2024-08-01-valmorbida-1.jpg?itok=m3yom--y)
Brazilian farmers and crop consultants visit MU
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida and state soybean specialist Andre Reis hosted a group of influential farmers and crop consultants from Brazil on July 19-20 in Columbia. “The collaboration between Missouri and Brazilian soybean farmers is an ongoing one as each seeks to learn from the other to feed the world,” says Valmorbida.
![Among the many demonstrations at the MU Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center’s Farm, Field and Family Day on Sept. 4 will be Missouri PaddockTrac, an online tool that helps producers manage pastures. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Miller.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/paddocktrac_2304.jpg?itok=-vtFodBe)
Forages, tech, safety top MU Hundley-Whaley field day
ALBANY, Mo. – Those attending the Hundley-Whaley Farm, Field and Family Day can learn about a variety of topics including drones, current crop diseases, how to back up a gooseneck trailer and how to stop bleeding with a tourniquet. The free event, Sept. 4 at 1109 S. Birch St., Albany, promises an evening of interesting educational activities and a complimentary dinner, says Jennifer Miller, director of the University of Missouri…
![Produce. Stock photo](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/produce.jpg?itok=tEDO-B3o)
Elevate your farmers market success
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 4-10, University of Missouri Extension has resources to help improve your local food systems awareness and polish your farmers market presence. Learn about local food systems Consumers are increasingly searching out healthy and safe food that supports their local community. Farmers can meet this demand by taking advantage of local food systems.
![Stock photo](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/Cattle-Hereford%20in%20the%20Pasture_1029713935.jpg?itok=5fMOaiQc)
Management-intensive grazing school is Sept. 10-12 in Lamar
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Efficient forage management and utilization is important to the profitability of a livestock operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Davis says best way to promote efficient forage management and utilization in a livestock operation is by incorporating management-intensive grazing practices.
![Hickory Ridge Orchard](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/IMG_1989.jpg?itok=zaPkgf5c)
Tour of apple orchard focuses on food safety
MEXICO, Mo. – Learn about produce safety and agritourism at a tour of Hickory Ridge Orchards in Mexico, Mo., 1-3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9. University of Missouri Extension and Missouri Farmers Union sponsor the event. This tour will highlight ways in which produce safety best practices are integrated into crop production, U-pick operations, worker training and farm management plans.
![This 2003 photo shows Casey Jefferson (now Casey Coy) participating in the Garden 'n Grow program at the Adair County MU Extension Center in Kirksville. Today, she and a friend own a shop, Wildflower Grove, in Greencastle, Mo.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/2003%20Casey%20Jefferson.jpg?itok=IT5ArzN_)
Garden 'n Grow grows business for small town
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – More than 20 years ago, 8-year-old Casey Jefferson Coy enrolled in the Garden ’n Grow program in Kirksville at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Adair County. Little did she know that the summer-long program would lead her to decades of employment and enjoyment.
![Orchard](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/orchard_Drupal_0.jpg?itok=xbXqJoGd)
Webinar series on tree crops begins in September
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. – This fall, University of Missouri Extension offers a six-session webinar series, “Growing Tree Fruit, Nut Crops and Syrup Trees.” The weekly series begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, and runs 6:30-8 p.m.
![Delaney Duncan, left, of Cass County, received the MFA Saddle Award from MFA Inc. at a recent Missouri 4-H equine event in Sedalia.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240726-equine-1.jpg?itok=587bpKtN)
Youths demonstrate speaking, presentation, artistic skills at 4-H equine event
SEDALIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Horse Public Speaking and Demonstration and Youth Equine Fine Arts and Poster contests took place Wednesday, July 24, in Sedalia. Youths demonstrated their speaking, presentation and artistic abilities while sharing their equine knowledge, said Maria Calvert, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.
![Fall is the ideal time to plant garlic in the Midwest, according to MU Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein. Fall planting allows roots to develop. Photo courtesy of Rusty Lee.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240725-garlic-2.jpg?itok=hRXSOKJS)
Garlic: secret weapon of ancient Olympians
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the world enjoys the 2024 Olympic Games this summer, the use of performance-enhancing substances will be under close scrutiny. University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist David Trinklein notes that garlic was given to the original Olympic athletes in ancient Greece to increase strength and stamina. Thus, this culinary staple was perhaps one of the earliest performance-enhancing agents in sports.
![Rural Immersion Program](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/cropRural%20Immersion%20800x450.jpg?itok=HRre7TYv)
Immersion program provides students rural medical experience
UNION, Mo. – In June, 19 students, including nine from across the University of Missouri System, trekked to Union, Mo., for the latest Rural Immersion program. The program is a collaboration of MU Extension, the MU School of Medicine and leadership in the host cities.
![Land suitability map from Intel for Ag.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240724image002.png?itok=ZqAQc1h5)
Intel for Ag helps sow seeds for business success
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has developed a free online platform to help beginning and established producers start or grow their agriculture ventures. “Intel for Ag is a free toolbox that makes management concepts accessible and allows users to better determine what agricultural products might most suitable and sustainable for their individual success,” says Mallory Rahe, MU Extension associate professor and Intel…
![Cows surrounded by flies in Crane, Mo. Photo by Linda Geist.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240723-flies-2.jpg?itok=_88riKcH)
Managing pinkeye in cattle
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – An abundance of flies in cow herds is being reported to University of Missouri Extension specialists this summer, increasing the likelihood of cattle health issues, including pinkeye. MU Extension livestock field specialist Elizabeth Picking estimates face flies are the biggest contributor this year to the spread of pinkeye in cattle.
![Mosquito. Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/5402866-LGPT.jpg?itok=c42acRlb)
Mosquitoes can take a bite out of outdoor fun
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - With summer rain come mosquitoes, and with mosquitoes come not just itchy bites but the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, Zika virus and yellow fever, among others, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist and entomologist Tamra Reall. Prevention
![MU Extension state entomologist Ivair Valmorbida demonstrated how to scout for pests during a recent field day. Walk in a U, X or W pattern to assess the entire field and sweep vigorously with a sweep net to capture insects from various parts of a field. Identify the insects and determine thresholds. Photo by Linda Geist.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240717-scouting-1.jpg?itok=pSNyPGps)
Scout crops early and often for best results
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Though physically demanding and time-consuming, scouting fields for insect pests is essential to crop health, yields and profits, says University of Missouri Extension state entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. Weekly scouting during the growing season helps producers identify and manage problems for early intervention, Valmorbida says. He advises more frequent monitoring when weather favors rapid development of specific…
![Turnips. Photo by thebittenword.com, CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/202207180turnip-1.jpg?itok=QhZQ6jJO)
July 25 is Turnip Day in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – There is an old Missouri saying, “On the 25th of July, sow your turnips, wet or dry.” This local proverb vaulted into the national spotlight during the presidency of Missouri native Harry S. Truman, said University of Missouri Extension state specialist David Trinklein.
![Japanese beetles are on the rise in Missouri gardens. They tend to favor certain plants, including hibiscus (rose of Sharon), rosebushes and hollyhocks. They can quickly defoliate plants. Photo by Linda Geist.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240712-japanese-beetle-1.jpg?itok=tJr88Tjn)
Battling Japanese beetles in your garden and flowers
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Patience and a bucket of soapy water are your best friends when fending off Japanese beetles in the garden, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. Reall recommends tapping beetles off plants by hand and putting them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. You can also shake them off the plant into the bucket.
![File photo.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/Pigs.Still002.jpg?itok=TFEuEsaG)
Grant aimed at employee satisfaction, retention for foreign labor in swine industry
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new grant to University of Missouri Extension from the National Pork Board will help pork producers who rely on foreign labor through the TN visa program. The program, which is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement, allows citizens of Canada or Mexico to work in prearranged part-time or full-time jobs in the United States.
![This time of year, pop-up showers and storms are a risk to hay that has been mowed but not yet baled. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and understand how different types of rainfall affect cut hay, says MU Extension agronomist Hunter Lovewell. Photo by Linda Geist.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/2024/20240710-hay-1.jpg?itok=ICPtquNH)
Is rained-on hay still good?
NEVADA, Mo. – Rain is always a wild card when deciding the right time to mow hay. “Pop-up showers and storms are a risk this time of the year,” says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Hunter Lovewell. This unpredictability makes it important to keep an eye on weather forecasts and understand how rainfall affects forage that is drying down but not yet baled, he says.