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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Without forage test, hay by any other name is just hay
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mature hay is hay. It may be brome hay, prairie hay or any other type of hay. But in the end, it’s just hay until it’s been tested.Forage tests tell the tale of whether hay is of good quality and nutrient-rich, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz.
Initiative connects rural working families with valuable tax credit info
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Starting in the 2020 tax season, more rural Missourians in need will be able to learn about their eligibility for the federal earned income tax credit (EITC), one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty tools targeting low- and moderate-income working families.
MU Extension, Platte County 4-H Pivots to Meet the Needs of Today’s Youth
Kansas City, MO., October 19, 2020. Meet Emma M., a 3rd year member of Hoover Heroes 4-H Club. She is passionate about increasing her life skills through her interests in entomology (study of bugs). Emma noted that "we need to remember how challenging 2020 was with COVID and what it was like to having to do things online, when we couldn't meet in person. I try to work hard for my club.
Keeping the doors open and people employed, Prock Operations - St. James, MO
"It absolutely has helped keep us going as a business." That's what Carla Lee, Prock Operations corporate counsel, said about the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) support and the coronavirus relief the company received through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) earlier this year.
MU Strip Trial Program seeks participants for fertilizer trials
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is looking for farmers to participate in fertilizer trials as part of the “MU Certified” Strip Trial Program.MU Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory, who leads the program, said this year’s farmer panel approved trials focused on improving management of fertilizer in corn and soybean rotations, wheat and forages.
Connecting to Careers
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Scott Hoad was at a low point this spring, trying to piece together a decent living after being laid off from a job painting commercial aircraft. Then Hoad crossed paths with Amy Patillo, a University of Missouri Extension labor and workforce development specialist based in Springfield.
Like a Good Neighbor, Sort of
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A landmark study on “good neighbors” by State Farm (2015) found that a sense of community among neighbors is a constant desire across generations. But, the State Farm survey also showed that Millennials may not know exactly how to connect; while Baby Boomers are generally most satisfied with relationships.