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MU research looks at urban bird habitats in areas with abandoned homes, vacant lots
COLUMBIA, Mo.– It matters to birds as well as people when revitalizing neighborhoods afflicted by declining population, poverty, abandoned housing and numerous vacant lots, according to a recent study by University of Missouri wildlife professors Charles Nilon and Robert Pierce.
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Livestock producers face health threats from ticks
Due to the nature of their work, livestock farmers are often exposed to ticks, which can cause serious health issues, including alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause an allergy to red meat, milk and some animal byproducts.
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Pucker up for persimmon, the first-frost fruit
After biting into an unripe persimmon, most experience a reaction called “pucker mouth.” Some liken it to having their tongue covered with fur. The offending substances behind this sensation are tannins, naturally occurring compounds that are so astringent they have the power to turn an unsuspecting bite into a moment of instant regret.
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MU Graves-Chapple Center plots a course for the future with new combine
University of Missouri Extension’s Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center recently received a refurbished plot combine harvester that will modernize operations, improve research accuracy and enhance demonstrations for visitors and producers.
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Fall garden cleanup influences next year's success
The success of next year’s garden is influenced greatly by fall cleanup. Garden cleanup does more than just improve the appearance of the garden during the mundane, lifeless months of winter. It reduces the amount of disease inoculum and insect infestation that might remain.
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Signs of stress you should watch for
When a farmer or farm family needs help, signs of stress are often slow to appear, but at other times may be quickly apparent, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension assistant professor. However the symptoms appear, MU Extension offers resources to help farmers and their families.
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MU Extension to host workshop for beef cattle producers
BUFFALO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in Dallas County will hold a free beef cattle producers workshop 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, in the newly completed conference and training room in the Dallas County Governmental Annex Building on the east side of the square in Buffalo.
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5 ways to say no to stress
No. It’s a tiny word that can make a big difference, says MU Extension assistant professor Karen Funkenbusch. Yes. It’s another little word, one that causes stress, burnout and exhaustion. Learn when to say “no” and when to say “yes,” says Funkenbusch.
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911 and 988: Numbers you need to know on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The time between harvest and holidays can be among the most stressful months of the year for farmers and their families. University of Missouri Extension assistant professor Karen Funkenbusch wants farmers and their families to know that they don’t have to face stress alone. Help can be a phone call away.
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Register for the Missouri Crop Management Conference
Registration is open for the state’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and ag industry professionals, the Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia.
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Bees, blooms and bloodhounds
The buzz on how MU Extension helped Marine Corps veteran Jessica Johnson grow her business.
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Youths gather for Missouri 4-H Public Speaking Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In October, 61 youths from across Missouri gathered on the University of Missouri campus for one of Missouri 4-H’s oldest competitions, the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest. “These 4-H’ers worked hard all year to prepare for this this annual culminating experience, which allows them to showcase their skills to a panel of judges,” said Megan Kershner, MU Extension state 4-H leadership and civic engagement educator.
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2026 Redbook available at your local MU Extension center
Start your 2026 cattle operation recordkeeping on the right foot by purchasing your Redbook, produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The pocket-size record books are available for sale through county MU Extension centers.
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Ticks 'vant to suck your blood' this fall
Many people think ticks are most active during summer. However, fall is prime time for ticks. Ticks are especially concerning now due to increased incidences of alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including an allergy to red meat.
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Updates to Livestock Risk Protection insurance give producers more flexibility
Livestock producers now have more flexibility under recent updates to USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program, which helps safeguard against unexpected price declines in feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine markets. MU Extension has updated its publication on LRP to reflect the most recent program changes.
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Favor older, earlier-calving bred heifers at auction this fall
University of Missouri Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey suggests a review of data shows that early-calving bred heifers pay off many times over in the long run.
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MU Extension available to assist dairy producers with MDA grant
MU Extension specialist Chloe Collins urges dairy producers to apply for margin enhancement initiative grants through the Missouri Department of Agriculture. She is available to help producers in eight southwestern Missouri counties brainstorm ideas and review applications.
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Fall foliage show beginning in Missouri
Missouri’s hills might not be alive with the sound of music, but they soon will transition into a kaleidoscope of color. The foliage of trees, shrubs and vines is about to burst into its full glory.
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Learn to jump-start your farm at free MU Extension webinar
If you’ve been thinking about getting into farming, MU Extension’s free "Jump-Start Your Farm" webinar will help you gain insight into what to do before purchasing a farm property or starting an agricultural-related business.
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New MU Extension guides help farmers plan for mobile poultry production
Raising chickens on pasture in movable shelters, often called “chicken tractors,” is gaining popularity among Missouri farmers and families. MU Extension has released two new resources to help farmers make informed decisions about operating a mobile poultry enterprise.
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Is the 'going rate' going up?
Farmers and agricultural service providers across Missouri are invited to participate in University of Missouri Extension’s Custom Rates Survey. This triennial survey helps shed light on the costs associated with custom farming operations such as tillage, planting, spraying, harvesting, land management work and machinery rental.
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Missouri farmer adjusts to life with alpha-gal syndrome
Life changed dramatically for Ted DeVault of Mexico, Mo., in 2023, when he was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic condition triggered by the lone star tick, which is common in Missouri.
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Pearls of Production returns Nov. 8
Note: The Pearls of Production conference has been rescheduled for Feb. 28, 2026. More information to come.
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275 high-quality spring-calving Show-Me-Select replacement heifers for sale Nov. 21
The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program’s southwestern Missouri fall sale is 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Joplin Regional Stockyards near Carthage.
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African flavors find a home in Columbia
With support from the Missouri Small Business Development Center, Mahalet Tesfaye opens the city’s first Ethiopian restaurant.