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Final fall 2024 Show-Me-Select sale sets record
PALMYRA, Mo. – The sixth and final fall sale of Show-Me-Select heifers, Saturday, Dec. 14, in Palmyra, set a local record for total cost of heifers sold. The 53 buyers set a northeastern Missouri record $1,162,600 worth of bred heifers exchanging hands in one-and-a-half hours. Thirty-five repeat buyers purchased 192 head, or 59% of the total consignment, said Daniel Mallory, University of Missouri Extension regional livestock…
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Winter weather resources from MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – January is when many Show-Me-State residents start to experience the full wrath of winter: plummeting temperatures, ice, snow and their attendant woes: frozen pipes, slick roads, power outages and more. MU Extension has resources to help you prepare for and respond to severe winter weather.
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Say bah 'hum-bug' to uninvited tree pests
COLUMBIA, Mo. – You want folks to “ooh” and “aah” when they see your holiday decorations, not “eww” and “ugh!” “There is a risk that fresh trees and garland will bring unwanted gifts – insects – when moved from nature to inside,” says University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff. “While many insects can be beneficial, they may not be ‘tree-mendous’ in our homes.”
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Be on lookout for stink bugs in soybean in 2025
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri soybean farmers should be on the lookout for several species of stink bugs in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida.
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Red crown rot: No cure for this soybean disease
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Once red crown rot spreads, you cannot unspread it, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Currently, soybean and disease specialists know of no cure for red crown rot, which can reduce yields by an estimated 80% in severe cases. Seed treatments may reduce symptoms and infection, but these treatments cannot eliminate the fungus, which persists in the soil.
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MU Extension updates guides on horse trail riding, haltering and tying
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – One of the many perks of owning horses is riding them on trails. University of Missouri Extension has updated its guide on Community Pleasure Trail Riding and published a new Trail Riding Checklist. MU Extension also has updated a publication on Haltering and Tying Horses.
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Deck the halls with proper caution
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For many, the holiday season would not be complete without evergreens, holly, mistletoe and other traditional plants. But it’s important to exercise care with some of these plants for happy and safe holidays, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Dreaming of a green Christmas
The leaves have dropped, branches are bare, and the garden blooms are gone, but trees and flowering plants still bring us cheer during the winter holidays.
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Online ag research: When more is less
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Information in the digital age is like porridge in the tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” How do you know what is too much, too little, just right – or maybe not right at all? The digital age has put vast amounts of information at your fingertips, which is good, says University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. What is not good is the confusion from trying to parse out what information is reliable…
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Missouri youths attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta
This year’s National 4-H Congress, in Atlanta, hosted more than 700 youth delegates representing 45 states and Puerto Rico. From an evening of culture at the Atlanta History Center to an international dinner and a morning of community service, members of the Missouri 4-H delegation connected with youths from across the country, said Megan Kershner, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H leadership and civic engagement educator.
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Have yourself a merry little kalanchoe
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Few plants can boast colorful, long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage the remainder of the year, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Florist’s kalanchoe delivers both, making it a versatile houseplant. Its vibrant flowers provide a welcome burst of color during the dreary days of winter, Trinklein said.
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MU Extension joins multistate study of pig manure as corn fertilizer
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is studying the use of pig manure as a crop fertilizer in research at the MU Bradford Research Farm in Columbia.
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MU Extension, MDC partner to offer free white oaks
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation on a program to establish white oak seed orchards on private land. These orchards are intended to provide a steady supply of white oak acorns from trees of known quality and growth characteristics, says Brian Schweiss, MU Extension specialist in sustainable forestry.
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Tips and resources for the holidays
However you celebrate the holidays, we have tips to share. Pull up a chair and start scrolling for our experts’ advice on safety, personal security, physical and mental well-being and more. Food safety Whether you’re traveling to Grandma’s house with favorite sides, flying cross-country with that one special dish or shipping cookies to faraway friends, our holiday food safety tips help ensure your food arrives intact and ready to…
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Strong bull sale in Springfield
STOCKTON, Mo. – “There was a strong showing at the 104th Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Test Bull Sale on Oct. 28 at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center in Springfield,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Thirty-two bulls sold for an average price of $4,263 per bull. By breed, the 30 Angus bulls sold for an average of $4,303 per bull, one Hereford bull sold for $3,700 and…
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Missouri has become a peanut powerhouse
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – Missouri farmers may have grown the peanuts that you enjoy in holiday candies like peanut brittle or peanut clusters. In 2020, the USDA named Missouri a primary peanut-producing state, a designation for states averaging more than 10,000 tons of peanut production annually over three years, says Justin Calhoun, University of Missouri Extension soil and cropping systems specialist.
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Boone County Master Gardener training begins Jan. 23
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Is becoming an Extension Master Gardener on your list for the New Year – or on the wish list of someone you know? University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners 2025 training begins Jan. 23 in Boone County.
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MU Extension commercial pesticide applicator training begins in January
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Commercial pesticide applicator training by University of Missouri Extension for 2025 begins in January.
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MU Extension offers vegetable production series
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a seven-part webinar series in January and February on how to manage vegetable crops for maximum yield. The series runs 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 25, 2025.
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Results from fall SW Mo. Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Days
STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is important for reproductive performance and profitability of the cattle operation to identify bulls that are not sound breeders and replace them prior to the breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. This is the goal of the Southwest Missouri Fall Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) Days, which also educate cattle producers on bull management for a successful…
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Pick up the 2025 Redbook at your local MU Extension center
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Recordkeeping is important to make management decisions for optimum cattle operation productivity and profitability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Davis urges cattle producers to consider purchasing the 2025 pocket-size “Redbook” to aid in their recordkeeping. The books are available at county MU Extension centers for $8 per copy.
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New associate vice chancellor for MU Extension and Engagement named
A message from University of Missouri Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Chad Higgins. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Washburn as the next associate vice chancellor for extension and engagement at the University of Missouri. Dr. Washburn will provide academic leadership and direction for the educational programs and initiatives that advance the mission of MU Extension and Engagement.
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SW Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale results
STOCKTON, Mo. – Strong sale with record prices were seen at the Southwest Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale at Joplin Regional Stockyards on Nov. 15, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. This sale had eight consignors sell 112 heifers for an average price of $3,205 per heifer. Compared to the fall 2023 sale, the sale average was $299 higher per heifer and 27 more heifers were…
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Missouri 4-H team takes third at national livestock judging contest
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Missouri 4-H was well-represented at the 2024 North American International Livestock Exposition National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 19. The team from Clinton County placed third out of 29 teams. The team included Beau Ann Graves, Paisley Nelson, Payton Rodgers, Sam Jordan and Jorja Ebert. The team was coached by Shane Bedwell and Cody Sloan.
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Three steps to prepare for winter feeding of livestock
SALEM, Mo. – Now is a good time to review winter feeding plans, according to University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch. “Forage growth has come to an end, so making sure producers have what they need to feed their livestock though the winter is important,” Meusch said. “These three basic steps and a sharp pencil can help them determine if they are ready for winter.” 1. Determine animal needs