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Nitrogen fertilizer boosts fescue yields but increases toxin
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It is difficult to make blanket recommendations on fall nitrogen fertilizer rates to pastures because of the variability in how forages are managed in the Fescue Belt, says University of Missouri Extension state nutrient management specialist John Lory. But fescue pastures need a source of nitrogen to thrive, he says.
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Don't fall victim to PTO accidents on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Based on 2021 data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America, with fall harvest as the most dangerous season for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist.
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Tips for reporting near misses and accidents on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When things go bad on the farm during harvest, it is important to act quickly and report later, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 15-21, Funkenbusch bring attention to reporting methods. Learn more at https://www.necasag.org/NationalFarmSafetyandHealthWeek.
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Prepare bulls for the upcoming breeding season
STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is time to begin preparing for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. In preparation for the upcoming breeding season, Davis will discuss management strategies to make sure bulls are ready for a successful breeding season.
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Enroll steers in the Missouri Steer Feedout by Oct. 10
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Adding value to a cow-calf operation is important to its sustainability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
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Free multispecies grazing workshop Oct. 24 in Hermitage
OSCEOLA, Mo - Grazing multiple species of livestock – cattle, sheep or goats – on the same land could be more profitable and sustainable for producers. “Diversifying your operation with multispecies grazing typically leads to more efficient forage utilization,” said David Brown, University of Missouri Extension sheep and goat specialist. “However, this approach requires careful planning and management to balance the needs of various…
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Grant boosts 4-H Youth Futures program
University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development has received a five-year project award totaling $607,115 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Children, Youth and Families at Risk grant program. The funding, beginning September 2024, will support 4-H Hopeful Paths for Youth Futures, which provides college and career programming to middle and high school youths in Jackson, St. Louis and McDonald…
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From cancer research to fossils, camps bring Mizzou to young scientists in the making
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri middle school students learned the basics of cancer biology and pathology research this summer in a hands-on “mini-medical school” camp. Another group of fourth through sixth graders took a walk back through geological time and calculated who ran faster: humans or dinosaurs.
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Joro spiders are nothing to worry about – yet
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Flying monkeys, creepy crawlies and monsters under the bed need to make way for the Joro spider. But Missouri arachnophobes can rest easy for a bit, says University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff. Introduced to the United States a decade ago, the Joro spider is a slow traveler.
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MU Extension offers tips on safely handling livestock
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Good livestock handling practices can improve animal comfort and make livestock management safer for people and animals, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Brenda Schreck. Accidents happen most often during common activities such as feeding, handling, loading and transporting. Schreck says animal behavior specialist Temple Grandin teaches that it is important to understand the behavioral…
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Missouri farmland, hunting cash rental rate insights from MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri rental rates rose again in 2024, according to the latest cash rental rates survey from University of Missouri Extension. More than 600 Missouri landowners and tenants responded to the survey earlier this summer and shared their insights into rental rates and leasing arrangements for cropland, pastureland, hunting land and farm facilities.
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Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sales set for fall
Six regional sales are scheduled this fall for heifers enrolled in the University of Missouri Extension’s Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program. “Show-Me-Select is a program that benefits sellers and buyers,” said Thiago Martins, state extension beef reproduction specialist.
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Teach teens about social networking dangers before fairs, conventions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Everyone loves seeing social media posts of smiling farm kids with their animals at local fairs. But no one enjoys seeing these photos more than criminals who could put your family’s safety and property at risk, says Brenda Schreck, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in livestock.
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Regional events for value-added producers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – This fall, the Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center (MAFFIC) is hosting five in-person events for value-added agricultural producers. From marketing deep dives to hands-on business planning, these events will offer fresh ideas and practical tools to new and seasoned producers alike, said Mallory Rahe, MAFFIC director and University of Missouri associate extension professor.
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Cattle management focus of Oct. 4 MU Wurdack Center field day
COOK STATION, Mo. – The University of Missouri’s Wurdack Extension and Education Center 2024 field day, Friday, Oct. 4, will focus on cattle management strategies, including reproduction, feed and forage.
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MU Extension selects winner, finalists for NW County Council of the Year
NORTHWEST MISSOURI – The University of Missouri Extension County Council of the Year award is a recognition given during Extension and Engagement Week, held each October, to build relationships between MU Extension, campus, and community partners. The award recognizes the central role Extension Councils have in:
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Show-Me MO Success podcast: MO Pac Lumber looks to the future
FAYETTE, Mo. – When Bucky Pescaglia began thinking about retiring from his family business, MO Pac Lumber, after nearly 50 years, he Googled “I need help with doing a strategic plan for my business,” and the Missouri Small Business Development Center came up. He contacted the Missouri SBDC and was connected with business counselor Paul Zacharias.
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Missouri 4-H'ers celebrate summer's best story at the State Fair
SEDALIA, Mo. – The Missouri State Fair offers an opportunity for members to exhibit their skills in the 4-H Building, their showmanship in the livestock arenas and their character through demonstrations. For many, this is a culminating experience that affects youths beyond just the premium and ribbon.
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Angelo tops State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
SEDALIA, Mo. – Lexi Angelo earned high individual honors at the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest held Aug. 17 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
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Learn dairy lactation from the inside out
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – Understanding lactation of dairy cows is the focus of a free program by University of Missouri Extension on Sept. 18. “The bovine’s ability to convert feed into nutritious and delicious dairy products is awe-inspiring,” said Reagan Bluel, MU Extension field specialist in dairy. “The mammary gland houses millions of productive cells and complex ductwork. These anatomical features working in concert with the endocrine…
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Missouri growers are sweet on honey of a berry
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The 2024 “Miss Congeniality” of Missouri backyard fruits might be honeyberry. Honeyberry’s ability to thrive in conditions that often challenge blueberries makes it a promising choice for gardeners seeking a productive and low-maintenance fruit, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. This crowned jewel of a bush grows in a variety of soils and resists disease and pests.
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The woods: Missouri's other place to shop for food
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Look no further than your local woods for fresh, flavorful fruits and nuts, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Kelly McGowan. In the woods, you’ll find a colorful and tasty assortment of edible delights, including wild strawberry, gooseberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, plums, mulberry, elderberry, grapes, persimmons, pawpaws and nuts, McGowan says.
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Show-Me MO Success podcast: Choose Greater Health supports brain injury survivors
FULTON, Mo. – After Paige Speers suffered a brain injury when blood clots cut oxygen to her brain, her recovery experience made her want to help others. Learning to live a healthier lifestyle and to find doctors who support those decisions led Speers to create Choose Greater Health, a community for brain injury survivors and caregivers and a directory of medical professionals.
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September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, a time to draw attention to risk of falls among older adults.
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Farm management series 'On My Own' offered this fall
A program to help women landowners and operators understand agricultural leases and the value of land and agricultural activities will be offered this fall in a series of evening events. University of Missouri Extension will hold “On My Own” classes on various weeknights at locations throughout the state from Oct. 15, 2024, through Feb. 25, 2025. There are also two opportunities for taking the class online.