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10 tips to keep the romance in relationships
Keep the spark alive with these 10 expert-backed tips to nurture romance, deepen connection, and strengthen your relationship every day.
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Tax changes affecting tips come with limits, paperwork hurdles
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Recent changes to the federal tax code have drawn attention for creating a new tax break for workers who earn tips. While often described as “no tax on tips,” the provision is more limited and more complicated than that phrase suggests, says Andrew Zumwalt, director of the University of Missouri’s Personal Financial Planning program.
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Preparing Missouri's next generation of farmers
Column by University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialists Wesley Tucker, Denice Ferguson and Mary Sobba, and Robert Jones, director of Integrated Marketing Communications for MU Extension.
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MU Ag Lender School offers hands-on training
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Agricultural lenders looking to enhance their expertise can register for the University of Missouri Agricultural Lenders School, June 1-4 in Columbia. This program, tailored for early-career lenders and those new to agricultural loan responsibilities, aims to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to effectively serve farm clients, said MU Extension agricultural economist Ryan Milhollin.
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Plants begin to stir underground in February
Take heart, plant lovers. Winter rest is almost over, spring renewal begins.
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Show your love with these heart-shaped houseplants
While red roses might be the iconic gift for Valentine’s Day, houseplants with heart-shaped leaves represent a longer-lived expression of affection for a special person in your life, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, who shares several good candidates for Valentine’s Day gifts.
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MU Extension specialist available for commentary on documentary series ‘Neighbors’
With HBO’s new six-part documentary series “Neighbors” debuting Feb. 13, a nationally recognized University of Missouri Extension specialist and neighboring enthusiast is available to provide interviews and commentary for reporters and broadcasters as part of a larger discussion about what it means to be a good neighbor in the United States.
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Missouri 4-H dairy judging team finishes 4th in Louisville
Missouri 4-H had an outstanding outing with a fourth place overall team finish at the Dr. George Heersche Jr. NAILE Invitational Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville, Ken., Nov. 8, 2025, according to Karla Deaver, teach coach and University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist. Twenty youth teams competed.
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'Kissing bug' disease concerning, but not kiss of death
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As Valentine’s Day approaches, many are hoping for sweet chocolate and maybe even a swoonworthy smooch, not a kiss from the triatomine bug. This insect, commonly called the “kissing bug,” transmits Chagas disease by biting and then pooping around the bite, says Emily Althoff, urban entomologist with University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University.
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February is National Pesticide Safety Education Month
COLUMBIA, Mo. – February is National Pesticide Safety Education Month, a time to promote vigilance and best safety practices on the farm, said Sam Polly, coordinator of University of Missouri Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program, which has provided commercial pesticide recertification training to about 1,000 Missourians in the past year.
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Civic Muscle Index gauges community strength
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A few years ago, Claire Rippel came across the term “civic muscle,” referring to a community’s capacity to take action to address shared goals and challenges.
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Stretch your winter feed supply by renting acres for stockpiled fescue
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – A well-stocked hay inventory is one of the best forms of insurance a livestock producer can have, says Caleb O’Neal, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in plant science. By renting additional acres dedicated to stockpiling forage, producers can improve their chances of maintaining a dependable supply of high-quality feed at a predictable cost throughout the year, O’Neal says.
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Why rotational grazing isn’t working
Rotational grazing promises healthier pastures and higher returns, but labor, water limits and rigid plans often derail it. MU Extension forage specialist Carson Roberts explains why it fails—and how smarter rotations, better water access and flexibility can make it work.
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Brewing change one cup at a time
In his seventh grade history class, Noah Temple learned how children in other countries often lack access to quality education, a privilege he enjoyed every day. That led him to launch Junior Java, a business that blends entrepreneurship and purpose.
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How Missouri farmers are strengthening land and livelihoods
Missouri farmers are using regenerative agriculture practices such as cover crops, improved grazing and smarter nutrient management to protect soil and water while staying profitable, with support from MU Extension and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
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Orchids: A cure for winter doldrums
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Winter’s cold, dreary days have many daydreaming about jetting away to basking in a tropical paradise. “Such a getaway is not possible for most, but orchids can transport you to an exotic place without ever leaving home,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Three ways to be more profitable making hay
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Haymaking is a game of threes, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts. To be profitable, producers must manage three key factors: equipment expenses, quality and yield.
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Maryville to host 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
MARYVILLE, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host its 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in Maryville, Sept. 15-17.
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Watch for stink bugs in crops in 2026
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Something’s been stinking in Missouri soybean, corn and cotton crops since the 1990s. University of Missouri Extension state field crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida says stink bugs feed on a variety of plant species, including corn and soybeans.
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A bull breeding soundness exam pays
Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests a bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) prior to each breeding season to make sure a bull is physically and reproductively sound to breed females. He suggests that with cattle prices as they are, not doing a BSE is an expensive mistake.
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Missouri weather in 2025: From bitter cold to flash drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers faced another challenging weather year in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. It was a year of extremes, with bitter cold temperatures, record-breaking rainfalls and flash drought during critical parts of the growing season, says Leasor.
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Simple, inexpensive whistle can make a lifesaving difference
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s small, inexpensive, doesn’t require batteries or charging, and it could save your life. “In an emergency, a whistle can help rescuers locate you when you can’t call for help,” says Conne Burnham, University of Missouri Extension state emergency management specialist. “It’s a small item that can make a big difference.”
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MU Extension gains joint accreditation for health care education
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Continuing Education for Health Professions (CEHP) unit, which is part of the MU Office of Health Outreach, Policy & Education, has earned Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education.
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'Succulent mania' takes root
COLUMBIA, Mo. – From windowsills to office desks, succulents are everywhere. The hardy plants have become so popular in recent years that some enthusiasts call the trend “succulent mania,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Missouri 4-H'ers travel to Western National for contests
Missouri 4-H livestock judging team. From left, Rayleigh Birdwell, Maggie Reed, Elyse Cooley and Elliott Cooley.