Drought in SW Missouri worsens with no rain in forecast
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought continues to plague southwestern and west-central Missouri as pastures dry and cattle producers start to feed hay well ahead of schedule. “The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor depicts increasing severity and coverage of drought conditions across Missouri,” says Zachary Leasor, University of Missouri Extension climatologist.
Is Missouri's farmland market cooling down?
Survey data shows Missouri farmland prices rising slower, with regional shifts and forecasts shaping decisions for buyers, sellers, and landowners.
Missouri Good Neighbor Week documents more than 31K acts of neighboring
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The tally is in, and 31,129 acts of neighboring were documented this year as part of the fourth annual Missouri Good Neighbor Week, Sept. 28 – Oct. 4. The goal had been to reach 20,000 acts.
MU Extension offers tips for planning for disasters
Learn practical steps to prepare your family, home, and emergency supplies for disasters and unexpected events.
Missouri 4-H State Fashion Revue
Missouri 4-H youths showcased fashion skills at the 2024 State Fashion Revue, with winners advancing to national competitions.
Corn planting pops at MU Hundley-Whaley Center
Two acres of popcorn are planted annually in Albany. Colorful varieties are grown for fundraisers, local events and shared community-filled popcorn outreach.
October Pork Month and biosecurity go hand in hand
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The safety of the U.S. pork supply is achieved through biosecurity protocols not only during National Pork Month in October but every day of the year to safeguard animal health, food safety, the environment and the economy. University of Missouri Extension’s Swine Team educates pork producers and workers on safety protocols throughout the year, working with industry partners, said Magdiel Lopez, MU Extension state swine…
Applying nitrogen to forages now is high risk, low reward
Delayed nitrogen for cool-season forages now has little chance to boost fall growth and risks nitrate buildup or fertilizer loss under dry conditions.
Topics to discuss before incorporating conservation into your land lease
FORSYTH, Mo. – Despite the benefits of conservation practices on farmland, differing goals and expectations can create tension between landowners and tenants when talking about incorporating them into a land lease. According University of Missouri Extension agribusiness specialist Jacob Hefley, thoughtful conversations and clearly outlined provisions between the two parties can ease this tension.
Big changes for private pesticide applicators coming in 2025
New 2025 rules require private pesticide applicators to complete training and licensing for safe RUP use.
Seal your home to keep insects from spending the winter with you
COLUMBIA, Mo. – You aren’t the only one getting cozy for fall. While you are pulling out the flannels, insects are looking for a place to be snug as a bug in a rug for the winter. “Over the next few weeks, it is critical to ensure your home is properly sealed to avoid insect roommates this fall,” says Emily Althoff, University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist.
Pumpkin: An ancient vegetable still in vogue today
Discover pumpkins’ rich history, decorative appeal, and nutritional benefits, from ancient staple to modern fall favorite.
Early grape harvest in Missouri in 2024: low yield but high quality
Missouri’s 2024 grape harvest is early with lower yields but high-quality fruit for a promising vintage.
Received a strange text? Be vigilant against 'smishing'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Smishing, a combination of “SMS” and “phishing,” is a type of cyberattack that targets individuals through SMS or other forms of text messages.
Youths gather for State 4-H Public Speaking Contest
Missouri youth showcased public speaking skills at the State 4-H contest, competing across categories and age levels.
Rebuild your cow herd with proper heifer development
Boost your herd’s success with proper heifer development, nutrition, breeding, and health management strategies.
Gov. Parson proclaims 4-H Week in Missouri
Governor Mike Parson proclaims October 6–12 as 4-H Week in Missouri, celebrating youth leadership and community impact.
Plant bulbs now for a colorful spring
Plant spring-blooming bulbs now to ensure vibrant flowers and healthy roots next season.
MU Extension takes to the skies to stamp out invasive weeds
Using drone-based lidar, satellite imagery, and machine learning, specialists are mapping invasive weeds in Missouri's Prairie Fork Conservation Area.
FDA finalizes the preharvest water rule: What does it mean for produce growers?
Understand how the new FDA preharvest water rule shifts compliance steps and deadlines for produce growers.
Despite recent rainfall, Missouri remains dry
Missouri faces worsening drought despite recent rains, with dry pastures, crop stress, and low water levels raising concern across the state.
Experts see rise in sloth fever among travelers
Travelers to South and Central America face rising risk of sloth fever; protect against bites and monitor symptoms after trips.
Lanes Prairie 4-H Club kicks off new year with apple butter meeting
Lanes Prairie 4-H Club starts the year with an apple butter meeting, teaching youth cooking skills and building community.
Weather station upgrades will help plan for flood, drought
Upgraded weather stations with soil moisture sensors will improve forecasts and planning for floods and drought across Missouri.
Sedum: Pollinators love this easy-peasy purple and pink plant
Sedums are low-maintenance, late-blooming plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with vibrant purple and pink flowers.