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Goat owners face fencing challenges
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Goat producer John Kirchhoff of Moberly likened goats to a covey of scattering quail at the Missouri Livestock Symposium, Dec. 7-8 in Kirksville. University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Livestock Symposium Committee organize the annual event.
Goats provide healthy, economical weed control
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Goats are natural brush control agents, according to Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, assistant professor and state extension small ruminant specialist with Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and Research.The veterinarian spoke at the recent Missouri Livestock Symposium in Kirksville. University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Livestock Symposium Committee organize the annual event.
It’s tree pruning time
Related story: Proper pruning prevents problems COLUMBIA, Mo.– Now that the leaves have fallen, it’s time to think about pruning your trees.
Proper pruning prevents problems
Related story and video: It’s tree pruning time COLUMBIA, Mo.– Pruning trees when they’re young can prevent structural problems and the need to remove large limbs later, says a University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist.
Deep roots help grass stay green in dry spell; grazing grass too short kills off root systems
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- In the prolonged summer drought, farmers noticed that grass stayed green longer in their hayfields than in their pastures.While hayfields kept growing, pastures turned brown. Cows ran out of grass to graze.The difference is in the length of the roots. Grass that is grazed every day doesn't develop roots as deep as grass of the same species allowed to grow uncut for a month.
Waterhemp control requires change in mindset
COLUMBIA, Mo.– In the war between waterhemp and producers, waterhemp is winning, says a University of Missouri Extension state weed scientist.“As I drive around, I’d have to say that we’re not there yet,” said Kevin Bradley, who discussed waterhemp at the recent MU Crop Management Conference in Columbia. “I think we are doing better, but waterhemp is our driver weed. We pretty much make every decision on that one weed.”
Proper combine settings reduce grain loss, improve grain quality
COLUMBIA, Mo.– When adjusting the settings on a combine, there needs to be a balance between acceptable grain loss and acceptable grain quality.Maintaining crop quality, particularly seed coat quality, is just as important as quantity, said Iowa State University Extension agricultural engineer Mark Hanna at the recent University of Missouri Crop Management Conference.
Atrazine has a huge impact on Missouri economy
COLUMBIA, Mo.–Atrazine, presently used on more than 85 percent of the corn acres in Missouri, is considered one of the most effective and least costly herbicides in use. University of Missouri Extension is helping farmers and communities manage atrazine runoff so the herbicide remains available.
Many vegetables grow well in high tunnels
COLUMBIA, Mo. While tomatoes are the most popular choice for high tunnel production, many other vegetables, fruits and flowers flourish in the controlled environment of high tunnels, said University of Missouri Extension regional horticulture specialist James Quinn.Researchers at MU’s Bradford Research and Extension Center have been growing plants in high tunnels for more than a decade.
Tomatoes top choice for high tunnels
COLUMBIA, Mo. - University of Missouri Extension regional horticulture specialist James Quinn said tomatoes are a good choice for gardeners using a high tunnel for the first time. Quinn spoke about high tunnels at a recent workshop at MU’s Bradford Research and Extension Center. Before planting, producers should have the soil tested, work the soil by adding compost and fertilizer, and determine spacing for planting, Quinn said. Most…
Ventilation important in high tunnels
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension regional horticulture specialist James Quinn talked about side ventilation in high tunnels at a recent workshop at MU’s Bradford Research and Extension Center. Quinn began his work with high tunnels at Mizzou in 2003. High tunnels have become popular in the past decade as a way for produce farmers to extend their growing season and maximize profits.
High tunnel construction tips
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Producers should take care to choose an appropriate site for a high tunnel, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist David Trinklein. He spoke to agriculture educators recently at MU’s Bradford Research and Extension Center.
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High tunnels increase freshness and cash to producers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “We are in a food production revolution,” University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist David Trinklein told agriculture educators recently at MU’s Bradford Research and Extension Center. High tunnels have grown in popularity in recent years, partly because of increased interest in locally grown produce, which tends to be fresher and more flavorful, Trinklein said.
Considerations when starting a poultry flock
COLUMBIA, Mo.–When starting a poultry enterprise, whether a small backyard flock or a large commercial operation, there are several factors to consider, says a University of Missouri Extension poultry specialist.“First of all, you need a location that is legal and acceptable for you to have poultry,” Jess Lyons said. “Whether it is in the city or in a rural area, do you have the facilities, the land and source of water to start the…
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What to look for when buying vegetable transplants
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Success in the vegetable garden hinges on healthy plants. Knowing the difference between a struggling transplant and a top-notch seedling may seem like a no-brainer, but without an excellent example available for comparison, consumers often purchase transplants on the lower end of quality spectrum, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.
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Plan to grow enough to preserve
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Instead of tending to a garden that will only provide fruits and vegetables during the season, consider growing enough to preserve, suggests a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.“By planning now to preserve the harvest of the garden, you will be able to enjoy the fruits and vegetables from the garden far beyond the growing season,” says Marlin Bates.
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Mowing too short can harm your lawn
COLUMBIA, Mo.–There’s probably no more common cultural practice than mowing the lawn. University of Missouri Extension specialists warn against overdoing it.“Folks think that if they mow short they can mow less often, but that’s not the case,” said Brad Fresenburg, an MU Extension state turfgrass specialist. “By mowing short you’re actually creating stress on the plant and that creates a shorter root system.”
Tenants need to be prudent about farm improvements
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Does the farmland you rent need tiling, limestone, conservation structures or other long-term improvements? When landlords are reluctant to pay for an improvement, some tenants will pay for it themselves. A tenant who chooses to make a long-term improvement should be very cautious, warns a University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialist.
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Herbs: A valuable and simple addition to the garden
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Homegrown herbs may earn their keep better than any other crop in the garden, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.“Most commonly grown herbs are relatively pest-free and require minimal maintenance,” says Marlin Bates. “Couple that with the cost of fresh herbs at the supermarket and you can see why a small investment in herb plants this spring could save more on the food bill than…
Food safety: Don’t let unwanted guests spoil your summer fun
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–As temperatures rise, so does the risk for foodborne illness. So remember to treat your picnic basket, grill, and cooler as an extension of your kitchen, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.“To prevent illness, apply the same home food safety techniques whether preparing meals inside or outdoors,” said Lynda Johnson.
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Thinking beyond the green bean
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Green beans are a staple in many vegetable gardens. A University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist suggests making room for other types of beans as well.“For gardeners who are looking to try something new, consider planting a few rows of dry beans,” said Marlin Bates. In addition to green beans, the legume family offers a wide range of edible seeds: black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, kidney beans and…
Raw vegetables not always healthier than cooked veggies
LAMAR, Mo. – Which is better for you: raw or cooked vegetables? The answer may surprise you, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“We’ve always heard that raw vegetables are healthier than cooked because cooking destroys nutrients. In some cases that’s not true,” said Tammy Roberts.
Call insurance adjuster to determine hail damage
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Owners of storm-damaged homes should be wary of out-of-town roofing companies offering their services because of recent tornadoes and hail.Many of these companies offer free roof inspections but leave homeowners still wondering if they have hail damage.
Three easy steps for getting safe drinking water
MARHSFIELD, Mo. – In the aftermath of a disaster, the safety of your water supply might be in doubt. Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension, says drinking water can be disinfected by ONE of the following methods:1. Boil water for three minutes in a clean container. Water must be at a rolling or vigorous boil for the three minutes.