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Is trouble brewing in your garden?
Do spent grounds from your morning cup of joe help your plants grow? There is much on social media about benefit of using spent coffee grounds to boost plant growth, but research is unclear about the benefits. In fact, they can sometimes harm plants.
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10 tips for winter care of woody ornamentals
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The arrival of a new year brings the coldest weather of the season. Extremely low temperatures, frozen soil, rapid temperature changes, drying winds or lack of soil moisture all may work to make plant survival a challenge, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “Even with our best efforts, some damage is possible,” Trinklein said. “However, gardeners can reduce the chances of damage…
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Colorful bromeliads brighten winter days
During the cold and dreary days of winter, most plant lovers turn their attention indoors. Bromeliads are durable, colorful plants that adapt quite well to indoor conditions, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Producer enjoys continued success with milo grazing
University of Missouri Extension specialists find that producers see up to $300 savings in feeding costs per calf when their livestock graze standing milo through the winter.
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SW Mo. Spring Forage Conference is Feb. 17 in Springfield
The Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield.
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Finding his stride again
After years of injuries and limited mobility, Missouri veteran Walt Friesen found renewed strength, balance and connection through MU Extension classes. His story shows how simple, supportive programs can help older adults stay active and independent.
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Missouri 4-H youths make strong showing at national poultry contests
Missouri 4-H was strongly represented this year at the National Poultry and Egg Conference, Nov. 19–21 in Louisville, Ky. Youth members showcased their skills in the Poultry Judging, Turkey BBQ and Chicken BBQ contests.
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20 Missouri youths attend National 4-H Congress
Twenty Missouri 4-H members were selected to represent the state at the National 4-H Congress, a premier leadership conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2 in Atlanta. The delegation joined more than 700 youths from over 40 states for a week of leadership development, as well as an evening of culture at the Atlanta History Center and a morning community service.
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High tech, high stakes and herd health: What producers need to know
For 41 years, the Three-State Beef Conference has provided beef cattle producers in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska an annual update on cow-calf and stocker topics affecting producers in the three-state area. The 2026 conference is Jan. 13, 14 and 15, in Maryville, Mo., Greenfield, Iowa, and Lincoln, Neb., respectively.
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Missourian inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame
K. Russell “Russ” Weathers of Missouri has been inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Weathers was honored in late October during a ceremony in Atlanta for his decades of leadership and lifelong commitment to youth development.
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Updated budgets show improved cow-calf outlook for 2026
FORSYTH, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension recently released updated Missouri Beef Cattle Enterprise Budgets, which provide new estimates of income and expenses for 2026. “The budgets look favorable for cow-calf producers in the coming year, but as we’ve seen, markets can change quickly,” says Jacob Hefley, MU Extension field specialist in agricultural business.
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SW Missouri Spring Forage Conference is Feb. 17 in Springfield
STOCKTON, Mo. – The Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference is Feb. 17, 2026, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. “The event will he headlined with an interview between Oklahoma State University agricultural economist Dr. Derrel Peel and Missouri’s own Tyne Morgan of ‘U.S. Farm Report,’” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
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MU Extension expands Feedlot School on backgrounding, finishing for value-added Missouri beef
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host three two-day Feedlot Schools in January and February giving cattle producers a practical roadmap for retaining calves longer in Missouri and capturing more value through backgrounding and finishing.
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Free webinars focus on child care, health insurance for farm families
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As Missouri farmers and farm families look to 2026, planning and budgeting for health insurance and child care is essential. A free two-part webinar series from University of Missouri Extension, Whole Farm Family Planning for the 21st Century, helps farmers make choices tailored to their farm and family needs.
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Review your farm lease for 2026
As the end of the year approaches, many landowners and tenants are reviewing farm leases for the 2026 season. For those using a verbal agreement, MU Extension encourages a careful review of a newly revised guide, "Verbal Farm Rental Agreements Under Missouri Law," which is available for free download.
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MU weed science team confirms dicamba-resistant waterhemp
Missouri is the fourth state to confirm the presence of waterhemp resistant to labeled rates of dicamba herbicide. MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley says this is not surprising but adds to concerns about declining control options.
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AI, Buddha, birds and more in Osher@Mizzou’s winter lineup
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Missouri has a slate of Winter 2026 courses spanning religion, history, science, finance, creative writing, public policy and the natural world. Osher@Mizzou offers affordable noncredit courses and other educational, cultural and social gatherings designed for adults age 50 and up.
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Community food providers unite to strengthen access in Nodaway County
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Families across Nodaway County continue to feel the strain of rising food and transportation costs, and local food providers say more neighbors are turning to them for help. To better respond, representatives from food pantries, meal programs and community groups met in November to compare what they’re seeing on the ground and to look for practical ways to support one another.
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A Christmas tree from the South Pacific
When most people think of Christmas trees, the South Pacific does not come to mind. Yet a small island between Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand is the native home of a popular holiday houseplant that can serve as a living Christmas tree.
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Tips and resources for the holidays
We have gathered timely tips, practical advice and seasonal know-how from University of Missouri Extension specialists. Whether you’re decorating, cooking, shopping or simply trying to stay healthy and grounded, these quick reads offer reliable guidance for a safer, more enjoyable winter season.
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Protect your identity this holiday season
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s the season of giving, but make sure you don’t give identity thieves the gift of your personal information, says Andrew Zumwalt, University of Missouri associate teaching professor and Certified Financial Planner.
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Deck the halls with proper caution
Stealing a kiss under the mistletoe or hanging a holly wreath to welcome guests are both great holiday traditions. “What’s not so great is that both of these plants are toxic,” said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
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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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Planning can ease holiday stress for those with allergies, health conditions
Holiday celebrations can be stressful for people managing food allergies or chronic health conditions. Travel can also add stress. MU Extension state specialist Karen Funkenbusch says that planning and open communication can reduce anxiety and help everyone enjoy the season.
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The holidays make scents
Spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg fill the holidays with comforting aromas and delicious memories, adding flavor to cherished traditions.