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Prevent mice and rats from coming inside
Temperatures are dropping, and that tiny mouse in the house looms large as pests make their way inside. University of Missouri Extension state wildlife and fisheries specialist Robert Pierce says it is time to prepare for the unwelcome houseguests.
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Cattle grading, feeding and marketing workshop set for Dec. 9 in Lamar
MU Extension is partnering with the Show Me Youth Ag Academy, Missouri State University and ACRISURE-Gibson Insurance to hold a Feeder Cattle Grading, Feeding and Marketing Workshop 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Lamar First Baptist Church.
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Turkey triumph: Master the perfect Thanksgiving bird
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Don’t be intimidated by the the prospect of cooking a big Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not that difficult, even for novice cooks, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist. First, make sure you have enough bird, says Tammy Roberts. If you’re hosting a large group, get at least 1 pound of whole turkey per person, especially if you want leftovers. If you don’t want leftovers or are cooking a turkey…
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'Hands, for larger service'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The third H in 4-H stands for “hands, for larger service,” and that spirit of service is one of the first things that caught Tim Tanner’s attention when he became director of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development in September.
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MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute celebrates excellence
University of Missouri Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute recently hosted the 22nd Annual Missouri Emergency Services Instructor Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. More than 150 instructors and supervisory personnel gathered for three days of intensive professional development designed specifically for those who train Missouri’s emergency responders. Attendees represented 49 counties across the state, plus two out-of-…
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Safe food relies on Good Manufacturing Practices
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Producing safe and high-quality food requires more than good recipes and effective processing technologies, says Kantha Channaiah, University of Missouri Extension food scientist.
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Learn how to improve soil health at Crop Management Conference
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Longtime University of Missouri researcher Tim Reinbott will speak on soil health and its increasingly important role during drought at the 2025 Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia. The conference is Missouri’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and agricultural industry professionals, says MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley, who organizes the conference.
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Missouri Health Symposium explores science, practice of holistic health
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The 2025 Missouri Health Symposium will bring together professionals and community members for a daylong conversation on integrative approaches to health and well-being. The event, themed “The Science and Practice of Holistic Health,” is Friday, Dec. 5, both online via Zoom and in person at Truman State University in Kirksville.
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John Wolfe, 101 Mobility of St. Louis
John Wolfe, a U.S. Army veteran, founded 101 Mobility in St. Louis with SBDC support to help others live independently with dignity and care.
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Cattle disease that causes anemia spreading in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Director of Veterinary Extension Craig Payne urges cattle producers to watch for signs of disease associated with Theileria orientalis (ikeda), a protozoal organism recently detected in Missouri. This organism, which primarily affects cattle, infects red blood cells. The immune system attacks the infected cells, resulting in anemia. The disease is primarily spread by the invasive Asian longhorned…
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Registration open for 2026 Master Gardener online course
Registration is open for the MU Extension Master Gardener online spring 2026 course. The 15-week class runs Jan. 2-April 27. The online core training is designed to provide in-depth horticultural knowledge. The course includes presentations and weekly discussion forums.
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Consider farm tax options before end of year
MU Extension to host free in-person and online farm tax workshops Dec. 3-4 that will look at options for producers to navigate tax implications and reduce their tax burden.
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Learn about short-stature corn at 2025 Crop Management Conference
Mark Licht, extension cropping systems specialist at Iowa State University, will speak on how short-stature corn is gaining popularity during the Dec. 9-10 Missouri Crop Management Conference at Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia.
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MU research looks at urban bird habitats in areas with abandoned homes, vacant lots
COLUMBIA, Mo.– It matters to birds as well as people when revitalizing neighborhoods afflicted by declining population, poverty, abandoned housing and numerous vacant lots, according to a recent study by University of Missouri wildlife professors Charles Nilon and Robert Pierce.
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Livestock producers face health threats from ticks
Due to the nature of their work, livestock farmers are often exposed to ticks, which can cause serious health issues, including alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause an allergy to red meat, milk and some animal byproducts.
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Pucker up for persimmon, the first-frost fruit
After biting into an unripe persimmon, most experience a reaction called “pucker mouth.” Some liken it to having their tongue covered with fur. The offending substances behind this sensation are tannins, naturally occurring compounds that are so astringent they have the power to turn an unsuspecting bite into a moment of instant regret.
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MU Graves-Chapple Center plots a course for the future with new combine
University of Missouri Extension’s Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center recently received a refurbished plot combine harvester that will modernize operations, improve research accuracy and enhance demonstrations for visitors and producers.
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Fall garden cleanup influences next year's success
The success of next year’s garden is influenced greatly by fall cleanup. Garden cleanup does more than just improve the appearance of the garden during the mundane, lifeless months of winter. It reduces the amount of disease inoculum and insect infestation that might remain.
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Signs of stress you should watch for
When a farmer or farm family needs help, signs of stress are often slow to appear, but at other times may be quickly apparent, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension assistant professor. However the symptoms appear, MU Extension offers resources to help farmers and their families.
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5 ways to say no to stress
No. It’s a tiny word that can make a big difference, says MU Extension assistant professor Karen Funkenbusch. Yes. It’s another little word, one that causes stress, burnout and exhaustion. Learn when to say “no” and when to say “yes,” says Funkenbusch.
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911 and 988: Numbers you need to know on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The time between harvest and holidays can be among the most stressful months of the year for farmers and their families. University of Missouri Extension assistant professor Karen Funkenbusch wants farmers and their families to know that they don’t have to face stress alone. Help can be a phone call away.
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Register for the Missouri Crop Management Conference
Registration is open for the state’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and ag industry professionals, the Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia.
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Bees, blooms and bloodhounds
The buzz on how MU Extension helped Marine Corps veteran Jessica Johnson grow her business.
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Youths gather for Missouri 4-H Public Speaking Contest
Sixty-plus young participants gathered statewide to sharpen public-speaking skills across five categories in this annual youth leadership event.
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2026 Redbook available at your local MU Extension center
Start your 2026 cattle operation recordkeeping on the right foot by purchasing your Redbook, produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The pocket-size record books are available for sale through county MU Extension centers.