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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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MU Extension livestock and forage event set for Feb. 19 in Forsyth
University of Missouri Extension will host the 2026 Taney County Livestock and Forage Conference 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at Forsyth High School, 178 Panther Road, Forsyth. The free conference is designed to provide livestock producers with timely, practical information on herd management, forage systems and market conditions as they plan for the year ahead.
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SW MO Beef Cattle Conference set for Feb. 27 in Springfield
MU Extension is partnering with Missouri State University to provide the SW MO Beef Cattle Conference, which will educate cattle producers on a variety of current topics in the cattle industry. The conference is MSU's Darr Agricultural Center in Springfield.
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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.
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Scout early and often for corn leafhopper in 2026
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in-field research in 2025 cornfields showed less damage from corn leafhopper than in 2024. MU Extension state crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida is happy about that, but he is unsure why this happened. “It is possible that corn leafhoppers arrived later in the season compared to 2024, as they do not truly overwinter in Missouri,” Valmorbida says.
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Winter weather resources from MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – MU Extension has resources to help you prepare for and respond to severe winter weather. Extended cold weather can freeze water in household plumbing. This can not only make your faucets run dry, it can result in burst pipes. Learn how to prevent or safely thaw frozen pipes.
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National survey looks at beef producers' bull-buying decisions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new national survey aims to better understand how beef producers make bull-buying decisions and how extension programs can better support those producers.
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Cedar County Livestock and Forage Conference set for Feb. 23 in Stockton
MU Extension, Cedar County Soil and Water Conservation District and Cedar County Farm Bureau are hosting the Cedar County Livestock and Forage Conference 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, in Stockton.
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Watermelon grower finds sweet spot in NE Missouri
Florida watermelon grower Bob Stewart is finding northeastern Missouri ripe for growing what Monroe County-born author Mark Twain called the “food of angels.” Stewart, owner of GID Farms of Immokalee, Florida, grew 6 million pounds of watermelon on 150 rented acres near Monroe City this past season. The location offers new challenges and opportunities to expand Stewart’s 20-year-old business.
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MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab moves to cheaper, quicker testing
The MU Extension Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory is transitioning to a new soil nutrient extraction method, called Mehlich-3, which has become the industry standard for soil testing. Adopting the Mehlich-3 method enhances laboratory efficiency and enables the laboratory to provide a more complete nutrient analysis in a single test while keeping overall testing costs lower.
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Pearls of Production returns Feb. 28 in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 2026 Pearls of Production Conference is set for Saturday, Feb. 28, at the University of Missouri Beef Research and Teaching Farm in Columbia. This in-person gathering promises a full day of hands-on learning, idea exchange and inspiration, says Heather Conrow, MU Extension livestock and poultry specialist.
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MU med students to lead free Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program in Hannibal
Two third-year medical students from the MU School of Medicine will bring their skills, enthusiasm and commitment to community health this winter as they lead a free Strong, Stay Healthy program in Hannibal. The free strength training course, which is open to adults of all fitness levels, meets 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 3 to March 26 at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, 301 Warren Barrett Drive.
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Watch for new soybean pest in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The soybean tentiform leafminer (STL) moth is no bigger than George Washington’s nose on a quarter. But don’t underestimate it, says Ivair Valmorbida, University of Missouri Extension state field crops and forage entomologist. Valmorbida confirmed STL’s presence in 2025 in Cooper County in a field next to a wooded area, its preferred infestation area.
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Your Best Year Yet: Build resolutions backed by SMART goals
Is it your New Year’s resolution to achieve your New Year’s resolution? Studies show that nearly 80% of people who set a New Year’s resolution fail within the first few weeks. Creating goals that are “SMART”--Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic/relevant and Time-bound--is one way to give us a better chance of achieving our goals.
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MU Extension works with swine industry, TN visa workers to address labor shortages
University of Missouri Extension specialists are working with the swine industry and temporary visa holders to help recruit, retain and develop agriculture professionals needed to address ongoing farm labor shortages.
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MU Extension: 'Stop the Bleed' law will benefit ag community
A new Missouri law that went into effect Jan. 1 will benefit the agricultural community. Senate Bill 68, known as the “Stop the Bleed Act,” mandates that all public and charter schools in the state implement protocols for traumatic blood loss and equip their facilities with bleeding control kits.
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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
Low temperatures, frozen soil, rapid temperature changes, drying winds or lack of soil moisture all may work to make plant survival a challenge in winter. But gardeners can take simple steps to reduce the risk 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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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.