

Deck the halls with proper caution
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For many, the holiday season would not be complete without evergreens, holly, mistletoe and other traditional plants. But it’s important to exercise care with some of these plants for happy and safe holidays, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

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.

Online ag research: When more is less
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Information in the digital age is like porridge in the tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” How do you know what is too much, too little, just right – or maybe not right at all? The digital age has put vast amounts of information at your fingertips, which is good, says University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley. What is not good is the confusion from trying to parse out what information is reliable…

Missouri youths attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta
Missouri 4-H youth attended the 2024 National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, connecting with peers through leadership, culture, and community service.

Have yourself a merry little kalanchoe
Bright, long-lasting kalanchoe flowers add vibrant color and easy-care charm to your home year-round.

MU Extension joins multistate study of pig manure as corn fertilizer
Researchers study pig manure as a corn fertilizer to compare yields, soil nutrients, and environmental effects in a multistate project.

Tips and resources for the holidays
Expert advice on holiday food safety, personal security, and well-being to ensure a joyful and stress-free season. Explore tips for a safe and healthy holiday.
Strong bull sale in Springfield
Springfield's bull sale achieved strong prices, with 26 bulls averaging $5,458 each, highlighting a robust cattle market.

Missouri has become a peanut powerhouse
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – Missouri farmers may have grown the peanuts that you enjoy in holiday candies like peanut brittle or peanut clusters. In 2020, the USDA named Missouri a primary peanut-producing state, a designation for states averaging more than 10,000 tons of peanut production annually over three years, says Justin Calhoun, University of Missouri Extension soil and cropping systems specialist.

Results from fall SW Mo. Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Days
STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is important for reproductive performance and profitability of the cattle operation to identify bulls that are not sound breeders and replace them prior to the breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. This is the goal of the Southwest Missouri Fall Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) Days, which also educate cattle producers on bull management for a successful…

Pick up the 2025 Redbook at your local MU Extension center
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Recordkeeping is important to make management decisions for optimum cattle operation productivity and profitability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Davis urges cattle producers to consider purchasing the 2025 pocket-size “Redbook” to aid in their recordkeeping. The books are available at county MU Extension centers for $8 per copy.

New associate vice chancellor for MU Extension and Engagement named
A message from University of Missouri Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Chad Higgins. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Washburn as the next associate vice chancellor for extension and engagement at the University of Missouri. Dr. Washburn will provide academic leadership and direction for the educational programs and initiatives that advance the mission of MU Extension and Engagement.

SW Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale results
Southwest Missouri’s heifer sale saw 112 head average $3,205 per head, with top lots reaching $4,500.

Missouri 4-H team takes third at national livestock judging contest
Clinton County 4-H team secures third place at the 2024 National Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, showcasing top-tier livestock evaluation skills.

Three steps to prepare for winter feeding of livestock
Assess livestock feed needs, evaluate forage availability, and plan for necessary supplements to ensure adequate winter nutrition.

4-H meat evaluation volunteer workshop
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The inaugural University of Missouri Extension 4-H Meat Evaluation Volunteer Workshop held on Saturday, Nov. 2, drew nearly a dozen volunteers from across the state.

Nut with two names comes out of its shell during holidays
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Given most nuts ripen late in the year, they have long been associated with the holiday season,” said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. It also is one of the few times when consumers see what nuts looks like in nature. Most often, nuts are purchased with their shells removed and ready for use. One of the nuts likely found in the bin or bag of mixed nuts at a supermarket is…

Help for the holidays from MU Extension
Get expert tips for a stress-free holiday feast—from thawing and roasting turkey to budget-friendly side dishes and centerpieces.

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…

Grant aims to share pest management information with more diverse audience
The University of Missouri’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen its reach to diverse clientele with sustainable pest management practices. The grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture aims to enhance the ability to get important pest management information out to clients who need it.

New MU weather station measures soil moisture in forest
A new weather station in Echo Bluff State Park measures soil moisture and temperature to improve forest data and climate research.

Squash: Always the bridesmaid, never the bride at Thanksgiving
Squash, rich in history and nutrition, was enjoyed at the first Thanksgiving but often plays a lesser role in today's holiday meals.

Forage, cattle producers embrace change in move from Colorado to Missouri
Tad and Kim Carnahan transitioned from Colorado to Missouri's agriculture, adopting rotational grazing and sustainable practices to enhance their cattle operation.

Buying corn silage to feed beef cows in winter
Farmers consider corn silage for winter: higher in digestible nutrients than hay, but costlier and spoilage-prone unless stored and hauled carefully.

NW Extension team wins big at Extension & Engagement Week
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension hosted its annual Extension & Engagement Week Oct. 21-23. The event brought together community leaders, educators and administrators from across Missouri to celebrate and strengthen the university’s mission of public engagement and outreach.