

Notes from an Osher donor
Q: How did you first get involved with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program at the University of Missouri?

Serving those who served
Discover how dedicated programs support veterans with resources, education, and community services to ease their transition to civilian life.

Heroes to Hives offers veterans training, camaraderie and purpose
Heroes to Hives provides veterans with beekeeping training, fostering camaraderie and a renewed sense of purpose.

Mow or compost leaves for best results
Learn how mowing or composting leaves can enrich soil, control disease, and support healthier lawns and gardens.

Gardeners can save money, trouble with fall soil test
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If a little is good, a lot must be better. That’s often the approach home gardeners take when plants and flowers don’t do well, says University of Missouri Extension soil scientist Manjula Nathan. But adding more fertilizer and topsoil without testing the soil may be a waste of money. It also can be bad for the environment because excess nutrients often leach into water supplies.

Why are some spring plants blooming now?
Unseasonable blooms occur as plants respond to hot, dry weather and fluctuating fall temperatures.

Zombie bugs, creepy crawlers aren't just for Halloween
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For Halloween, University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff celebrates the creepy qualities of some insects and fungi.

Clover Gala celebrates 75 years of the Missouri 4-H Foundation
Celebrate 75 years of empowering youth at the Clover Gala, which raised over $117,000 for scholarships and programs supporting Missouri's future leaders.

MU Extension has new guide on biosecurity for sheep producers
Learn key biosecurity steps to protect sheep, farmworkers, and flocks from disease with practical on-farm guidelines.

Avoid applying fall anhydrous in northern, central Missouri
Northern‐central Missouri fields face high nitrogen loss risk when applying anhydrous ammonia in fall; soil temps need to drop below 40°F.

Drought in SW Missouri worsens with no rain in forecast
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought continues to plague southwestern and west-central Missouri as pastures dry and cattle producers start to feed hay well ahead of schedule. “The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor depicts increasing severity and coverage of drought conditions across Missouri,” says Zachary Leasor, University of Missouri Extension climatologist.

Is Missouri's farmland market cooling down?
Survey data shows Missouri farmland prices rising slower, with regional shifts and forecasts shaping decisions for buyers, sellers, and landowners.

Missouri Good Neighbor Week documents more than 31K acts of neighboring
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The tally is in, and 31,129 acts of neighboring were documented this year as part of the fourth annual Missouri Good Neighbor Week, Sept. 28 – Oct. 4. The goal had been to reach 20,000 acts.

MU Extension offers tips for planning for disasters
Learn practical steps to prepare your family, home, and emergency supplies for disasters and unexpected events.

Missouri 4-H State Fashion Revue
Missouri 4-H youths showcased fashion skills at the 2024 State Fashion Revue, with winners advancing to national competitions.

Corn planting pops at MU Hundley-Whaley Center
Two acres of popcorn are planted annually in Albany. Colorful varieties are grown for fundraisers, local events and shared community-filled popcorn outreach.

October Pork Month and biosecurity go hand in hand
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The safety of the U.S. pork supply is achieved through biosecurity protocols not only during National Pork Month in October but every day of the year to safeguard animal health, food safety, the environment and the economy. University of Missouri Extension’s Swine Team educates pork producers and workers on safety protocols throughout the year, working with industry partners, said Magdiel Lopez, MU Extension state swine…

Applying nitrogen to forages now is high risk, low reward
Delayed nitrogen for cool-season forages now has little chance to boost fall growth and risks nitrate buildup or fertilizer loss under dry conditions.

Topics to discuss before incorporating conservation into your land lease
FORSYTH, Mo. – Despite the benefits of conservation practices on farmland, differing goals and expectations can create tension between landowners and tenants when talking about incorporating them into a land lease. According University of Missouri Extension agribusiness specialist Jacob Hefley, thoughtful conversations and clearly outlined provisions between the two parties can ease this tension.

Big changes for private pesticide applicators coming in 2025
New 2025 rules require private pesticide applicators to complete training and licensing for safe RUP use.

Seal your home to keep insects from spending the winter with you
COLUMBIA, Mo. – You aren’t the only one getting cozy for fall. While you are pulling out the flannels, insects are looking for a place to be snug as a bug in a rug for the winter. “Over the next few weeks, it is critical to ensure your home is properly sealed to avoid insect roommates this fall,” says Emily Althoff, University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist.

Pumpkin: An ancient vegetable still in vogue today
Discover pumpkins’ rich history, decorative appeal, and nutritional benefits, from ancient staple to modern fall favorite.

Early grape harvest in Missouri in 2024: low yield but high quality
Missouri’s 2024 grape harvest is early with lower yields but high-quality fruit for a promising vintage.

Received a strange text? Be vigilant against 'smishing'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Smishing, a combination of “SMS” and “phishing,” is a type of cyberattack that targets individuals through SMS or other forms of text messages.

Youths gather for State 4-H Public Speaking Contest
Missouri youth showcased public speaking skills at the State 4-H contest, competing across categories and age levels.