

Time to take plants indoors
As frost approaches, gardeners are tempted to dig up plants and place them in pots for use indoors. The results are often disappointing. Many garden plants do not make good houseplants. But if you are determined to try, MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein has suggestions.

Have you scheduled your bull breeding soundness exam?
STOCKTON, Mo. – Have you scheduled your bull breeding soundness exam? Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests your bulls have a BSE prior to each breeding season.

SW Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale set for Oct. 27 in Springfield
STOCKTON, Mo. – The 106th Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale is scheduled for Oct. 27 in Springfield, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The offering consists of 26 bulls: 23 Angus, one Hereford, one Gelbvieh and one SimAngus. This long-running sale on by the Southwest Missouri Beef Cattle Improvement Association is 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the Springfield…

Learn about beekeeping Nov. 8 at Pearls of Production
Women in production livestock can learn about beekeeping Nov. 8 at Pearls of Production in Columbia. The Heroes to Hives program seeks to address financial and personal wellness of military veterans through free professional training and community development centered around beekeeping.

Data-driven insights for harvest timing
The MU Extension publication “Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Missouri” can help farmers plan with confidence. It draws on 20 years of weather data to show weekly averages of days suitable for fieldwork. It also includes formulas to estimate how much acreage can be covered per day and size equipment to match available field time.

Improving habitats for ring-necked pheasants in Missouri
Missouri landowners can take practical steps to improve habitat for ring-necked pheasants, whose populations have declined across the Midwest due to habitat loss and changing land use. A new publication outlines science-based strategies to support pheasant populations.

It’s fall, and here come chirping crickets
Crickets are the buglers of September and October in Missouri homes. These noisy insects make their way indoors for warmth and shelter once temperatures start to drop.

Tackling the child care challenge
In the Lake of the Ozarks region, there is a shortage of accessible, affordable and high-quality child care. To address this concern, local leaders, educators, employers and residents are invited to Crisis to Collaboration: Tackling the Childcare Challenge, a public panel and workshop on Nov. 12.

Training for women landowners begins Oct. 21
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri recently launched the Women Landowners Leading Regeneration (WLLR) project. It offers trainings and outreach activities available in Missouri, Iowa and Kansas.

Urban ag risk management series offered this fall
University of Missouri Extension and Annie’s Project are offering an urban agriculture risk management class in the St. Louis area in October and November.

Be vigilant for spotted lanternfly in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri residents are urged to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly (SLF), an insect that could have devastating effects on the state’s $4.2 billion wine and grape industry. SLF can damage fruits including grapes, as well as ornamentals and urban landscapes.

Industry veterans embrace changing manufacturing landscape
To meet the growing demand for advanced manufacturing expertise, Mizzou Engineering has launched the Industry 4.0 certificate, a hybrid program to equip today’s technical experts with the know-how to thrive and lead in tomorrow’s smart manufacturing environments.

MU Extension offers sessions on farm leases
University of Missouri Extension is offering multiple workshops on farm leases in October and November. The in-person classes are 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Macon and 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 in Montgomery City. There will be an online class 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6.

The plot fixer
From county to county, MU Extension specialists such as Justin Keay carry the university’s promise into fields and families, planting knowledge that lasts.

Resources for Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and MU Extension has compiled resources to help break down barriers to mental health services for Missourians.

Ag lenders seminars offer practical insights for the year ahead
Agricultural lenders across Missouri are invited to attend the 2025 Agricultural Lenders Seminar series, which is designed to equip professionals with essential updates for the 2026 growing season. The series looks at commodity markets, production costs, farmland values and region-specific topics affecting Missouri agriculture.

MU Extension hosts 'Baled Late, Fed Smart' for livestock producers
MU Extension will host “Baled Late, Fed Smart,” a series of programs in October designed to help livestock producers effectively manage and utilize lower-quality hay. Sessions in Wright, Taney and Ozark counties will provide strategies for feeding cattle when forage quality is compromised.

Improving life after cancer
Health care professionals have two upcoming opportunities to deepen their understanding of cancer survivorship: a free webinar series and a statewide symposium featuring a physician who is also a cancer survivor.

MU Soybean monitoring report predicts sharp decline in yield
The latest Soybean Growth Monitoring Yield Prediction report from MU Extension predicts drastically lower soybean yields due to lack of rain, averaging 3-6 bushels per acre lower than in the previous report.

More than 90% of state in drought as harvest nears
As harvest nears, MU Extension agronomists see signs of flash drought threatening Missouri crop yields. The U.S. Drought Monitor map for Missouri released on Sept. 4 shows that 93.68% of Missouri is at least abnormally dry following an unusually wet spring.

Fall is prime time to establish cool-season forages
Fall offers the best opportunity to establish or renovate cool-season forages like tall fescue, orchardgrass and winter annuals such as brassicas, oats, wheat, rye and triticale. With strong cattle prices and improved cash flow, now is a smart time to invest in your forage base.

Good food, better company
We know that eating to meet our nutritional needs promotes physical wellness. But consuming a meal should focus not just on the nutritional value but also the social and emotional value, writes MU Extension human development specialist Maria Calvert.

Falls Prevention Awareness Month
Falls can have serious health consequences, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. Taking simple steps now—such as removing trip hazards at home, practicing balance and strength exercises or joining a community program—can reduce risk.

MU expands continuing ed for veterinarians who work with food animals
The MU College of Veterinary Medicine recently launched five on-demand continuing education courses for veterinarians providing practical education in food animal medicine and production. Learners can complete modules at their own pace while earning up 0.5 hours of CE credit per course.

MU Extension names new Missouri 4-H director
Tim Tanner is the new director of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development.