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Fall flowers usher out summer in a blaze of color
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fall is time for the changing of the guard in flower beds and containers. As some summer flowers shout their last hurrah, others gradually fade into the background.
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Lasagna gardening: Layers and layers of goodness
JACKSON, Mo. – As traditional gardening season takes a bow, lasagna gardening makes a grand entrance. Lasagna gardening is no-till, no-dig gardening that uses materials typically thrown away such as kitchen and yard waste, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Donna Aufdenberg. Aufdenberg says lasagna gardening is environmentally friendly and frees the gardener from tilling, weeding and digging. Gardens also…
Glufosinate-resistant Palmer amaranth found in Missouri Bootheel
Researchers confirmed glufosinate-resistant Palmer amaranth in Missouri, raising concerns for weed control and crop yields.
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BTC Bank supports Missouri 4-H financial ed program
Youth across Missouri gain hands-on financial education via a new household finance simulator for ages 13-18, supported by BTC Bank.
Regional drought calls for winter feed strategies
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Drought in southwestern Missouri calls for long- and short-term feed plans for beef and dairy herds. University of Missouri Extension state dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton urges producers not to panic as local feed supplies dwindle. There are options to carry herds through winter until spring pastures green.
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Golden rule for dorm room plants: Keep it simple
Keep dorm plants simple with easy-care cacti, succulents, and foliage for a bright, low-maintenance study space.
Plan to meet weaning challenges
SEDALIA, Mo. – Weaning spring calves may be more of a challenge this year because of short pasture supplies and the questionable nutritional value of this year’s hay crop.“Pay very close attention to body condition score in September and be prepared to wean, if necessary,” said Gene Schmitz, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in Sedalia.Schmitz recently worked through a feeding scenario for a producer that highlights…
Drought recovery forage options
GALENA, Mo. – “If there was ever a year to focus on stockpiled tall fescue, this is it,” says Tim Schnakenberg, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist in Galena.
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11 undergraduates intern with MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Eleven undergraduates have been busy interning with University of Missouri Extension this summer as part of the MU Integrated STEM Internship Program. Interns work with a research mentor on the MU campus and also support extension programming around the state.
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4-H Foundation endowment funds reaching many Missouri counties
County endowment funds created by the Missouri 4-H Foundation have had a significant impact on many Missouri counties within the last year. The Foundation currently manages six county endowment funds benefiting Barton, Callaway, Dade, Henry, Pike and St. Charles counties.
Former FRTI directors honored by National Fire Heritage Center
Kevin Zumwalt, left, and David Hedrick, right.COLUMBIA, Mo.
Apply fall nitrogen now to boost forage stockpiles
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory recommends applying fall nitrogen in mid-August to cool-season pastures. Despite drought conditions in much of the state, Lory says, “we need to get nitrogen applied now so we can take full advantage of the rains when they do arrive.”
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Blister beetles reported in high numbers
Blister beetles are appearing in large numbers, posing risks to horses and livestock due to their toxic cantharidin.
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Program helps pork producers secure their biosecurity plans
Secure your pork operation with digital biosecurity tools that streamline regulatory access, speed disease response, and support farm continuity.
Drought requires feed efficiency in cattle
Drought strains hay supplies; cattle producers can improve efficiency with feed testing, supplements, and careful ration planning.
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SW Missouri no stranger to drought in forages
Recurring drought in southwest Missouri strains pastures and forage growth; strategies for resilience and recovery.
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How to help your trees recover from drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Dry soil conditions can significantly reduce the life span of valuable landscape trees. “Because they are difficult and expensive to replace, your trees need attention during and after periods of drought,” says University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist Hank Stelzer.
Short forage supplies require producers to make tough decisions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Dry weather and short pastures have reduced forage supplies, prompting livestock producers to ponder “could have, would have, should have” scenarios, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch.Producers should try to match their herd needs to anticipated forage supplies, Meusch says. This requires planning before a drought. Many factors will be out of your control if you wait until drought…
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How to manage drought-stressed ponds
Learn how to manage drought-stressed ponds with tips on water quality, fish health, vegetation control, and aeration to prevent losses.
Tough culling decisions come with drought, forage shortages
COLUMBIA, Mo. – With dry weather and short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.Give careful thought to which grass eaters go first, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist. Under drought stress, identifying those cows becomes urgent.
Nitrate, prussic acid poisoning follow drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nitrates and prussic acid build up in forages to levels dangerous to livestock during drought.Livestock face severe illness and even death after eating affected forages, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Jamie Gundel.Nitrates tend to concentrate in the bottom third of the plant. It shows in the plant’s stem and stalks more than leaves, Gundel says.
Corn silage as a forage
COLUMBIA, Mo. – An emergency feeding situation is shaping up for Missouri’s beef producers because of the drought. University of Missouri Extension recently hosted University of Wisconsin agronomist Joe Lauer on the MU Extension Forage and Livestock Hour to discuss his research on corn silage as a forage.
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Missouri dairy producers have their eyes on the drought
Missouri dairy producers face drought and heat challenges, adjusting feed and herd management to protect cows and maintain milk production.
MU guide looks at reconsidering silage pricing
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought throughout much of Missouri has renewed interest in how to price silage. An updated University of Missouri Extension publication looks at silage costs and revenues.
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Windbreaks can help prevent herbicide injury
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Plant injury due to the off-target movement of herbicides such as dicamba and 2,4-D is one of the challenges to the production of specialty crops.“There are few short-term solutions to avoid plant damage when herbicides drift onto property other than growing plants in protective structures or planting crops and cultivars that are less susceptible to herbicide injury,” says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist…