Pumpkin seeds are too good to waste
BUTLER, Mo. – One of the best rewards during pumpkin season are the seeds. They taste great, can be flavored in multiple ways and are great for snacks and salad toppers.When you first remove the seeds from the pumpkin, however, it’s kind of a slimy mess. But it’s easy to clean them up.
Ways to make Halloween healthy
BUTLER, Mo. – It won’t be long before pint-sized Princess Elsas, Star Wars characters and Minions run through neighborhoods threatening tricks and demanding treats.Halloween doesn’t have to be a complete sugar-overload holiday. There are simple things that parents can do to keep it fun and healthy.First, don’t send the little ones out on an empty stomach, said Tammy Roberts, nutrition specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
Help children enjoy Halloween without candy overload
BUTLER, Mo. – The night of dress-up, jinks and japes will soon be here. Children will roam the neighborhood bartering tricks in exchange for treats.Make sure your pint-sized Batman, Spider-Man, Angry Bird, princess or pirate does not head out the door on an empty tummy.
Safety tips for Halloween
CHILLICOTHE, Mo. – Halloween should be a fun time for dress-up, parties and yummy treats. Taking a few precautions before your kids head out the door can go a long way toward keeping them safe, said a University of Missouri Extension human development specialist.A “dress rehearsal” a few days before Halloween can help spot problems with your child’s costume, said Jessica Trussell.
Use Halloween to teach children about moderation and healthy choices
LAMAR, Mo. – The doorbell rings. Ghosties and ghoulies shout “Trick or treat!” as you open the door. They reach toward you with bags and containers, waiting for the bounty you are about to bestow. Though candy is the typical Halloween fare, you can hand out a healthier ransom.
Timing is everything for vivid fall colors
COLUMBIA, Mo.—Despite their association with fall colors, you’ll want Jack Frost and Indian Summer to stay away if you’re hoping for vivid autumn leaves.According to folklore, Jack Frost turns leaves red and purple when he pinches them with his icy fingers. In fact, a hard freeze is the last thing you want for colorful fall leaves, said Stephen Pallardy, a University of Missouri forestry professor.
Kaleidoscope of fall colors begins soon
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s fall foliage is about to burst into its full glory.Colors usually peak around the third weekend of October, but Mother Nature is a woman of mystery. “It’s always questionable until the last minute what will happen,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “Fall color is like Christmas morning. You don’t know if you are going to get an orange or a lump of coal in your stocking.”
Mobile home weatherization can slash utility bills
MARSHFIELD, Mo.–Mobile homes are less expensive than site-built houses, but it is more challenging to improve their energy efficiency, says a University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineer.Many mobile homes have less insulation and lower-quality windows, says Bob Schultheis. Flat roofs and thinner walls make it difficult to add insulation.
Renters can save money with simple energy practices
FARMINGTON, Mo.– Renters as well as homeowners can save money by using less energy at home.A lot of simple practices can cut renters’ energy costs every month, says Rebecca Blocker, University of Missouri Extension housing and environmental design specialist.One practice is to minimize “vampire” energy.
Get involved! The secret to college success
Remember, college is an experience!You graduated from high school and in the fall you will be a first year student in college. This means new places, new people, and new routines. This change of scenery can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether you're attending a community college, university, or trade school, the BEST way to deal with all the change is to GET INVOLVED!
Mistakes to avoid during your freshman year
You've never been to college before, you are bound to make a few mistakesCollege is a totally new experience! It's okay to make mistakes along the way, it's going to take time to figure out how it all works. However, hopefully we can save you from costly errors. Check out some of the most common mistakes freshman make below.
Bruin Manufacturing Co.
The challenge Bruin Manufacturing, an Iowa manufacturer, is a reliable and innovative leader in the plastics injection molding business. Bruin Manufacturing had many ideas for growing and maintaining their competitiveness with overseas companies, but needed resources to help their ideas bec
Omaha Steel Castings Co., LLC
The challenge Omaha Steel, a 112-year old company, is an established name in the steel castings industry. In 2014, new owners took possession of assets, including a state-of the-art production facility. Omaha Steel was operating at 40 percent of capacity, which is reflective of the U.S.
Hastings Irrigation Pipe Co.
The challenge Hastings Irrigation Pipe Co. is a leading manufacturer of aluminum products, specializing in pipe and tubing, tool and die, fittings and pumps, custom fabrication and powder coating. The company found itself facing increased competition from fabricators outside the U.S.
Alternative forage options during and after drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Widespread drought conditions during the 2018 growing season in most of Missouri resulted in hay and forage shortages, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Dhruba Dhakal.Dhakal offers some alternative/emergency forage options to feed beef cattle during fall, winter and spring.Stockpiling tall fescue
Cows heat stressed after breeding may have unseen pregnancy losses
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prolonged heat stress this year may bring a smaller calf crop next year. Herd owners are seeing cows known to be pregnant coming back into heat to be rebred.Pregnancy losses are due to several reasons, says Scott Poock, University of Missouri Extension veterinarian. “The first is increased internal temperature of the cow.”
National College Advising Corps to receive national honor for volunteer service
Chicago, IL- On Thursday, June 14, 2012, the National College Advising Corps received the 2012 National Service Impact Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in Chicago.
Emerging swine disease calls for biosecurity measures, says MU Extension veterinarian
COLUMBIA, Mo. – U.S. pork producers should be aware of an emerging swine disease, says University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Corinne Bromfield. Chinese pork producers reported the 13th outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) Sept. 6. It has appeared since August in several locations in China hundreds of miles apart. This leaves researchers scratching their heads over how it spreads from one area to another, says Bromfield.
Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is known for boosting health and lowering risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Every five years the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines are developed by an expert panel of nutrition and health professionals to help all Americans consume a healthy and nutritionally adequate diet.
Green up your eating plan
Summer is a great time to “green up” your diet by eating more fresh or cooked greens. Green leafy vegetables are in season in Missouri in the early summer and then again in the fall. This includes those greens most commonly seen in grocery stores, like spinach, kale, collards, mustard greens or Swiss chard.
Agency partnerships help cattle farmer with hydrocephalus
ST. ELIZABETH, Mo. – Despite 26 surgeries, 47-year-old Blaine Kemna farms every day.He remains an independent farmer and works with the Missouri AgrAbility Project and its partners.Kemna was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes water to put pressure on the brain. University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch says AgrAbility helped Kemna obtain adaptive devices to remain independent.
Divide and conquer perennials on Labor Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Labor Day is a time for performing a labor of love on your hardworking perennial plants.University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein said timing and technique are important when dividing overgrown perennials.Over time, perennial plants often become overgrown, unproductive “clumps.” They lose vigor and either produce small flowers or quit flowering altogether.
24 tips for packing a healthy, affordable lunch
KIRKWOOD, Mo. – Parents often go to great lengths during the school year to be sure their children have the right equipment—pens, notebooks, clothing—to make it through the day. “Proper nutrition is also a key ingredient for school success because it fuels brain cells and gives your child the energy and nutrients he or she needs for optimal learning,” says Damaris Karanja, University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health…
Check data systems before harvest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineer Kent Shannon offers tips for collecting farm yield data prior to harvest.