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MU Graves-Chapple Center plots a course for the future with new combine
University of Missouri Extension’s Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center recently received a refurbished plot combine harvester that will modernize operations, improve research accuracy and enhance demonstrations for visitors and producers.
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Fall garden cleanup influences next year's success
The success of next year’s garden is influenced greatly by fall cleanup. Garden cleanup does more than just improve the appearance of the garden during the mundane, lifeless months of winter. It reduces the amount of disease inoculum and insect infestation that might remain.
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Signs of stress you should watch for
When a farmer or farm family needs help, signs of stress are often slow to appear, but at other times may be quickly apparent, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension assistant professor. However the symptoms appear, MU Extension offers resources to help farmers and their families.
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5 ways to say no to stress
No. It’s a tiny word that can make a big difference, says MU Extension assistant professor Karen Funkenbusch. Yes. It’s another little word, one that causes stress, burnout and exhaustion. Learn when to say “no” and when to say “yes,” says Funkenbusch.
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911 and 988: Numbers you need to know on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The time between harvest and holidays can be among the most stressful months of the year for farmers and their families. University of Missouri Extension assistant professor Karen Funkenbusch wants farmers and their families to know that they don’t have to face stress alone. Help can be a phone call away.
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Register for the Missouri Crop Management Conference
Registration is open for the state’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and ag industry professionals, the Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia.
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Bees, blooms and bloodhounds
The buzz on how MU Extension helped Marine Corps veteran Jessica Johnson grow her business.
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Youths gather for Missouri 4-H Public Speaking Contest
Sixty-plus young participants gathered statewide to sharpen public-speaking skills across five categories in this annual youth leadership event.
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2026 Redbook available at your local MU Extension center
Start your 2026 cattle operation recordkeeping on the right foot by purchasing your Redbook, produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The pocket-size record books are available for sale through county MU Extension centers.
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Ticks 'vant to suck your blood' this fall
Many people think ticks are most active during summer. However, fall is prime time for ticks. Ticks are especially concerning now due to increased incidences of alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including an allergy to red meat.
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Updates to Livestock Risk Protection insurance give producers more flexibility
Livestock producers now have more flexibility under recent updates to USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program, which helps safeguard against unexpected price declines in feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine markets. MU Extension has updated its publication on LRP to reflect the most recent program changes.
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Favor older, earlier-calving bred heifers at auction this fall
University of Missouri Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey suggests a review of data shows that early-calving bred heifers pay off many times over in the long run.
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Fall foliage show beginning in Missouri
Missouri’s hills might not be alive with the sound of music, but they soon will transition into a kaleidoscope of color. The foliage of trees, shrubs and vines is about to burst into its full glory.
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New MU Extension guides help farmers plan for mobile poultry production
Raising chickens on pasture in movable shelters, often called “chicken tractors,” is gaining popularity among Missouri farmers and families. MU Extension has released two new resources to help farmers make informed decisions about operating a mobile poultry enterprise.
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Is the 'going rate' going up?
Farmers and agricultural service providers across Missouri are invited to participate in University of Missouri Extension’s Custom Rates Survey. This triennial survey helps shed light on the costs associated with custom farming operations such as tillage, planting, spraying, harvesting, land management work and machinery rental.
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Missouri farmer adjusts to life with alpha-gal syndrome
Life changed dramatically for Ted DeVault of Mexico, Mo., in 2023, when he was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic condition triggered by the lone star tick, which is common in Missouri.
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275 high-quality spring-calving Show-Me-Select replacement heifers for sale Nov. 21
The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program’s southwestern Missouri fall sale is 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Joplin Regional Stockyards near Carthage.
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African flavors find a home in Columbia
With support from the Missouri Small Business Development Center, Mahalet Tesfaye opens the city’s first Ethiopian restaurant.
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Can you dig sweet potatoes?
The first frost of fall is approaching, and it’s time to think about harvesting your sweet potato crop. This warm-season root vegetable does not tolerate cold. The table quality of sweet potatoes declines when they are harvested after temperatures drop below 50 F.
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Missouri 4-H youths join #4HForGood challenge with NBCUniversal and 'Wicked: For Good'
In celebration of the movie “Wicked: For Good,” which opens in theaters Nov. 21, NBCUniversal is supporting 4-H youths who lead with purpose and a little green. 4-H has launched the #4HForGood Challenge, a nationwide call to action.
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Remember the 5Qs of colostrum
Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow’s mammary glands after giving birth, is liquid gold for baby calves. The thick, nutrient-rich fluid provides essential nourishment and crucial immunity in the form of antibodies to newborn calves in the first 24 hours of life.
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MU Extension expands food waste reduction program in rural Missouri
University of Missouri Extension is expanding its “Freeze It!” food waste reduction program across rural Missouri. The initiative empowers rural families to better manage their meals and reduce waste through strategies like meal planning, freezing meals and sharing excess food.
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Remembering Missouri's fallen fire heroes
Each year, MU Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute helps honor those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. FRTI’s collaboration with the Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri culminates in two ceremonies: the Candlelight Service and the Memorial Service.
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Fall tree planting: Rooting for a greener tomorrow
As autumn paints Missouri’s landscapes in brilliant hues, it also signals the start of the best season for planting trees, says University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist.
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Missouri woodland owners learn from the best at the annual conference
Woodland owners and natural resource professionals gathered Oct. 3-4 in Mountain Grove for the Missouri Woodland Owners Conference. The conference provided hands-on learning through three field tours.