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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Increase flower power by dividing overgrown perennials
As clump-forming perennials mature, they often become overcrowded, competing among themselves for light, water and nutrients. This typically results in fewer blooms. Dividing them restores vigor and lets gardeners expand their beds or share plants with others.
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Missouri corn adds a-maize-ing complexity to whiskey
MU Extension researchers are working to help Missouri corn growers who provide corn to distilleries for brewed corn whiskey. As of 2024, the state was home to 71 active craft distilleries. The corn whiskey business, as part Missouri’s broader distilling industry, has a substantial economic footprint.
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Lycoris: An intriguing flower that brings color at summer's end
When most garden flowers show the attrition of having endured the heat and humidity of a typical Missouri summer, lycoris adds beauty and intrigue to beleaguered landscapes. The pink, lily-like flowers seem to come out of nowhere to adorn gardens.
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Crape myrtle: Colorful southern shrub that's moving north
In southern states, crape myrtle can add brilliant color to the landscape when few other trees or shrubs are in bloom. New cultivars of this flowering shrub that are better-suited to Midwestern winters are now available.
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Explore ideas, arts and local history in Osher@Mizzou’s fall courses
This fall, Osher@Mizzou will offer more than two dozen noncredit courses for adults age 50 and up. Topics include Victorian thrillers, Missouri ghost stories and Broadway composers as well as explorations of current issues such as censorship, authoritarianism and the intersection of science and religion.
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Carroll County MU Extension council honored as NW Missouri Council of the Year
The Carroll County MU Extension Council’s Back to School initiative provided backpacks and supplies to local youths. In recognition of its work, the council was named the 2025 Northwest Region County Council of the Year.
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MU Extension brings learning, application to Norborne Soybean Festival
MU Extension again joined the celebration at the Norborne Soybean Festival in August by bringing hands-on learning and application to the “Soybean Capital of the World.”
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When it rains, it pours mopheads and lacecaps
Fall is an ideal time to establish hydrangeas in the landscape. Several species grow well in Missouri.
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Free SCN tests available to Missouri farmers
University of Missouri Extension, SCN Diagnostics and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council are again offering free testing for soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the No. 1 pathogen of soybean in the United States.
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Neighboring lessons from voices across America
Voices from across America reflect on everyday neighborly acts—from greetings and gatherings to caring and uniting communities.
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Four counties join Missouri EATs to strengthen local food systems
Four Missouri counties—Dade, Barry, Lawrence, Harrison—have joined a statewide initiative to boost local food access, agriculture, and resilience.
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Beat the heat
Stay safe during summer heat with tips on hydration, shade, and cooling strategies for people, livestock, and gardens.