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MU Extension hosts free soil health webinar Dec. 11
TUSCUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a free virtual workshop on “Understanding Your Soil Needs” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. “We will talk about the essential aspects of soil management to help you maximize your farm productivity,” said MU Extension agronomy specialist Rudra Baral, who will host the workshop.
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Missouri 4-H'ers take top awards at American Royal Livestock Contest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri 4-H was well-represented at the 2025 American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Oct. 19. The team from Clinton County included Shanna Aughdinbaugh, Cass Kleeman, Reagan Rodgers and Dylan Swindler and was coached by Cody Sloan and Shane Bedwell. The team of four competed against individuals from 19 states, placing seventh during the awards ceremony that evening.
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Missouri youths compete at National 4-H Meats Judging Contest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Four Missouri 4-H members competed at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest on Oct. 21 in Kansas City, Mo. Luke Baugh, Miles Neely, Annie Neely and Austin Pope represented Missouri through the tough competition, said Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator. The team from Dade County won the State Meats Judging Contest in February 2025 to earn the opportunity to represent…
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Youths compete at Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Eight Missouri 4-H members competed at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Expo on Nov. 8 in Louisville, Ky. Each member placed at the top of their respective contests at the state level before representing Missouri on the national level.
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Crop Management Conference offers research updates on soybean
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Soybean farmers will learn ways to improve yields and reduce impacts from drought, pests and disease at the 2025 Missouri Crop Management Conference sessions, says University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley.
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MU Extension offers no-cost technical assistance for Missouri nonprofits
University of Missouri Extension now offers nonprofit technical assistance (NPTA) to help Missourians build stronger organizations to serve their communities. This statewide initiative provides a range of educational services and resources to support the full life cycle of Missouri’s nonprofits.
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MU looks at weather impact on farmer mental health
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri researchers are looking at how weather extremes affect the mental health of Midwestern farmers. Jennifer First, an assistant professor with the MU School of Social Work, leads the project with assistance from MU Extension natural resources specialist Michael Sunde. They are recruiting 40 farmers from the Midwest to understand how weather and environmental concerns affect farmers’ health, stress,…
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Thanksgiving food safety tips
The traditional Thanksgiving feast is one of the most anticipated meals of the year. But amid all the excitement, food safety can often be overlooked, turning a joyful gathering into an unpleasant experience. But by following a few key food safety practices, you can keep the Thanksgiving meal both delicious and safe for everyone at the table.
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Help for the holidays from MU Extension
Get expert tips for a stress-free holiday feast—from thawing and roasting turkey to budget-friendly side dishes and centerpieces.
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Prevent mice and rats from coming inside
Temperatures are dropping, and that tiny mouse in the house looms large as pests make their way inside. University of Missouri Extension state wildlife and fisheries specialist Robert Pierce says it is time to prepare for the unwelcome houseguests.
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Cattle grading, feeding and marketing workshop set for Dec. 9 in Lamar
MU Extension is partnering with the Show Me Youth Ag Academy, Missouri State University and ACRISURE-Gibson Insurance to hold a Feeder Cattle Grading, Feeding and Marketing Workshop 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Lamar First Baptist Church.
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Turkey triumph: Master the perfect Thanksgiving bird
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Don’t be intimidated by the the prospect of cooking a big Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not that difficult, even for novice cooks, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist. First, make sure you have enough bird, says Tammy Roberts. If you’re hosting a large group, get at least 1 pound of whole turkey per person, especially if you want leftovers. If you don’t want leftovers or are cooking a turkey…
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'Hands, for larger service'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The third H in 4-H stands for “hands, for larger service,” and that spirit of service is one of the first things that caught Tim Tanner’s attention when he became director of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development in September.
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MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute celebrates excellence
University of Missouri Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute recently hosted the 22nd Annual Missouri Emergency Services Instructor Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. More than 150 instructors and supervisory personnel gathered for three days of intensive professional development designed specifically for those who train Missouri’s emergency responders. Attendees represented 49 counties across the state, plus two out-of-…
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Safe food relies on Good Manufacturing Practices
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Producing safe and high-quality food requires more than good recipes and effective processing technologies, says Kantha Channaiah, University of Missouri Extension food scientist.
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Learn how to improve soil health at Crop Management Conference
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Longtime University of Missouri researcher Tim Reinbott will speak on soil health and its increasingly important role during drought at the 2025 Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia. The conference is Missouri’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and agricultural industry professionals, says MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley, who organizes the conference.
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Missouri Health Symposium explores science, practice of holistic health
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The 2025 Missouri Health Symposium will bring together professionals and community members for a daylong conversation on integrative approaches to health and well-being. The event, themed “The Science and Practice of Holistic Health,” is Friday, Dec. 5, both online via Zoom and in person at Truman State University in Kirksville.
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John Wolfe, 101 Mobility of St. Louis
John Wolfe, a U.S. Army veteran, founded 101 Mobility in St. Louis with SBDC support to help others live independently with dignity and care.
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Cattle disease that causes anemia spreading in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Director of Veterinary Extension Craig Payne urges cattle producers to watch for signs of disease associated with Theileria orientalis (ikeda), a protozoal organism recently detected in Missouri. This organism, which primarily affects cattle, infects red blood cells. The immune system attacks the infected cells, resulting in anemia. The disease is primarily spread by the invasive Asian longhorned…
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Registration open for 2026 Master Gardener online course
Registration is open for the MU Extension Master Gardener online spring 2026 course. The 15-week class runs Jan. 2-April 27. The online core training is designed to provide in-depth horticultural knowledge. The course includes presentations and weekly discussion forums.
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Consider farm tax options before end of year
MU Extension to host free in-person and online farm tax workshops Dec. 3-4 that will look at options for producers to navigate tax implications and reduce their tax burden.
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Learn about short-stature corn at 2025 Crop Management Conference
Mark Licht, extension cropping systems specialist at Iowa State University, will speak on how short-stature corn is gaining popularity during the Dec. 9-10 Missouri Crop Management Conference at Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia.
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MU research looks at urban bird habitats in areas with abandoned homes, vacant lots
COLUMBIA, Mo.– It matters to birds as well as people when revitalizing neighborhoods afflicted by declining population, poverty, abandoned housing and numerous vacant lots, according to a recent study by University of Missouri wildlife professors Charles Nilon and Robert Pierce.
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Livestock producers face health threats from ticks
Due to the nature of their work, livestock farmers are often exposed to ticks, which can cause serious health issues, including alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause an allergy to red meat, milk and some animal byproducts.
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Pucker up for persimmon, the first-frost fruit
After biting into an unripe persimmon, most experience a reaction called “pucker mouth.” Some liken it to having their tongue covered with fur. The offending substances behind this sensation are tannins, naturally occurring compounds that are so astringent they have the power to turn an unsuspecting bite into a moment of instant regret.