![University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Katie Kammler gives tips on using chain saws at the recent Pearls of Production event for women livestock operators.Photo by Linda Geist](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/kammler1.jpg?itok=s4Kuy61X)
Study shows danger of short grazing toxic-fescue pastures by cattle herds
COLUMBIA, Mo. – New forage research gives reason to not graze toxic fescue grass too short. The bottom 2 inches of infected grass holds highest levels of the alkaloid causing problems for grazing livestock.The findings guide ways to manage fescue’s toxic impact, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The message for herd owners: Don’t allow cows to grub fescue pastures into the ground.
Good fences make good neighbors: Livestock trespass
The liability of the livestock owner depends on whether the animals crossed an exterior or a division fence. An exterior fence is one that is not within a common enclosure. A fence along a public highway is an exterior fence. Division fences, on the other hand, are fences that separate adjoining landowners.
Reduce your risk: Landowner liability
Most woodland owners believe that any liabilities arising from a lawsuit by someone injured while on their property are covered by their homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s a nice thought, but the truth is a lot of homeowner’s insurance does not cover your woodlands at all.Common misconceptions about landowner liability
Good fences make good neighbors: Boundary line disputes
Boundary location disputes usually arise in connection with rebuilding or relocating old fences. The principle referred to as squatter’s rights, properly called the doctrine of adverse possession, then becomes important. This legal doctrine provides that someone in possession of land continuously for a period of 10 years may receive absolute title to the land if his or her possession was adverse to the interests of the true owner. The…
![University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Katie Kammler gives tips on using chain saws at the recent Pearls of Production event for women livestock operators.Photo by Linda Geist](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/kammler1.jpg?itok=s4Kuy61X)
Chain saw chaps, protective gear help woodcutters avoid injury
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you are looking for a holiday gift for anyone who owns a chain saw, consider chain saw safety chaps, said University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist and woodcutter Katie Kammler. "A $100 pair of chain saw chaps is well worth it when you compare it to the cost of a hospital emergency room visit," Kammler said. Conventional jeans or pants do not protect against chain saw injuries.
Winterize roses in December
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Carefully select topsoil when doing fall yard work
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Not all topsoil is created equal.
Beginning bidders step up action; Kingsville heifers average $1,968
COLUMBIA, Mo. – First-time buyers took charge in the Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sale at Kingsville, Nov 25.Average price for 241 bred heifers hit $1,968, a season high in the third of six fall sales. The heifers were from 13 consignors enrolled in the University of Missouri Extension heifer development program.
![Fall is the best time to submit soil samples.](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/soil_test.jpg?itok=hSufIKbK)
Inexpensive soil tests can save farmers thousands
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Soil tests can save farmers thousands of dollars, says Manjula Nathan, director of the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory.Too often, farmers follow routine fertilization schedules and end up applying too much fertilizer to fields, Nathan said. A simple soil test gives the farmer accurate information to guide nutrient management decisions.
Show-Me-Select heifers bring $1,872 on average at Kirksville Livestock
COLUMBIA, Mo. – There were 147 bred heifers sold in the Nov. 17 Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sale at Kirksville Livestock LLC. Average price was $1,872.A sale-topping lot of two went for $2,100 per head, consigned by David Clark, Edina. He also had second-high price of $2,025 per head on a lot of seven. Overall, Clark sold 19 head, averaging $1,931. That was top consignor.
Show-Me-Select sales hit $2,200 per head for top heifers at Joplin Stockyards
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef herd owners from four other states took home replacement heifers from the Show-Me-Select sale at Joplin Regional Stockyards, Nov. 17.The 315 heifers—future mama cows—averaged $1,867, with top prices at $2,200 per head.Top sale price often goes to only one lot. This time, three lots totaling 19 head from three consignors took sale top bids.Top-price lots were from John Wheeler, Marionville; DJV Ranch, Edwards; and…
Two heifer sales on same day, Nov. 17, lead six-sale Show-Me-Select season
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Two sales of bred heifers in one day start the fall season for Show-Me-Select Replacements. Sales on Nov. 17 are first of six. Those are Joplin Regional Stockyards in Carthage and Kirksville Livestock, LLC.Kirksville starts at 6:30 p.m., while Carthage starts at 7 p.m.
MU Extension advises poultry and livestock producers of Nov. 15 emission filing deadline
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialist Teng Lim advises poultry and livestock producers to be aware of a Nov. 15 deadline that could affect their operations.
Heed the labels on food gifts
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The gift of food can be a delightful part of the holidays. But before taking the first bite, make sure the food had a safe trip to your doorstep and didn’t take a detour into the temperature danger zone.
Helpful hints on cooking turkey
BUTLER, Mo. – Cooking a large Thanksgiving turkey can seem daunting, especially to a novice cook, but it’s not that difficult, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.The first question: to stuff or not to stuff.
Local youth join with 4-H leaders, Bayer employees to learn why 'Science Matters'
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – To cultivate the next generation of leaders in science, Bayer is partnering with 4-H to bring Bayer employees and 4-H volunteers together to work with young people and show why science matters to everyone through the “Science Matters” program.
![From left, dairy judging team members Daryin Sharp, Ellie Wantland, Grant Groves and Lora Wright, and coaches Ted Probert and Karla Deaver. Missouri 4-H](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/DairyJudgingTeam.jpg?itok=C5wAUslB)
Missouri 4-H dairy judging team third at national contest
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Missouri 4-H had its best finish since 1998 in the 2017 National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest on Oct. 2 at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.The team finished third in a field of 22 teams, and placed in the top five in four of five breeds and oral reasons, qualifying for international competition, said Karla Deaver, University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist.
Questions about the ACA? MU Extension can help you get answers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Recent news may have some consumers confused about the status of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.The Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land, requiring most Americans to have health insurance, said Brenda Procter, co-director of University of Missouri Extension’s Health Insurance Education Initiative.
MU Extension helps rural Missourians lower energy costs through USDA program
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Rural Missourians can save money on energy bills with help from University of Missouri Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. MU Extension specialist Willard Downs says USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps Missourians lower costs through energy audits, financing and grants. Farmers who earn at least 50 percent of their income from agriculture and small businesses in eligible rural areas…
![Black mold can spread quickly in water-damaged buildings.Courtesy Michael Goldschmidt, University of Missouri Extension](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/moldpicture.jpg?itok=sCQA7yTx)
Managing household mold
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Outdoor allergens aren’t the only cause of the sneezing, congestion, watery eyes and related symptoms that afflict many people this time of year. Moisture and rising temperatures can turn parts of your home into ideal sites for mold growth, said a University of Missouri Extension housing and environmental design specialist.
Landowner spotlight
Ed Keyser was surprised to be named Missouri’s 2012 Tree Farmer of the Year. Although he has worked tirelessly managing his tree farm just a few miles west of Kirksville, Mo., he did not consider his small farm worthy of such attention.
![Marilynn King, graduate student in rural sociology at MU, checks out a map of the historic places in Lexington, Missouri. Volunteers with the Lexington Community Arts Pilot Project and MU faculty and students created a audio walking and driving tour to goMU Extension](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/lexington%20articleDSC_0220.jpg?itok=abtJ0s-F)
MU collaborates with community on audio tour of historic Lexington
LEXINGTON, Mo. – Visitors to historic Lexington, Missouri, can learn about the town’s rich Civil War history through an audio walking and driving tour created through the University of Missouri Extension Community Arts Program. The audio tour gives businesses another way to drive economic development in the town of 4,500, said Lee Ann Woolery, MU Extension community arts specialist.
![Adjunct instructor Robert Shramek Jr., assistant chief and training officer for Lincoln County Fire Protection District 1, was named MU FRTI’s 2016 Fire Service Instructor of the Year. Pictured, from left: MU FRTI director David Hedrick, Shramek, and MU FMU FRTI](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/ShramekFRTI.jpg?itok=SaJK0trM)
MU FRTI awards Fire Service Instructor of the Year
LAKE OZARK, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) presented the Fire Service Instructor of the Year award for 2015-2016 to Robert Shramek Jr., assistant chief and training officer with Lincoln County Fire Protection District 1 in Troy, Mo.The award was presented Nov. 5 at MU FRTI’s annual instructors conference at Camden on the Lake Resort in Lake Ozark, Mo.
![Nine Missouri weather stations, including this one at the Monroe City Regional Airport, recently received updates to help farmers and chemical applicators know when to spray herbicides to avoid off-target movement caused by temperature inversions. Photo courtesy of Pat Guinan](/sites/default/files/styles/flexslider_full_no_crop_300x200/public/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/NewsAdmin/Photos/MonroeCityWx.jpg?itok=dS63VRAB)
MU Extension weather stations help farmers know when to spray
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nine Missouri weather stations recently received updates to help farmers and chemical applicators know when to spray herbicides to avoid off-target movement caused by temperature inversions.