Laclede County commissioners, MU Extension expand county ag tour
LEBANON, Mo. – The Laclede County Commission, in partnership with the University of Missouri Extension Council of Laclede County, will host the inaugural Laclede County Commission Agriconomy Week this fall. This year’s theme is “Growing Laclede County’s Economy Through Agricultural Entrepreneurship,” said Randy Angst, Laclede County presiding commissioner.
New round of cover crop incentive funds available
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture has begun a second round of funding for fall cover crop planting in Missouri. About $2 million in funding is available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops on their farmland.
MU Extension sheep and goats field day, July 12, to focus on animal health
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – An effective animal health program is a crucial part of a successful small ruminant production system, said University of Missouri Extension sheep and goat specialist David Brown.
Lingering effects of recent cicada emergence
The cicada symphony may be coming to an end, but the effects of the performers are becoming apparent. Calls and emails are beginning to come into University of Missouri Extension offices from homeowners reporting the ends of many tree branches are turning brown and dropping off. “In the past few days I have answered more than a dozen inquiries related to cicada damage,” said Hank Stelzer, MU Extension’s forestry state specialist.
Marketing matters in direct-to-consumer beef sales
FORSYTH, Mo. – Selling beef directly from the farm to consumers gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Though adoption has slowed, selling direct to consumers remains a popular option for Missouri beef producers as an alternative to selling live animals, as it allows the producer to capture additional value otherwise obtained by others in the food processing chain,” said Jacob Hefley, University of Missouri…
Hickory County Cattlemen's Bus Tour is Aug. 5-8
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Bus tours are a good way to visit cattle producers, marketing facilities, slaughter facilities and college/university farms to gain knowledge and management strategies that can be used to help improve your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
MARYVILLE, Mo. – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day might not be on your list of summer highlights, but consider taking a moment this June 15 to think about the older adults in your community and their well-being, says Debbie Bennett, University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health specialist.
Early June peas
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No other vegetable is as closely associated with a month of the year as is garden pea, and few things match the gastronomic appeal of fresh peas from the garden. The term “early June peas” often appears on labels to indicate they are young and still have a high sugar content, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Peas are sweetest when they mature in cool weather, before too much of the…
Honoring the nation's dairy farmers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – June is National Dairy Month, when we honor the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers. This cornerstone of American agriculture contributes to the economy and to the health and well-being of communities. University of Missouri Extension offers resources, expertise and research tailored for dairy producers and consumers, connecting dairy products to key production and business information. Putting dairy in your diet
MU Extension Butterfly Festival is June 22 in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Bask in the wonder of live native Missouri butterflies at the seventh annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, June 22, at Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center in Columbia. The free event is a chance to learn about the life cycle and behavior of butterflies and their important role as pollinators, in addition to enjoying kids activities and food offerings, said Debi Kelly, University of Missouri…
Filling the summer forage gap
LINNEUS, Mo. – Gaps in summer forages for livestock producers can be challenging. University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist Valerie Tate in Linn County shares management solutions, including planting warm-season annual forages such as pearl millet and sorghum-sudangrass, to fill a void in summer forage production or when renovating forage stands.
Spring SW Missouri bull breeding soundness exam day results
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Bull breeding soundness exams (BSEs) are important to make sure bulls are ready for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The exam evaluates bull physical and reproductive soundness. Using bulls that fail this exam can lead to poor conception, pregnancy, calving and weaning rates, which results in poor operation productivity and profitability,…
New guide details Show-Me-Select enhanced option
COLUMBIA, Mo. – An additional marketing opportunity for cattle producers is outlined in a new University of Missouri Extension guide, “Adding Value to Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers Using Show-Me-Plus,” available at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2094.
MU Extension releases soybean yield tool
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new tool developed by University of Missouri Extension’s state soybean specialist, Andre Froes de Borja Reis, can indicate soybean growth and anticipate yield deviations before the end of the season. “This tool is designed to predict soybean development and yield based on crop growth models,” Reis said. “It simulates soybean growth in various regions of Missouri, using both historical and current weather data.”
Summer Tax School equips preparers for success with ag clients
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri tax preparers are invited to earn continuing education credit and brush up on the latest tax-related topics at a one-day Summer Tax School. University of Missouri Extension will hold the event July 2 at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Columbia, with an online option for those wanting to attend remotely.
MU Extension to showcase warm-season grasses in June farm tours
GALENA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Barry County farm tour in mid-June to highlight three successful farm operations that use warm-season grasses in their forage programs. The free tour starts at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 17.
Workshop series for women in urban ag offers risk management education
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – New and beginning women producers in urban agriculture have a new opportunity to learn about producing and marketing locally grown products. University of Missouri Extension and Annie’s Project will host a series, “Empowering Women in Urban Agriculture,” that offers insights into risk management, business planning and urban agriculture opportunities for those in metropolitan St. Louis.
Records set at SW Missouri Show-Me-Select heifer sale
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Record prices were seen at the southwest Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program sale at Joplin Regional Stockyards on May 17,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
Management strategies to reduce pink eye in cattle
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Warm weather brings on environmental factors that can lead to pink eye in cattle,” says Patrick Davis University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Pink eye can lead to reduced cattle performance, which affects profitability.
MDC, MU Extension thank Master Naturalists for 2023 accomplishments
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation and University of Missouri Extension thank the Missouri Master Naturalists for volunteering thousands of hours to conserving Missouri’s natural resources in 2023.
Landowners, tenants invited to respond to 2024 Missouri Cash Rental Rate Survey
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension researchers invite Missouri landowners, farmers, ranchers and hunters to participate in the 2024 Missouri Cash Rental Rate Survey to inform land value trends and aid decision-making.
Digital Ambassadors: Connecting Missourians through trusted partners
When Lisa Robinson’s mother was in hospice care, an online consultation with a trusted doctor brought a quick diagnosis, a prescription to clear up an infection — and peace of mind. That experience prompted Robinson, a University of Missouri Extension field specialist, to volunteer to lead a Digital Ambassador pilot project in Newton County.
AI for leadership
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Businesses that do not consider using AI will fall behind those that do. Businesses without an AI approach will become less and less competitive.” This was the message from Chi-Ren Shyu, director of the University of Missouri MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics.
Missouri 4-H Foundation awards $95,000 in scholarships
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation is awarding 70 scholarships totaling $95,000 to Missouri 4-H youths to help further their educations. “We are thrilled to support these exceptional young people as they continue their educational journeys,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation. “Their dedication to 4-H and their communities is inspiring, and we are confident they will continue to achieve great things…
MU Extension to host free Tri-County Economic Summit in SW Missouri
University of Missouri Extension will host a Regional Economic Development Summit for Barry, Dade and Lawrence counties Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in Mount Vernon.