Image
County endowment funds: a way of paying forward
Ever since Dr. Maude Harris, County Engagement Specialist in Nutrition and Health, started working for MU Extension in Scott County 26 years ago, she has donated a portion of each paycheck to her county's endowment fund. Over the years, those steady gifts have helped build up the endowment principal amount to the level where the fund now can be used to support programming.
Discover Assets in Urban Neighborhood the Story of "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything" Says Author Mike Mather
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Michael Mather, author of "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything," was a guest in University of Missouri Extension's Neighboring 101 class on Dec. 16, 2021. He advocates for asset-based community development and never doing something for someone in a community that they can do for themselves.
Romantic Valentine's Day houseplants
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Red roses have long been a hallmark of Valentine’s Day. But the beauty of fresh flowers is fleeting, while a houseplant can be a long-lasting expression of affection.Houseplants with heart-shaped leaves can be just the right gift for a special person, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund, who has a few suggestions for picking that perfect plant.
Image
Giving back to help youth build belonging and community
One donor with a vision can make such a powerful difference in the lives of Missouri youth. A generous estate gift from Kathryn McKillip Thrift to the Missouri 4-H Foundation is one such example.
Mental Health & Self-Care
It is important to take care of our mental health through daily and weekly self-care. There are times in life when we are going to feel overwhelmed whether it’s impending deadlines, a long to-do list, tension with a family member or friend, everyone experiences stress. The response to that stress is what impacts our mental health.
Image
Growing 4-H programs and youth success
More Missouri youth are now connecting with 4-H thanks to supporters like Ken Donohew and Ellen Kippel who are dedicated to helping MU Extension bring Mizzou to all Missourians. The couple established the Kenyon Grant Harman, Dorothy Donohew Amos, Carolyn Harman Zollman and Ruth Cora Harman Inclusion and Diversity Fund for MU Extension and Engagement. The fund supports efforts to encourage diversity and inclusion in program…
MU Extension publication, website guide farm families during short-term absences
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new University of Missouri Extension publication and related online tool can guide farmers through the difficult task of keeping the farm running when the owner or key decision-maker cannot.When someone becomes ill or incapacitated, family members often struggle with finding key information, says MU Extension agricultural business and policy specialist Mary Sobba.
Image
Marking a 100-year legacy for 8 Missouri 4-H families
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation recently recognized eight families with the 2021 Missouri 4-H Century Family Award. Each family represents a combined 100 years or more of membership and volunteer service within 4-H.Lewis CountyThe Taylor FamilyMarion CountyThe Bross FamilyVernon County
Get 'nearly free' fertilizer by frost seeding legumes
COLUMBIA, Mo. – High nitrogen prices make it especially important to consider frost seeding legumes this winter, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. “2022 is different because fertilizer costs have tripled,” Roberts says. “Consider legumes as nearly free fertilizer.” (See the Farm Progress article “Seasonal Fertilizer Prices” at bit.ly/33h4YD5.)
With high fertilizer prices, are you better off buying fertilizer or supplemental hay?
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Increases in fertilizer prices add to the cost of growing forage for grazing. This leads farmers to ask if they should buy hay or fertilizer, says University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory.Comparing the benefits of buying hay vs. applying fertilizer for better yields is complicated, but it is crucial to the bottom line, says Lory.
Image
As temperatures drop, watch for fescue foot
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – When temperatures fall, beef producers should watch for signs of fescue foot in their beef herds.“As the cold weather moves in, you are likely to notice some cows or yearlings on fescue pastures may be slow-moving early in the day,” says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eldon Cole. This might be an early warning sign of fescue foot.
Planting seeds of thought for choosing seeds
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As winter sets in, gardeners thumb through seed catalogs in anticipation of next year’s gardens.But not all seed sources are created equal, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Katie Kammler.Choose a reputable source known for disease-free seed, high germination rates and good results, says Kammler. Consider the variety selection, seed treatments and organic versus non-organic.
MU Extension agronomist offers tips to offset high nitrogen prices
GALENA, Mo. – If there was ever a time to do a soil test, this is it, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. Rising fertilizer prices make it too expensive to guess on how to apply nutrients, says Schnakenberg.Soil tests can prevent buying and applying fertilizer where not needed. See the MU Extension publication “Soil Sampling Hayfields and Row Crops” at extension.missouri.edu/g9217.
Reduce holiday stress with these tips
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say. Picture-perfect families with perfectly coiffed hair and pearly white smiles appear in matching holiday attire in countless holiday television commercials. Perfectly wrapped gifts wait under perfectly decorated trees. How merry and bright! And then there’s the rest of us, says Jeremiah Terrell, a University of Missouri Extension human development and family…
Image
Survey finds Missouri land values increased across the board in 2021
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Landowners who purchased Missouri property in 2021 paid more for land than buyers who purchased land in 2020, according to the latest Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey report from University of Missouri Extension.
Image
Statewide survey shows that drugs affect 70% of Missouri employers
A new statewide survey illustrates a growing substance use disorder problem in Missouri workplaces. According to the survey of 619 Missouri business owners and human resource professionals, more than 70% of Missouri employers surveyed say they are suffering consequences such as absenteeism, decreased productivity and accidents.
Image
Poinsettia: America’s No. 1 potted flower is relative newbie to the holidays
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Poinsettia is America’s most popular flowering plant, with annual sales approaching $200 million. Despite its close association with the Christmas season, however, it’s a relative newcomer as holiday home decor, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Give yourself the gift of a debt-free shopping season
SHELBYVILLE, Mo. – ’Tis the season to be jolly. And in debt. Plan your seasonal shopping purchases to avoid overspending, says University of Missouri Extension family financial education specialist Wendy Brumbaugh. Santa may bring gifts for everyone, but you don’t have to, she says. There’s nothing Scrooge-like about being smart with your money, says Brumbaugh. Brumbaugh offers these tips for holiday shoppers:
10 steps to protect your identity this holiday season
MEXICO, Mo. – Don’t let an identity thief steal the sparkle out of your holiday season.Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and uses it without permission. It can damage your finances, credit history and reputation. “Identity theft can wreck your life,” says University of Missouri Extension family financial education specialist Virgil Woolridge.
Holidays can be lonely for some
MACON, Mo. – Upcoming gatherings can be a sad reminder of who’s not home for the holidays this year.Merriment of the season sometimes highlights loneliness and loss of a loved one through death, illness, distance or broken relationship, said Jeremiah Terrell, University of Missouri Extension human development and family studies specialist. For many, there’s nothing worse than feeling alone in a crowd of laughing friends and relatives.
Beware of post-holiday scams
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Increasing use of social media creates opportunities for thieves to rob you during the post-holiday season, says University of Missouri Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute director John Worden.Facebook swap shop pages and Craigslist ads bustle with items for sale. Sellers tempt you with phrases like “got two for Christmas, selling extra for cheap” or “child didn’t like.”
Image
Toxic poinsettias a myth
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Although scientific studies have declared the poinsettia harmless, the plant still has a questionable reputation regarding its safety, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.“It’s a myth that poinsettias are toxic,” said David Trinklein.
Image
Deck the halls with proper caution
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For many, the holiday season would not be complete without evergreens, holly, mistletoe and other traditional plants adorning their homes. But it’s important to exercise care with some of these plants since we want the holidays to be happy and safe, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Homegrown small business ready to scale and diversify, Hannibal Machine - Hannibal, MO
From wielding a broom to welding metal art, Scott Haycraft grew from a youngster helping around the shop to a skilled machinist and part-owner of Hannibal Machine in Hannibal, Missouri.
Image
Plan to kill toxic perilla mint this spring or summer
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eldon Cole said he received a report recently of cows in southwestern Missouri being killed by perilla mint, a toxic plant. Cole urges producers to plan to destroy the annual plant in pastures next spring or summer. Broadleaf pasture herbicides, applied April through June before seed set, provide control when applied at the correct rate, he says.