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Memorial Day offers time for delayed healing
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For five generations, the James O’Donnell Funeral Home has held the hands and hearts of grieving northeastern Missouri families as they said their goodbyes.Fifth-generation owner Jimmy O’Donnell says no time in history challenged him and other rural funeral directors more than the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peonies thrive on neglect, can live more than 100 years
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Peonies serve as the traditional flower of Memorial Day. Their huge, lavish blossoms stand as fragrant sentinels in country cemeteries, conjuring memories of times and people past.In the 1800s, when the holiday was called Decoration Day, peonies were one of the few flowers in bloom in late May and were widely used to adorn the graves of fallen soldiers, said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension…
Exporting: The First Step
Earlier in this series we looked at some of the benefits and basics of exporting. In this article, we will review an important first step, how to determine if there are no export control restrictions on your product or service. Unless there is a potential military or dual military-civilian use, it is likely there will not be export restrictions on your product or service.
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Missouri 4-H'ers get out and move
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Every year, hundreds of Missouri 4-H’ers, parents and volunteers commit to the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through Missouri 4-H’s Move Across Missouri challenge.
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Helping growers make lavender thrive in muggy Missouri
University of Missouri Extension is about to take some of the guesswork out of growing lavender in Missouri. The first of three lavender demonstration plots in the state was planted May 14 at the MU Extension center in Ste. Genevieve.
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MU announces inaugural Engagement Scholars
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Six University of Missouri faculty members have been selected as the inaugural group of MU Engagement Scholars.“The Office of Extension and Engagement chose the scholars for their potential to create dynamic engagement opportunities for Missourians,” said Susan Renoe, assistant vice chancellor for research, extension and engagement.
It pays to know what your farm liability insurance covers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Without regular policy checks, farm liability insurance might be like a hospital gown – not enough coverage where you need it most.Thoroughly read your policy regularly and check for gaps and needed updates, says University of Missouri Extension economist Ray Massey. “Planning is important, but even the best plans do not always succeed in managing risk,” he says.
'Bee' mindful of pollinators when spraying fruit crops
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Bees are a fruit tree owner’s friend and need special protection from pesticides, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund.Bees are essential to pollinate many fruit crops, including apple, pear, Japanese plums, sweet cherries, blueberry and elderberry, says Warmund.
Consider feeding pigs to higher weights when feed costs and hog prices go up
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When feed prices go up, swine producers usually see profits go down. That’s not the case in 2021.This gives producers an opportunity to look at feeding to heavier weights despite higher feed costs, says University of Missouri Extension swine nutritionist Marcia Shannon.Higher market weights result in dramatic net gains per pig under current grain and market conditions, she says. This comes despite higher feed…
Use gallons per mile to measure fuel efficiency
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you’re in the market for a car that will save you money at the pump, looking at miles per gallon may not be the best way to compare fuel efficiency, says a University of Missouri Extension financial planning specialist.
Missouri 4-H Foundation awards 68 scholarships
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H Foundation is awarding 68 scholarships totaling $69,350 to Missouri 4-H youths to help further their educations.
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Annual Land-Grant Society members make a lasting impact
Giving to the University of Missouri Extension can help transform communities. Warren and Betty Sapp and Andrew Zumwalt experienced this firsthand through generous gifts that qualify them for annual membership in the newly established MU Land-Grant Society, a donator recognition society to support extension and engagement work and impacts across Missouri.
Placemaking and Jobs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The availability of good jobs is critical for attracting new residents to a community, encouraging former residents to return and convincing current residents to stay. But jobs alone are not enough anymore. Creating a vibrant community with desirable amenities is increasingly essential to attracting jobs and workers who can fill them, says Rob Russell, director of University of Missouri Extension’s labor and workforce…
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Know youth labor laws before hiring your summer staff
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the school year ends, you can expect young people to start applying for summer jobs. For agricultural employers, these young workers can provide extra capacity at a time when farms and agribusinesses often have more work than they have employees to get that work done.
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New podcast focuses on reigniting workplaces across the globe
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “The Weekly Workplace,” a new podcast from the Missouri Training Institute (MTI), focuses on reigniting workplace success through insights, inspiration and practical tips for workers at all levels.
Some Basics of Exporting
In the first article, we shared some basic information on some of the “whys” of exporting, including the expected growth in the international market for US businesses and available resources in this area for the small business owner to succeed. In this article, we will start to explore some of the factors to take into account as you reach a decision regarding if exporting is the right next step for your business.
Mizzou Collegiate 4-H restructuring to engage all Missouri postsecondary institutions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Members of the Mizzou Collegiate 4-H club have voted to create a statewide Missouri Collegiate 4-H Council. The existing Mizzou Collegiate 4-H organization will be a chapter under the new council.
MU Extension to help connect KC-area seniors with farmers market fare
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is partnering with the Missouri Department of Agriculture to help older adults access fresh, local foods this summer.
Fight fatigue, stress on the farm with sleep for better bottom line
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Long hours during calving and planting seasons can cause fatigue and stress, leading to accidents and costly mistakes, says Mary Engram, University of Missouri Extension human development specialist.“Lack of sleep affects us physically and mentally,” says Engram.
Food safety after flooding
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Floods can devastate property and have lasting effects on a community. In the aftermath, people might not think about the consequences flooding can have on food. Floodwater often contains sewage or animal waste that could contaminate foods with harmful organisms, said Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State Research and Extension.
Acts of Neighboring Are Easier Than Many People Imagine
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Performing an act of neighboring is easier than many people imagine according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “Acts of neighboring are often simple gestures that you help you be a good neighbor, lift up others and make your neighborhood or community a better place to live,” said Burton.
Popular Reasons Not to Neighbor Cannot Stand on Their Own
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Leaders across the nation have different ideas about the best motivation for neighboring, according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension. "Recently, I was told that people need a tangible reason for neighboring. They have to know what it is in for them," said Burton.
Unexpected Factors Cause People to Love Where They Live
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A three-year Gallup study of 26 U.S. cities (released in 2010) found that peoples’ love and passion for their community may be a leading indicator for local economic growth. Surprisingly, social offerings, openness, and beauty are far more important than peoples’ perceptions of the economy, jobs, or essential services in creating a lasting emotional bond between people and their community.
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Free SCN tests available to farmers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers can submit two free tests to beat the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) by contacting their county University of Missouri Extension center or the SCN Diagnostics laboratory.