Mizzou field days set for sites across state
Producers and the public are invited to save the dates for the following regional events in which extension specialists and researchers from the University of Missouri share their agricultural findings.
Protect yourself from heat stress in the garden
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardeners love to garden, but don’t overdo it on hot summer days. During extreme heat, the best time to do garden tasks is early in the morning, said Donna Aufdenberg, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. The second-best time is in the late evening.
MU sheep and goats field day is July 12
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – The second annual sheep and goats field day is less than two weeks away,” says David Brown, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in small ruminants. The event focuses on the health awareness program for sheep and goat farmers.
Native warm-season grass pasture walk in Polk County set for July 22
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Native warm-season grasses can be an important forage as cattle operations move to the summer months,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
Beat the heat with horseradish
COLUMBIA, Mo. – There is scientific evidence suggesting that eating something spicy on a hot summer day will make you feel cooler, says University of Missouri horticulturist David Trinklein.
Diabetes prevention is focus of community health partnership in SW Missouri
MONETT, Mo. – Cindy McCracken says she’s on a mission to live a healthier life. A partnership in southwestern Missouri is helping her do just that.
MU Extension to host 3 feedlot educational events this summer
University of Missouri Extension is hosting two feedlot schools and a cattle feeder tour this summer to teach producers how to feed out their cattle instead of shipping them out of state. “We will cover health, nutrition, economics; tour multiple local feedlots; give producers opportunities to interact with representatives from local packing plants; and engage with MU Extension faculty,” said Eric Bailey, MU Extension state beef…
Protecting sheep and goats from heat stress
OSCEOLA, Mo. – Sheep and goats are susceptible to heat stress in the summer, and a revised University of Missouri Extension publication updates management practices for producers to protect their animals.
Youths learn about food safety through 4-H Protect the Plate Challenge
COLUMBIA, Mo. – More than 1,800 youths across Missouri learned more about precision agriculture by participating in the 2024 4-H Ag Innovators Experience Protect the Plate Challenge.
Heat-related information from MU Extension
With dangerously high temperatures in much of Missouri, here are some relevant news releases and publications from University of Missouri Extension. MU Extension news releases
Biosecurity essential when showing animals during fair season
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Biosecurity should be top of mind for those who show animals at county and state fairs, especially in the case of swine. University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Cory Bromfield said she’s noticed less concern overall about African swine fever (ASF) among pork producers and those who show pigs. She calls it “ASF fatigue.”
Mizzou Pest Management Field Day is July 11
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers can learn the latest in weed management at the annual Mizzou Pest Management Field Day on Thursday, July 11, at the University of Missouri’s Bradford Research Farm near Columbia. For the first time, online registration is required.
4-H youths travel to Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado for equine careers tour
COLUMBIA, Mo. –Forty youths from across Missouri traveled to Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado to learn more about equine careers May 20-26 on the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Equine Tour, said Maria Calvert, MU Extension state 4-H agriculture educator.
Managing heat stress in sheep and goats
OSCEOLA, Mo. – As the summer months set in, sheep and goat producers should watch their animals for heat stress, says David Brown, University of Missouri small ruminant specialist. Although sheep and goats can tolerate heat better than other livestock species, long-term exposure might have devastating effects on the health and performance of the animals.
Farm business operators can tackle labor crunch with seasonal workers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As summer arrives in the Show-Me State, farm business operators often experience periods of fluctuating labor needs. Seasonal workers, including young people, can offer extra capacity during critical times.
Clover Classic raises more than $92,000 for Missouri 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 14th annual Missouri 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament, June 4, raised more than $92,000, setting a new record in the Missouri 4-H Foundation’s history. The tournament, at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia, drew participants and supporters from across the state. Co-presenting sponsors were Climate Field View and Great American Insurance-Crop Division.
Missouri Master Naturalists celebrate program's 20th anniversary
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri Master Naturalists recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the program during a state conference in Columbia hosted by the Boone’s Lick Master Naturalist chapter.
Heatstroke can kill quickly in hot cars
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that. “It’s not just negligent parents or indifferent caregivers. When juggling the demands of work, parenting and daily life, it’s easier than you might think to make a simple but fatal mistake,” says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety…
Strip trials an effective way to test nitrogen rates on cornfields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On-farm strip trials are an effective way for farmers to test their nitrogen fertilizer rate on corn. “A wet May has lots of farmers wondering about the nitrogen status of their corn crop,” said John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist. “Wet conditions and warm soils can lead to nitrogen loss of fertilizer.”
Youths compete at 2024 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo – The 2024 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest was held Monday, June 3, at the University of Missouri Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia. The contest brought together 94 youths from across the state to apply their evaluation and communication skills. Youths involved with the livestock judging program develop key life skills to aid in their future career success, said Maria Calvert, MU…
Youths compete at 2024 State 4-H Poultry Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Forty 4-H youths from across Missouri participated in the 2024 State 4-H Poultry Day on June 8 at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center in Columbia. Competitions included a poultry judging contest, quiz bowl, egg demonstration contest, photo contest and dozen egg contest.
New online Master Gardener training begins Aug. 11
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardening is an activity with many rewards, said David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. “One of them is the satisfaction of sharing your plant knowledge with others,” Trinklein said. The MU Extension Master Gardener program was designed to do just that. “Its motto, ‘helping others learn to grow,’ emphasizes service to others as the program’s main objective,” said Trinklein.
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.