Two weeds to watch in pastures, hayfields in 2024

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley lists two weeds to watch in 2024. Knotroot foxtail, like yellow foxtail, has a short, hair-like ligule and a typical foxtail-like seedhead. Unlike yellow foxtail, however, this species has short, knotty rhizomes. The invasive perennial is also known as bristle grass.

Youths test skills at State 4-H Horse Judging Contest

FULTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, March 23, drew 81 competing 4-H members. This year’s event was hosted at William Woods University in Fulton, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture educator. After the contest, youths and coaches toured the facilities and learned more about the equine program from faculty and students. The top 10 competitors ages 8-10:

Early appearance of alfalfa weevils prompts need to scout

JACKSON, Mo. – The warmer weather has prompted alfalfa weevil larvae to start feeding early, which means growers should be scouting the crop. Anthony Ohmes, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist, says now through April is the time to walk alfalfa fields to look for larvae activity.

Felines not a purr-fect match for Easter lilies and similar flowers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A favorite spring flower, the Easter lily, should be kept away from cats. If ingested, it could kill them. The perennial plant’s white, trumpet-like flowers might not sound the warning that all parts of it are highly toxic to felines.

Adulting 101: Building a foundation for future success

PLATTSBURG, Mo. – In February, MU Extension in Clinton County offered local teens a hands-on preview of basic skills they’ll need to navigate adulthood. During a day off from school, 20 teens, ages 14-18, attended Adulting 101 at the Clinton County Extension Center in Plattsburg. Community members, parents and extension council members had asked for such a program.

Minnesota reports first U.S. goat infected with avian influenza

A University of Missouri Extension specialist urges caution among producers in Missouri after a newborn goat in Minnesota recently tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the first case of HPAI in goats in the U.S.

Lily: More than just an Easter plant

COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you mention the word “lily” to most people, they’ll think of the Easter lily. Although an attractive potted plant, that pure white beauty struggles somewhat in Missouri’s climate if planted outdoors, said David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

Garden walk set for May in historic Ste. Genevieve

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of Ste. Genevieve will hold their annual tour of private and historic home gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 18 and 19. “This annual event showcases some of the most interesting and delightful gardens in the state,” says MU Extension horticulture specialist Kate Kammler.

Management Intensive Grazing School in early May

STOCKTON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host a Management Intensive Grazing School in cooperation with several agencies May 7-9 in St. Clair County. “Efficient forage management and utilization is important to the profitability of a livestock operation,” said Patrick Davis, MU Extension livestock field specialist. “The best way to promote efficient forage management and utilization in a livestock operation is by…

MU Extension works with county to plan solar farm growth

MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo – The Montgomery County Planning and Zoning Commission asked University of Missouri Extension agronomist Rusty Lee to help develop a strategy to address growing interest in solar energy farms in the county in the early part of 2021. Two years ago, that strategy become a reality. The commission wanted to guide development of solar farms while maintaining the integrity of existing residential and agricultural…

Paired housing of dairy calves could be 'logical next step' of FARM

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – While explaining new requirements in the National Dairy FARM 5.0 program, a University of Missouri Extension specialist told dairy producers to be aware of what may be coming in 2027. At the Missouri Dairy Expo last month in Springfield, Scott Poock said FARM 6.0 will probably require some form of group housing for dairy calves, most likely paired housing.

Patterson Family Foundation awards grant for 4-H youth workforce development

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Patterson Family Foundation has awarded funds to Missouri 4-H for a three-year pilot project focusing on youth workforce development, overcoming barriers to higher education and improving financial literacy. The project, which incorporates multiple 4-H programs, targets youths in the rural counties of Harrison, Livingston, Nodaway, Pettis and Vernon.

Exploring the benefits of MyPlate for Older Adults

March is National Nutrition Month, an annual education campaign highlighting the importance of making informative food choices and encouraging physical activity. An important resource available to support healthy eating habits is MyPlate; an evidence-based tool provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), offering a visual for balanced meals, applicable for those ages 2 years and older.

Plant these 'Fab 4' for flowers galore

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein says it is time to plant some bulbs indoors for later enjoyment outdoors.

Elevate your expertise at MU Agricultural Lenders School

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Agricultural lenders are invited to register for the University of Missouri Agricultural Lenders School, June 3-6 in Columbia Tailored to early-career lenders and those new to agricultural loan responsibilities, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance participants’ agricultural finance acumen, said MU Extension agricultural economist Ryan Milhollin.

Master Gardener works to help prevent diabetes through fresh food

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Toni Gatlin can’t change genetics, but she hopes to change the eating habits of children to help prevent diabetes. About 37 million Americans – around 11% of the U.S. population – have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health problems linked to diabetes affect the eyes, kidneys, heart and nerves, says MU Extension health and safety…

MU dairy team urges enhanced biosecurity over Texas mystery outbreak

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension dairy team cautions producers to practice elevated biosecurity in light of a recent disease outbreak in Texas dairy country, in and near the Texas Panhandle from Dalhart to Lubbock. While the source of the outbreak is unknown, it has affected several Texas dairy farms, observable through sudden decreases in milk production (up to 30 pounds per day), reduced feed intake and changes in…

National Animal Poison Prevention Week is in March

COLUMBIA, Mo. – National Animal Poison Prevention Week, March 17-23, 2024, is a time for pet owners to assess what plants and products can potentially poison their animals, identify signs they’ve been poisoned and learn how to prevent pet poisoning. It is also a good time to remind livestock owners of springtime dangers of potential poisons, such as toxic plants, fertilizers, herbicides and other pesticides, as well as old batteries,…

Planting potatoes on St. Paddy's Day might yield spuds that are duds

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The idea that potatoes should be planted on St. Patrick’s Day is probably good advice for some parts of our country, but not for Missouri, said University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein.

Consider changing tilling, cover crop practices due to low soil moisture

TROY, Mo. – Soils are much, much drier now than they were at the start of last year’s planting season, says University of Missouri Extension climatologist Zachary Leasor. Despite gains in December and January, soil moisture sits below average for most of the state, Leasor says. Soil moisture plays an important role in the upper part of the soil but is even more important in the root zone.

2024 dairy returns might improve

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prices paid in 2024 for dairy products should be similar to 2023, while net returns may be better, according to University of Missouri Extension economist Scott Brown. Brown told attendees at the 2024 Missouri Dairy Expo that average weather and feed costs will be key factors for this year’s outlook.

Companion planting: Positive partnerships that produce more

CARROLLTON, Mo. – Some things just go together like biscuits and gravy or peanut butter and jelly. Likewise, plants have companions that produce best when planted side by side, says Kathi Mecham, a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist in Carroll County. With gardening season ahead, Mecham suggests considering how plants can benefit each other. Plan so that “function and beauty” go hand in hand, she says.

New college scholarship for Pike County 4-H'ers

A new scholarship will help fund post-high school education for Pike County 4-H’ers, thanks to an endowed scholarship from Earl and Shari Beth Niemeyer of Bowling Green. Both were both active in Pike County 4-H as youths: Shari Beth belonged to the St. Clement Busy Bees, and Earl was a 10-year member of the Hartford Go-Getters. Their four children – Ryan, Scott, Elizabeth and Reed – were also 10-year members of the Go-Getters and…

Construction Management Leadership Institute helps professionals hone skills

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Just a few years after graduating from the MU College of Engineering, Joe Modica is already climbing the leadership ladder, now serving as an assistant project manager at Nabholz Corp. So when he saw an opportunity to expand upon his engineering and leadership skills at Mizzou, he seized the opportunity.

Prepare bulls for the upcoming breeding season

STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is time to begin preparing for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. In preparation for the upcoming breeding season, Davis will discuss management strategies to make sure bulls are ready for a successful breeding season.

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