How to have conversations about conservation on leased land
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Various agencies and organizations are promoting practices for soil conservation and ecosystem improvement. These efforts, intended to maintain or improve productivity of the land, often come with financial incentives. Long-term or short-term, these practices also can affect leases and relationships between landowners and tenants.
Youths test knowledge at Missouri 4-H Horse Bowl
COLUMBIA, Mo. –The 2024 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest, April 13 in Columbia, drew 27 youths, along with their coaches. Top junior (ages 8-13) competitors: first, Adalena McAsey, Andrew County team; second, Josie Schulte, Osage County team; third, Dani Jones, Tri-County team; fourth, Guido Giarratana, Tri-County team; fifth, Lola Schmitt, Newton County team, and Lily Rohr, Tri-County team (tie). The top…
Ignite by 4-H conference in D.C. inspires Missouri 4-H'ers to lead change
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Forty-two Missouri teens recently attended Ignite by 4-H, a four-day conference in Washington, D.C., focused on STEM, agriscience and healthy living. “As challenges in our communities increase, it is essential to consider young people as a driving force in creating new pathways to create solutions,” said Bethany Rippy, University of Missouri Extension youth health and well-being educator.
Management Intensive Grazing School is May 7-9 in St. Clair County
STOCKTON, Mo. – Efficient forage management and utilization is important to the profitability of a livestock operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The best way to promote efficient forage management and utilization in a livestock operation is by incorporating management intensive grazing practices.
Use heifer pre-breeding exams as a culling tool and to prepare for breeding season
STOCKTON, Mo. – “As cattle producers rebuild their cattle herds, the focus may be to retain heifers as replacements,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Breeding season will soon be upon us, and it is important to retain heifers that are good breeding prospects.
Use summer annual forages to build your grazing forage base
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Summer annuals are a good way to add diversity and build pasture stands for the upcoming grazing season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Summer annuals are a tool to improve thin pastures stands, help begin the renovations process and add forage diversity to improve cattle productivity. Davis will discuss some summer annuals that can help improve cattle grazing pastures…
SW Missouri SMS replacement heifer sale offers 80 fall-calving bred heifers
STOCKTON, Mo. – “If you are looking to replenish your cattle herd consider the upcoming Southwest Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program sale at Joplin Regional Stockyards on May 17 at 7 p.m.,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. This sale will consist of approximately 80 commercial fall-calving bred heifers.
Emerging cattle disease found in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Director of Veterinary Extension Craig Payne urges cattle producers to watch for signs of disease associated with Theileria orientalis (ikeda), a protozoal organism recently detected in Missouri. This organism, which primarily affects cattle, causes disease by infecting red blood cells. The immune system attacks the infected cells, resulting in anemia.
Codefi, Center on Rural Innovation are Gold Sponsors for 2024 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Codefi and the Center on Rural Innovation are joint 2024 Gold Sponsors for University of Missouri Extension’s Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC), a conference dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas. The conference, Sept. 17-19 in Fulton, brings together leaders, innovators and change-makers to explore strategies for driving economic growth in rural communities, said Annette…
MU Extension urges biosecurity to mitigate HPAI on dairy farms
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri dairy farmers are urged to protect their dairy herds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus as the USDA and other federal agencies investigate an illness among dairy cows in seven other states (Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas and North Carolina). The illnesses in those states have been confirmed as HPAI.
Missouri 4-H celebrates National Volunteer Appreciation Week
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 21-27, Missouri 4-H extends its heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of volunteers who make a difference in the lives of young people across the state.
MU Extension recruiting farmers for grassland improvement project
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is recruiting farmers for a project aimed at improving the productivity of forage-based operations in areas dominated by tall fescue grass.
April is National Gardening Month
COLUMBIA, Mo. – April is National Gardening Month and a good time to plant a garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Whether strictly for food production or beautifying the home landscape, gardening is one of the most popular activities among households in the United States. For those who have lacked the motivation to garden, consider the following benefits this popular pastime offers.
Rural business growth spurred by entrepreneur event
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities, a brainchild of community and business development specialists with University of Missouri Extension, is bearing fruit months afterward.
Missouri AfterSchool Network is Platinum Sponsor of 2024 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
FULTON, Mo. – The Missouri AfterSchool Network is the Platinum Sponsor of University of Missouri Extension’s 2024 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference, Sept. 17-19 in Fulton.
4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raises more than $21K for Missouri 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On Saturday, March 16, the Prairie Grove Shooting Sports Complex hosted the second annual Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot. This event, aimed at supporting the Missouri 4-H Foundation, brought together teams and sponsors from across the state and raised more than $21,000
States' 4-H International appoints Missouri 4-H alum as board member
COLUMBIA, Mo. – States’ 4-H International, a prominent provider of international student exchange programs, announced the appointment of Missouri 4-H alumna Shea Fitzgerald as a Young Professional Board Member. Missouri 4-H Program Director Lupita Fabregas also serves on the States’ 4-H International Board.
Challenges and strategies in optimizing soybean planting
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A grower’s planting operation and crop stand establishment is the most critical event in every farmer’s calendar, said Andre Reis, University of Missouri Extension state soybean specialist.
4-H in NE Missouri: Getting To Know Your County
You can live and work somewhere your whole life and still not really know it, says Katie Hogan, a 4-H youth development specialist in MU Extension’s Northeast Region. That is why Hogan launched the Getting To Know Your County training with her team of youth development specialists and youth program associates the region.
Kansas City neighborhoods 'write the vision'
A self-described data geek, Shatomi Luster-Edward has the All Things Missouri link bookmarked for ready access. Luster-Edward has found the MU CARES data-mapping and data-visualization tool vital to her work as MU Extension Urban West regional director.
Missouri Shorthorn Association 4-H and FFA Youth Awards
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Shorthorn Association (MSA) has announced the winners of its 4-H and FFA Youth Awards for 2024. First place ($750) and second place ($500) awards were given to youths who participate in either 4-H or FFA. Additional awards went to youths who participate in either organization. The winners received the funds in form of a voucher to aid in the purchase of a registered Shorthorn/Shorthorn Plus breeding stock.
Workshop for women farm operators teaches leasing, management
Women running their farm operations or considering sole operatorship can benefit from a University of Missouri Extension “On My Own” workshop. Starting in May, these workshops will give participants a primer on agricultural leasing, farmland values and custom work management.
MU Extension research on lavender finds options for Missouri growers
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – After three years of research, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialists are learning how to successfully grow lavender in Missouri. The popularity of lavender’s fresh scent has endured since ancient times. Cleopatra reportedly used it to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. By the 16th century, people were using it to ward off disease, preserve the dead and ease indigestion.
Bringing internet access to Missouri’s least-connected counties
Shannon and Carter counties in southeastern Missouri have some of the worst broadband coverage in the state. Local stakeholders say that means communities in the two counties are cut off from essential health, education and employment resources. That is about to change. A $191,038 grant will help the two counties develop a comprehensive broadband adoption plan, says Alison Copeland, University of Missouri System deputy chief engagement…
Warrensburg Adventure Club provides stability, support and a sense of belonging
Within the community of Warrensburg, Missouri, lies a sanctuary for young minds – the Warrensburg R6 Adventure Club. Led by the passionate and seasoned advocate for child enrichment, Casey Conklin, this program has blossomed into a haven where every child, regardless of economic background, finds a place to thrive.