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Creating a Kansas City regional arts inventory
University of Missouri Extension’s Urban West Region is partnering with ArtsKC to develop a comprehensive asset map and online arts inventory for the five-county Kansas City metro region. The ArtsKC Regional Arts Impact Dashboard helps to:
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Two weeds to watch in pastures, hayfields in 2024
Knotroot foxtail and fountain grass are spreading in Missouri pastures, reducing forage quality and proving difficult to control.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Minnesota reports first U.S. goat infected with avian influenza
Minnesota confirms the first U.S. case of avian influenza in a goat, raising concerns about cross-species transmission of the virus.
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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.
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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…
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Paired housing of dairy calves could be 'logical next step' of FARM
Calves housed in pairs may boost social development and learning, though paired setups require more management and raise disease-control costs.
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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.
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Exploring the benefits of MyPlate for Older Adults
Learn how MyPlate can help older adults maintain a balanced diet, improve health, and reduce chronic disease risks with tailored nutrition recommendations.
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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.
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Master Gardener works to help prevent diabetes through fresh food
A Kansas City Master Gardener teaches students to grow and enjoy fresh produce, aiming to reduce diabetes risk through healthy habits.
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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…
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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,…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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Construction Management Leadership Institute helps professionals hone skills
Three-day intensive training strengthens leadership, communication, and project-management practices for construction professionals
Should cattle producers retain fall calves as stockers?
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Should cattle producers retain fall calves as stockers?” This is a question asked by University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis and cattle producers as they think about weaning their fall calves. Davis will discuss considerations for cattle producers as they weigh the options to retain their fall calves as stockers.
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Saving the herd with milo grazing
GREEN RIDGE, Mo. – Missouri cattle producer John Chamberlin didn’t want to sell his cows when drought lingered and hay supplies and forages dwindled last year. With more than 600 head of Angus cows, Chamberlin looked to the internet for ideas. A University of Missouri Extension video on the benefits of grazing standing milo intrigued him.
Prepare emergency supplies for spring storm season
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Natural disasters, like tornadoes and severe storms, are things we don’t like to think about until necessary. But in Missouri, being prepared for spring storm and tornado season is a necessity, according to a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.
Plans for weaned fall-born calves
SEDALIA, Mo. – While spring calving and spring bull sales may dominate the producer’s current thought process, planning for weaned fall calves might slip through the cracks. Two items to pay close attention to for weaned calves is value of gain and cost per pound of gain. Having an idea of these two calculations can provide some guidance on how weaned calves should be managed.