'Grow Your Farm' sessions begin in Kirksville
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers begin March 14 at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Adair County, Kirksville. MU Extension, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Advocacy and Outreach to help veterans and socially disadvantaged persons who want to farm, offers the program to increase agribusinesses and enterprise development. Karen Funkenbusch serves as…
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You can whip potatoes, but it's hard to beat beets
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Few vegetables elicit less excitement from the average gardener than beet. Once relegated to pickling or making borscht, beet is enjoying greater respect due to its reported health benefits, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
MU plant pathologist gives update on emerging crop diseases
PALMYRA, Mo. – New University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette urges growers to notify her if they spot southern rust and other diseases this growing season. She gave growers a look at emerging diseases at the second annual NEMO Soils and Crop Conference in Palmyra Feb. 8.
Grain bin safety costs a little, saves a lot
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It costs less than $500 to make it safer to enter farm grain bins, says a University of Missouri Extension rural safety and health specialist. “You can’t afford not to follow safe procedures,” says Karen Funkenbusch as the harvest season approaches. While $500 may sound like a lot, the savings are priceless, she says.
Horse Bowl tests youth on equine knowledge
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Horse Shows Association (MHSA) and University of Missouri Extension in Boone County hosted a Horse Bowl competition in Columbia at the Stephens College campus Jan. 27.Thirteen teams of students, ages 9-18, competed in three divisions: junior, intermediate and senior. They represented a variety of organizations, including MHSA, local Saddle Clubs, Pony Club, 4-H and FFA.
Avoid identity theft during tax season
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Identity thieves thrive during tax filing season.Take steps to prevent those electronic criminals from lining their pockets with your refund and personal information, says University of Missouri Extension personal finance specialist Andrew Zumwalt.First, file taxes promptly. Identity thieves try to file early so your refund goes to them before you file.
New MU entomologist tells farmers about pests to watch for
PALMYRA, Mo. – “The genie’s out of the bottle” on the spotted lanternfly, University of Missouri Extension entomologist Kevin Rice told farmers Feb. 8 at the second annual NEMO Soils and Crop Conference in Palmyra.Rice gave farmers an update on insects to watch in the upcoming growing season. He urged them to contact him when they find these invasive pests so he can track their presence in the state.
File a tax return even if you don't have to
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension personal finance specialist Andrew Zumwalt offers three reasons why you should file a tax return even if it is not required.
Missouri fescue school, March 6, helps farmers replace toxic K-31
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Beef herd owners serious about improving fescue pastures—and their beef herds—can learn how in a March 6 meeting at the University of Missouri Southwest Research Center, Mount Vernon.Kentucky 31 toxic tall fescue causes endless losses in cows and calves, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.“The answer is easy: Kill the old stand of fescue and replace it with a novel-endophyte…
Easy use of DNA data enhances cow herds growing quality beef
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef-cow herd owners will learn new ways to raise better calves at three University of Missouri meetings in March. The sessions lead producers from proven breeding to new uses of DNA.MU Extension animal scientists David Patterson and Jared Decker will lead the ReproGene Meetings.Management of fixed-time artificial insemination allows more live calves and more uniform calf crops.
Most of Missouri remains in drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most of Missouri remains in a drought, according to a map released Feb. 8 by the National Drought Mitigation Center.The drought affects livestock farmers facing dwindling hay reserves. Row crop farmers are eyeing the situation with caution as planting season nears.
Frost-seed legumes now to improve cattle and pastures
STOCKTON, Mo. – Add legumes to grazing pastures to improve cow performance, soil health and forage production, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in Cedar County.
Workshop for growers, sellers set for Feb. 28 in Macon
MACON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day regional program on growing and selling local foods Feb. 28 in Macon.
Give Valentine's Day flowers some TLC for flor-amore
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Valentine’s Day flowers, like love, can stand the test of time if given a little TLC. Call it flor-amore.Proper care and a homemade preservative provide an extended warranty of sorts to make certain flowers last up to twice as long, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Study shows cover crops may increase yields over time
KEYTESVILLE, Mo. – Farmers need more research showing cover crops increase yields, reduce erosion and add nutrients back to the soil in corn-soybean rotation before they adopt the practice, says University of Missouri researcher Ranjith Udawatta.
Second annual Mid-Mo Expo set for backyard gardeners, small farmers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The second annual Mid-Mo Expo for backyard gardeners and small farmers offers presentations and demonstrations to improve productivity and profits.The event will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Battle High School, 7575 E. St. Charles Road, Columbia. University of Missouri Extension in Boone County hosts the event.
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors inducts 6 dairy leaders
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation inducted six members Feb. 2 during an awards ceremony at the University of Missouri Animal Science Research Center.Joe Horner, MU Extension dairy economist and executive secretary of the foundation, announced this year’s honorees:
Missouri Dairy Profit Seminars set at 5 locations
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Dairy Association and Multimin USA will hold the 2018 Missouri Dairy Profit Seminar at five locations throughout the state Feb. 19-23, said MU Extension veterinarian Scott Poock.The event is free for dairy producers, but lunch reservations are required. A fee of $20 is required for non-dairy producers. This will be a good opportunity for producers to learn of several ways to…
Is there clover in there?
NEVADA, Mo. – If you’ve sent a pasture or hay soil test through your University of Missouri Extension center, you’ve been asked what kind of forage you have.“Next time, before you answer, think about whether you have a legume in there and how much of it there is, or if you want to add a legume,” says Pat Miller, regional extension agronomy specialist based in Vernon County. “These things make quite a difference in the fertilizer and…
To stretch short hay supply, 'feed less, need less'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As winter feeding season continues with a forecast of Arctic weather in February, cow herd owners face dwindling hay supplies.Eric Bailey, University of Missouri beef nutritionist, gives the short answer: “Feed less, need less.”In practice, that takes management decisions and exacting math.
New MU plant pathologist talks seed treatments and SCN
COLUMBIA, Mo. – New University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette brings research on soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management to Missouri.SCN numbers are growing in Missouri as farmers devote more acres to soybean production. SCN infests about 75 percent of Missouri fields, according to a recent survey by MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources researcher Melissa Mitchum. Many of these fields have…
'Grow Your Farm' sessions begin in Eldon
ELDON, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers start Saturday, March 10, at the Eldon Career Center. University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Patricia Barrett says the practical seminars and field days give attendees opportunities to learn and network.
From citrus to cows, SW Mo. family grows own food
STARK CITY, Mo. – In the dead of Missouri winter, members of a southwestern Missouri family pluck lemons, oranges and grapefruits from trees in their greenhouse. Lee Allphin and son Jim enjoy the steady supply of flavorful fruits and vegetables from their orchard, garden and greenhouse, says Robert Balek, a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. Flowers and herbs add beauty and fragrance to their greenhouse long after the…