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Use spray-wait-spray to renovate drought-stricken pastures
This is part of an MU Extension series to help row crop and livestock producers manage drought. For more articles, go to https://mizzou.us/DroughtResources. COLUMBIA, Mo. – Forage producers can convert tall fescue pastures to nontoxic novel-endophyte fescue without incurring the main expense usually associated with pasture renovation through mid-July.
Building bridges through virtual cultural exchange
This spring, about 20 Missouri 4-H’ers joined teens living 8,000 miles away in Bangladesh to explore each other’s cultures and learn how much they have in common. The 13- and 14-year-olds were part of a program called EXCEL (EXchange for Cultural Engagement and Learning).
Missouri SBDC continues to “Elevate” second-stage businesses
This spring, five Missouri small businesses began the journey to grow beyond the second stage. Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC’s) Elevate program, these five business owners, at no cost to them, are gaining knowledge from various experts that most small-business owners rarely have access to.
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Tar spot of corn confirmed in June in Missouri – the earliest ever
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Tar spot of corn has been confirmed in two northern Missouri counties: Holt County in northwestern Missouri and Marion County in northeastern Missouri, as well as in six counties in central Iowa and one in northeastern Kansas.
Keep your farm running smoothly with a midyear 'tuneup'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers are encouraged to conduct a midyear “farm tuneup” as they approach the middle of 2023. Just as farm equipment needs the occasional tuneup, farm management practices can use proactive examination and adjustment to keep an operation on track for the rest of the year. University of Missouri Extension recommends five steps for a midyear farm tuneup: Revisit agricultural budgets
What is the cost of baling wheat straw?
This is part of an MU Extension series to help row crop and livestock producers with drought.COLUMBIA, Mo. – With Missouri forage supplies in short supply due to drought, some livestock producers are looking at wheat straw as feedstuff, despite its poor nutrient quality.
High heat and dry conditions can put fish ponds at risk
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The combination of prolonged high heat and dry weather potentially threatens fish ponds, says a University of Missouri Extension fisheries and wildlife specialist.“Fish are at risk from high water temperatures, oxygen depletion, increased disease potential and other problems as water levels drop in ponds through lack of runoff and evaporation,” said Bob Pierce.
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Bristle for thistles that run amok
GALENA, Mo. – Thistles have taken advantage of grass stands weakened by drought, and many southwestern Missouri fields now have large amounts of musk and bull thistles, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg.He reminds Missouri landowners that state law requires them to control all Canada, musk or Scotch thistles and prevent them from going to seed.
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Missouri youths compete at 2023 State 4-H Poultry Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Thirty-six youths from across Missouri attended the 2023 State 4-H Poultry Day, June 10 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.
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2023 MU leadership tour showcases partnerships in NE Missouri
What do a lavender farm, a distillery, a lively coffee shop, dozens of cover crop test plots and a college and careers pathway program for youth have in common? They show how the University of Missouri works to strengthen Missouri’s economy and empower people to improve their lives.
Franklin County farm hosts Missouri Dairy Summer Social
WASHINGTON, Mo. – Riegel Dairy in Washington, Mo., will host the Missouri Dairy Summer Social 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, June 30.Grade A dairy producers statewide are encouraged to attend this free educational event, says Reagan Bluel, University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist and educational director of Missouri Dairy.Recognized as a leading producer in the state, Riegel Dairy uses technology to help manage its herd of 780…
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Golfers help raise more than $91,000 at Missouri 4-H Clover Classic
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Golfers returned to the green at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia to support Missouri 4-H youths at the 13th annual 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament on June 6. Co-presenting sponsors were Climate Field View and Great American Insurance-Crop Division.
Gardens: Fast food for hungry critters
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Cute critters by day, gardeners’ worst enemies by night.Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
MU Extension launches Crop & Pest text alert system
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers have a new tool to alert them to insects, crop diseases and other important information from University of Missouri Extension specialists. MU Extension specialists launched the Mizzou Crop & Pest Text Alert system in response to their clients’ desire for an easy way to get important, timely information in the field.
Graves-Chapple weather station updates to real-time information
ROCK PORT, Mo. – An upgraded University of Missouri weather station in Atchison County now provides real-time weather data.The South Atchison weather station will give the agricultural community automated critical information, says Jim Crawford, director of the MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center.
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Fireflies illuminate landscapes with summer love
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The flickering of fireflies signals the beginning of warm summer nights. Although these common beetles evoke a sense of wonder for many people, they are simply performing a luminescent courtship ritual that has evolved over countless years, says University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist Michele Warmund.
Missouri Good Neighbor Week named Program of the Year at Neighborhoods USA conference
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, returned from the 48th annual Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference in El Paso, Texas, May 24-28, with the Best Neighborhood Program award. This year's conference drew more than 625 people from 34 states and featured educational workshops, speakers, tours, networking opportunities and an awards program.
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Missouri 4-H'ers raise more than 1.7 million meals to fight hunger
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H clubs across the state have finished the fifth annual 4-H Feeding Missouri initiative. Each year, 4-H partners with Feeding Missouri and Missouri Farmers Care’s Drive to Feed Kids to bring awareness and raise resources addressing food insecurity.
Water deeply and wisely during drought
HILLSBORO, Mo. – During drought, proper watering can help plants survive dry spells, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly.Kelly gives 10 tips to help your plants survive lack of precipitation.1. Water in the morning. Watering in the evening lets water remain on leaves, making the plant susceptible to disease.2. Water at the base of the plant. Water at soil level to avoid waste and prevent foliar diseases.
Tonnie Smith named to Who's Who in America's Neighborhoods Honor Roll
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tonnie Gilspie Smith, a volunteer with West End South Community Improvement District in St. Louis, was named to the Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods Honor Roll during the 48th annual Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) national conference in El Paso, Texas, May 24-28. Each Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods nominee is evaluated by the NUSA board of directors. There were six nominees this year, but only Smith earned Who’s…
MU Extension specialists report thin pasture stands, low yields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomists are reporting thin pasture stands and low yields statewide in the wake of re-emerging dry conditions.“Most barns are empty. Most fence rows are empty,” says Terry Halleran, an agronomist in Hickory County in southwestern Missouri. “Farmers are getting nervous.”
Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show call for entries
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Now that hay season is in full swing, it is a good time to pull hay samples for entry in the Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show in Springfield, says University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Tim Schnakenberg.Entry deadline is July 17. To enter, contact the nearest MU Extension specialist. They are available to help pull the core samples from the 10-bale entry.
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Now is time to scout for true armyworms in Missouri
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomists in south-central, southwestern and northwestern Missouri have reported sightings of true armyworms.
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MU Career Accelerator: New paths to build employee skills, workforce participation
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri needs more workforce training opportunities to be competitive in attracting and retaining employees and growing economic investment, say state and educational leaders.
KC landscape business grows with help from the Missouri APEX Accelerator
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – When Chris Henry wanted to grow his lawn care business, RC Landscape Services, to pursue government jobs in the Kansas City area, he turned to the Missouri APEX Accelerator, a program of University of Missouri Extension.