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Leave the leaves after blooms fade
COLUMBIA, Mo. – What winter-weary heart is not thawed by the arrival of sunshine-yellow daffodils and colorful tulips? Unfortunately, once their blooms fade, these harbingers of spring are often relegated to afterthoughts, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.After spring bulbs flower, their greatest work lies ahead, and they need care to ensure that they will return in full glory next year.
MU Weed Science confirms HPPD-resistant waterhemp
COLUMBIA, Mo. – There is still time to manage resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides in corn this year, but the window is shortening, according to University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley.
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Plant milo now for cost-saving cattle feeding next winter
TRUXTON, Mo. – Strip-grazing milo (grain sorghum) is a money-saving alternative winter feed plan for cattle, according to University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Rusty Lee.“Winter feed expenses are the killer of profits,” said Lee. “It’s the top reason for whether a cattle producer will make a profit or loss.”
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New weather station for Ste. Genevieve area
STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – A new weather station in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, provides the agricultural community with real-time weather information.Ste. Genevieve, nestled in the hills between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, lacked timely weather data prior to the new station going online, says Katie Kammler, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
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Show-Me MO Success podcast: Empowering women in politics, part 2
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Women make up 51% of Missouri’s population but only 22% of the state legislature. according to a 2016 report prepared for Women’s Foundation by the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy, The latest episode of “Show-Me MO Success,” the MU Business and Communities Extension podcast, continues the conversation from the Feb. 19 podcast on closing the gender gap in civic representation.
Get Out and See 4th Annual Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) Showcase in Springfield area, April 22 – May 7
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield’s original public art exhibition, Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN), kicked off on April 22 and this year we have 20 participating addresses. In its fourth year, LAWN has also grown to include Raleigh, North Carolina with other cities nationwide also inquiring about the program. LAWN is a public art opportunity accessible to all community members and all art forms.
The cost of loving your garden too much
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Sometimes, gardeners take the “if some is good, more must be better” approach, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Justin Keay.But it’s possible to shower your garden with too much love in the form of fertilizer, manure and compost. More fertilizer and organic matter won’t necessarily produce more flowers or produce, Keay says. In fact, unnecessary fertilizers and amendments can be bad for the wallet,…
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Cover crops could reduce PPL acres in wet springs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A newly released study shows that planting cover crops and reduced tillage could substantially lower the number of prevent plant (PPL) acres and subsequent federal crop insurance payments.
Seed summer annuals now for proper grazing during summer
STOCKTON, Mo. – Drought and overgrazing have left cattle pasture stands thin and possibly in need of renovation, said University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis. He urges cattle producers to use summer annuals as a tool to thicken stands or begin the renovation of cool-season perennial pastures.
Look at fescue seed labels for best results
COLUMBIA, Mo. – George Washington knew the value of a good seed: “Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind,” the founding father wrote, “for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.”University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz agrees, especially when it comes to novel-endophyte fescue seed.
MBA continues her education with Missouri SBDC, Webb City Florist - Webb City, MO
Courtney Smith has a Master of Business Administration, but when she decided to buy Webb City Florist, she realized she didn’t know where to start, so she continued her education with the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Volunteers are the heart of Missouri 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 16-22, 2023, Missouri 4-H wants to thank the heart of the organization, the volunteers! Each year, thousands of people choose to spend their time volunteering for Missouri 4-H, and because of their efforts 4-H can provide a wide variety of opportunities for Missouri’s youth.
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Missouri Digital Ambassadors will help communities connect
Research shows that broadband access can boost a community’s economy and quality of life, but only if people take advantage of that access. A volunteer cadre of Missouri Digital Ambassadors will work with people in their communities to help them realize the benefits of broadband.
Missouri 4-H youths join teens from across U.S. at Ignite by 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fourteen young innovators of tomorrow from Missouri – Luke Baugh, Brooke Cureton, Darrel Douglas, Sa’Maya Griffin, Ashlynn Hampton, Aaliyah Higgs, Keelan Jackson, Amara Johnson, Miles Neely, Harlan Pedigo, Hope Pedigo, Lily Rucker, Dallas Tumbas and Mekhi Willis Howard – recently honed their agri-science, health and STEM skills at Ignite by 4-H in Washington, D.C.
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MU for You conference
More than 200 MU Extension faculty, staff and council members from across the state attended the MU for You conference March 30-31 in Columbia. The annual event for MU Extension county council members and support staff provides networking and educational opportunities — key to effective programming that empowers communities to address the grand challenges in agriculture, the economy, education and health.
Introducing MU Extension Health and Human Sciences
Health and Human Sciences is the new name for the unit that oversees MU Extension programs in
Ask the Worker
Are you having trouble hiring employees? It is hard to find an employer who is not having trouble hiring enough staff. The worker shortage is real, and there are a lot of contributing factors. Is how you talk about your lack of workers contributing to the problem?
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Lafayette County woman honored with Missouri 4-H volunteer leadership award
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Emily Bergsieker with the 2023 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Bergsieker is recognized for more than 13 years of service and support to 4-H in Lafayette County.“We are honored to recognize Emily Bergsieker for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Lafayette County 4-H,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the…
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Vernon County 4-H Alumni Association honored with Missouri 4-H volunteer leadership award
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present the Vernon County 4-H Alumni Association with the 2023 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. The association is recognized for more than 11 years of service and support to 4-H.
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Laclede County man honored with Missouri 4-H volunteer leadership award
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Brian McKimmey with the 2023 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. McKimmey is recognized for more than 16 years of service and support to 4-H in Polk and Laclede counties.“We are honored to recognize Brian McKimmey for his outstanding efforts on behalf of Polk County 4-H,” said Rachel Augustine, director of the…
Choose the right bedding plants to start garden off right
JACKSON, Mo. – Beautiful flower gardens begin with the right bedding plants, says Donna Aufdenberg, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.Before heading to the garden center, research what plants do well in your area, Aufdenberg says. Also consider whether your gardening space is sunny or shady.Aufdenberg has more tips:• Choose stocky, short, bushy plants with green foliage. Avoid tall, spindly plants or those with insect…
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Mexico's national flower brightens Missouri gardens
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Dahlias, the national flower of Mexico, burst with fiestas of colors in late summer and early autumn when other flowers begin to fade.These easy-to-grow annuals are popular choices for cut gardens or the backdrop of borders, says Kelly McGowan, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
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Show-Me MO Success podcast: Broadband access for Missouri communities
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Communities that struggle with broadband connectivity are at a disadvantage. The University of Missouri System has resources such as the Digitally Connected Communities Guide to help areas in Missouri gain better broadband service.
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Missouri youths test skills at State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
FULTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, held March 18, drew 105 competitors, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture educator. This year’s event was hosted at William Woods University in Fulton. After the contest, youths and coaches toured the facilities and learned more about the equine program from faculty and students.
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Spring into April with season-inspired plants
COLUMBIA, Mo. – April is the season of new beginnings, especially for plant lovers. Outdoors, spring-flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees dot the landscape. Indoors, seasonal plants enliven and brighten dreary rooms, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund.