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It's time to protect plants from frost
Learn how to protect plants from frost with tips on timing, insulation, and care for sensitive species as cold weather nears.
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20 Missourians named 2025 Most Engaged Neighbors
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Twenty Missouri residents have been honored as the state’s Most Engaged Neighbors for 2025. These awards highlight everyday Missourians whose commitment to their neighborhoods strengthens community bonds and creates belonging.
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Big profits in 2024-25 Missouri Steer Feedout
STOCKTON, Mo. – “The Missouri Steer Feedout Finale showed that producers were very profitable in feeding steers over the last year,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Held in conjunction with the Barton County Cattlemen’s Association meeting on Sept. 9 in Lamar, the event discussed the results of the steers fed at the Show Me Youth Ag Academy Feedlot near Newport.
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Mums burst with big, beautiful, bold color
Discover how fall mums offer long-lasting, bold blooms in vibrant colors and tips on selecting and caring for them.
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Time to take plants indoors
As frost approaches, gardeners are tempted to dig up plants and place them in pots for use indoors. The results are often disappointing. Many garden plants do not make good houseplants. But if you are determined to try, MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein has suggestions.
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Have you scheduled your bull breeding soundness exam?
STOCKTON, Mo. – Have you scheduled your bull breeding soundness exam? Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests your bulls have a BSE prior to each breeding season.
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Data-driven insights for harvest timing
The MU Extension publication “Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Missouri” can help farmers plan with confidence. It draws on 20 years of weather data to show weekly averages of days suitable for fieldwork. It also includes formulas to estimate how much acreage can be covered per day and size equipment to match available field time.
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Improving habitats for ring-necked pheasants in Missouri
Missouri landowners can take practical steps to improve habitat for ring-necked pheasants, whose populations have declined across the Midwest due to habitat loss and changing land use. A new publication outlines science-based strategies to support pheasant populations.
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It’s fall, and here come chirping crickets
Crickets are the buglers of September and October in Missouri homes. These noisy insects make their way indoors for warmth and shelter once temperatures start to drop.
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Urban ag risk management series offered this fall
University of Missouri Extension and Annie’s Project are offering an urban agriculture risk management class in the St. Louis area in October and November.
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Be vigilant for spotted lanternfly in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri residents are urged to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly (SLF), an insect that could have devastating effects on the state’s $4.2 billion wine and grape industry. SLF can damage fruits including grapes, as well as ornamentals and urban landscapes.
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Industry veterans embrace changing manufacturing landscape
To meet the growing demand for advanced manufacturing expertise, Mizzou Engineering has launched the Industry 4.0 certificate, a hybrid program to equip today’s technical experts with the know-how to thrive and lead in tomorrow’s smart manufacturing environments.
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The plot fixer
From county to county, MU Extension specialists such as Justin Keay carry the university’s promise into fields and families, planting knowledge that lasts.
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Resources for Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and MU Extension has compiled resources to help break down barriers to mental health services for Missourians.
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Improving life after cancer
Health care professionals have two upcoming opportunities to deepen their understanding of cancer survivorship: a free webinar series and a statewide symposium featuring a physician who is also a cancer survivor.
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MU Soybean monitoring report predicts sharp decline in yield
The latest Soybean Growth Monitoring Yield Prediction report from MU Extension predicts drastically lower soybean yields due to lack of rain, averaging 3-6 bushels per acre lower than in the previous report.
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More than 90% of state in drought as harvest nears
As harvest nears, MU Extension agronomists see signs of flash drought threatening Missouri crop yields. The U.S. Drought Monitor map for Missouri released on Sept. 4 shows that 93.68% of Missouri is at least abnormally dry following an unusually wet spring.
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Fall is prime time to establish cool-season forages
Fall offers the best opportunity to establish or renovate cool-season forages like tall fescue, orchardgrass and winter annuals such as brassicas, oats, wheat, rye and triticale. With strong cattle prices and improved cash flow, now is a smart time to invest in your forage base.
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Good food, better company
We know that eating to meet our nutritional needs promotes physical wellness. But consuming a meal should focus not just on the nutritional value but also the social and emotional value, writes MU Extension human development specialist Maria Calvert.
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Falls Prevention Awareness Month
Falls can have serious health consequences, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. Taking simple steps now—such as removing trip hazards at home, practicing balance and strength exercises or joining a community program—can reduce risk.
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MU expands continuing ed for veterinarians who work with food animals
The MU College of Veterinary Medicine recently launched five on-demand continuing education courses for veterinarians providing practical education in food animal medicine and production. Learners can complete modules at their own pace while earning up 0.5 hours of CE credit per course.
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MU Extension names new Missouri 4-H director
Tim Tanner is the new director of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development.
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Increase flower power by dividing overgrown perennials
As clump-forming perennials mature, they often become overcrowded, competing among themselves for light, water and nutrients. This typically results in fewer blooms. Dividing them restores vigor and lets gardeners expand their beds or share plants with others.
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Missouri corn adds a-maize-ing complexity to whiskey
MU Extension researchers are working to help Missouri corn growers who provide corn to distilleries for brewed corn whiskey. As of 2024, the state was home to 71 active craft distilleries. The corn whiskey business, as part Missouri’s broader distilling industry, has a substantial economic footprint.
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Lycoris: An intriguing flower that brings color at summer's end
When most garden flowers show the attrition of having endured the heat and humidity of a typical Missouri summer, lycoris adds beauty and intrigue to beleaguered landscapes. The pink, lily-like flowers seem to come out of nowhere to adorn gardens.