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Pike County woman honored with 4-H volunteer leadership award
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to recognize Missouri 4-H volunteer Deedee Martin with the 2021 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Martin, who lives in Pike County, is being recognized for more than 30 of service and support to Missouri 4-H. “We are honored to recognize Deedee Martin for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Pike County 4-H,” said Kyle Kerns, chair of…
Opening doors
Discover how Sebrina Barrett's 4-H experiences shaped her leadership and advocacy skills, opening doors for her career in community service and public speaking.
Missouri 4-H youths test knowledge at State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 2021 University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest gathered 19 youths and their coaches in late March and early April.The contest consisted of an online qualifying exam in March; the top four teams in each age division advanced to the in-person portion in April.Top junior competitors (ages 8-13):First: Bailey Spalding, Jackson County.Second: Elizabeth Pruett, Jackson County.Third: Kelsa Kirk, Jackson…
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Mary Beth Mitchell honored with Missouri 4-H volunteer leadership award
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to present Missouri 4-H volunteer Mary Beth Mitchell with the 2021 Naomi Crouch 4-H Volunteer Leadership Award. Mitchell, of Monroe County, is being recognized for more than 30 years of service and support to Missouri 4-H.
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It all started at the show ring
Jenna Hasekamp’s journey from 4-H show rings to college livestock judging highlights youth leadership, growth, and agricultural passion.
Should I Export My Business’s Goods and Services?
Are you a small business owner that is not currently exporting your goods and services, but is considering it? Are you concerned about how to make the right decision on this important question for your company and how to prepare your business for success in this area? If so, this column is for intended for you. It is my goal to share information to help position you and your business for a decision on exporting.
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From overlooked plot to community hub: Wildwood YMCA gardens
Community garden at Wildwood YMCA offers 70 plots, supports local food pantries, and plans a sensory garden for all.
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Lighting a spark for the future
Free virtual program helps middle schoolers explore careers, discover their passions, and plan for a future that excites them.
Profitable cow-calf operations begin with early calvers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Cows need to conceive and calve early to earn their keep. University of Missouri Extension beef cow-calf specialist Jordan Thomas says managing for a short or even an “ultra-short” calving season should determine which cows get to stay on the farm. Late-conceiving cows should go to market.
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Should soybean be planted before corn? MU research still favors corn
Planting corn before soybean enhances productivity in midwestern rotations. Delaying corn planting can reduce farm efficiency.
MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic is now open
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Like humans, plants can get sick and need someone to diagnose their illnesses, says Peng Tian, the new lab director of the University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic. The Plant Diagnostic Clinic has served Missourians since 1965 to help clients, including county extension specialists, commercial growers, government agencies and homeowners, identify plant health problems.
MU Southwest Center studies 'double' stocker calf operations on fescue
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Researchers at University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center in Mount Vernon are starting their third year of studying if beef producers can improve profits through a “double” calf stocking and grazing plan.The study looks at how to graze the same number of calves in half the time for better weight gains, says University of Missouri Extension beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey.
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes 5 dairy leaders
Missouri honors five dairy leaders for their lasting contributions to the industry, including farmers, educators, and breeders.
Use sacrifice pastures now to spare best cattle grazing pastures for later
STOCKTON, Mo. – If not managed properly, muddy pastures can affect grazing the rest of the year, says University of Missouri Extension regional livestock specialist Patrick Davis. “Cattle producers need to evaluate their pastures,” Davis says. Identify pastures that are thin and in need of renovation and consider using those as sacrifice pastures. Davis recommends consulting an MU Extension agronomist to grade pastures and make…
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Growing a food hub and community at the same time
A community nonprofit turns vacant lots into gardens, farmers markets, and programs linking food access with local growth.
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Missouri EATs helps communities strengthen local food systems
Missouri EATs empowers communities to enhance local food systems through collaboration, planning, and sustainable development.
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Breakthrough in fight against global disease of citrus trees
Researchers test heat treatment to combat citrus greening, aiming to save trees and support global citrus production.
Do spring safety check on and off the farm
Check equipment, animal safety, chemicals, and stress levels this spring to keep farm and rural life safe for all family members.
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New research targets late-calving dairy cows
Research shows targeted synchronization can improve fertility and reproductive success in dairy cows that calve late in the season.
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4-H youths test skills at 2021 State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest took place virtually Feb. 27-28, drawing 81 competing 4-H members, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture and natural resources educator.
If you dye eggs, keep them safe
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Believe it or not, hard-cooked eggs can spoil faster than fresh eggs, so if your family plans to eat dyed Easter eggs, it’s important to follow food safety principles to prevent illness. “Eggs are porous and bacteria can penetrate the shell. When they are washed at the plant, a protective coating is added,” said Tammy Roberts, University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.
Don’t wing it with egg safety this Easter
BETHANY, Mo. – Don’t let safety rules fly the coop this Easter. University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health specialist Janet Hackert offers eggs-cellent tips to prevent foodborne illnesses caused by salmonella.
Easter eggs-periments to try with kids
MONTICELLO, Mo. – Make coloring Easter eggs with the children and grandchildren fun and educational, says Katie Hogan, University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth program assistant.Eggs-periment with embryology lessons as you dip and dye this year. In addition to science skills, children learn color recognition, painting and cutting skills while helping decorate eggs. Count and sort as you go and talk about how eggs from various birds…
When the power goes out, don’t be in the dark about food safety
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – When the power goes out, the clock starts ticking on the safety of your refrigerated and frozen foods.Meats, seafood, ice cream, cut produce and even leftover pizza can become susceptible to foodborne contaminants in just a few hours, said Londa Nwadike, food safety extension specialist for the University of Missouri and Kansas State University.
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Keeping Missourians up to speed
Lifelong learning helps Missourians grow skills, share knowledge, and strengthen communities through gardening and agriculture.