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May proclaimed Older Americans Month in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The city of Columbia has designated the month of May as Older Americans Month — a fitting recognition of the insights and contributions older adults bring to society during a pandemic that has disproportionately affected this vulnerable population globally, said Jack Wax, advisory council chair for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Mizzou.
Bah humbug to so-called murder hornets
Asian giant hornets are not a threat in Missouri; their “murder hornet” label is misleading and causes unnecessary fear.
The benefits of outdoor play for children
Outdoor play boosts children’s physical, social, and cognitive skills while sparking curiosity and confidence.
COVID-19 safety tips for volunteers delivering food
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A University of Missouri Extension food safety specialist offers safety suggestions for volunteers delivering food to those in need during the COVID-19 era. “Many people at high risk of being severely affected by COVID-19 due to age or underlying health conditions depend on the generosity of friends, family members and volunteers for food and other necessities,” says Londa Nwadike, who holds a joint extension…
MU research: Corn emerging in 1-week window has little impact on yield
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Research by University of Missouri Extension agronomists shows that there is little yield difference in unevenly emerged corn. MU Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold researched corn emergence’s effect on yield in 2010 and 2011. Wiebold tagged individual plants from emergence through harvest. He compared the weight and height of early-emerging, mid-emerging and late-emerging plants.
Wheat and N: What to do?
Learn the best strategies for managing nitrogen in wheat fields to improve yield, especially in years with late planting and lower tiller counts.
Farmers can connect to MU Extension specialists weekly in public town hall meeting format
The need to abide by spring's timetable and produce food for the table doesn't wait for crisis to pass. Continued field crop, forage, and animal production are essential not only for the nutrients they provide, but also for the economic, mental and spiritual health they return to us and our communities.
Grain storage: A systematic approach
Stored dry grain represents a substantial investment of time and money. Protect that investment by properly drying and storing grain. The basics of grain drying, storage, management and care are outlined below.
Why small business owners need to understand copyrights
Learn why understanding copyrights is essential for small business owners to protect and profit from their creative work.
Your business income statement has a few surprises
Many small business owners take their financial statements and put them on the back burner. This lack of attention can result in the business owner being caught in a cash flow crunch or, worse, waking up one day to ask, “Where has my money gone?”
Kits offer learning activities for youths without internet access
Educational kits deliver hands-on STEM, nutrition, gardening, and arts & crafts activities to youths without internet access in rural communities.
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Shop safe at farmers markets
Shop safely at farmers markets: keep distance, let vendors handle produce, use sanitizer, and wash all items before eating.
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Hatching a plan
Volunteers helped Missouri 4-H students continue embryology lessons at home with incubators and hatching chicks.
How to protect your valuable business ideas
Discover legal ways to safeguard your business ideas — patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets — from rivals and misuse.
Leadership lesson: Are you interested or committed?
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- People who are afraid to commit to anything drift through life. Those who make commitments and honor them gain favor and a good reputation, accomplish their goals and reap the rewards, according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “If you are interested, you will do what is convenient. If you are committed, you will do whatever it takes,” said Burton.
Ask a Master Gardener: Options for small trees and shrubs, recommendations on hand tools
Readers can pose questions or get more information by calling 417-874-2963 and talking to one of the trained volunteers staffing the Master Gardener Hotline at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Greene County located inside the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807.
"Yes Virginia, there is funding for your business … "
Just as the reference to the 1890s editorial in The (New York) Sun indicates, there is funding in the capital world for many businesses if they cannot get it from traditional local or institutional banks.
Small business owners and the financial records payoff
Just the other day, I had a discussion with a local small business owner about where his money went. His financials showed he made a profit, but he did not have it in his bank account. As we talked, I asked questions about his record-keeping. He pulled out his checkbook and indicated that that was his method of keeping records. I asked about balance sheets, cash flow and profit and loss and he was hooked to learn more.
Feed pigs less fat, more fiber to slow growth
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As work at meat processing plants slows during COVID-19, hog producers may want to feed pigs cheaper diets and hold them longer.University of Missouri Extension swine nutritionist Marcia Shannon says producers can feed more fiber and less fat to slow growth.“This is a good time to move to feeding low-energy, high-fiber diets with an adjusted lysine-to-calorie ratio and remove any growth-promoting technologies,” Shannon…
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A time of transition
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Despite suspending all face-to-face programming due to COVID-19, University of Missouri Extension recognizes the continued need to provide university research and knowledge to help farmers and consumers alike. Specialists are creatively transitioning current materials as well as building COVID-19-focused resources on alternative platforms.
Proper cattle identification systems
“Proper identification is key to management of cattle for optimum production and profitability,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Regional Livestock Field Specialist. Identification is important in tracking cattle performance.
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Dairy producers should plan for lower demand
Dairy farmers face lower milk demand as COVID-19 disrupts markets. Strategies include culling cows, reducing feed costs, and adjusting production.
More time in the kitchen makes it a good time to review food safety
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – People staying home because of the COVID-19 outbreak likely means more time in the kitchen. Now might be a perfect time to learn or review safe food handling practices aimed at keeping foodborne illnesses at bay, says University of Missouri Extension food safety specialist Londa Nwadike.Four main food safety concepts are clean, chill, separate and cook.
With freezing temperatures predicted, put the brakes on corn planting
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomists caution that farmers should delay corn planting in light of predicted freezing temperatures.MU Extension grain crops specialist Greg Luce said on April 9 that “the very cold and very long cold spell in the week ahead could put newly planted corn seed at high risk of damage.”
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Mobilizing mask makers in NW Missouri
Volunteers across NW Missouri mobilize into a virtual sewing factory to produce homemade masks for local health care providers.