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Cattle farm tour shows how shade improves profits
ST. JAMES, Mo. – Cattle producers are invited to attend a field day at the Mingo Farm in St. James to learn how to use natural shade to improve their beef operation.The field day begins at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, at the Mingo cow-calf operation, 25385 County Road 1000, St. James. University of Missouri Extension, MU Center for Agroforestry and MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources sponsor the event.
Drought tops questions called to MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extension agronomist talk was calm on the weekly teleconference. Few problems discussed on bugs, weeds, fungus or other pests. Then the weather hit the fan. Reports from across Missouri told of farmers’ concerns about lack of rain.For corn farmers it’s the threat of rootless corn. Soybean growers worry about low emergence and uneven stands.Cattle farmers ask “Where’s the grass? What do we do for hay?”
Master Gardener's coffeehouse brings farm to the city
ST. LOUIS – Master Gardener Paul Whitsitt takes the farm to the city and the city to the farm.
Committee searching for nutrient reduction strategies
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Nutrient loads can cause problems with water quality. That’s why the Missouri Nutrient Reduction Strategy Committee is working to decrease the amount of nutrients that end up in the Mississippi River.The committee, which is made up of 31 organizations and individuals, formed in 2011 when the Environmental Protection Agency made grants to states in the Mississippi River Basin to develop and implement nutrient reduction…
Regional grazing school set for June 14-15 in Fayette
FAYETTE, Mo. – Management intensive grazing boosts forage growth, cuts waste and adds livestock gains. A grazing school for area farmers will be taught June 14-15 in Fayette.Both the science and art of grazing will be covered, says Heather Conrow, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist. Topics are practical and local.To start, large pastures are divided into smaller paddocks. Moving cattle protects the grass. It also…
Suicide rate higher in rural areas
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For many, the peace and quiet of country living is the American dream. But that dream can turn to a nightmare for those who become isolated and disconnected from their communities, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch.May is Mental Health Month. It is a good time to talk with rural family members about increased risks of suicide, says Funkenbusch.
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Don't doom next year's bloom
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One of the joys of spring is the emergence and flowering of bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Chancellor announces new vision for MU Extension and Engagement
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Missouri Chancellor Alexander Cartwright announced a new vision for MU Extension and Engagement to fulfill what he referred to as an “all things Missouri” mission.
Show-Me-Select heifers average $1,787 in second sale of spring at Fruitland, Mo.
FRUITLAND, Mo. – The 135 bred heifers averaged $1,787 with a top of $2,400 at the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale, Friday, May 4.The second sale of the spring season averaged $252 more than the first sale of fall-calving heifers, April 20 at Farmington. Two more sales are set at Joplin, May 18, and Palmyra, June 2.
MU Art on the Move exhibition comes to Hannibal
HANNIBAL, Mo. – The artwork of former Palmyra resident and University of Missouri alumna Maddie Olmsted goes on display May 11 at Java Jive, 211 N. Main St., Hannibal.MU School of Visual Studies’ Art on the Move outreach program and MU Extension are co-sponsoring the Hannibal Art on the Move exhibition through June 8. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, said Lee Ann Woolery, outreach…
MU Extension offers timber workshop
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-night session in Hillsboro on June 13 to help landowners learn how to market timber.Too many landowners sell their timber for only a fraction of its worth, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Debi Kelly.
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National 4-H film festival comes to Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Youth from across the nation go on location to Columbia, Mo., this summer for FilmFest 4-H, the national 4-H film festival. Co-produced by Missouri 4-H and the Missouri Film Office, FilmFest 4-H has drawn youth participants from 21 states since its inception.
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Missouri College Advising Corps marks 10 years of service
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri College Advising Corps, headquartered at the University of Missouri, has helped more than 20,000 students enroll in college since 2008. As it begins its second decade, MCAC is poised to help even more students.
MU Thompson Farm advisers see results of 20 years of beef breeding
SPICKARD, Mo. Bred beef heifers, replacements at the University of Missouri Thompson Farm cow herd, lined up at feeding looking like peas in a pod. They came from 20 years research on fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI).Jon Schreffler, MU farm manager, showed the herd at an advisory board meeting April 24. Also present were beef scientists from the MU campus, Columbia.
The power of protein
Everywhere we look we see new, great protein-boosted drinks and foods. But how much protein is really needed, and do Americans get enough or too much?
Be wary of energy drinks
Despite their popularity, energy drinks are not the best option nutritionally, said Tammy Roberts, former University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“Unfortunately, the energy in these drinks comes from sugar and stimulants like caffeine, guarana, ginseng and green tea,” Roberts said.
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With more than 4,000 cultivars, hostas are emperors of the shade
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A problem many gardeners face is what to plant in a shady area.Perhaps no plant brightens a shade garden more than the hosta, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The hardy perennial thrives in shade and is easy to grow.“It is little wonder why hostas earned the title of ‘emperors of the shade,’” said Trinklein. “Their lush foliage brings attractive color to the shadiest of garden…
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Undercover farming
JAMESTOWN, Mo. – There’s a thick coat of snow on the ground, but Liz Graznak is harvesting lettuce, spinach and other vegetables on her central Missouri farm.Graznak grows certified organic produce at Happy Hollow Farm, about a mile southwest of the Missouri River. She extended her growing season into the middle of winter by using a high tunnel, also known as a hoop house.
Pills, powders can't replace training and diet for young athletes
Young athletes, eager to be a starting player or earn a scholarship, may be tempted to follow the lead of pros and use performance enhancers to gain a competitive edge.Dale Brigham, University of Missouri nutrition and fitness specialist, said high school and college athletes are better off focusing on their diet and training, rather than relying on performance-enhancing supplements.
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Middle school youth explore nontraditional careers at MU
COLUMBIA, Mo. – More than 70 middle school students became Mizzou Tigers for a day at a nontraditional career exploration event sponsored by University of Missouri campus partners and Commerce Bank on Wednesday, April 4.
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June 5 bus tour to visit KC-area farms growing produce in high tunnels
OLATHE, Kan. – Until recently, Midwest farmers who grow fresh fruits and vegetables were limited to a relatively short growing season. However, increasing use of high tunnels, also called hoop houses, means farmers can extend their growing season.
Active aging — Stay strong and stay healthy
When people talk about being physically active, many think of aerobic activities, but it is also about being strong. Getting the heart and lungs working to full capacity has great health benefits. Walking is perhaps the most common form of this type of exercise. When the weather permits, the walkers abound. But as a person ages, fear of falling may prevent him/her from getting out and moving.
Cold, dry conditions delay planting and forage growth
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomists voiced concern during a teleconference that cool, dry conditions are causing delayed planting and slow forage growth statewide.
Sports nutrition for better performance
You train hard, learn about the latest techniques and make sure your equipment is top-notch. You work hard to be good at your sport. But have you fueled your body for the demands you place on it?
Show-Me-Select heifers average $1,555 in first spring sale at Farmington
FARMINGTON, Mo. – In the first sale of the year, April 20, the 150 Show-Me-Select replacement heifers averaged $1,555 per head. The bred heifers will calve this fall.The Farmington Livestock Auction is the newest in a statewide network of guaranteed heifer sales. This was the first of four spring sales across the state of SMS heifers.“It was a rough sale,” said David Patterson, beef reproduction specialist, University of Missouri…