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New MU plant pathologist talks seed treatments and SCN
COLUMBIA, Mo. – New University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette brings research on soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management to Missouri.SCN numbers are growing in Missouri as farmers devote more acres to soybean production. SCN infests about 75 percent of Missouri fields, according to a recent survey by MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources researcher Melissa Mitchum. Many of these fields have…
'Grow Your Farm' sessions begin in Eldon
ELDON, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers start Saturday, March 10, at the Eldon Career Center. University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Patricia Barrett says the practical seminars and field days give attendees opportunities to learn and network.
From citrus to cows, SW Mo. family grows own food
STARK CITY, Mo. – In the dead of Missouri winter, members of a southwestern Missouri family pluck lemons, oranges and grapefruits from trees in their greenhouse. Lee Allphin and son Jim enjoy the steady supply of flavorful fruits and vegetables from their orchard, garden and greenhouse, says Robert Balek, a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. Flowers and herbs add beauty and fragrance to their greenhouse long after the…
Workshop on specialty crop grants set for Feb. 12
HANNIBAL, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Hannibal.
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Dark chocolate: the healthy way to her heart
BETHANY, Mo. – One heart-healthy way to your Valentine’s heart is dark chocolate.Dark chocolate and cocoa may have health benefits if consumed in moderation, says University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist Janet Hackert.Dark chocolate and cocoa contain greater amounts of plant-based nutrients called flavanols than other forms of chocolate. These compounds have a bitter flavor and give dark chocolate and…
A healthier Valentine's treat
BUTLER, Mo. – Charles Schultz once said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Americans apparently agree with the Peanuts creator, because an estimated 58 million pounds of chocolate will be bought for Valentine’s Day this year.For the health conscious, fruit dipped in chocolate is a great choice.
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Heart-shaped leaves can add to a Valentine’s Day gift
COLUMBIA, Mo. –While roses steal the show on Valentine’s Day, many plants produce heart-shaped leaves that can be a part of a bouquet or gift. One of the best known and easiest to grow or buy is the heartleaf philodendron, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “This vining plant produces shiny green leaves with perfect heart shapes,” he said.
Ashes to ashes
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ashes produced by wood-burning fireplaces or stoves are an excellent example of the idiom “don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater,” says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.“When collected and spread on the garden, they are an excellent and free source of calcium and other plant nutrients,” Trinklein says.
Master Gardener training begins Feb. 26 in Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in Jefferson County will hold Master Gardener classes Monday evenings at Jefferson College’s Hillsboro campus.Weekly classes will be 6:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 26 to May 7, said MU Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly.
Workshop helps beginning farmers, ranchers, military veterans understand ABCs of USDA, other agencies
HANNIBAL, Mo. – Openings remain for a free Feb. 16 workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop.
Amaryllis: Plan now for show-stopping blooms next year
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Among indoor flowering plants, few match amaryllis in grandeur, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.Its blooms are spectacular in size and come in many colors and patterns. “In addition to being colorful, it is relatively easy to re-bloom. It can continue to give pleasure to its recipient for many years,” Trinklein said.If you received an amaryllis as a holiday gift, plan now so it can…
Alliance plans fescue schools to teach replacing toxic grass
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ways to replace toxic tall fescue pastures keep improving as renovations move across the Fescue Belt from Missouri to Georgia.Five grazing schools in five states in March will clarify a complex system, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
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Get the most out of your tax refund
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Some people see their tax refund as a chance to splurge.Not so fast, says Andrew Zumwalt, personal finance specialist with University of Missouri Extension. For the wise, a refund windfall is a chance to splurge a little and save a lot.
Choose your tax preparer wisely
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Exercise caution if you pay someone to do your taxes, says University of Missouri Extension personal finance specialist Andrew Zumwalt.Most tax return preparers are professional and honest, but not all, he says.
Workshop helps beginning farmers, ranchers, military veterans
ST. PETERS, Mo. – Openings remain for free Feb. 13 and March 7 workshops to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies. University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshops.
Workshop on writing specialty crop grants set for Feb. 5 in Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 6-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, in Jefferson City.
High tunnel workshop offered in St. Peters
ST. PETERS, Mo. – A high tunnel workshop will be held 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the University of Missouri Extension Center in St. Charles County, 260 Brown Road, St. Peters.Norman Kilmer of Morgan County Seeds presents the workshop, said Debi Kelly, horticulturist with MU Extension. “He has helped hundreds of farmers throughout the United States select the right high tunnel for production,” Kelly said.
Grant writing workshop set in Hannibal
HANNIBAL, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Hannibal
Beekeeping class set in Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, Mo. – Scott Moser, longtime beekeeper and president of the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association, will teach a beginning beekeeper class at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Jefferson County, 301 Third St., Hillsboro.The class will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. For more information, call 636-797-5391.MU Extension and Jefferson County Beekeepers sponsor the class.
Farmers market workshop set in Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day workshop for those thinking about selling produce and other goods at farmers markets. The Feb. 3 workshop covers food safety, sampling, funding, customer service and opportunities for discussion with other vendors, said MU Extension horticulturist Debi Kelly. Participants also may bring scales to be certified.
Land lease programs begin Jan. 31 across the state
University of Missouri Extension offers a Jan. 31 evening session on farm leases throughout the state.“Farm leases are a hot topic right now with cash rents at their current level andcrop prices dropping,” says Joe Koenen, agricultural business specialist with MU Extension. “Property owners and tenants need to make certain they are getting what they believe they should be.” Koenen is a longtime presenter on fair farm leases.Topics…
Apps to keep your fitness resolutions on track
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you’re losing your way instead of your weight, University of Missouri Extension specialists have evaluated and recommended several smartphone and tablet apps that might help you get your New Year’s resolution back on track. “Monitoring or tracking what you eat each day, as well as tracking your physical activity, can help you incorporate healthy food choices and regular activity into your lifestyle,” said MU…
MU drainage system increases yields, reduces nutrient runoff
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri agronomists found corn and soybean yields increase by 20 percent or more when they use drainage control systems, said Kelly Nelson, MU Extension agronomist at the Greenley Research Center, Novelty. A combination of drainage and subirrigation boosts corn yields by 45 percent and soybean yields by 20 percent in claypan soils, Nelson said. The Greenley system allows excess water to drain and be…
Advice for choosing a tax preparer
If you pay someone to do your taxes, be careful. Most tax return preparers are professional and honest, but some are not.
Beware of tax scams
Don’t fall victim to tax scamsThese schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of large tax refunds to illegal ways of “untaxing” yourself. The IRS suggests that you remember three important guidelines: