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Grazing school set for May 9-10 in Osceola
STOCKTON, Mo. – St. Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Missouri Extension, and Missouri Forage and Grassland Council will hold a school on management-intensive grazing May 9-10 in Osceola.“This school should help livestock producers cut costs in their operation through better livestock, grazing and pasture management,” said MU Extension livestock specialist…
SW Mo. dairy and creamery sees positive changes with pack barns
Southwest Missouri dairy and creamery see lower somatic cell counts, higher milk yield, and better cow comfort using compost-bedded pack barns.
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A bray keeps predators away
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – There’s a new guard dog in town. And it’s more likely to bray than bark.A growing number of sheep and goat farmers are using donkeys to keep predators at bay, says Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, small-ruminant specialist at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Jefferson City.Clifford-Rathert is studying the effectiveness of donkeys in guarding goat and sheep herds from coyotes, bobcats, dogs and other…
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Renoe takes on engagement role as new MU assistant vice chancellor
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Susan Renoe has been appointed assistant vice chancellor for research, extension and engagement at the University of Missouri.This new position represents an expanded role for Renoe, who will continue to provide oversight for the MU Connector, a joint unit between the MU Office of Research and MU Extension and Engagement.
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Grain bin safety promoted April 9-13
Learn key tips to prevent grain bin accidents and protect farmworkers during April 9–13 safety awareness week.
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Against the grain
COLUMBIA, Mo.– If you don’t work on a farm, a bin full of grain may not look dangerous. But farmworkers who go inside grain bins can quickly find themselves literally in over their heads. The results can be deadly: Over the last 50 years, hundreds in the U.S. have died from entrapment in grain, including more than two dozen in 2010, the most lethal year on record for grain bin accidents.
Farmers get latest research at MU soybean symposium
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Tight crop profits cause farmers to plant more soybean acres. On April 4, growers can learn latest research at a soybean symposium in Columbia.“Plant breeding progress leads to more beans at lower cost,” says Bill Wiebold, University of Missouri soybean specialist and director of the Missouri Soybean Center. “Genetics plays a bigger role in progress.”
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MU plant scientist to speak on Callery pear at April 13 event in Columbia
Attend a free April 13 event in Columbia to learn how to identify and manage invasive Callery pear trees.
Planning, patience lead to better forage and cattle
STOCKTON, Mo. – Patience pays off for cattle producers who wait for fescue to grow some before turning cattle out for spring grazing, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis.“After a long winter of feeding hay, producers are anxious to turn cattle into the fescue pasture,” Davis says. “However, it is better to wait until fescue grows to heights of 3 to 8 inches before letting cattle onto fescue pastures…
ReproGene meetings show profits growing with known beef genetics
CUBA, Mo. – Beef herd owners profit from fewer calf death losses, steers grading USDA prime and cows staying in the herd longer. Improved herd performance comes from adding genetics to management.That theme was repeated at three ReproGene Conferences held by University of Missouri Extension across southern Missouri in March. The final meeting was at Cuba, Mo., Monday, March 26.Adding genomics, the science of DNA, to beef breeding is…
Disaster-readiness resources from MU Extension
Access practical tips and guides to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters at home and in your community.
Be prepared for flooded roads
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home.
Before the flood: Prepare household items for long-term storage
Safeguard household items before flooding: clean, wrap, inventory valuables; use plastic or climate-controlled storage to prevent damage.
First aid for leaky basements
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If your basement sprung a leak during recent intense rainfalls, you’re not alone.
Property loss from disasters may be tax deductible
Unreimbursed property damage in federally declared disaster zones may qualify for a tax deduction, with limits applied.
Use shock chlorination to disinfect contaminated wells
BLOOMFIELD, Mo. – Heavy rains and rising rivers may flood wells. “Wells could be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make you ill,” said Van Ayers, a former University of Missouri Extension agriculture and rural development specialist. Water from a flooded well should not be used for drinking or food preparation until the well and plumbing system have been disinfected and the water has been tested for safety.
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Snakes on a flood plain
Floods displace wildlife, prompting snakes and rodents to seek shelter near homes. Learn prevention and control tips to protect your property.
Taste feeds growing demand for beef, says MU economist
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Livestock owners increasing their herds must grow demand for meat. Current herd size expands meat supplies and domestic meat consumption to record levels.With more supply, expect lower prices, University of Missouri economist Scott Brown told the Womack Agricultural Outlook Conference in Columbia.But that didn’t happen as forecast in 2017.
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Turner keeps it simple in large heifer replacement operation
HARTVILLE, Mo. – Denis Turner keeps his southwestern Missouri heifer replacement operation simple.For the most part, it is one man for 500-1,000 heifers at Turner’s Heifer Haven, a pasture-based operation where Turner raises heifers for others.“Make sure every task can be carried out by one person,” Turner says. “Two-man jobs are accomplished on time only about half of the time.”
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Check your home for toxic plants
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It is estimated that more than 700 plant species growing in North America can have harmful effects on humans, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Many plant poisonings occur when curious children are attracted to colorful berries and blooms on plants within their reach. Their low body weight makes plant toxicity higher in children than adults, said MU Extension safety and health…
Organizing household items helps avoid look-alike poisoning
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. Not necessarily, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch. Many poisons look like common household items because they are the same color or shape or are packaged similarly. Mistakes can have consequences ranging from temporary discomfort to severe illness, permanent injury or death.
Farm Safety Day, March 24, offers free fun, family activities
FORTUNA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a free Farm Safety Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at Central Missouri Produce Auction in Fortuna.Fun, family-oriented events will be offered throughout the event, said University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Joni Harper.
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Laundry packets pack a harmful punch to children
Colorful laundry pods can poison children. Store them safely and childproof laundry areas to prevent accidents.
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Hydrangeas, the bold chameleon of plants
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Bold, eye-catching hydrangeas appear at floral shops and garden centers now through Mother’s Day. “Hydrangea’s regal elegance is uncommon among potted plants,” said David Trinklein, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
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DTE, Inc. — Lebanon
Providers of custom automation, tooling and engineering services across industries, strengthened through strategic support to modernize operations.