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Missouri 4-H youths take the lead at State Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On April 28, more than 500 Missouri 4-H members, staff and volunteers gathered in Jefferson City for 4-H Day at the Capitol, focused on civic engagement, leadership and advocacy.
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Does ‘tabletop silage’ have potential?
Rusty and William Lee are experimenting with ways to use scrapped milo stalks to keep beef producers from turning to low-quality, high-priced hay as a last resort to feed herds during Missouri droughts.
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Strong, steady March bull sale in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, described the 107th Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale in Springfield as “a strong, steady sale.”
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When fields stay wet
NOVELTY, Mo. – Heavy rainfall is becoming more frequent across Missouri, leaving producers dealing with saturated soils, ponded fields and flooding even before the 2026 growing season began. Understanding how excess water affects crops—and what steps can help in the short and long term—can protect yield potential and improve field resilience, says University of Missouri Extension state soil science specialist Gurbir Singh.
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Building resilient, profitable farms
CEDAR HILL, Mo. – In the hills outside St. Louis, creeks swell fast after hard rains, and fields can pay the price. At Big River Grain and Cattle, Daniel Bonacker recalls, repeated flooding was carrying away topsoil. In 1983, Bonacker’s grandfather switched to no‑till farming, which minimizes disturbance of the soil. This reduces erosion by improving the soil’s ability to absorb and hold water.
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Severe-weather resources from MU Extension
Access free resources, guides, and videos to stay safe and prepared during severe weather and flooding emergencies.
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Drones can help diagnose ailing crops
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – Rusty Lee, a University of Missouri Extension agricultural systems technology specialist, used artificial intelligence and drone technology last season to diagnose irregular corn stands.
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Edible flowers: Beauty you can eat
For centuries, people around the world have used flowers for cooking, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Missouri healthcare: Why access isn’t as simple as it sounds
People across Missouri recognize that healthcare needs to improve. And the first step is understanding what is putting pressure on the system.
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Some body parts face more damage than others from pesticides
Not all body parts are equally vulnerable to pesticide exposure. University of Missouri Extension specialist Rusty Lee stresses the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying pesticides. The pesticide label is the law and provides the most accurate PPE guidance for each product.
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Changing Missouri weather fuels tick populations
Missouri’s changing weather patterns are creating more favorable conditions for ticks, increasing concerns for the agricultural community and anyone who spends time in fields, forests or backyards.
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Leaders talk innovation at 'Healthcare Technology on Tap'
Over craft beer and candid conversation, health care and technology leaders explored how emerging tools such as smart sensors, wearables and artificial intelligence are reshaping patient care during “Healthcare Technology on Tap,” held April 15 at Logboat Brewing in Columbia.
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Pesticide poisoning symptoms can mimic flu
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Pesticide poisoning can be confused with common illnesses like the flu. “Pesticides include chemicals used to control weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), rodents (rodenticides) or fungi (fungicides). If the word ends in ‘ide,’ it is likely a pesticide that can poison you if used incorrectly,” says Rusty Lee who teaches pesticide courses for University of Missouri Extension.
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Ray County voters approve MU Extension district tax levy, securing local programs for the future
Ray County voters approved a $0.05 per $100 assessed valuation tax levy to support the University of Missouri Extension District in Ray County, ensuring the continuation and growth of essential extension and 4‑H programs that serve residents across the county.
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Kansas City recognizes MU Extension and community partners for North Terrace Lake renewal
University of Missouri Extension and partners were recognized by the City of Kansas City for leadership in restoration efforts in Kessler Park’s North Terrace Lake.
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MU Extension salutes its volunteers
During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 20-26, we celebrate the people who help University of Missouri Extension carry out its mission. From mentoring young people to restoring landscapes and guiding local programs, MU Extension volunteers extend our reach and deepen our impact.
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Missouri 4-H honors volunteers
Missouri 4-H recognizes the dedication of more than 5,800 volunteers who invest time and energy to mentor and guide young people. National Volunteer Appreciation Week, observed April 19-25, is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible contributions of 4-H volunteers.
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Missouri 4-H, Missouri S&T partner to expand hands-on STEM learning
Missouri 4‑H is partnering with Missouri University of Science and Technology to bring hands-on STEM learning experiences to thousands of youths across the state, with a focus on girls in rural, underserved communities.
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Soil compaction: More than avoiding ruts
Managing wet spring soils isn’t just about avoiding ruts—it’s about protecting the biological and physical foundation of crop production and yields.
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A strong Missouri workforce starts with health
Missouri’s economy depends on people healthy enough to show up. When illness sidelines workers, communities lose productivity and opportunity. This underscores why it’s important to treat health as an economic issue for the state.
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Free workshop on growing safe produce set for June 8 at Happy Hollow Farm, Jamestown
JAMESTOWN, Mo. – A free workshop on food safety and conservation on diversified vegetable farms is set for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, June 8, at Happy Hollow Farm in Jamestown.
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Highway 13 Butterfly Trail: Bethany to Branson
The Highway 13 Butterfly Trail is an integrated ecological restoration and community revitalization initiative designed to enhance pollinator habitat, support rural economic development and strengthen connections between communities and their surrounding natural systems.
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Ticks have no off-season
June through September is considered peak season, but any warm and humid day is tick time. There is no off-season for ticks, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. “They can emerge from the shadows at any time they sense warmth.”
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How rising diesel prices affect crop production costs
Many farms are starting the planting season with bulk tanks full of sub-$3-per-gallon diesel purchased over the winter, but the first refill this spring could cost $1.50-plus per gallon more than they paid for their last delivery. The impact of high fuel prices on a farm’s bottom line can be identified with an enterprise budget and might not be as large as many farmers expect, says Drew Kientzy, an MU Extension senior research analyst.
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Browning arborvitae may be result of lack of water
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialists are getting reports of browning arborvitae across the state. If your arborvitae is turning brown, it might be a sign of drought stress that began last fall, says Debi Kelly, University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist.