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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.
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Annual historic garden walk set for May 16-17 in Ste. Genevieve
The annual garden walk and plant sale sponsored by Ste. Genevieve Master Gardeners will feature 20 gardens 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 16-17 in Ste. Genevieve’s historic district. MU Extension Master Gardeners will open gardens with prized roses, peonies, foxglove, iris and more against a backdrop of historic French colonial homes typical of the 18th century.
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Women Landowners Leading Regeneration to host sessions in 3 states
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture is bringing together women landowners and will host in-person gatherings in Missouri, Iowa and Kansas this year.
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How gardens help children thrive
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Of all the things growing in a garden, children are the most important. April is National Gardening Month and an ideal time to discuss the need to teach youngsters about what unfortunately is becoming a lost art, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “The benefits of encouraging a child to plant their own garden are numerous, long-lived and transformational,” said Trinklein.
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Replacement heifers can be opportunity in diversifying beef enterprises
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Beef heifers represent a great opportunity for increasing cowherd numbers and diversifying enterprises,” said Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist. Bailey will talk about this opportunity at the May 5-6 “Retain With Intention: Building a Better Missouri Cow Herd” program at the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm in Columbia.
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Old pots can hurt new plants
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardeners are well known for their thriftiness and commitment to protecting the environment. However, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, a false sense of economy can sometimes work against the health of the garden.
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Pollinator-friendly plants that are easy to grow, maintain
This spring, fill your garden with annuals that look great, work hard and roll out the welcome mat for pollinators, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Kathi Mecham. Many pollinator-friendly annuals are easy to grow in gardens or containers, readily available at garden centers and bloom nonstop until frost.
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Cultivating calm: Zen gardens bring peace home
While any chance to work with plants can boost one’s mood, Zen gardening is a garden style specifically designed to reduce stress and foster creativity.
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Adding value, strengthening farms
For farm families navigating a complicated economic landscape and wondering how to bring the next generation into the business in a way that makes financial sense, value-added agriculture can be a practical solution to these challenges.
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Get better hay, better returns with small changes
Hay quality has a direct impact on livestock performance and feeding costs, yet many producers lose value long before hay reaches the feeder, says University of Missouri Extension field agronomist Rudra Baral. The good news: Most quality losses are tied to management decisions that producers can control.
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Alpha-gal syndrome gives new urgency to tick prevention
As temperatures rise and people begin camping, fishing and farming, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the health dangers posed by ticks, says University of Missouri and Lincoln University Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff.
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Missouri’s health challenges reflect larger systems
Missouri’s health gaps aren’t just about clinics and hospitals. Where people live, work and connect shapes access to food, transportation, housing and care. Strengthening these systems can make healthier choices easier and improve health outcomes statewide.
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Expand the herd with the right replacement heifers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most beef cattle operations in Missouri develop and breed their own heifers rather than purchase bred replacements. Because replacement females represent one of the largest costs in producing a calf, choosing and managing the right ones is critical for long-term herd success.
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Clover Classic Golf Tournament set for June 2
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Registration is open for the 16th Annual Clover Classic Golf Tournament, set for June 2, at the Gustin Golf Course in Columbia. The event supports Missouri 4-H, University of Missouri Extension’s youth development program.
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MU Extension updates custom rates for Missouri farm services
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has updated its Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri guide, which provides current estimates of charges and payments for common custom farming activities across the state.
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Celebrating service to Missouri during National Volunteer Month
Whether through local organizations or simple acts of neighboring, volunteering creates connection, purpose and stronger communities across Missouri.
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Missouri 4-H State Rabbit Day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H welcomed 30 youths and their families on March 21 to its annual State Rabbit Day. The event, hosted by Melissa Stong of Bates County and Kelsey Fuller, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H educator, gave families the chance to learn more about the rabbit industry through judging contests and educational sessions.
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Helping kids manage stress
MU researchers have learned that when stress creates more tension or conflict at home, children are more likely to show signs like anxiety, pulling away or acting out. But they also found one skill that reliably helps protect kids from these challenges: self‑regulation.
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Plant a garden and believe in tomorrow
National Garden Month is observed in April, when gardeners are impatiently waiting to exercise their green thumbs, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein, who explains some of the benefits of planting a garden.