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More Missouri farmers growing peanuts
Missouri farmers in the Bootheel region are expanding peanut acreage for more profitable, soil-enhancing crop rotations.
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Plant bulbs in fall for spring beauty
Plant bulbs in fall for beautiful spring blooms. Choose early, mid, and late-blooming varieties for continuous color and plant in groups for impact.
Order apple trees in fall for spring planting
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fall is prime time for harvesting juicy, crunchy fresh apples at their peak of perfection. “While munching on those tasty fall treats, make sure to peruse the nursery catalogs and place an order for apple trees to plant in your own yard,” says Michele Warmund, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
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Let the gourd times roll
Learn how to harvest, cure, and store gourds for decoration, crafts, and seed saving this fall.
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Missouri 4-H places first at All-American Dairy Cattle Judging Contest
Missouri 4-H dairy team wins first at the All-American Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, with all members ranking in the top 20.
Make sure bulls are ready for fall breeding season
STOCKTON, Mo. – Make sure bulls are physically and reproductively sound before the fall breeding season, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis.
MU Extension hosts regional leadership development program
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Twenty-seven leaders from 13 states graduated from the North Central Cooperative National Extension Leadership Development (NELD) program, hosted by MU Extension’s Missouri Training Institute (MTI).
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Pumpkin ushers in fall decorations, foods
Celebrate fall with pumpkins for decorations, cooking, and seasonal traditions.
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Off-farm income crucial to many ag producers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farm households increasingly rely on off-farm income. A report from University of Missouri Extension notes that, on average, 82% of farm household income comes from outside the farm. More than half of the principal operators of farms have primary jobs off the farm, said Alan Spell, MU assistant extension professor and a co-author of the report.
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MU Extension guide shows how cover crops can benefit pollinators, wildlife
Learn how cover crops can boost pollinator populations, support wildlife, and improve soil and farm productivity.
Family business overcomes loss, Mueller Industries - St. Louis, MO
Mueller Industries in St. Louis adapted after losing its founder and main client, creating new products and finding growth through fresh markets.
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September is Suicide Prevention Month
Learn resources and support for suicide prevention in rural communities during National Suicide Prevention Month.
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Students compete on broadband expansion plans for NW Missouri
University students compete to create plans expanding high-speed broadband access for northwest Missouri communities.
NW Missouri broadband planning offers statewide model
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Efforts to expand broadband access and digital literacy in northwestern Missouri can be a model for the rest of the state, said B.J. Tanksley, director of broadband development for the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
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Safety no accident, says family of tractor rollover victim
Family recounts a 2018 tractor rollover, urging constant use of roll-over protection and seat belts to prevent needless loss.
Missouri farmers seeking rollover protection devices for tractors
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Since 2016, more than 70 Missouri farmers asked for help to install tractor rollover protection (ROP) devices from a national program that provides rebates, but the waiting list is long, and only one Missouri farmer has received assistance so far.
Make your mowing habits a cut above
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mowing is a leading cause of farm tractor rollover accidents, which, in turn, are a leading cause of farm fatalities. Smaller utility or garden-type tractors equipped with deck or belly mowers are also susceptible to rollovers and tip overs on hilly terrain.
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Farming: The most dangerous job in the U.S.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Each year, more people die while farming than while serving as police officers, firefighters or other emergency responders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a rate of 23 work-related deaths per 100,000 workers in the agricultural industry. That is seven times higher than the national average for workers.
MU Extension offers mental health resources for farmers, ranchers
Stress relief tips for farmers and ranchers during harvest—tune in, take a break, get rest, and care for yourself amid challenging conditions.
Review safety practices on the farm with children
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many consider the farm an ideal place to raise children. But with all its idyllic charm come dangers, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
Take care when driving in Amish, Mennonite communities
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A weekend drive through Amish and Mennonite communities provides a pleasant glimpse of simpler times in rural areas. But don’t let that drive turn into a tragedy, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. These communities with horse-drawn buggies call for extra caution, she says. Rural roadways, often narrow or graveled, present dangers. Trees, corn and large equipment…
New AgriStress Helpline available to Missouri farmers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers and rural families seeking mental health support can turn to the new AgriStress Helpline. Farmers and ranchers take pride in their ability to handle challenges and are often reluctant to seek help, particularly for mental health issues, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. The goal of the AgriStress Helpline is to ensure free, confidential help.
Consider lawn needs in fall
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For home lawns, Missouri weather is like Goldilocks’ porridge. For some types of grass it’s too hot and for others it’s too cold. In Missouri, the hard part is finding a grass for which the weather is “just right.”There is no one-size-fits-all grass for Missouri lawns, say University of Missouri Extension horticulturists Robert Balek and Justin Keay. Missouri’s weather extremes are too hot for cool-season grasses and…
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Tar spot of corn confirmed in NE Missouri
Tar spot, a corn disease that can reduce yields, is confirmed in northeastern Missouri. Monitor crops for early signs.
Sunflower: The story of this summer goddess begins with search for love
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The sunflower’s story begins with a tale of unrequited love. According to Greek mythology, the water nymph Clytie fell in love with the god of the sun, Apollo, who dazzled the earth as he drove his golden chariot across the sky each day. When he rejected Clytie’s affection, it nearly drove her mad. She spent days without food or water as she searched the heavens and waited for Apollo to appear.