Image
Published
Plant soybean early for best yields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Early planting remains strongly associated with soybean yield, according to research by University of Missouri state soybean farming system specialist Andre Reis.
Image
Published
Consider ROI before applying fungicides
Before applying fungicides this season, growers should carefully consider the potential return on investment (ROI), says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. In years where disease pressure is low, the cost of application may outweigh the benefits.
Image
Published
Tips to avoid black bears
With hiking and camping season right around the corner, a University of Missouri Extension has tips on how to prevent and avoid problems when in bear habitat.
Image
Published
Youth gardening offers creative learning opportunities
Growing plants teaches kids more than just gardening skills, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Donna Aufdenberg.
Image
Published
Watch for red crown rot in soybean
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri soybean growers should be alert for red crown rot (RCR) in 2026, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. The soilborne pathogen was confirmed in nine Missouri counties during the 2025 growing season after its initial detection in Marion County in 2024.
Image
Published
Smartphones can save lives on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Your smartphone can improve farm safety during calving or planting this spring, says University of Missouri Extension state specialist for health and safety Karen Funkenbusch.
Image
Published
Construction underway on new SCN Diagnostics Lab on MU campus
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Construction is underway on the new Soybean Cyst Nematode Diagnostics Lab at the University of Missouri, with completion expected by July 2026. Work on the facility began in late February.
Image
Published
Sign up for pest alerts
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Now is the time to sign up for the University of Missouri’s Pest Monitoring Network. The free, timely pest alerts can be an early-warning system for farmers, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida.
Image
Published
MU Extension refocuses Family Nutrition Education Programs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is repositioning its Family Nutrition Education Programs (FNEP) to strengthen nutrition education and family health resources for the most under-resourced communities across Missouri.
Image
Published
Youths test knowledge at State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest drew 45 youths from across the state on March 1. Participants tested their knowledge in a quiz bowl setting on the University of Missouri campus. The event was hosted with the help of the Mizzou Equine Teaching Facility and held at the MU Animal Science Research Center.
Image
Published
4-H State Horse Judging Contest
The Missouri 4-H State Horse Judging Contest, Feb. 28, drew 70 youths from across the state to William Woods University in Fulton. Throughout the day, youths put their equine expertise to the test by evaluating eight classes – four halter and four performance – and delivering one or two sets of oral reasons to justify their decisions.
Image
Published
4-H State Meats Judging Contest
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri 4-H State Meats Judging Contest on Saturday, Feb. 21, drew youths from 10 counties across the state. Participants demonstrated their knowledge of the meat industry by evaluating six retail or carcass classes representing beef, pork or lamb, identifying 30 retail cuts and presenting one or two sets of oral reasons to justify their placings.
Image
Published
Making sense of smart agriculture: Why trusted guidance matters
For Missouri farmers navigating the challenges and opportunities of rapid technological change, MU Extension offers unbiased, research-based guidance to help producers cut through the noise and make smart, practical decisions.
Image
Published
Seed selection is important spring decision
With gardening time right around the corner, gardeners have many seed sources to choose from. Picking the right seeds can make a big difference in the success of your garden.
Image
Published
Resources for Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Access resources and tips to prepare for severe weather, including tornadoes, floods, and emergency planning.
Image
Published
Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with Bells of Ireland
COLUMBIA, Mo. – St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and all things green, including leprechauns and shamrocks. While shamrock is a well-known symbol of good luck, Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) is another interesting plant associated with good fortune, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Image
Published
Pollinators: Patience pays off
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Don’t get too anxious about cleaning your yard for spring, says Gwen Funk, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in horticulture. “Warmer temperatures may entice you to rake leaves, trim back flower stems or remove mulch, but both plants and insects are still sleeping and are not fooled by mother nature’s teasing temperatures,” she says.
Image
Published
Carey Portell’s next chapter
ST. JAMES, Mo. – A devastating 2010 car crash and a series of reconstructive surgeries spanning years reshaped cattle producer Carey Portell’s body and her future. Through the Missouri AgrAbility Project, Portell learned how to keep farming safely. And not only has she continued to farm, she has become an author, speaker and advocate.
Image
Published
Celebrating Missouri 4-H Century Families
The Missouri 4-H Foundation recently recognized three families with the Missouri 4-H Century Family Award, which celebrates families whose combined years of 4-H membership and volunteer service total 100 years or more, demonstrating a multigenerational commitment to youth leadership, learning and community impact.
Image
Published
MU FRTI Winter Fire School
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In February, the 45th annual University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute Winter Fire School drew hundreds of dedicated firefighters and emergency services professionals for an intensive weekend of hands-on learning, professional development, and networking.
Image
Published
Shamrock plants: Rockin’ by day, dozin’ at night
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Few houseplants are as charming and whimsical as the shamrock plant, says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Gwen Funk. These intriguing houseplants capture attention year-round, not just on St. Patrick’s Day.
Image
Published
As state’s bear population grows, MU Extension offers guidance
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new publication from University of Missouri Extension looks at black bears, their ecology and how research by the Missouri Department of Conservation helps us better understand their behavior and growing numbers. Ecology and Management of Black Bears in Missouri is available for free download.
Image
Published
New accounts aim to jump-start retirement savings for children
A new type of tax-advantaged account created under recent federal tax law changes could give some children a significant head start on long-term investing, but families should understand both the opportunities and the limits before jumping in.
Image
Published
Alpha-gal syndrome changes how we socialize
The rising number of Missourians diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is changing how individuals and families eat and socialize. Alpha-gal syndrome causes allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal-derived products.
Image
Published
MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic earns national accreditation
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic has earned national accreditation from the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). The four-year accreditation, which began March 1, 2026, recognizes the clinic’s continued commitment to high-quality diagnostic services, said Peng Tian, lab director and an MU assistant extension professor.