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Herbs: A valuable and simple addition to the garden
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Homegrown herbs may earn their keep better than any other crop in the garden, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. “Most commonly grown herbs are relatively pest-free and require minimal maintenance,” says Marlin Bates. “Couple that with the cost of fresh herbs at the supermarket and you can see why a small investment in herb plants this spring could save more on the food bill than…
Food safety: Don’t let unwanted guests spoil your summer fun
Keep summer gatherings safe by preventing foodborne illness with proper handling, cooling, and hygiene for outdoor meals.
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Thinking beyond the green bean
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Green beans are a staple in many vegetable gardens. A University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist suggests making room for other types of beans as well.“For gardeners who are looking to try something new, consider planting a few rows of dry beans,” said Marlin Bates. In addition to green beans, the legume family offers a wide range of edible seeds: black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, kidney beans and…
Raw vegetables not always healthier than cooked veggies
LAMAR, Mo. – Which is better for you: raw or cooked vegetables? The answer may surprise you, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist. “We’ve always heard that raw vegetables are healthier than cooked because cooking destroys nutrients. In some cases that’s not true,” said Tammy Roberts.
Call insurance adjuster to determine hail damage
Inspect hail damage? Get an insurance adjuster to evaluate missing granules, dented vents, roof “bruise” spots, and whether hail size triggers replacement.
Saving your food when the power goes off
Learn which refrigerated or frozen foods to save or discard after a blackout and how to limit spoilage.
Follow state law when disposing of dead animals
MT. VERNON, Mo. –Rural landowners in southwest Missouri have begun cleanup after the severe tornadoes and thunderstorms on May 22. Many agricultural producers are left to also deal with the remains of livestock that were killed during the series of storms that passed through the area.
Vacationing on a budget
The summer is almost here and that usually means families hit the road. But with high gas prices and a sluggish economy, many are having second thoughts about this year's vacation. Yet family fun doesn't have to break the bank. Learn how in this video news story.
Would corn by any other name taste as sweet?
Explore different sweet corn varieties and their unique flavors, from traditional favorites to new hybrids that bring enhanced sweetness and tenderness.
Take care using chain saws during storm recovery work
MARSHFIELD, Mo. — Homeowners and disaster-recovery volunteers who use chain saws should use extreme caution to prevent injuries. “In the hands of a careless, inexperienced or tired operator, a chain saw can be very hazardous. Injuries from a chain saw are usually ragged and traumatic,” said Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
How to replace lost documents after a disaster or loss
Learn how to replace lost or destroyed documents like IDs, deeds, and certificates after a disaster or personal loss.
Avoiding injury during post-disaster cleanup
SEDALIA, Mo.– Megan Webb, nutrition and health education specialist for University of Missouri Extension, advises homeowners and disaster-recovery volunteers to be safe during the cleanup process in this video news story.
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A safe room of one's own
JOPLIN, Mo. – Harold Noirfalise used to curse the big steel box in the garage of his Joplin home. It was there when he and his wife, Brenda, bought the house a couple years ago. The box shared space with a pickup, a car and a workshop where he built radio-controlled model airplanes, making for a crowded garage.
Renters rights following a disaster
Learn your rights as a renter after a disaster, including safety, repairs, and lease considerations.
To Iraq and Back
FAYETTE, Mo. – It’s not exactly beating swords into plowshares, but a University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist spent 18 months in Iraq helping promote peace through farming.
Make a splash but don't get sick
Avoid getting sick while swimming by practicing good hygiene, not swallowing water, and staying out when ill.
Freezing summer's bounty
LAMAR, Mo. – During the gray, cold days of winter, your garden’s bounty can be as close as your freezer. Freezing fresh fruits and vegetables now lets you enjoy them long after the growing season.
Tips for watering your lawn during a drought
GALENA, Mo. –Hot, dry weather has put lawns to the test this summer. As a result, many homeowners are attempting to keep their lawns active and alive by irrigating. It’s normal for cool-season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass to go dormant in mid-summer, said Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
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Time flies, so don't waste it
CARTHAGE, Mo. – Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. However, the way you use those hours can mean the difference between getting important things done and just doing tasks.Saving time is often a balancing act between efficiency and effectiveness. Important projects should take priority over checking smaller items off your list said Janet LaFon, consumer and family economic specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
Taking the cellphone to school
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Should parents let kids take their cellphones to school? A University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist looks at the pros and cons.First, parents should check with school officials about policies on cellphone usage, said Alan J. Mundey. “Most school administrations tend to regard cellphones as disruptive and distracting, so they may prohibit their use on school grounds.”The pros
Fall gardening feeds body and spirit
Discover how fall gardening provides fresh produce and nurtures both body and spirit.
Dry weather can lead to a lethal lunch
Most people don’t think of grass as poison, but dry weather and drought can turn a pasture dangerous. Nitrates and prussic acid built to lethal levels in the stems and leaves of some plants as the hot days of July and August slowed forage growth to a halt. To protect your herd, University of Missouri Extension experts recommend a simple test to ensure cows aren’t chewing their way to disaster.
Success in school is a family affair
OZARK, Mo. — Teachers have children in the classroom for about seven hours a day, but what happens during the other 17 hours can make or break your child’s success in school.Attitude can make all the difference, says a University of Missouri Extension human development specialist.
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MU drought simulators stop the rain
Innovative field platforms shield test plots from rain to study how crops like corn and soybeans respond to drought stress for improved resilience.
Aerospace Camp teaches rocket science
ROLLA, Mo.— “It’s not rocket science.” The phrase is often used to assure people that something is simple and easy to understand. At the same time, it pushes the idea that actual rocket science is really hard—and certainly not for kids.