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MU drainage system increases yields, reduces nutrient runoff
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri agronomists found corn and soybean yields increase by 20 percent or more when they use drainage control systems, said Kelly Nelson, MU Extension agronomist at the Greenley Research Center, Novelty. A combination of drainage and subirrigation boosts corn yields by 45 percent and soybean yields by 20 percent in claypan soils, Nelson said. The Greenley system allows excess water to drain and be…
Advice for choosing a tax preparer
If you pay someone to do your taxes, be careful. Most tax return preparers are professional and honest, but some are not. Some preparers offer high-cost services or arrange refund anticipation loans that reduce refunds. Take the time to find a qualified tax professional.
Beware of tax scams
Don’t fall victim to tax scams These schemes take several shapes, ranging from promises of large tax refunds to illegal ways of “untaxing” yourself. The IRS suggests that you remember three important guidelines:
Paying to borrow your own money is a bad deal
Payday loans often trap borrowers in cycles of debt due to high interest rates and fees, making them a costly option for covering expenses.
Grant writing workshop set in Hillsboro
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 6-9 pm. Monday, Jan. 29, in Hillsboro.
Downtown Hannibal business cooks up success with MU Extension
HANNIBAL, Mo. – In her 20s, Linda Studer had a dream of opening a business in historic Hannibal.
EPA extends deadline for poultry and livestock facilities
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist Teng Lim advises poultry and livestock producers to be aware of an approaching deadline that could affect their operations.
Workshop helps new farmers, ranchers, military vets understand ABCs of USDA, other agencies
ELDON, Mo. – Openings remain for a free Jan. 24 workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop.
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4-H after-school program nurtures 'seeds of possibility'
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – “Quiet on the set! Camera ready?” “Ready!” The scene: A corridor at Johnson Elementary in Kansas City’s Hickman Mills school district. A girl stands in front of the camera holding a clapper board, a device familiar to anyone who’s watched movies about Hollywood. “Scene one, take six,” she says. “Action!” calls the director. Three actors amble toward the camera. The characters talk about their weekend. “Cut.”
Slow cooker tips for tasty meals
Discover helpful slow cooker tips for creating delicious, easy meals with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days and tasty, nutritious dishes!
Slow cooker heats up winter meals
Use your slow cooker to prepare hearty, budget-friendly winter meals with these helpful tips for easy cooking and cleanup.
Winter a good time to test for radon
MARSHFIELD, Mo.– While you wait for the spring thaw, consider testing your home for harmful radon gas, says Bob Schultheis, a University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist.
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Compost bedded pack barns offer cow comfort and higher production
Compost-bedded pack barns improve cow comfort, boost milk production, and support herd health with better bedding management.
Protect against colds and flu with vitamin E
BETHANY, Mo. – Cold and flu season is in full swing. One defense against them is to get plenty of vitamin E. Researchers at Tufts University’s USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging found that vitamin E improves the body’s response to the flu vaccine and reduces the risk of upper respiratory infections, says Janet Hackert, regional nutrition and health education specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
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Edgewood Dairy and Creamery's success starts with MU grazing school
PURDY, Mo. – Twenty years ago, Charles Fletcher of Edgewood Dairy and Creamery attended a University of Missouri Extension grazing school. It would change the future of the family dairy operation. Fletcher’s father started the dairy farm in 1966. His father milked cows by hand 365 days a year, morning and night. In 1993, the Fletcher family formed a partnership that included poultry and dairy. Rising input costs and time forced them…
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Couple returns from Asia to raise children and food in the country
ROLLA, Mo. – Eric and Pathoumma Meusch had a hard time finding good-quality, locally grown foods when they moved from Asia to Eric’s hometown of Rolla.They grew their own food and soon received requests from friends and neighbors to buy food. They opened Meusch Farms in 2010. They shared their experiences at a recent “Grow Your Farm” workshop sponsored by University of Missouri Extension.
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Fifth-generation rancher becomes MU Extension beef nutrition specialist
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fifth-generation rancher Eric Bailey joins University of Missouri Extension as state beef nutrition specialist.He came to Mizzou for “its desire to innovate and be leaders in the next generation of beef producers.” He will work with specialists on beef cattle nutrition. He plans to meet beef farmers and leaders across the state.
Garden critters: 'Frenemies' in grow places
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Cute critters by day. Thieves by night.
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Change helps Monett farm survive
MONETT, Mo. – Fourth-generation farmer Mike Meier knows change will help his family’s Century Farm survive.The rotational grazing and breeding system he uses for his dairy herd works. Now he wants to apply those principles to beef cattle. “At 56, I wanted to go in a different direction,” he says.He wants to see how much profit per acre he can make by switching from dairy to beef cattle. He is building his cattle herd as he prepares to…
Ag workers at high risk of heat illnesses
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Agriculture workers are 20 times more likely than other workers to die from heat.Heat deaths are 100 percent preventable with water, rest and shade, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
Soybean growers fund research, then share results at Show-Me Soy School
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers spending their own dollars for soybean research at the University of Missouri will hear results July 14.Researchers share results with all farmers, not just those in the Missouri Soybean Association. Suppliers, agribusiness reps, educators and agency officials are welcome.
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Blindness helps man find opportunities for others in ag
MORRISON, Mo. – Jim Brinkmann’s blindness does not keep him from helping others with vision problems reach their potential.
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MU Master Gardeners build mini-greenhouses
VERSAILLES, Mo. – Ozark Prairie Master Gardeners know that good things come in small packages. That is why mini-greenhouses are growing throughout the Lake of the Ozarks region. The mini-greenhouses are the brainchild of Dan Britton, president of the Ozark Prairie Master Gardeners chapter in Morgan County.
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Plant turnips in late July
COLUMBIA, Mo. – An old Missouri saying advises, “On the 25th of July, sow your turnips, wet or dry,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
46 to be inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame
SEDALIA, Mo. – Forty-six Missourians will be inducted into the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center on the State Fair Community College campus in Sedalia.The Missouri 4-H Foundation annually recognizes the work of 4-H friends and volunteers through its recognition and awards program, said Rachel Augustine, interim director of the Missouri 4-H Foundation.