New resources help small businesses leverage social media
COLUMBIA, Mo.—Social media has changed how consumers connect with brands, but small business owners may find it a challenge to use social media to grow their business, says TaylorAnn Washburn of University of Missouri Extension. Two new MU Extension publications, which are available for free download, help business owners take on social media with a focused approach, Washburn said.
Extension horticulturist named Conservationist of the Year
KEARNEY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Todd Higgins was recently named Conservationist of the Year by the Show-Me chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
Free soil health workshops offered in Waynesville, Owensville
University of Missouri Extension will offer free training on “Understanding Your Soil Needs” March 19 in Waynesville and April 26 in Owensville. “This comprehensive in-person class will help you improve your land’s productivity,” says MU Extension agronomist Rudra Baral. “Whether you’re a farmer, gardener or landowner, you’ll gain practical knowledge and learn hands-on techniques to improve soil health and boost crop growth.”
MU Extension offers webinar series on warm-season gardening
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a webinar series on growing summer vegetables 6-8 p.m. on April 8, 10, 15 and 17 to help small farmers grow warm-season crops.
'Root to Profit' equips producers with fruit tree grafting skills, business strategies
Aspiring and established small farmers can improve their business planning and orchard management skills through hands-on workshops in March and April. University of Missouri Extension will offer “Root to Profit: Apple and Pear Tree Grafting and Small Farm Business Essentials” workshops across the Show-Me State this spring:
Are insects the future of food?
Insects are a sustainable, nutritious food source gaining attention. Learn about their benefits, the role they could play in the future of food, and more.
Missouri has become a peanut powerhouse
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – Missouri farmers may have grown the peanuts that you enjoy in holiday candies like peanut brittle or peanut clusters. In 2020, the USDA named Missouri a primary peanut-producing state, a designation for states averaging more than 10,000 tons of peanut production annually over three years, says Justin Calhoun, University of Missouri Extension soil and cropping systems specialist.
MU Extension offers vegetable production series
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a seven-part webinar series in January and February on how to manage vegetable crops for maximum yield. The series runs 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 25, 2025.
Early grape harvest in Missouri in 2024: low yield but high quality
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s grape harvest this year is, for the most part, early throughout the state. The reason for the early harvest is the low crop yield, which is mainly due to frost last spring, according to Dean Volenberg, interim director of the University of Missouri Grape and Wine Institute and viticulture program leader. “The good news is the grape quality is very high this year; it should be a very good vintage,” Volenberg…
FDA finalizes the preharvest water rule: What does it mean for produce growers?
Earlier this year, the FDA issued a final rule related to the preharvest agricultural water requirements for covered produce stipulated in the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule.
Missouri growers are sweet on honey of a berry
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The 2024 “Miss Congeniality” of Missouri backyard fruits might be honeyberry. Honeyberry’s ability to thrive in conditions that often challenge blueberries makes it a promising choice for gardeners seeking a productive and low-maintenance fruit, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. This crowned jewel of a bush grows in a variety of soils and resists disease and pests.
The woods: Missouri's other place to shop for food
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Look no further than your local woods for fresh, flavorful fruits and nuts, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Kelly McGowan. In the woods, you’ll find a colorful and tasty assortment of edible delights, including wild strawberry, gooseberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, plums, mulberry, elderberry, grapes, persimmons, pawpaws and nuts, McGowan says.
'Don't bag it' approach can make lawn mowing easier
COLUMBIA, Mo. - You can save yourself some yardwork this year and do your lawn a favor by not bagging those grass clippings you mow, said a University of Missouri Extension turf scientist. "Grass clippings do not have to be removed to have a healthy, vigorous lawn," said Brad Fresenburg. "With a few simple steps, you can have a beautiful lawn without collecting your grass clippings."
Growing sweet peppers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The colorful sweet pepper is the Christmas ornament of the vegetable garden, bearing fruit that ranges from red, orange, yellow and white to purple and chocolate black. Growing A member of the nightshade family, the sweet pepper is a relative of potato and tomato. Like its cousins, it is easy to establish if started using plants rather than seeds. It can’t tolerate cool weather, so wait until the danger of frost has…