Data-driven insights for harvest timing
The MU Extension publication “Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Missouri” can help farmers plan with confidence. It draws on 20 years of weather data to show weekly averages of days suitable for fieldwork. It also includes formulas to estimate how much acreage can be covered per day and size equipment to match available field time.
More than 90% of state in drought as harvest nears
As harvest nears, MU Extension agronomists see signs of flash drought threatening Missouri crop yields. The U.S. Drought Monitor map for Missouri released on Sept. 4 shows that 93.68% of Missouri is at least abnormally dry following an unusually wet spring.
Missouri corn adds a-maize-ing complexity to whiskey
MU Extension researchers are working to help Missouri corn growers who provide corn to distilleries for brewed corn whiskey. As of 2024, the state was home to 71 active craft distilleries. The corn whiskey business, as part Missouri’s broader distilling industry, has a substantial economic footprint.
Scout crops now for corn leafhopper
Missouri growers urged to scout corn for invasive corn leafhopper, a tiny yellow pest that spreads corn stunt disease, causing deformed grain and yield loss.
First reports of Japanese beetles received in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management reports the capture of its first Japanese beetles of the season, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. The beetles appeared in Stoddard, Barton, Christian and Holt counties, as reported by MU’s Pest Monitoring Network, which gathers information from across the state.
Replant or roll with it? MU guide weighs costs, payoffs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When faced with a sparse or failed stand, crop producers have to ask themselves a difficult question: Should I replant?
Scout deep into fields for tar spot
Good scouting is the best way to identify tar spot in corn, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Tar spot was confirmed in June of 2023 and 2024 in Missouri, which is earlier than in previous years, when the disease showed up in August or September. This earlier appearance is likely to continue because Missouri’s spring air temperatures are favorable for the disease, says Bish.
MU IPM issues pest alerts for black cutworm, true armyworm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management has issued its first pest alerts of the growing season. MU Extension state field crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida says corn and wheat growers should be on the lookout for early season pests, including black cutworm and true armyworm.
MU releases payment plan decision tool for corn, soybean, wheat
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the deadline approaches for growers to select between USDA safety net programs, University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center has developed a tool to help growers decide which plans to choose for their major crops.
MU Extension guide looks at corn leafhopper
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new University of Missouri Extension publication offers corn growers help in identifying Missouri’s newest corn pest, the corn leafhopper. MU Extension state crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida says “Biology and Management of Corn Leafhopper” offers insights on corn stunt disease and strategies to manage this new pest.
Sign up now for 2025 crop pest alerts
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Pest Monitoring Network offers free, timely pest alerts to farmers and gardeners, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. Early detection allows farmers to take quick action before infestations become severe. By scouting and monitoring their fields, farmers can make management decisions to prevent yield loss and reduce pesticide use.
Are there opportunities to cut fertilizer costs in 2025?
Farmers may save on fertilizer in 2025 by reducing phosphorus, potassium, or lime on medium- to high-testing soils without lowering yields.
10 ways to manage high input costs in 2025
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomist Wayne Flanary says 2025 likely will be a year when corn producers need to batten down the hatches to offset low sale prices and high input costs. MU Extension ag business economist Ben Brown and others predict that corn prices will fall below the $4.30 mark by the end of 2025, a marked drop from $6.54 per bushel in 2023.
Look for signs of corn leafhoppers in 2025
Watch for corn leafhoppers in 2025, as they spread corn stunt disease and reduce yields.
MU Extension joins multistate study of pig manure as corn fertilizer
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is studying the use of pig manure as a crop fertilizer in research at the MU Bradford Research Farm in Columbia.
Buying corn silage to feed beef cows in winter
Farmers consider corn silage for winter: higher in digestible nutrients than hay, but costlier and spoilage-prone unless stored and hauled carefully.
Avoid applying fall anhydrous in northern, central Missouri
Northern‐central Missouri fields face high nitrogen loss risk when applying anhydrous ammonia in fall; soil temps need to drop below 40°F.
Corn planting pops at MU Hundley-Whaley Center
Two acres of popcorn are planted annually in Albany. Colorful varieties are grown for fundraisers, local events and shared community-filled popcorn outreach.
MU Extension offers listing of farm apps
Explore mobile tools to support farm decisions—from weather and crop models to weed identification and water use planning.
Late planting, wet harvest require special storage attention
Late-planted or wet-harvested corn needs careful storage to prevent mold, manage moisture, and maintain quality.
Japanese beetle numbers increasing in corn, soybean
Japanese beetles are rising in corn and soybean fields, causing defoliation and silk clipping. Scouting and timely control are key.
Tar spot growing in Missouri corn crops
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A yield-robbing corn disease, tar spot, is gaining ground in Missouri. Tar spot has been confirmed in 19 counties in 2024, says University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Corn growers in nearly half of the state’s counties have reported tar spot since Missouri’s first confirmed case in 2018.
Strip trials an effective way to test nitrogen rates on cornfields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On-farm strip trials are an effective way for farmers to test their nitrogen fertilizer rate on corn. “A wet May has lots of farmers wondering about the nitrogen status of their corn crop,” said John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist. “Wet conditions and warm soils can lead to nitrogen loss of fertilizer.”
MU Graves-Chapple Center compares corn, soybean tillage systems over decades
Decades of research in northwest Missouri show no-till farming yields high returns and reduces costs for corn and soybean production.
Cattle producers urged to watch for prussic acid poisoning
Cattle may face prussic acid poisoning from sorghum grasses; monitor pastures carefully to prevent sudden livestock deaths.