'Bee' mindful of pollinators when spraying fruit crops

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Bees are a fruit tree owner’s friend and need special protection from pesticides, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund.Bees are essential to pollinate many fruit crops, including apple, pear, Japanese plums, sweet cherries, blueberry and elderberry, says Warmund.

From Idea to Fruition

ROLLA, Mo. – Men have long dominated the forestry industry, but within the last 30 years women have made great strides in forestry, according to the United States Forestry Service. University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Sarah Havens is one individual helping women find their passion in the field of forestry.

First MU Master Pollinator Steward classes begin in May

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The first series of University of Missouri Extension Master Pollinator Steward classes begins mid-May in Jefferson City.Pollinators play a crucial role in the production of fruits, vegetables, honey and field crops, said MU Extension horticulturist James Quinn. Declining populations of bees, birds, butterflies, bats and insects led MU Extension to develop a curriculum to help the public learn about pollinators and…

Beekeeping class set in Hillsboro

HILLSBORO, Mo. – Scott Moser, longtime beekeeper and president of the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association, will teach a beginning beekeeper class at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Jefferson County, 301 Third St., Hillsboro.The class will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. For more information, call 636-797-5391.MU Extension and Jefferson County Beekeepers sponsor the class.