COLUMBIA, Mo. – The best time to prune fruit trees in Missouri is midwinter, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Debi Kelly.
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Prune oak trees in winter to reduce oak wilt risk and protect healthy trees from infection and beetle spread.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– The long, harsh winter coupled with last fall’
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After biting into an unripe persimmon, most experience a reaction called “pucker mouth.” Some liken it to having their tongue covered with fur. The offending substances behind this sensation are tannins, naturally occurring compounds that are so astringent they have the power to turn an…
BUTLER, Mo. – One of the best rewards during pumpkin season are the seeds. They taste great, can be flavored in multiple ways and are great for snacks and salad toppers.
When you first remove the seeds from the pumpkin, however, it’s kind of a slimy mess. But it’s easy to clean them up.
Celebrate fall with pumpkins for decorations, cooking, and seasonal traditions.
Discover pumpkins’ rich history, decorative appeal, and nutritional benefits, from ancient staple to modern fall favorite.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Findings by University of Missouri scientists indicate that zinc oxide nanoparticles could be a weapon against harmful molds and bacteria in food.
A Missouri farmer achieves strong first-year results with warm-season grasses, boosting forage and wildlife habitat.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Homeowners should put a lot of thought in selecting the right lawn-care service, said a University of Missouri turf grass scientist."You should always follow some basic guidelines in choosing a lawn-care company," said Brad Fresenburg.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - High commodity prices provide an opportunity for landowners to increase their income by converting pasture to crop production. This has created urgency among cattlemen to secure grazing land for their cattle and other livestock, said a University of Missouri Extension…
Aviation-lighting firm expands markets, upgrades to ISO 13485, and grows sales with trade assistance support.
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Quail populations are increasing at a Missouri research farm thanks to habitat management and conservation practices.
High-quality heifers averaged $2,427 at the Fruitland sale, with top genetics, AI-bred calves, and buyers competing for strong bids.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Recent news may have some consumers confused about the status of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
BOONVILLE, Mo. – Pesticide handling remains one of the most hazardous tasks on the farm, says Todd Lorenz, University of Missouri Extension agronomist.
Heavy rain and heat can cause ponding in fields, stressing corn and soybean seedlings and affecting growth and yield.
Missouri sees drought relief as recent rains improve soil moisture, streamflow, and overall water conditions statewide.
A rare Perry County fish thrives as local farming practices improve water quality in the region's caves.
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…
The poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou could serve as an anthem for the average woman and girl, for all of us who do not look like the models we see in magazines or the actresses we see on television. Angelou has written a love poem for every girl or woman who has struggled with body image.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– It’s not easy and the results may be less than hoped for, but a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist suggests anyone with a green thumb might try reblooming a poinsettia at least once.
Boost your herd’s success with proper heifer development, nutrition, breeding, and health management strategies.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Smishing, a combination of “SMS” and “phishing,” is a type of cyberattack that targets individuals through SMS or other forms of text messages.
2024 has not been an ideal year for thrips management due to the consistent overcast during the daytime hours. This restricts thrips movement, and in hand can increase injury. Hot and sunny conditions are ideal not because thrips are more active, but because cotton and growth development occur more…
In 2012, graduate students Stephen and Kathryn Clark took a risk in leaving their jobs to pursue opening their own business, Recon Supply. A veteran himself, Stephen wanted to help current and former military individuals by distributing medical devices like joint and spinal implants.
Over 65 cattle producers from Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois attended the Feedlot School in Kirksville, marking a significant increase in participation.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Do-it-yourself tax preparation, for complicated returns, means shuffling though statements, receipts and other records. Your record-keeping system for tax-related documents can be as simple or complex as you want.
Record prices set at the SW Missouri Show-Me-Select heifer sale with high averages and strong buyer demand.
Get tips for businesses on recovery and rebuilding after a disaster, including financial management, supplier communication, and staff care.
Missouri businesses can access free training to support employees in recovery, fostering a supportive workplace culture and addressing workforce shortages.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Addiction costs Missouri $1.4 million per hour, but a recovery-friendly workplace can increase profits for businesses and foster an employee-focused culture.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mike Thibideau recalls the dread he felt that Monday morning when he called his boss to tell him he was in treatment for addiction.
Red crown rot confirmed in Maries and Phelps counties; scout fields for irregular patches, especially in wet areas.
Red crown rot in soybeans has no cure. Manage spread with crop rotation, drainage, and equipment sanitation.
Create a patriotic garden using red, white, and blue flowers with the 60-30-10 design rule for color balance and visual appeal.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruptions in the food supply chain, it’s more important than ever to reduce food waste, says a University of Missouri Extension food safety specialist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say. Picture-perfect families with perfectly coiffed hair and pearly white smiles appear in matching holiday attire in countless holiday television commercials. Perfectly wrapped gifts wait under perfectly decorated trees. How…
Learn strategies to reduce hay waste and feeding costs while improving livestock access and performance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cau
Learn key chainsaw safety tips and maintenance steps to prevent accidents and keep your equipment in top condition.
Learn how to manage landowner liability risks, including verifying insurance coverage, posting warnings, and removing hazards to protect your property.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Lyme Diseases Foundation, the chance of contracting Lyme disease (LD) in Missouri is rare. It’s also rare in Florida. But back in the summer of 2000, I beat those odds and ran into that rare tick carrying the…
Damages from wildland fires can be devastating to your forests and wildlife. A single wildfire during the wrong set of conditions can wipe out years of investment in your trees. Here are four ways you can become proactive in wildfire protection:
TRENTON, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension has prepared a checklist of measures people can take to reduce the impact of floodwater on their homes.
“With lush grass growth coming in the spring, it is time to manage cattle and implement mineral supplementation strategies to reduce the incidence of grass tetany in your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Cattle grass tetany symptoms…
Learn effective strategies to reduce hay waste during times of low supplies, ensuring better livestock management and cost efficiency.
UNIONVILLE, Mo. – In addition to educating people in Putnam County on topics such as farm leases and fence laws, University of Missouri Extension county engagement specialist Joe Koenen also strives to educate his north-central Missouri community on the importance of staying healthy this flu season.
Limit screen time at home to boost health, activity, and family connection for all ages.
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Drought in southwestern Missouri calls for long- and short-term feed plans for beef and dairy herds.
University of Missouri Extension state dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton urges producers not to panic as local feed supplies dwindle. There are options to carry herds through…
LINN, Mo. – Livestock producers and horse owners can learn how to make “Hay That Pays” at the University of Missouri Extension regional hay school Oct. 14 in Linn.The event runs 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Community Christian Church, 1598 U.S. Highway 50, Linn.
Registration is open for the state’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and ag industry professionals, the Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia.
Registration is open for the MU Extension Master Gardener online spring 2026 course. The 15-week class runs Jan. 2-April 27. The online core training is designed to provide in-depth horticultural knowledge. The course includes presentations and weekly discussion forums.
Register for a March workshop on renovating toxic tall fescue pastures and integrating improved varieties into grazing systems.
HARRISONVILLE, Mo. – Community members may enroll in Strong Couples, a free program offered by University of Missouri Extension that offers practical strategies for improving conflict resolution and enhancing relationship satisfaction.
Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow’s mammary glands after giving birth, is liquid gold for baby calves. The thick, nutrient-rich fluid provides essential nourishment and crucial immunity in the form of antibodies to newborn calves in the first 24 hours of life.
Manage tall fescue by removing seed heads early to boost forage quality and extend grazing and hay production.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Reproductive efficiency is important to the productivity and profitability of your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. One way to promote optimum cow herd reproductive efficiency is to cull open heifers following their…
Ensure safety before entering a flooded basement: turn off utilities, check for structural damage, and pump water gradually to prevent foundation issues.
FARMINGTON, Mo.– Renters as well as homeowners can save money by using less energy at home.
A lot of simple practices can cut renters’ energy costs every month, says Rebecca Blocker, University of Missouri Extension housing and environmental design specialist.
One practice is to minimize “vampire…
Learn your rights as a renter after a disaster, including safety, repairs, and lease considerations.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When faced with a sparse or failed stand, crop producers have to ask themselves a difficult question: Should I replant?
Report unsolicited seed packages to Missouri officials. Do not plant or open seeds and follow MDA guidance.
Missouri’s population grew 1.5% from 2020–2024, driven entirely by domestic and international migration.
Missouri forests sequester carbon through photosynthesis and wood products, supporting climate goals and biodiversity.
CUBA, Mo. – Beef herd owners profit from fewer calf death losses, steers grading USDA prime and cows staying in the herd longer. Improved herd performance comes from adding genetics to management.
Research identifies strategies to boost Missouri soybean yields, including optimal planting dates and maturity group selection.
Access resources and tips to prepare for severe weather, including tornadoes, floods, and emergency planning.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and MU Extension has compiled resources to help break down barriers to mental health services for Missourians.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is important for reproductive performance and profitability of the cattle operation to identify bulls that are not sound breeders and replace them prior to the breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
“Calf production is perhaps the most important metric that supports the existence of the cattle industry, making bull health and productivity incredibly important” says Ian McGregor, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
After serving two tours in Iraq, Marine veteran Jeremy Beaver returned to his rural Missouri roots and found peace in making maple syrup with his family.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Spring and riding ATVs seem to go together. However, ATV accidents can lead to tragedy when precautions are not followed, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
Summer is a good time to review how to prevent disease from coming onto your farm, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins.
COLUMBIA, Mo. –University of Missouri Extension rural safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch said now is a good time to review safety precautions for grain bins with farm workers and family members.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many consider the farm an ideal place to raise children. But with all its idyllic charm come dangers, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
As the end of the year approaches, many landowners and tenants are reviewing farm leases for the 2026 season. For those using a verbal agreement, MU Extension encourages a careful review of a newly revised guide, "Verbal Farm Rental Agreements Under Missouri Law," which is available for free…
COLUMBIA, Mo.– When it comes to corn seeding rates, sometimes less is more.Planting more seeds per acre in an effort to maximize yields won’t always maximize your return on investment, says Brent Myers, University of Missouri Extension corn specialist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and all things green, including leprechauns and shamrocks.
Discover the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day to invite luck, prosperity, and cultural meaning across time.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist Eric Bailey says beef producers can offset rising feed prices with changes in their operations. “It’s time to literally cut the fat from cow-calf operations,” says Bailey.
Older adults are at risk for loneliness and social isolation. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) issued a report stating more than one-third of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Some might use loneliness and social isolation…
Many entrepreneurs find that government contracting is an excellent way to ensure that their small business grows. But for Kit Price, co-owner of Robinson’s Cleaners in Columbia, Missouri, government contracting goes beyond expanding her company.
Gift heart-shaped plants like philodendron, pothos, hoya, and cyclamen for Valentine's Day—they symbolize lasting love and affection.
Stories from Missouri youth and farmers show how generations build agricultural strength, adapt in crisis, and sustain communities together.
A viral disease transmitted by microscopic mites is destroying garden roses—learn symptoms, transmission, and what actions gardeners should take.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Your beautiful tomato plant is setting fruit and soon has nice green tomatoes. Then, to your horror, a dark sunken spot shows up at the bottom of the fruit.
Gallery pivots to online sales to support Missouri artists, enabling purchases and curbside pickup during the pandemic.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During cold weather, people often prepare warm, comforting meals and store leftovers for later. While this is convenient, improper cooking, storage and reheating can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Using compact fluorescent light bulbs is an easy and effective way to save on utility costs. "Using these bulbs can be very helpful to the family budget, but their use is not without risks," said Marsha Alexander, University of Missouri Extension housing and environmental design…
Safe food depends on Good Manufacturing Practices, ensuring hygiene, proper handling, and risk reduction in food production.
Gardening enhances physical and mental well-being by providing exercise, time in nature and healthy food. Follow safety guidelines to maximize these benefits.
Ensure farm chemicals are stored safely: keep accurate inventory, follow label instructions, control temperature, secure storage, rotate products.
Learn how to safely preserve home-grown tomatoes by selecting ripe fruit, acidifying, canning or freezing to keep flavor year-round.