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Sign up for free 2025 crop pest alerts to protect fields and gardens from Japanese beetles, armyworms, stink bugs, and more.
When a farmer or farm family needs help, signs of stress are often slow to appear, but at other times may be quickly apparent, says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension assistant professor. However the symptoms appear, MU Extension offers resources to help farmers and their families.
SEDALIA, Mo. – While it is still too soon to sound the alarm on “drought,” parts of the state are becoming severely dry, said University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– With a few simple steps, farmers with heated livestock buildings might be able to cut their energy expenditures substantially at little or no cost.
The biggest loss of energy is through the ventilation system, says University of Missouri Extension energy specialist Don Day.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - If you're like most Americans concerned about diet, you're familiar with that guilty feeling when you decide to eat a second helping or have an extra-large slice of pie.
Use your slow cooker to prepare hearty, budget-friendly winter meals with these helpful tips for easy cooking and cleanup.
Discover helpful slow cooker tips for creating delicious, easy meals with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days and tasty, nutritious dishes!
Just the other day, I had a discussion with a local small business owner about where his money went. His financials showed he made a profit, but he did not have it in his bank account. As we talked, I asked questions about his record-keeping. He pulled out his checkbook and indicated that that was…
Schempp Wholesale grows through equipment sales, brokerage, and the Elevate program, reaching new markets and opportunities.
Many small rural towns in Missouri have a large population of aging baby boomers. They are retiring at the rate of 10,000 per day or over 4 million annually, according to the Washington Post. But what are they doing with their business assets when they retire?
February is National Heart Month, so it’s a great time to make a change for better heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with stroke coming in fifth, according to the American Heart Association.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - On a per-acre basis, home lawns affect streams, rivers and lakes more than most farming operations, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. However, homeowners can be more environmentally responsible by managing stormwater runoff and using proper lawn…
Discover smoketrees, vibrant small trees with colorful foliage and airy panicles that brighten your garden all year.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - With the end of the school year approaching, divorced and separated parents need to plan ahead for summer visitation arrangements for their children, said a University of Missouri Extension human environmental sciences specialist.
Floods displace wildlife, prompting snakes and rodents to seek shelter near homes. Learn prevention and control tips to protect your property.
NEW LONDON, Mo.– Spring is here, but parts of Missouri still aren’t through with winter weather.A University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist notes that snow makes it harder for animals to find available forage, and cold weather increases their nutrient needs.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Mary Sobba earned the 2018 Annie’s Project Women in Ag Educator Award for her leadership, statewide reach, and inspiring rural audiences.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Submitting soil samples to your local University of Missouri Extension center is easy, says Manjula Nathan, director of the MU Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Many garden and home-improvement stores offer a seemingly endless selection of fertilizers.
Justin Calhoun joins the Delta Research Center to advance soils and cropping systems research in southeastern Missouri.
In the first article, we shared some basic information on some of the “whys” of exporting, including the expected growth in the international market for US businesses and available resources in this area for the small business owner to succeed.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Southern rust, a fungal disease, can reduce nutrients and lower digestibility in infected corn fed to livestock, says MU Extension agronomist Nick Wesslak. Early dry down caused by southern rust can cause problems with proper silage packing, which increases risk of poor fermentation and higher mold…
Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) can substantially reduce yield, but it is not always obvious when the nematodes (Figure 1) are present. Leonardo Da Vinci's quote: "We know more about the movement of celestial bodies than about the soil underfoot" seems somewhat appropriate when discussing SCN levels in…
Note: Revised to correct spelling of “sclerotinia.”
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Wayne Flanary says about 160 acres of soybean in northwestern Missouri show symptoms of sclerotinia stem rot.
Soybean gall midge is spreading in the Midwest, causing plant death and yield loss; scouting and crop rotation can help manage it.
Jim Ball turns childhood outdoor passion into award-winning tree farm with conservation and wildlife-friendly practices.
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) goes by many common names; American persimmon, common persimmon, eastern persimmon, simmon, possumwood, and even sugar-plum. It ranges from southern Connecticut/Long Island to Florida, and west to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa.
White oak (Quercus alba) is one of the preeminent hardwoods of eastern and central North America. It can be found from Minnesota, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia south as far as northern Florida and eastern Texas.
CARTHAGE, Mo. – Smart consumers know money isn’t earned accidentally, so they don’t spend it carelessly. One useful tool for shrewd shoppers is the Rule of Three.
Bring festive cheer with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for holiday memories that last a lifetime.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Many unsubstantiated stories exist about why cartoonist E.C. Segar chose spinach to give superhuman powers to his comic strip character Popeye the Sailor during the Great Depression.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri has it all: wine, whiskey and white oak.University of Missouri Extension will toast Missouri’s unique contributions to the wine and whiskey industry during the first White Oak, Whiskey & Wine tour Saturday, Oct. 28.
You train hard, learn about the latest techniques and make sure your equipment is top-notch.
Spotted lanternfly may arrive in Missouri this summer, threatening grapes and vineyards—early detection and control are vital to protect industry.
Spotted Wing Drosophila threatens small fruits by laying eggs in ripening crops. Learn how to identify and manage this invasive pest effectively.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The busy time of the year is upon us – prom, graduation, spring sports and end-of-school banquets. This flurry of activities can bring stress, especially in rural communities, where these activities may coincide with spring planting, says Jeremiah Terrell, a University of Missouri…
Refresh your habits with holistic goals, new routines, and mindful movement for clearer thinking, better health, and inner peace.
Learn when and how to plant spring-flowering bulbs in fall for vibrant blooms in spring while ensuring proper soil and drainage management.
Explore how seasonal bulbs, potted plants, and resurrection plants brighten indoor and outdoor spaces in April.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Trees, hedges and bushes…. When spring comes, the impulse is to hand out haircuts.
Frequent spring rains set up favorable conditions for seedling and root rotting diseases in corn, soybean and wheat fields across Missouri.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Bull breeding soundness exams (BSEs) are important to make sure bulls are ready for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
A Springfield tool-sharing library promotes affordability, community, and sustainability—and offers a blueprint for other towns.
Squash, rich in history and nutrition, was enjoyed at the first Thanksgiving but often plays a lesser role in today's holiday meals.
ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Storytelling Festival awarded MU Extension the inaugural Nancy and Ken Kranzberg Spirit of St. Louis Storytelling Award. Founded in 1980, the festival brings regional and nationally recognized storytellers to St.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The admonition for gardeners to plant their potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day is probably good advice for some parts of our country, but not for Missouri, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – While Missouri’s farmland market remains relatively stable, new survey data points to rising interest—and prices—for timberland and recreational properties.
Amaryllis and Christmas cactus gifts can rebloom next year with proper early care—begin now to set the stage for holiday blooms.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Raise the temperature and run fans in grain bins now to avoid condensation and mold.Keep your stored grain in condition by increasing the temperature inside the bin to the outside monthly average temperature in May, says University of Missouri Extension entomologist Wayne Bailey.
Start seeds indoors in late winter to get a head start on spring gardening. Choose unique varieties and ensure strong seedlings for transplanting.
STOCKTON, Mo. – As the year ends, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis urges cattle producers to evaluate their record-keeping system to determine if it was successful.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Winter is finally releasing its grip, so lawns will be greening up and growing. It will soon be time for one of the most basic homeowner rituals: mowing the lawn.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gardeners should make a pruning tour of their landscape now to touch up trees and shrubs, especially those planted in the past two years, said a University of Missouri horticulturist.
“There are several advantages to spring pruning,” said Chris Starbuck. “With no leaves…
Youths statewide gathered to compete in Missouri’s annual 4-H public speaking contest, showcasing communication skills and earning awards.
State Farm representatives visit MU FRTI and view the Institute’s Mobile Vehicle Firefighting prop as part of
State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant awarded $60,000 to support emergency responder training in Missouri.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – States’ 4-H International, a prominent provider of international student exchange programs, announced the appointment of Missouri 4-H alumna Shea Fitzgerald as a Young Professional Board Member. Missouri 4-H Program Director Lupita Fabregas also serves on the States’ 4-H…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Financial insecurity, housing conditions and other social factors can have a significant impact on health. Community health workers (CHWs)—front-line public health workers who are trusted members of the communities they serve—are positioned to address social determinants of health…
A statewide survey found that over 70% of Missouri employers face absenteeism, reduced productivity, and accidents due to workplace substance misuse.
Brown marmorated stink bugs seek to overwinter indoors; prevent entry with caulking, screens, and vacuuming to reduce nuisance infestation.
Explore how stocker cattle systems can boost farm revenue using pasture-based strategies with minimal input.
Stockpile tall fescue in late summer to extend grazing, lower hay use, and trim labor, cost, and time for cattle producers.
What would you do if nearly 2,500 people showed up for an art exhibit in your small county office?
Explore how storytelling strengthens civic engagement, builds trust, and fosters collaboration to transform communities through shared narratives.
Creative Edge adapted to COVID-19 by helping clients stream services, keeping business running and reaching new audiences.
As we age, many of us start to worry about our ability to perform everyday tasks like putting groceries a
Strengthening Families helps preteens and parents build communication skills, reduce stress, and foster resilience for healthier youth and communities.
ST. PETERS, Mo. – Manufacturing is a key segment of Missouri’s economy, representing 12%, or nearly $40 billion, of Missouri’s gross state product.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new partnership between the University of Missouri Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security (ICFS) and MU Extension will make it easier to access information about local and regional food systems and food security.
Discover effective techniques for reducing stress and improving mental well-being through relaxation, time management, and building a healthy support system.
Test corn nitrogen rates effectively with on-farm strip trials to optimize yields and manage fertilizer costs.
Learn to recognize stroke signs quickly and act fast to prevent brain damage and long-term disability.
Springfield's bull sale achieved strong prices, with 26 bulls averaging $5,458 each, highlighting a robust cattle market.
Middle school students explore agriculture technologies, including drones and GPS, at a STEM-focused day camp in St. Louis.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Over the next decade, Missouri’s food, agriculture and forestry industries are projected to generate 13,000 job openings each year. Deliberate statewide planning and action will ensure a globally competitive workforce for employers in these industries that are foundational to…
ROCK PORT, Mo. – A four-year study by University of Missouri Extension seeks to find how cover crops can best benefit soils after flooding and prevented planting.
KEYTESVILLE, Mo. – Farmers need more research showing cover crops increase yields, reduce erosion and add nutrients back to the soil in corn-soybean rotation before they adopt the practice, says University of Missouri researcher Ranjith Udawatta.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – New forage research gives reason to not graze toxic fescue grass too short. The bottom 2 inches of infected grass holds highest levels of the alkaloid causing problems for grazing livestock.
The findings guide ways to manage fescue’s toxic impact, says Craig Roberts, University of…
MARSHFIELD, Mo. –Buyers trying to reduce winter heating costs should closely examine claims by manufacturers of infrared space heaters, said a University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist.
OZARK, Mo. — Teachers have children in the classroom for about seven hours a day, but what happens during the other 17 hours can make or break your child’s success in school.Attitude can make all the difference, says a University of Missouri Extension human development specialist.
Learn how Missouri fish farmers succeed by finding niches, selling directly, and managing aquaculture efficiently.
Discover the 200-year-old Ozark tradition of sucker gigging—nighttime spearing of fish in clear waters, blending fishing, family, and food.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For many, the peace and quiet of country living is the American dream. But that dream can turn to a nightmare for those who become isolated and disconnected from their communities, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
It is important to provide balanced, nutritious meals for your children throughout the summer. Unfortunately, summertime can pose challenges to the family food budget because children are eating more meals at home.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Summer is a time for enjoying fresh fruit and vegetables and outdoor picnics. Don’t let food safety mistakes spoil the fun.
Food safety doesn’t begin in the kitchen, or even the market, says Londa Nwadike, extension food safety specialist for the University of Missouri and…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The sunflower’s story begins with a tale of unrequited love.
Learn how planting sunn hemp in summer can enhance forage quality, fix nitrogen and support livestock through heat and drought.
Discover a giant daytime-hovering moth that mimics a hummingbird, feeding at flowers while emitting a soft hum.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – With high costs of feed for wintering cows, herd owners should consider adding monensin to grain supplements for winter forages. The additive, trade name Rumensin, controls coccidiosis, a disease caused by intestinal parasites.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Landowners who purchased Missouri property in 2021 paid more for land than buyers who purchased land in 2020, according to the latest Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey report from University of Missouri Extension.
The introduction of soybean and cotton traits with resistance to synthetic auxin herbicides has led to an increase in concern over the off-target movement of dicamba and 2,4-D.
Producers across Missouri are invited to share operation size, costs, marketing and more via a survey to guide the future of the state’s small ruminant industry.
A statewide survey seeks employee feedback on workplace support for substance use recovery to help design Recovery Friendly Workplaces across Missouri
Take a short anonymous survey on household internet access and use to guide state broadband expansion, training, and infrastructure planning.
Furloughing family is not something Dr. Steve Rice ever thought he would have to do. Then along came the new coronavirus.