BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Managing soil moisture is an important part of successful vegetable gardening in the Midwest, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.
Crops : article
COLUMBIA, Mo. While tomatoes are the most popular choice for high tunnel production, many other vegetables, fruits and flowers flourish in the controlled environment of high tunnels, said University of Missouri Extension regional horticulture specialist James Quinn.
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…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farm income appears on pace for another record year, according to John Kruse, associate research and extension professor in agricultural and applied economics at the University of Missouri.
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Beef herd owners serious about improving fescue pastures—and their beef herds—can learn how in a March 6 meeting at the University of Missouri Southwest Research Center, Mount Vernon.
George Washington Carver was honored for pioneering agricultural education and soybean innovation at the Missouri Soybean Center Hall of Fame.
Missouri farmers in the Bootheel region are expanding peanut acreage for more profitable, soil-enhancing crop rotations.
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.
Severe dry conditions grip most of Missouri, threatening crops and stressing water supplies amid little rainfall relief in sight.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mother Nature has not been kind to Missouri agriculture in 2021, says University of Missouri Extension soybean specialist Bill Wiebold.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri agronomists found corn and soybean yields increase by 20 percent or more when they use drainage control systems, said Kelly Nelson, MU Extension agronomist at the Greenley Research Center, Novelty.
Innovative field platforms shield test plots from rain to study how crops like corn and soybeans respond to drought stress for improved resilience.
MU Extension’s “What the Hay?” webinar series focus on forage, fertilizer, fixes and funds, says agricultural business specialist Amie Breshears. It runs 12:15-12:45 p.m. Thursdays from Oct. 2 to Nov. 6.
GALENA, Mo. – If there was ever a time to do a soil test, this is it, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg.
Rising fertilizer prices make it too expensive to guess on how to apply nutrients, says Schnakenberg.
MU Extension again joined the celebration at the Norborne Soybean Festival in August by bringing hands-on learning and application to the “Soybean Capital of the World.”
New podcast offers expert insights on crop production, management tips, and the latest ag research for Missouri farmers.
MU Extension will offer training on “Opportunities for Drones in Agriculture” Nov. 14 at the Auxvasse Lions Club Park. The event will provide farmers, agribusiness professionals and entrepreneurs an in-depth look at how drones are transforming agricultural operations across Missouri.
Corn leafhopper, an invasive pest in Missouri since 2024, spreads corn stunt disease, causing yield loss. Scouting and early management are crucial.
Learn how cover crops can boost pollinator populations, support wildlife, and improve soil and farm productivity.
Specialists traveled to the Bahamas to teach farmers about soil, composting, crops, and hydroponics to boost local food production.
MU Extension will host “Baled Late, Fed Smart,” a series of programs in October designed to help livestock producers effectively manage and utilize lower-quality hay. Sessions in Wright, Taney and Ozark counties will provide strategies for feeding cattle when forage quality is compromised.
Researchers study pig manure as a corn fertilizer to compare yields, soil nutrients, and environmental effects in a multistate project.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers have a new tool to alert them to insects, crop diseases and other important information from University of Missouri Extension specialists.
Explore mobile tools to support farm decisions—from weather and crop models to weed identification and water use planning.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is offering online town hall meetings led by agronomy, livestock and horticulture specialists.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has received a $444,000 grant to create a mobile application to help farmers manage forage better.
Recruiting farmers to adopt grassland management practices for improved forage productivity and environmental benefits with specialist support.
A new tool predicts soybean growth and yields using weather and crop models, helping farmers plan management decisions.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nine Missouri weather stations recently received updates to help farmers and chemical applicators know when to spray herbicides to avoid off-target movement caused by temperature inversions.
Farmers get guidance and cost-share help to convert cropland to pasture using rotational grazing and conservation practices.
A forage specialist launches a podcast sharing tips on pasture management, livestock production, and improving forage systems.
Decades of research in northwest Missouri show no-till farming yields high returns and reduces costs for corn and soybean production.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri is part of a $6.6 million research initiative to promote soil health through cover crops.
On-site crop health clinic at Clark Produce Auction offering Amish growers insect, disease diagnosis and tailored guidance.
Submit photos of plants showing symptoms to get a fast diagnosis. Save time and money by uploading digital samples for expert review and treatment suggestions.
Free plant disease and pest diagnostic services help Amish and Mennonite farmers manage crops in Missouri counties.
Free tool helps farmers compare PLC and ARC-CO program payments for corn, soybean, and wheat in 2025.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If it’s a weed, spray it. That’s the mindset that most in the agriculture industry held for years.That thinking no longer works as more weeds become resistant to herbicides, says Kevin Bradley, University of Missouri Extension weed scientist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri researchers, under the direction of MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley, are finding that pigweed seed is popping up in birdseed in alarming numbers.
“It’s pretty shocking,” graduate student Eric Oseland told those attending the annual Integrated Pest…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For now, the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory remains open.
The latest Soybean Growth Monitoring Yield Prediction report from MU Extension predicts drastically lower soybean yields due to lack of rain, averaging 3-6 bushels per acre lower than in the previous report.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Breanne Brammer’s summer vacation was different from that of most college students. Brammer, a senior in the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, was an agricultural development intern in Mozambique.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Soybean growers can’t rely on seed treatments alone to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN), says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish.
Poultry litter may boost soybean yields, adding nutrients and organic matter, especially in eroded or low-fertility soils.
Use an online tool to see if pasture insurance fits your farm based on daily rainfall and coverage options.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A collaboration between the University of Missouri and North Central Missouri College has resulted in a new weather station at NCMC’s Elizabeth and Arthur Barton Farm at Trenton.
U.S. weekly crop update as of June 23, 2019: corn 96% planted, soybeans 85%, cotton 96%, with Missouri’s rice slowed by heavy rain.
NOVELTY, Mo. – A new University of Missouri Extension publication can help farmers and ag drone pilots maximize efficiency and precision in aerial seeding.
PALMYRA, Mo. – “The genie’s out of the bottle” on the spotted lanternfly, University of Missouri Extension entomologist Kevin Rice told farmers Feb. 8 at the second annual NEMO Soils and Crop Conference in Palmyra.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – New University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette brings research on soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management to Missouri.
MU Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida has confirmed the presence of a new soybean pest in Missouri, soybean tentiform leafminer. Valmorbida encourages farmers to scout soybean fields for the pest.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Producers who don’t plan, watch and act for nitrogen deficiencies in their corn will lose green in their crop and at the bank, says a University of Missouri Extension plant scientist.
Nitrogen boosts fescue yields but raises toxins, so manage fertilizer carefully to protect animal health.
Plan wheat management by growth stage for fertilization, weed control, and disease scouting this winter and early spring.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Off-target herbicides may be invisible, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.Off-target herbicides damage crops, ornamentals and other vegetation in nearby fields when droplets move off of the soil or intended plants and onto nontarget plants, says University of Missouri Plant…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Information in the digital age is like porridge in the tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” How do you know what is too much, too little, just right – or maybe not right at all?
Missouri hay producers showcased their work at the Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show, featuring 49 entries from 30 participants, highlighting top-quality hay.
Persistent drought has cost Missouri agriculture billions, stressing crops, livestock, and soil moisture management.
Choose drought-resilient forages and legumes to maintain productive pastures and reduce feed costs during dry summers.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — It wasn’t the best of springs for baling hay.
“Stockpiling fall forage can stretch your hay supply by delaying how early you start feeding hay, plus reduce your harvesting costs,” says Pat Miller, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist.
Excess rainfall can pond in fields, damaging corn and soybean seedlings and reducing crop yield.
Rising potash prices make proper application more critical than ever. Learn why soil tests and nutrient balance matter to sustain high yields.
Discover how precision ag tools like sensors, drones, and GPS improve efficiency, cut costs, and boost yields for smarter farming.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As corn yields exceed commercial storage space, farmers will likely store some of this year’s crop in on-farm bins and in unconventional ways.
Learn how prevented planting provisions affect corn insurance payments and planting options during late and extended planting periods.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Hay harvest is approaching, and producing high-quality hay reduces cattle supplementation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
Davis discusses harvest management strategies to achieve optimal hay quality.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– When adjusting the settings on a combine, there needs to be a balance between acceptable grain loss and acceptable grain quality.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “As hay season continues, I see a lot of large round hay bales being stored outside,” says University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist Patrick Davis. If hay is not stored properly outside, farmers can see significant dry matter and quality losses. Factors that…
Agricultural workers reduce lung disease risk by wearing dust masks or respirators and following best practices for fit, care and use.
Quail populations are increasing at a Missouri research farm thanks to habitat management and conservation practices.
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.
Learn effective strategies to reduce hay waste during times of low supplies, ensuring better livestock management and cost efficiency.
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.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When faced with a sparse or failed stand, crop producers have to ask themselves a difficult question: Should I replant?
Research identifies strategies to boost Missouri soybean yields, including optimal planting dates and maturity group selection.
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.– 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.
See how grazing standing milo rescued a herd during drought by cutting winter feed costs and labor.
Scout crops regularly to detect pests early, protect yields, and make informed pest management decisions.
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.
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…
LAMAR, Mo. – Now is the time to scout for fall armyworms in pastures and hayfields, says University of Missouri Extension entomologist Kevin Rice.Agronomists in southeastern Missouri and northern Arkansas report sightings of fall armyworm in grass and legume crops, says Jill Scheidt, MU Extension…
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Stored hay can be a livestock producer’s best insurance, says University of Missouri Extension plant science specialist Caleb O’Neal, who is also a cattle producer. It provides flexibility for cattlemen to rest pastures in the event of drought and is often the feed of choice for…
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. – When fertilizer was cheap, it made sense for farmers to be generous with nitrogen. With today’s prices, producers want to keep fertilizer costs down without reducing yield.
Side inlet irrigation in rice fields conserves water, lowers energy costs, and improves management compared to traditional cascade systems.
Sign up for free 2025 crop pest alerts to protect fields and gardens from Japanese beetles, armyworms, stink bugs, and more.
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.
Justin Calhoun joins the Delta Research Center to advance soils and cropping systems research in southeastern Missouri.
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.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers spending their own dollars for soybean research at the University of Missouri will hear results July 14.Researchers share results with all farmers, not just those in the Missouri Soybean Association. Suppliers, agribusiness reps, educators and agency officials are welcome.
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.
Stockpile tall fescue in late summer to extend grazing, lower hay use, and trim labor, cost, and time for cattle producers.
Test corn nitrogen rates effectively with on-farm strip trials to optimize yields and manage fertilizer costs.
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.