Agriculture and environment : article
COLUMBIA, Mo. – There is a simple, inexpensive way to reduce errors in herbicide applications and limit off-target chemical drift, says a University of Missouri Extension weed management specialist.Kevin Bradley supports the “Flag the Technology” program by the University of Arkansas Cooperative…
KANSAS CITY, Mo.– In this video news story, learn about MU Extension’s “Food From the Farm” program.
FREDERICKSBURG, Mo. – When problems arise with the ex-governor’s vineyard, he calls University of Missouri Extension viticulturist Dean Volenberg.
ELDON, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers start Saturday, March 10, at the Eldon Career Center. University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Patricia Barrett says the practical seminars and field days give attendees opportunities to learn and network.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers begin March 14 at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Adair County, Kirksville.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Eleven undergraduates have been busy interning with University of Missouri Extension this summer as part of the MU Integrated STEM Internship Program.
What do a lavender farm, a distillery, a lively coffee shop, dozens of cover crop test plots and a college and careers pathway program for youth have in common? They show how the University of Missouri works to strengthen Missouri’s economy and empower people to improve their lives.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – There’s a new guard dog in town. And it’s more likely to bray than bark.A growing number of sheep and goat farmers are using donkeys to keep predators at bay, says Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, small-ruminant specialist at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Jefferson…
Discover how improper fertilizing and watering can worsen lawn diseases like brown patch and large patch, and learn effective prevention strategies.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Despite suspending all face-to-face programming due to COVID-19, University of Missouri Extension recognizes the continued need to provide university research and knowledge to help farmers and consumers alike.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Agriculture workers are 20 times more likely than other workers to die from heat.Heat deaths are 100 percent preventable with water, rest and shade, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
FORISTELL, Mo. — Even the smallest of farm chores is a chore for Kim DaWaulter of Foristell.DaWaulter needs a scooter to move around her small farm. Multiple sclerosis has weakened her legs, but not her desire to farm since 1988. She carries out her labor of love without complaint.
BETHEL, Mo –Chris Allen wanted out of the bed. He argued with hospital staff that he needed to go home to harvest crops, feed cattle and cut firewood to heat his farmhouse.
NEW FRANKLIN, Mo. – Zane Volkmann always wanted to be a horse trainer.
A serious accident weeks before his senior year of high school slowed his gait, but it didn’t throw him.
He cinched up his saddle and began the ride of his life. “You just pick your lip up off the ground and go ride,” he said.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – All medicine has side effects.
Even minor side effects can be deadly for farmers, says Kelly Cochran of the Missouri AgrAbility Project’s Pharm to Farm program.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ways to replace toxic tall fescue pastures keep improving as renovations move across the Fescue Belt from Missouri to Georgia.Five grazing schools in five states in March will clarify a complex system, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Among indoor flowering plants, few match amaryllis in grandeur, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Rebecca Mott and John Tummons, University of Missouri professors, researchers, livestock producers and parents, share their insights — including Mott’s research on youth livestock production — about handling disappointment and focusing on caring connections in the time of COVID-19.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Alfalfa fields fading from green to yellow may mean too much water. Farmers see the change after record-setting rains.Waterlogged soil kills nitrogen-fixing bacteria on roots, says Craig Roberts. The University of Missouri Extension specialist alerted area specialists of the…
FULTON, Mo. – Cody Waters of Fulton is armed to farm. He is one of 300,000 veterans expected to return to Missouri in the next decade, according to University of Missouri Extension state health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ashes produced by wood-burning fireplaces or stoves are an excellent example of the idiom “don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater,” says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo.–Atrazine, presently used on more than 85 percent of the corn acres in Missouri, is considered one of the most effective and least costly herbicides in use. University of Missouri Extension is helping farmers and communities manage atrazine runoff so the herbicide remains available.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – More farmers are looking at a practice long frowned upon: planting back-to-back soybean.Don’t do it, says University of Missouri Extension soybean specialist Bill Wiebold. Expect lower yields and higher erosion if you don’t rotate soybean with corn. Risk of disease, insects and…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Food, health, energy and the environment are among the most vital concerns when it comes to human survival and quality of life.
SEDALIA, Mo.—Many Missouri producers are asking if it is safe to use soybeans for livestock forage. The topic was brought up repeatedly by attendees at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri soybean farmers should be on the lookout for several species of stink bugs in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida.
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…
Few vegetables elicit less excitement from the average gardener than beets. Once relegated to pickling or making borscht, beet is enjoying greater respect due to its reported health benefits.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Growing supplies of meat and dairy products apply pressure on farm prices through 2017 into 2019. With big supplies, strong consumer demand brings good news for producers.The offsetting result can be prices near or above last year’s prices.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Few flowers symbolize the arrival of spring more than peonies. Their huge, lavish blooms and distinctive floral scent make them one of America’s most treasured perennials, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo.—Bioenergy crops can be a good match for areas of fields that have lost productivity.
MORRISON, Mo. – Jim Brinkmann’s blindness does not keep him from helping others with vision problems reach their potential.
Missouri aims to double the value of agriculture by 2030 through innovation in production, processing, and local food systems, driving community growth.
FRUITLAND, Mo. – In the fourth of six Show-Me-Select fall sales, replacement heifers brought an average price of $2,010 on 76 head.The heifers bred to calve next spring came from herd owners enrolled in the University of Missouri heifer development program. The heifers have improved genetics and…
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Rebuilding a beef cow herd to capture record-setting high prices is more than saving heifers to breed.Dave Patterson, University of Missouri Extension beef specialist, said heifers need management – and new breeding technology.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.– Sometimes visitors at the Kansas City Zoo warn Kelsey Goens that there are kangaroos on the loose. She reassures them that no marsupials have escaped. Two dozen or so kangaroos roam the zoo’s Australia section at will during the day.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Not all topsoil is created equal.
“Calf processing prior to sale that reduces work for the buyer after sale potentially makes that calf more valuable at sale time,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Regional Livestock Field Specialist. The added value can lead to improved profitability of the cattle operation. Below,…
ST. JAMES, Mo. – Cattle producers are invited to attend a field day at the Mingo Farm in St. James to learn how to use natural shade to improve their beef operation.
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Fall harvest and texting do not mix, says University of Missouri Extension safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. Turn your cellphone to TTYL (talk to you later).Rural roads are full of hazards in the fall.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you are looking for a holiday gift for anyone who owns a chain saw, consider chain saw safety chaps, said University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist and woodcutter Katie Kammler.
MONETT, Mo. – Fourth-generation farmer Mike Meier knows change will help his family’s Century Farm survive.The rotational grazing and breeding system he uses for his dairy herd works. Now he wants to apply those principles to beef cattle. “At 56, I wanted to go in a different direction,” he says.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Chicken wings helped poultry farm prices take off this year. Wing prices ran at least 30 percent above year-ago levels since late May, say University of Missouri Extension economists.Thighs and legs also sold well above a year ago. Dark meat leads demand, say Scott Brown and Daniel…
FORTUNA, Mo. – The people of the Fortuna and Versailles areas know what a farm tragedy feels like. In the last few years, Mennonite families there lost two children to farm accidents. Another was critically injured.
COLUMBIA, Mo.—Wheat flooded before harvest brings questions from affected farmers. What do they do now?University of Missouri Extension field crops specialists said, “Wait and see.” During a weekly teleconference, field staff answered questions from farmers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It may be too early to think about replanting corn yet, but it’s a good time to look at guides from University of Missouri Extension or seed dealers, said MU Extension agronomy specialist Bill Wiebold.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A winter cold snap arrives. Cow’s blood flow slows. Cows start limping. It’s time to check herds for fescue foot.The first report of the disabling disease has come to Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension fescue specialist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – April’s cold start in Missouri has limited fieldwork and delayed planting for farmers and gardeners.
The persistent cold “was nothing short of amazing,” said University of Missouri Extension climatologist Pat Guinan.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomists voiced concern during a teleconference that cool, dry conditions are causing delayed planting and slow forage growth statewide.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Nutrient loads can cause problems with water quality. That’s why the Missouri Nutrient Reduction Strategy Committee is working to decrease the amount of nutrients that end up in the Mississippi River.
Compost-bedded pack barns improve cow comfort, boost milk production, and support herd health with better bedding management.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Cool-season grasses such as fescue that dominate pasture grass in Missouri need warm weather to grow.
ROLLA, Mo. – Eric and Pathoumma Meusch had a hard time finding good-quality, locally grown foods when they moved from Asia to Eric’s hometown of Rolla.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers who rely on surface-applied nitrogen may have difficulty if they apply to fields with high surface residue, says University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory.
The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture has opened a third round of funding for fall cover crop planting in Missouri. About $3 million is available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops on their cropland through the Missouri Conservation Crop and Livestock…
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Having plant growth in fields year-round can improve the soil, according to Tim Reinbott, superintendent of the University of Missouri Bradford Research Center. He says using cover crops in the fall and spring can provide large benefits.
COLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Sensor-guided nitrogen application can save corn producers money and increase yields, says Peter Scharf, University of Missouri Extension soil scientist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new milk price safety net for dairy producers is in place. To take part farmers must rush to their local USDA farm service center.Milk producers must sign up for the first time or re-enroll by June 1, say University of Missouri Extension dairy economists.
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship offers a paid, two-year training program for future dairy farmers, providing hands-on experience in managed grazing systems.
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- In the prolonged summer drought, farmers noticed that grass stayed green longer in their hayfields than in their pastures.While hayfields kept growing, pastures turned brown. Cows ran out of grass to graze.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Deep-six weed seeds to control pigweeds and other herbicide-resistant pests in soybean fields.“I’m not advocating a return of moldboard plowing,” said Kevin Bradley, University of Missouri weed scientist. “Burying weed seeds with deep tillage does provide one more tool in dealing…
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Ethanol plants are getting more efficient at extracting fuel from corn, and that can affect the quality of distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production often used as an economical feed alternative for hogs and poultry.
NORBORNE, Mo. – The Missouri Soybean Hall of Fame inducted its first member, a Norborne farmer known as “Mr. Soybean.”The late Donald W. Heil, a lifelong farmer in the Missouri River bottoms of Carroll County, earned honors as an international promoter of soybean, said Bill Wiebold, University of…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Yield potential drops when corn is not planted at the right depth, says University of Missouri Extension corn specialist Greg Luce.The right planting depth improves the chance of a good stand, Luce says.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One of the joys of spring is the emergence and flowering of bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For centuries, farmers have braved the elements to walk their land to check for problems ranging from wind damage and calving cows to pests and predators.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Remote sensors can play a big part of farming in the future. Those sensors can be on a 10-foot pole or a satellite 250 miles out in space.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In dry weather with short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought continues to plague southwestern and west-central Missouri as pastures dry and cattle producers start to feed hay well ahead of schedule.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extension agronomist talk was calm on the weekly teleconference. Few problems discussed on bugs, weeds, fungus or other pests. Then the weather hit the fan. Reports from across Missouri told of farmers’ concerns about lack of rain.
Most people don’t think of grass as poison, but dry weather and drought can turn a pasture dangerous.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – No other vegetable is as closely associated with a month of the year as is garden pea, and few things match the gastronomic appeal of fresh peas from the garden.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Early wean calves to reduce cow herd nutrient needs to match drought-limited feed resources,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. In addition, early weaning can improve calf performance because calves are put on a more nutritious diet…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef-cow herd owners will learn new ways to raise better calves at three University of Missouri meetings in March. The sessions lead producers from proven breeding to new uses of DNA.MU Extension animal scientists David Patterson and Jared Decker will lead the ReproGene Meetings.
COLUMBIA, Mo.–With record prices for corn and soybean meal, many hog producers are looking at alternative feed sources. However, improving the efficiency of current feeds is where producers should look to cut costs, says a University of Missouri Extension swine nutritionist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist Teng Lim advises poultry and livestock producers to be aware of an approaching deadline that could affect their operations.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Rain makes grass grow. That’s good for grazing livestock, but makes haying difficult.Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist, sees unusual potential for cattle producers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farm bill programs received fresh looks and reality checks during daylong discussions at a Missouri Farm Bill Summit, Oct. 18 at University of Missouri Bradford Farm.
EDINA, Mo.– Like any other business, a farm is more likely to succeed with a written business plan.
“A business plan can serve as a road map for your business,” says Karisha Devlin, a University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialist in Knox County.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — Farm owners should periodically review the coverage limits on their liability insurance, says a University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialist.
Stay informed with farm management tips, including custom rates, mental health resources, landowner communication, and hay marketing strategies.
Get the latest on tax tips, farm budgets, livestock planning, and agriculture trends to help farmers prepare for a successful year.
FORTUNA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a free Farm Safety Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at Central Missouri Produce Auction in Fortuna.Fun, family-oriented events will be offered throughout the event, said University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – This is one of the most dangerous times of the year for farmers, says University of Missouri Extension safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. Grain Bin Safety Week is Feb. 19-25.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Tight crop profits cause farmers to plant more soybean acres. On April 4, growers can learn latest research at a soybean symposium in Columbia.
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day workshop for those thinking about selling produce and other goods at farmers markets.
The Feb. 3 workshop covers food safety, sampling, funding, customer service and opportunities for discussion with other vendors, said MU…
COLUMBIA. Mo. – Shortage of cattle forage forces some Ozark herd owners to chop trees to feed leaves. That method was used in big droughts of the 1930s and 1950s.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Newly made spring hay finally being baled in June may be toxic for cattle. Hold off on feeding new hay, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The longer the hay can be stored after baling, the less toxic it becomes.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Fifth-generation rancher Eric Bailey joins University of Missouri Extension as state beef nutrition specialist.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The first series of University of Missouri Extension Master Pollinator Steward classes begins mid-May in Jefferson City.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri has the first state chapter of Heroes to Hives, a program that supports veterans who want to learn beekeeping.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As summer temperatures rise, dairy animals benefit from heat abatement, says Joe Zulovich, a University of Missouri Extension specialist in livestock housing systems.Lactating cows face the most risk from heat, says Zulovich. Dry cows and pre-weaned calves also fare better with heat…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – A wet fall harvest and a cold winter might make conditions especially dangerous for grain producers emptying grain bins to fulfill commodity contracts and prepare for wheat harvest.
MT. VERNON, Mo. –Rural landowners in southwest Missouri have begun cleanup after the severe tornadoes and thunderstorms on May 22. Many agricultural producers are left to also deal with the remains of livestock that were killed during the series of storms that passed through the area.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– The Useful to Usable (U2U) climate initiative recently launched a new online decision-making tool, Corn Split N, that helps farmers and crop advisers manage the application of in-field nitrogen for maximum crop yields and minimum environmental damage.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Reports of “fescue foot” causing loss of cows are coming in, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
Growing up, Sundays were the day for Bizy Beavers 4-H club meetings, and every summer was prep season for the Saline County and Missouri State fairs, said Kaleigh Summers, alumni relations and event coordinator for the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.