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Natural resources : article

'Ghosts' of storms past may haunt damaged homes

PERRYVILLE, Mo.—Homeowners who made repairs after last year’s floods and windstorms may now be finding ghostly shadows—dirty patches of mold and mildew—in parts of the home that got wet. This is a health hazard for people living in the home.

4-H primitive camping at Wurdack

COOK STATION, Mo. – Five Missouri 4-H youths took part in a first-ever primitive camping experience June 16-17 at the University of Missouri’s Wurdack Extension and Engagement Center in Cook Station.

AgrAbility helps woman with MS find ways to keep farming

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.

Ashes to ashes

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.

Atrazine has a huge impact on Missouri economy

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.

August farm management news and notes from MU Extension

Explore strategies for summer forage, farm succession, employee safety, and value-added ventures to enhance farm productivity and sustainability.

Battelle Institute report: Ag, bioscience make north-central U.S. an economic ‘powerhouse’

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Food, health, energy and the environment are among the most vital concerns when it comes to human survival and quality of life.

Be prepared for flooded roads

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home.

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…

Big fish

WARSAW, Mo.– These fish aren’t biting. Paddlefish never do. They eat by filtering plankton as water passes through their gills. But here on the Osage Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, paddlefish do put up good fight after being hooked.

Billions of cicadas bring buzzy magic to Missouri in 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Billions of cicadas will buzz this spring as two broods emerge at the same time. These broods last emerged together in 1803 and won’t appear together again for 221 years.

Boots on the Green

GRANITE CITY, Ill.– After Bobby Hutchinson lost his left leg in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm, he thought he’d never play golf again.

Can the woolly bear caterpillar predict the weather?

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The woolly bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella), often called the “weather worm,” is said to predict what Old Man Winter has in store. Folklore says the narrower the reddish-brown band on the caterpillar, the more severe the winter.

Care of the wild

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.

Cash does grow on trees

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri river hills would look beautiful lined with chestnut trees and they’d turn a pretty profit. “Missouri has a lot of acres in the river hills, which are fertile, deep, well-drained soils perfect for growing chestnuts,” said Michael Gold, professor of forestry at the…

Chronic wasting disease in Missouri

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal degenerative brain disease of deer, moose and elk, has been found in a small number of deer in north central Missouri.

Cleansing rain helps wheat after flood

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.

Cold rain right after planting causes problems

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.

Cold, dry conditions delay planting and forage growth

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.

Consider changing tilling, cover crop practices due to low soil moisture

TROY, Mo. – Soils are much, much drier now than they were at the start of last year’s planting season, says University of Missouri Extension climatologist Zachary Leasor.

COVID-19 and farms

MU Extension specialists offer guidelines and tips for COVID-19 safety on the farm.

Don’t guess on garden fertilizer

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Don’t add fertilizer to your garden unless you

Don’t sell your timber short

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Too many landowners sell their timber for only a fraction of what it’s really worth, notes a University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist.

Drought cuts pasture growth, farmers face culling cow herds

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.

Drought tops questions called to MU Extension

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.

EPA extends deadline for poultry and livestock facilities

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.

Extension specialist offers tips to repair flood-damaged fields

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Lessons from past floods tell how to bring flooded fields back into production, says Kent Shannon, University of Missouri agricultural engineering specialist. Shannon says there are three stages to repairing flood-damaged fields. 1. Remove debris and sediment

Farmers seek forage options as drought cuts grass growth

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.

Farmers seek help from MU agronomists on dry weather impact on crops, forages

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.

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.

Flood-related resources from MU Extension

News releases, publications and more.  News releases

Frost-seed legumes now to improve cattle and pastures

STOCKTON, Mo. – Add legumes to grazing pastures to improve cow performance, soil health and forage production, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in Cedar County.

Go wild! Go green!

Discover the benefits of wildcrafting in Missouri, including plant identification tips and preparation methods for edible spring greens

Happy 70th birthday to Missouri's state tree

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The flowering dogwood tree celebrates its 70th birthday as the Missouri state tree in 2025. There is no better place to celebrate than Missouri’s Ozark woodlands from mid-April to early May when the dogwood is in bloom, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David…

Harvesting timber can provide multiple benefits

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Selling timber can be very profitable. While it depends on the quality of the timber, prices are higher than they’ve ever been. “A standing tract of timber can bring anywhere from $300 to $700 per acre when it is harvested,” says University of Missouri Extension forestry specialist…

High heat and dry conditions can put fish ponds at risk

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The combination of prolonged high heat and dry weather potentially threatens fish ponds, says a University of Missouri Extension fisheries and wildlife specialist.

High-grading brings down health, value of woodland

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Unsuspecting woodland owners selling timber often fall victim to a practice known as “high-grading”—cutting the best trees and leaving the rest.

Hog Wild

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Having grown up on a farm in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks, Jerry Richards was prepared for droughts, snowstorms and torrential rains. He wasn’t prepared for feral hogs. 

Hunters and landowners can improve deer populations through Quality Deer Management

COLUMBIA, Mo.–During this year’s deer season, landowners and hunters can work together to improve the quality of the deer herd in their area by collecting important information once deer are harvested.

Improved drone technology gives farmers edge in scouting fields

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drones are higher in quality and lower in price than they were just a few years ago when farmers began using them, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources engineer Kent Shannon.

Incentive funds for cover crops and silvopasture available

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture has announced that about $2 million in initial funding will be available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops or silvopasture approaches on their farmland.

Is there clover in there?

NEVADA, Mo. – If you’ve sent a pasture or hay soil test through your University of Missouri Extension center, you’ve been asked what kind of forage you have.

It's time to protect plants from frost

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide tells us that frost is likely coming within two weeks in the northernmost part of the state.

It’s tree pruning time

Related story: Proper pruning prevents problems COLUMBIA, Mo.– Now that the leaves have fallen, it’s time to think about pruning your trees.

Keep the heat in your house, but keep out the radon

MARSHFIELD, Mo. –If you have made your home more energy efficient, or plan to do so, you might want to test for radon, says a University of Missouri Extension natural resource engineering specialist.

Keep venison safe from field to table

COLUMBIA, Mo.–Despite outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease in deer across Missouri and concerns about chronic wasting disease, handling and eating venison poses very little risk if people observe common-sense safety precautions when harvesting, processing and preparing deer.

Keeping Missourians up to speed

When Ron Brown was approached to check out University of Missouri Extension’s Master Gardener program, he thought the opportunity to expand his already extensive gardening knowledge would only help as he worked in his home garden and a community garden in Ferguson, Mo.

Keeping the Christmas tree in good shape through the holiday

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The best part of the holidays for many families is choosing and decorating the Christmas tree.

Master Pollinator Steward program begins May 5

The Master Pollinator Steward program starts May 5, teaching ways to protect pollinators vital to our environment and food supply.

Missouri Master Naturalists celebrate program's 20th anniversary

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri Master Naturalists recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the program during a state conference in Columbia hosted by the Boone’s Lick Master Naturalist chapter.

Missouri's white oaks add depth to world’s wines and whiskey

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many of the world’s finest wines and whiskeys begin in Missouri’s hardwood forests.

Missouri’s Master Naturalists aid conservation, education

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Across the state, volunteer master naturalists are monitoring water quality in streams, performing wildlife inventories, helping with prairie-restoration efforts and facilitating activities and educational programs at wildlife refuges, parks and conservation areas.

Most of Missouri remains in drought

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most of Missouri remains in a drought, according to a map released Feb. 8 by the National Drought Mitigation Center.The drought affects livestock farmers facing dwindling hay reserves. Row crop farmers are eyeing the situation with caution as planting season nears.

MU drainage system increases yields, reduces nutrient runoff

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.

MU drought simulators stop the rain

MU Extension advises poultry and livestock producers of Nov. 15 emission filing deadline

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialist Teng Lim advises poultry and livestock producers to be aware of a Nov. 15 deadline that could affect their operations.

MU Extension guide lists first, last frost dates by region

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Spring and fall can be anxious times for gardeners. At the beginning of the growing season, you want to start the garden as early as possible, and at the end you hope for a few extra harvest days.

MU Extension offers free frost/freeze guide

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The free online Missouri Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide helps farmers and gardeners make planting decisions.

MU Extension offers mobile energy education unit

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new classroom on wheels is designed to help Missourians better understand home energy efficiency.

MU Extension offers timber workshop

HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-night session in Hillsboro on June 13 to help landowners learn how to market timber.Too many landowners sell their timber for only a fraction of its worth, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Debi Kelly.

MU Extension recruiting farmers for grassland improvement project

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is recruiting farmers for a project aimed at improving the productivity of forage-based operations in areas dominated by tall fescue grass.

MU Extension weather stations help farmers know when to spray

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.

MU Extension, NRCS partner to help farmers convert cropland to pasture

WELLSVILLE, Mo. – Matthew Spiers wants to convert cropland to pastureland for grazing.Through a joint effort by University of Missouri Extension and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Spiers plans to build a rotational grazing system so he won’t have to rent more pastureland to…

MU Extension, partners host Birding and Habitat Walk on June 14

WILLIAMSBURG, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a Birding and Habitat Walk 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Prairie Fork Conservation Area near Williamsburg.

MU guides explain managing white-tailed deer on private land

COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the 2011 deer season comes to a close, hunters and landowners can learn about managing white-tailed deer from a new series of publications currently being developed by University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

MU hosts webinar to help farmers markets confront COVID-19 challenges

University of Missouri hosts a webinar to assist farmers markets in addressing COVID-19 challenges, featuring innovative strategies from three Missouri markets.

MU part of $6.6 million research project on cover crops

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri is part of a $6.6 million research initiative to promote soil health through cover crops.

MU plant scientist to speak on Callery pear at April 13 event in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Reid Smeda, University of Missouri plant scientist, will speak on the Bradford pear tree and its cousins at a Callery pear educational event hosted by the Missouri Invasive Plant Task Force. Smeda studies invasive species in Missouri and serves on the task force.

MU researcher finds pigweed in birdseed and pollinator mixes

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…

MU researchers help high school teachers bring Missouri River history to life

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Students at Frederick Douglass High School in Columbia are learning about the Missouri River and its history through a series of field trips and activities developed by their teachers in collaboration with researchers from the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources.

MU weather stations provide real-time data across the state

MONROE CITY, Mo. –Monroe City boasts the newest of the state’s automated real-time weather stations operated by University of Missouri Extension’s Commercial Agriculture Program, said Pat Guinan, MU Extension assistant professor of climatology.

Mulch ado about something

Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and enriches soil. Use 2–4 inches of organic mulch like pine bark or grass clippings for best results.

New MU Extension guide available on ticks

COLUMBIA, Mo. – There’s a new University of Missouri Extension guide to discuss one of summer’s old pests.

Off-target herbicide movement: What you see is not what you get

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…

Partnership helps southern Missouri landowner stave off feral hogs

SALEM, Mo. – If anything is worse than a pasture rooted up by feral hogs, it’s a pasture that dries and hardens after hogs leave damaged areas the size of tractor tires.Freddie Leroux’s damaged pastures need to be repaired and reseeded. He waits for soaking rains to soften the ground so he can…

Patience can pay off in saving storm-damaged trees

COLUMBIA, Mo.– Homeowners eager to apply aggressive first aid to storm-damaged trees could be removing trees that might have survived.

Perryville tornado shows value of mapping systems, planning

PERRYVILLE, Mo. – New technology and old-school knowledge mixed in the aftermath of the tornado that struck Perry County Feb. 28.

Persistent drought costs Missouri ag industry

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought is costing Missouri agriculture significant amounts of money.

Pretty pear trees invasive, hard to kill

COLUMBIA, Mo.

Project helps reduce Missouri feral hog population by 65%

SALEM, Mo. – Kevin Crider knows a troublemaker when he sees one, whether it be two-legged or four-legged.

Proper pruning prevents problems

Related story: It’s tree pruning time COLUMBIA, Mo.– Pruning trees when they’re young can prevent structural problems and the need to remove large limbs later, says a University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist.

Pruning winter-damaged evergreens

COLUMBIA, Mo.– The long, harsh winter coupled with last fall’

Q&A with ag engineering specialist Shirin Ghatrehsamani

Rare fish, found only in Perry County, sheds light on improved water quality

PERRYVILLE, Mo. – A rare cave-dwelling fish is shedding new light on how farmers are improving water quality through cover crops and nutrient management. University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) say new nests of grotto sculpin are growing in caves in…

Report: Missouri forests play role in long-term carbon storage

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new report from the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources outlines the critical role of forests in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plant material.

Returning veteran finds sweet success

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.​

Save lives: Beat the heat

COLUMBIA, Mo. – High heat puts the public at risk. Since 1980, heat waves in Missouri have killed more people than lightning, tornadoes, thunderstorms and floods combined, says University of Missouri Extension climatologist Pat Guinan.

Second annual Mid-Mo Expo set for backyard gardeners, small farmers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The second annual Mid-Mo Expo for backyard gardeners and small farmers offers presentations and demonstrations to improve productivity and profits.

Simple steps to cut energy costs in livestock facilities

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.

Snakes on a flood plain

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Floods and severe storms can leave more than just people homeless. Displaced snakes, rodents and other nuisance wildlife often will seek shelter and food in areas close to people, said Bob Pierce, MU Extension fisheries and wildlife specialist.

Soil testing kits available at local MU Extension centers

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.

Spirited tour highlights Missouri's white oak, wine and whiskey, Oct. 28

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.

Study shows cover crops may increase yields over time

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.

Study space heater claims carefully

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.

Sucker gigging: A 200-year-old Ozark tradition endures

Discover the 200-year-old Ozark tradition of sucker gigging—nighttime spearing of fish in clear waters, blending fishing, family, and food.

Tallying Tiger tailgate trash

COLUMBIA, Mo.— Mark Morgan’s work as an associate professor of parks, recreation and tourism at the University of Missouri has taken him places ranging from streams in the Ozarks to jungles in Vietnam.

Teachers learn energy lessons to pass on to students

Columbia, Mo. – Sara Johnson, a biology teacher at Montgomery County High School, has some new lessons about energy for her students this fall.

Test well water annually

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The human body is more than 70 percent water and it needs to be replenished every day. But how good is the water you’re drinking? If you have a private well, testing the water once a year is a good idea.

The black walnuts in your backyard are healthy

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – It's the time of year when walnuts will start dropping off their trees."Picking these walnuts up to sell can be a great moneymaker, but don't forget that you can actually eat those nuts," says Tammy Roberts, University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education…

The noise, noise, noise, noise

COLUMBIA, Mo. – This could be a noisy summer for southeastern and western Missouri. A brood of 17-year periodical cicadas will emerge in northwestern Missouri (Kansas City and St. Joseph), and a brood of 13-year periodical cicadas will surface in southeastern Missouri (Cape Girardeau).

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