Farm & Agriculture

Adoption of precision ag varies across generations

Farmers who fear they are falling behind in farm technology might not be as behind as they think. Kansas State University cropping system economist Terry Griffin explains that a recent Kansas Farm Management Association study on farm technologies dispels the myth that all farmers use all of the...

MU research looks at technology to kill weeds

Source: Kevin Bradley, 573-882-4039 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....

Proper hay storage reduces waste, increases profit

COLUMBIA, Mo. – There are two ways to more hay: Grow more or store it better. Many factors influence how bales make the trip from the field to the cow, says Jim Humphrey, a University of Missouri agronomist and member of the NRCS+MU Grasslands Project. Environmental factors such as sunlight,...

Tar spot found in NE Missouri cornfields

Source: Kaitlyn Bissonnette, 573-882-9106 COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri corn growers should scout for an emerging crop disease, tar spot, in 2021, says University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette. She identified tar spot in four far northeastern Missouri counties: Scotland,...

Norfolk Island pine: A houseplant for the holidays and beyond

Source: Pat Miller, 417-448-2560 NEVADA, Mo. – If you don’t have time or space for a large Christmas tree, consider a Norfolk Island pine. “Many stores sell these evergreen houseplants during the holidays,” says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Pat Miller. “These easy-to-grow plants...

Missouri trending wetter and warmer

Source: Pat Guinan, 573-882-5908 COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s seasons are getting warmer and wetter, especially winter and spring. For farmers, this means a longer growing season, wetter fields and potential for more plant diseases and insects. Four of the five warmest winters in Missouri on record...

Beef producers sought for GrowSafe system research at MU

Source: Reagan Bluel, 417-847-3161 MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Researchers at University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center are inviting beef producers to take part in a program to identify beef cows that use feed efficiently. MU Extension researchers will mine data from the GrowSafe system to help...

During the 2014 Missouri State Fair, MU Extension safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch tells a young woman that she should pull her long hair up and under a hat when working around farm equipment, especially power takeoff devices that can quickly grab hair and clothing.

Take your time with power takeoffs

Source: Tim Schnakenberg, 417-357-6812 COLUMBIA, Mo. – Survivors do not soon forget power takeoff accidents. Retired Monroe County farmer Artie Whelan recalls one of his first days back on the farm after his discharge from the U.S. Army 64 years ago. The half-ton truck he was driving got stuck, so...

Five organizations team up to present one virtual conference on organic farming

SPRING VALLEY, WI— The coronavirus pandemic has led to surging demand for organic food and products. To help farmers take advantage of that interest, a handful of organizations has joined forces to present a six-day virtual conference offering the latest information on organic and sustainable...

Schlumbergera truncata, a type of holiday cactus. Photo by Jan Mehlich. Shared under a Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.5).

Treat it right and Christmas cactus lives to bloom another year

Source: David Trinklein, 573-882-9631 COLUMBIA, Mo. – With proper care, Christmas cactus is a gift that gives for many years, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Trinklein has recommendations for success with Christmas cactus: Christmas cacti tolerate low light but...