Farm & Agriculture

MU's 'chill-dren of the corn' warn of chilling effects of planting cold

University of Missouri Extension specialists say corn planting in cool soils increases risk of poor emergence, weak stands and disease. MU Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold’s research shows that planting too soon can slow emergence and reduce stand numbers. After a week of temperatures in the 20s...

Shop safe at farmers markets

Shopping at farmers markets is a great way to get healthy fruits, vegetables and other foods while supporting local farmers, says Londa Nwadike, University of Missouri Extension food safety specialist. Nwadike, who has a joint extension appointment with MU and Kansas State University, offers some...

Dirty Food Marketing Is Hurting Consumers

In the middle of the worst pandemic the world has seen in a century, some perennial fear mongers haven’t taken a break from trying to scare people about their food. One of the worst offenders, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), recently released a report so filthy and dishonest that the word “...

Dairy producers should plan for lower demand

Source: Stacey Hamilton, 417-466-2148; Scott Poock, 573-882-6359 COLUMBIA, Mo. – Dairy farmers may need a plan to offset production costs as demand for milk products drops due to COVID-19, say dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton and veterinarian Scott Poock of University of Missouri Extension. Demand...

Know resources before coronavirus hits your farm or agribusiness

Source: Joe Horner, 573-882-9339; Robert Russell, 573-882-0061 COLUMBIA, Mo. – In the next 60 days, farmers will plant an estimated 10 million acres of crops and tend 2 million cattle, 75,000 milk cows, 3.5 million hogs and 300 million chickens. It is the busiest time of the year. Experts also...

MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab still open and serving Missouri agriculture

COLUMBIA, Mo. – For now, the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory remains open. “We understand the essential role the lab plays in supporting Missouri's agricultural industry,” said Robert Kallenbach, MU Extension senior program director for agriculture and environment. “If we...

Farmers market vendors prep for season amid COVID-19 concerns

The University of Missouri Extension food safety specialist Londa Nwadike says that, right now, science is on the side of produce growers. “There is currently no evidence that the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, has been transmitted through food or food packaging,” said Nwadike, who has...

To limit the spread of COVID-19, assign work zones in dairy operations to allow social distancing. MU Extension dairy veterinarian Scott Poock says the dairy parlor presents the most challenges. Photo courtesy Stacey Hamilton, MU Extension.

Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize

Source: Stacey Hamilton, 417-466-2148; Scott Poock, 573-882-6359 COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton and veterinarian Scott Poock used to repeat one word to students and workers at MU’s Foremost Dairy Research Center. “Intake. Intake. Intake” has given...

MU Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service postponed their annual series of management-intensive grazing schools in 2020 due to COVID-19. The schools, in their 30th year, serve as the go-to for Midwestern forage growers. Photo by Jessi Dodge

Grazing schools postponed due to COVID-19

Source: Craig Roberts, 573-882-0481 COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will postpone their annual series of management-intensive grazing schools in 2020 due to safety concerns about COVID-19. Organizers will look at the situation in late May...

With freezing temperatures predicted, put the brakes on corn planting

Source: William Wiebold, 573-673-4128 (cell); 573-882-0621; Greg Luce, 573-473-7079; Pat Guinan, 573-882-5908 COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agronomists caution that farmers should delay corn planting in light of predicted freezing temperatures. MU Extension grain crops specialist...