Farm & Agriculture

MU Extension specialists recommend that farmers use cellphones or tablets to communicate with workers and take pictures of broken parts to send to parts dealers. Photo by Linda Geist.

Farmers face unique safety risks during COVID-19

Source: Rusty Lee, 573-564-3733 COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers and ranchers face unique safety risks as COVID-19 continues to spread. The predicted peak of the COVID-19 outbreak likely will hit as spring planting season shifts into high gear, says Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension field...

Got milk?

Source: Reagan Bluel, 417-847-3161; Sarah Wood, 573-882-6432 COLUMBIA, Mo. – Freezing offers milk drinkers a way to keep nutritious milk on hand at all times, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel. She works with producers in the heart of southwestern Missouri dairy...

Private Pesticide Applicator Training shifts to video teleconference, U.S. mail options

COLUMBIA, Mo. – In light of the COVID-19 situation, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved two alternative methods for completing Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT). "We know planting has started in some parts of the state," said...

USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to...

In Madison County, this 'little free library' box has been repurposed for community food donations.

Show Me Resilience

Show Me Resilience. This simple phrase illustrates how University of Missouri Extension and communities across the state are showing up for each other. People, businesses and communities are working together in innovative and engaging ways – bringing the resources of the University of Missouri to...

Spring 2020 flood outlook. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Stage set for spring flooding

Source: Pat Guinan, 573-882-5908 The stage is set for more spring flooding in Missouri, said University of Missouri Extension climatologist Pat Guinan. “A lot will depend on the weather patterns that set up over the region in the next few weeks,” he said. Missouri farmers, still reeling from 2019...

Sweater weather is time to sow seeds

Source: David Trinklein, 573-882-9631 COLUMBIA, Mo. – It is difficult to think about gardening in the midst of sweater weather. “However, now is the perfect time to start seeds of certain garden plants indoors so they will be ready for transplant when warmer weather arrives,” said University of...

Sheep and goats appear less enthusiastic than cattle about grazing on milo because they cannot see predators over the milo heads. Farmer Harry Cope finds that sheep graze from the outer field edges to the center. He says he sees benefits to rotational grazing of milo pastures for his herd. Photo by Linda Geist.

Move livestock to the feed to lower costs, save nutrients

Source: Rusty Lee, 573-564-3733 TRUXTON, Mo. – Milo planted for grazing cuts winter feed bills by half and keeps nutrients on the farm, says Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension agronomist. Nutrients stay on the land when cattle and sheep recycle manure by stomping it into the soil during...

Beef artificial insemination school set for March 27-28

Source: Heather Conrow, 660-248-2272 COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in Howard County, in partnership with Select Sires, will host a beef artificial insemination school March 27-28 the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm, 5151 Old Millers Road, Columbia. The class is $350 and...

Sugarcane aphid infestation on Sudan grass leaf in Stone County, Mo., in 2016. Credit: Tim Schnakenberg, University of Missouri.

Be on guard for new forage insect pests in Missouri

Source: Tim Schnakenberg, 417-357-6812 GALENA, Mo. – Insect invasions advanced more slowly when ships and wagons moved crops. Today, pests can hop aboard an airplane and infest a new area in short order. That makes it more important than ever to watch for agricultural insect pests, says Tim...