Farm & Agriculture

Produce safety training offered for fruit, vegetable growers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fruit and vegetable growers can meet training requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule at workshops in November through January at several locations in Missouri. Workshops are set for Nov. 13 in Barnett; Dec. 4 in Waverly and Jan. 9, 2020, in...

Heifer selection workshop set for Oct. 29 at MU Southwest Center

Not all heifers are created equal when it comes to making replacements for a beef cow herd. Some heifers make better cows than others. Identifying the best in a herd boosts profit potential. Two University of Missouri Extension specialists will teach how that happens on farms. They’ll hold a free...

Used tires provide weight to secure plastic around the silage pile. Photo courtesy of Rana Zeller.

Silage piles save money over baleage on late-planted corn

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The cost to harvest corn planted as a cover crop for silage this year varies greatly, according to a new study from University of Missouri Extension. USDA Risk Management Agency allows producers to harvest cover crops, including corn, from prevented-plant acres beginning Sept. 1...

National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 15-21

Fall harvest and texting on Missouri’s rural roadways do not mix, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch. “Turn your cellphone to TTYL (“talk to you later”) and stay alert for moving farm equipment,” she says. “Shift Farm Safety Into High Gear” is the...

It's Harvest Time, Stay Alert!

Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity. In the coming weeks, farmers across the state will be harvesting their crops. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to share the road. Expect to see an increase in farm machinery traffic--especially on rural...

Tips on getting rid of flood debris

Source: Kent Shannon, 573-445-9792 COLUMBIA, Mo. – When floodwaters recede, farmers have to deal with the debris left behind, says Kent Shannon, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agricultural engineering. You can burn plant materials such as cornstalks and tree wood in the field...

Representative Jim Neely's Capitol Report

Much of the work done by the Missouri House and Senate from January to May finally became law as many of the bills approved by the legislature and signed by the governor officially took effect on August 28. It was during the 2019 legislative session that the House and Senate combined to send 92...

MU guide explains livestock insurance revisions from USDA

Source: Ryan Milhollin, 573-882-0668 COLUMBIA, Mo. – With volatile livestock market prices, farmers now have more appealing insurance underwritten by the USDA. The federally subsidized protection has been revised and simplified. Ryan Milhollin, University of Missouri Extension economist, says that...

University of Missouri Extension specialists say sand and scours are among the many challenges of repairing flood-damaged fields. Photo by Linda Geist.

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 Burn plant material...

Plant cool-season grasses in September, says MU Extension forage agronomist

Source: Craig Roberts, 573-882-0481 COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Plant cool-season grasses in September,” says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage agronomist. “The earlier the better.” Early planting lets seedlings put down roots to start growth before frost. New plantings must store energy...