Farm & Agriculture

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...

The Outdoor Journal by Kyle Carroll

The last three weeks have been anything but normal with the impacts of a pandemic impacting us all. Everything that was normal to many folks is now suspended. No spring sports, no baseball on the radio, no church services. Even the best fish fry around, put on by the Knights of Columbus in Cameron...

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...