4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot raises more than $21K for Missouri 4-H
COLUMBIA, Mo. – On Saturday, March 16, the Prairie Grove Shooting Sports Complex hosted the second annual Missouri 4-H Clover Clays Charity Shoot. This event, aimed at supporting the Missouri 4-H Foundation, brought together teams and sponsors from across the state and raised more than $21,000
States' 4-H International appoints Missouri 4-H alum as board member
COLUMBIA, Mo. – States’ 4-H International, a prominent provider of international student exchange programs, announced the appointment of Missouri 4-H alumna Shea Fitzgerald as a Young Professional Board Member. Missouri 4-H Program Director Lupita Fabregas also serves on the States’ 4-H International Board.
Challenges and strategies in optimizing soybean planting
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A grower’s planting operation and crop stand establishment is the most critical event in every farmer’s calendar, said Andre Reis, University of Missouri Extension state soybean specialist.
4-H in NE Missouri: Getting To Know Your County
You can live and work somewhere your whole life and still not really know it, says Katie Hogan, a 4-H youth development specialist in MU Extension’s Northeast Region. That is why Hogan launched the Getting To Know Your County training with her team of youth development specialists and youth program associates the region.
Kansas City neighborhoods 'write the vision'
A self-described data geek, Shatomi Luster-Edward has the All Things Missouri link bookmarked for ready access. Luster-Edward has found the MU CARES data-mapping and data-visualization tool vital to her work as MU Extension Urban West regional director.
Missouri Shorthorn Association 4-H and FFA Youth Awards
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Shorthorn Association (MSA) has announced the winners of its 4-H and FFA Youth Awards for 2024. First place ($750) and second place ($500) awards were given to youths who participate in either 4-H or FFA. Additional awards went to youths who participate in either organization. The winners received the funds in form of a voucher to aid in the purchase of a registered Shorthorn/Shorthorn Plus breeding stock.
Workshop for women farm operators teaches leasing, management
Women running their farm operations or considering sole operatorship can benefit from a University of Missouri Extension “On My Own” workshop. Starting in May, these workshops will give participants a primer on agricultural leasing, farmland values and custom work management.
MU Extension research on lavender finds options for Missouri growers
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – After three years of research, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialists are learning how to successfully grow lavender in Missouri. The popularity of lavender’s fresh scent has endured since ancient times. Cleopatra reportedly used it to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. By the 16th century, people were using it to ward off disease, preserve the dead and ease indigestion.
Bringing internet access to Missouri’s least-connected counties
Shannon and Carter counties in southeastern Missouri have some of the worst broadband coverage in the state. Local stakeholders say that means communities in the two counties are cut off from essential health, education and employment resources. That is about to change. A $191,038 grant will help the two counties develop a comprehensive broadband adoption plan, says Alison Copeland, University of Missouri System deputy chief engagement…
Warrensburg Adventure Club provides stability, support and a sense of belonging
Within the community of Warrensburg, Missouri, lies a sanctuary for young minds – the Warrensburg R6 Adventure Club. Led by the passionate and seasoned advocate for child enrichment, Casey Conklin, this program has blossomed into a haven where every child, regardless of economic background, finds a place to thrive.
2024 Missouri Grazing Schools start April 16
Missouri cattle producers can capture great value for their operations by attending grazing schools offered by University of Missouri Extension and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, says Tim Schnakenberg, MU Extension agronomy field specialist. Classes are scheduled throughout 2024, starting in mid-April. Over several days, each school will show producers how to increase profitability while protecting the land,…
MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic offers free wheat virus tests in 2024
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic will offer Missouri producers free testing for five wheat viruses during 2024, says Peng Tian, director of the clinic.
MU Extension Garden Hour returns April 3
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As growing season begins, University of Missouri Extension’s weekly Garden Hour returns to its noon slot on Wednesdays, starting April 3. MU Extension specialists address lawn, garden, disease and insect questions during the free hourlong virtual sessions. Listeners receive a weather report from MU Extension climatologist Zack Leasor and hear brief sessions on timely gardening topics, said MU Extension horticulturist…
Hosta steps out of the shadows in 2024
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Perhaps no plant brightens a shady area more than hosta, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The hardy perennial that thrives in shade is low-maintenance and easy to grow.
Free multispecies grazing workshop April 30 in Clinton
CLINTON, Mo. – Grazing multiple species of livestock (cattle, sheep or goats) in the same area could be more profitable and sustainable for livestock producers than raising a single species. “Diversifying your operation with multispecies grazing has the potential to increase your cash flow and better pasture utilization,” said David Brown, University of Missouri Extension sheep and goat specialist.
Total eclipse is brief 'buzzkill' for bees
JACKSON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists have the buzz on how the April 8 solar eclipse will stop bee activity for a few minutes in parts of Missouri. MU Extension agronomist and beekeeper Travis Harper says the upcoming eclipse offers a buzzworthy opportunity to learn about solar eclipses and apiculture – the science of bees.
Creating a Kansas City regional arts inventory
University of Missouri Extension’s Urban West Region is partnering with ArtsKC to develop a comprehensive asset map and online arts inventory for the five-county Kansas City metro region. The ArtsKC Regional Arts Impact Dashboard helps to:
Two weeds to watch in pastures, hayfields in 2024
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley lists two weeds to watch in 2024. Knotroot foxtail, like yellow foxtail, has a short, hair-like ligule and a typical foxtail-like seedhead. Unlike yellow foxtail, however, this species has short, knotty rhizomes. The invasive perennial is also known as bristle grass.
Youths test skills at State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
FULTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, March 23, drew 81 competing 4-H members. This year’s event was hosted at William Woods University in Fulton, said Maria Calvert, Missouri 4-H state agriculture educator. After the contest, youths and coaches toured the facilities and learned more about the equine program from faculty and students. The top 10 competitors ages 8-10:
Early appearance of alfalfa weevils prompts need to scout
JACKSON, Mo. – The warmer weather has prompted alfalfa weevil larvae to start feeding early, which means growers should be scouting the crop. Anthony Ohmes, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist, says now through April is the time to walk alfalfa fields to look for larvae activity.
Felines not a purr-fect match for Easter lilies and similar flowers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A favorite spring flower, the Easter lily, should be kept away from cats. If ingested, it could kill them. The perennial plant’s white, trumpet-like flowers might not sound the warning that all parts of it are highly toxic to felines.
Adulting 101: Building a foundation for future success
PLATTSBURG, Mo. – In February, MU Extension in Clinton County offered local teens a hands-on preview of basic skills they’ll need to navigate adulthood. During a day off from school, 20 teens, ages 14-18, attended Adulting 101 at the Clinton County Extension Center in Plattsburg. Community members, parents and extension council members had asked for such a program.
Minnesota reports first U.S. goat infected with avian influenza
A University of Missouri Extension specialist urges caution among producers in Missouri after a newborn goat in Minnesota recently tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the first case of HPAI in goats in the U.S.
Lily: More than just an Easter plant
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you mention the word “lily” to most people, they’ll think of the Easter lily. Although an attractive potted plant, that pure white beauty struggles somewhat in Missouri’s climate if planted outdoors, said David Trinklein, state horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
Garden walk set for May in historic Ste. Genevieve
STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of Ste. Genevieve will hold their annual tour of private and historic home gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 18 and 19. “This annual event showcases some of the most interesting and delightful gardens in the state,” says MU Extension horticulture specialist Kate Kammler.