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Why rotational grazing isn’t working
Rotational grazing promises healthier pastures and higher returns, but labor, water limits and rigid plans often derail it. MU Extension forage specialist Carson Roberts explains why it fails—and how smarter rotations, better water access and flexibility can make it work.
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MU, LU Extension offer free vegetable gardening courses
GREENFIELD, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University, in partnership with the Greenfield City Garden, will offer two series of free spring gardening classes.
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Brewing change one cup at a time
In his seventh grade history class, Noah Temple learned how children in other countries often lack access to quality education, a privilege he enjoyed every day. That led him to launch Junior Java, a business that blends entrepreneurship and purpose.
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How Missouri farmers are strengthening land and livelihoods
Missouri farmers are using regenerative agriculture practices such as cover crops, improved grazing and smarter nutrient management to protect soil and water while staying profitable, with support from MU Extension and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
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Orchids: A cure for winter doldrums
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Winter’s cold, dreary days have many daydreaming about jetting away to basking in a tropical paradise. “Such a getaway is not possible for most, but orchids can transport you to an exotic place without ever leaving home,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Three ways to be more profitable making hay
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Haymaking is a game of threes, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts. To be profitable, producers must manage three key factors: equipment expenses, quality and yield.
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Maryville to host 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
MARYVILLE, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host its 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in Maryville, Sept. 15-17.
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Antlers, Anglers and Ag event brings together farmers and outdoorsmen
NOVELTY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension and partners will hold the first Antlers, Anglers and Ag: Elevating Today’s Outdoorsmen for Tomorrow’s Harvest event Saturday, March 28, at the MU Lee Greenley Jr. Memorial Research Farm in Novelty.
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Applications open for Missouri Century Farms
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1926, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, MU Extension Ag and Environment team and Missouri Farm Bureau sponsor the program. Applications to be recognized as a 2026 Missouri Century Farm open Feb. 1. Deadline is May 1.
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Watch for stink bugs in crops in 2026
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Something’s been stinking in Missouri soybean, corn and cotton crops since the 1990s. University of Missouri Extension state field crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida says stink bugs feed on a variety of plant species, including corn and soybeans.
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A bull breeding soundness exam pays
Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests a bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) prior to each breeding season to make sure a bull is physically and reproductively sound to breed females. He suggests that with cattle prices as they are, not doing a BSE is an expensive mistake.
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Missouri weather in 2025: From bitter cold to flash drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers faced another challenging weather year in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. It was a year of extremes, with bitter cold temperatures, record-breaking rainfalls and flash drought during critical parts of the growing season, says Leasor.
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Simple, inexpensive whistle can make a lifesaving difference
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s small, inexpensive, doesn’t require batteries or charging, and it could save your life. “In an emergency, a whistle can help rescuers locate you when you can’t call for help,” says Conne Burnham, University of Missouri Extension state emergency management specialist. “It’s a small item that can make a big difference.”
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MU Extension gains joint accreditation for health care education
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Continuing Education for Health Professions (CEHP) unit, which is part of the MU Office of Health Outreach, Policy & Education, has earned Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education.
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'Succulent mania' takes root
COLUMBIA, Mo. – From windowsills to office desks, succulents are everywhere. The hardy plants have become so popular in recent years that some enthusiasts call the trend “succulent mania,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
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Missouri 4-H'ers travel to Western National for contests
Missouri 4-H livestock judging team. From left, Rayleigh Birdwell, Maggie Reed, Elyse Cooley and Elliott Cooley.
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Scout early and often for corn leafhopper in 2026
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in-field research in 2025 cornfields showed less damage from corn leafhopper than in 2024. MU Extension state crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida is happy about that, but he is unsure why this happened. “It is possible that corn leafhoppers arrived later in the season compared to 2024, as they do not truly overwinter in Missouri,” Valmorbida says.
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Winter weather resources from MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – MU Extension has resources to help you prepare for and respond to severe winter weather. Extended cold weather can freeze water in household plumbing. This can not only make your faucets run dry, it can result in burst pipes. Learn how to prevent or safely thaw frozen pipes.
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National survey looks at beef producers' bull-buying decisions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new national survey aims to better understand how beef producers make bull-buying decisions and how extension programs can better support those producers.
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Watermelon grower finds sweet spot in NE Missouri
Florida watermelon grower Bob Stewart is finding northeastern Missouri ripe for growing what Monroe County-born author Mark Twain called the “food of angels.” Stewart, owner of GID Farms of Immokalee, Florida, grew 6 million pounds of watermelon on 150 rented acres near Monroe City this past season. The location offers new challenges and opportunities to expand Stewart’s 20-year-old business.
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MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab moves to cheaper, quicker testing
The MU Extension Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory is transitioning to a new soil nutrient extraction method, called Mehlich-3, which has become the industry standard for soil testing. Adopting the Mehlich-3 method enhances laboratory efficiency and enables the laboratory to provide a more complete nutrient analysis in a single test while keeping overall testing costs lower.
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MU med students to lead free Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program in Hannibal
Two third-year medical students from the MU School of Medicine will bring their skills, enthusiasm and commitment to community health this winter as they lead a free Strong, Stay Healthy program in Hannibal. The free strength training course, which is open to adults of all fitness levels, meets 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 3 to March 26 at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, 301 Warren Barrett Drive.
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Watch for new soybean pest in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The soybean tentiform leafminer (STL) moth is no bigger than George Washington’s nose on a quarter. But don’t underestimate it, says Ivair Valmorbida, University of Missouri Extension state field crops and forage entomologist. Valmorbida confirmed STL’s presence in 2025 in Cooper County in a field next to a wooded area, its preferred infestation area.
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Your Best Year Yet: Build resolutions backed by SMART goals
Is it your New Year’s resolution to achieve your New Year’s resolution? Studies show that nearly 80% of people who set a New Year’s resolution fail within the first few weeks. Creating goals that are “SMART”--Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic/relevant and Time-bound--is one way to give us a better chance of achieving our goals.
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MU Extension works with swine industry, TN visa workers to address labor shortages
University of Missouri Extension specialists are working with the swine industry and temporary visa holders to help recruit, retain and develop agriculture professionals needed to address ongoing farm labor shortages.