Corn in Beginning Stages of Drought

Farmers seek forage options as drought cuts grass growth

Shortage of cattle forage is forcing some Ozark herd owners to chop trees to feed leaves. That method was used in big droughts of the 1930s and 1950s. Damage comes from more than an intense drought, said Craig Roberts, University of Missouri forage specialist in a weekly teleconference. Regional extension specialists update state staff on […]

Dairy Cows

Close-up cow’ barns help cows avoid heat stress, produce more milk

Martin Prairie Farms near Humansville treats dairy cows like guests.  The family-owned dairy farm north of Humansville in Hickory County dedicates itself to top-of-the-line herd nutrition and care, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel. Freddie and Mary Martin, son David, and David’s spouse, Alana, own and operate the nearly 3,000-acre farm. Almost […]

Chillicothe Missouri Police Department

Chillicothe police arrest partially nude men

The Chillicothe Police Department reports the arrest of two partially-dressed men last weekend. Sergeant Curtis Hays reports officers responded to a male without any pants lying on the sidewalk in the 1100 block of Elm Street early Friday morning at 1:06 am. Officers arrested Milan John Bender of Pattonsburg for trespassing, tampering with the property […]

Drug Busts

Chillicothe Police Department bust six on drug offenses

The Chillicothe Police Department reports the arrest of six individuals on drug offenses as the result of a search warrant Tuesday night and an investigation Wednesday morning. Chief John Maples reports officers arrested three individuals Tuesday after the police department, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and K9 Zaki executed a search warrant on a residence […]

MOASK IRC Missouri Ag Skills and Knowledge Industry Recognized Credential

High School students in agriculture education courses receive technical skills certificates

High school students enrolled in agriculture education courses have the unique opportunity to go beyond the classroom and learn real-world applications in a number of disciplines. Whether it is in agricultural mechanics, livestock evaluation, or a dozen other areas of learning, the Missouri Agricultural Skills and Knowledge Assessment Industry Recognized Credential (MOASK IRC) program recognizes […]

Graduation caps

Area schools announce top graduates

The top graduates from several schools were announced Friday night during commencement ceremonies. The Valedictorian for Pleasant View R-6’s eighth-grade class was Teya Cooksey. Jillian Simpson was named the Salutatorian and also received the Eckert Citizenship Award. Jamesport Tri-County High School announced its Valedictorian as Lilly Simons and its Salutatorian as Macey Ward. Hayley Michael […]

Second Harvest Food Bank

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive to be held Saturday

The Second Harvest Community Food Bank based out of Saint Joseph and the National Association of Letter Carriers will participate in the 26th Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Saturday, May 12. Second Harvest Communications Director Blake Haynes describes the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive as the biggest one-day food drive in the country. Post […]

Farm Tractor in field with ag implement

Cold, dry conditions delay planting and forage growth

University of Missouri Extension agronomists voiced concern during a teleconference that cool, dry conditions are causing delayed planting and slow forage growth statewide. MU Extension climatologist Pat Guinan reported double-digit departures from normal temperatures for northern Missouri during the first three weeks of April. Much of the state also suffers from a lack of moisture, […]

Farm Accident news graphic

Farm accident in Daviess County kills McFall man

The highway patrol reports a farm accident this morning in northwestern Daviess County has claimed the life of a man from McFall. 64-year-old Victor Morgan was pronounced dead at the scene on private property one mile north of Pattonsburg. An investigating officer reported Morgan had loaded a hay bale and due to excessive weight on the […]

Wet weather slows haymakers; seed heads become a problem

Missouri haymakers face unusual spring weather challenges. More problems are ahead. Making hay is more than working between rains, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist. Grass seed heads have a bigger impact on hay quality than wet weather. For best nutrition, hay must be cut before grass transfers nutrients from the leaves […]