Ag Census

Ag census deadline extended to July 30

The deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of Agriculture has been extended to July 30. Forms can be returned by mail or securely submitted online. University of Missouri Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments, as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations and others, use the data to serve […]

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 […]

Cover Crops App Screenshot

Cover crop field guide now available as mobile app

The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) recently reformatted its popular field guide as an app for smartphones and tablets. The Midwest Cover Crop Field Scout app lets farmers, crop adviser, and conservation professionals access vital cover crop information from mobile devices. The app improves on the printed guide by providing additional photos and links to […]

Missouri Department of Agriculture Website

Missouri Department of Agriculture issues critical stewardship reminder during Pesticide Stewardship Awareness Week

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced Pesticide Stewardship Awareness week through May 25, 2018, by reminding pesticide applicators of Missouri’s Special Local Need (24c) label restrictions for ENGENIA, XTENDIMAX, and FEXAPAN for the 2018 growing season. During Pesticide Stewardship Awareness Week, pesticide applicators will see an increased promotional effort by the Department to encourage pesticide […]

Mental Health Awareness Month

Suicide rate is higher in rural areas

For many, the peace and quiet of country living is the American dream. But that dream can turn into a nightmare for those who become isolated and disconnected from their communities, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch. May is Mental Health Month. It is a good time to talk with […]

Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri

LIHEAP Summer program to begin June 1

One of multiple programs the Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri provides is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Executive Director Aaron Franklin says that LIHEAP assists families by paying utility bills. He says the agency began the winter portion of the program in November.  The agency was able to make a one-time […]

Film Fest

National 4-H film festival comes to Columbia

Youth from across the nation go on location to Columbia, Mo., this summer for FilmFest 4-H, the national 4-H film festival. Co-produced by Missouri 4-H and the Missouri Film Office, FilmFest 4-H has drawn youth participants from 21 states since its inception. “Companies across all industries use digital media every day,” said Andrea Sporcic, specialist […]

Survey

2018 Missouri Rural Survey now available online

The 2018 Missouri Rural Survey is now available online to solicit input from Missouri residents, business owners, and elected officials on sustaining local communities and building strong local economies. The University of Missouri Extension reports the survey will take participants about 10 minutes to complete, there are no right or wrong answers, and answers will […]

High heat and dry conditions can put fish ponds at risk

  COLUMBIA, Mo. – The combination of prolonged high heat and dry weather potentially threatens fish ponds, says a University of Missouri Extension fisheries and wildlife specialist. “Fish are at risk from high water temperatures, oxygen depletion, increased disease potential and other problems as water levels drop in ponds through lack of runoff and evaporation,” […]