Large bale of hay

Baling wet hay becomes hot news

High-moisture grass baled above 24% moisture can cause spontaneous combustion. Overheated bales can burn down a hay barn. Craig Roberts, University of Missouri forage specialist, said frequent rains this year help grass growth, but it’s been bad for making hay. He’s part of the team on a weekly MU Extension teleconference between state and regional […]

Farm News graphic

USDA reopens continuous CRP Sign-up, extensions available for expiring contracts

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency will accept applications for certain practices under the Conservation Reserve Program continuous sign-up beginning June 3rd and offer extensions for expiring CRP contracts. The FSA stopped accepting applications last fall for the CRP continuous sign up when 2014 Farm Bill authority expired, however, the 2018 Farm […]

Corn in the field

MU Extension agronomist: Stick with corn until end of May

The wet and cold start to this year’s corn planting season bodes poorly for yields, based on research from the University of Missouri Extension. But MU Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold says farmers should not switch from corn to other crops or early maturing corn varieties because of rain-delayed planting. There is still time to get […]

Natural Resources Conservation Service or NRCS

Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service sets April 15 application deadline to apply for easements

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has set an April 15 deadline to apply for wetland and agricultural land easements in Missouri. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help private landowners, tribes, land trusts and other groups protect valuable lands through easements. The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program focuses on restoring and protecting wetlands as […]