Texas County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Manager (FLM) Amy Peiter reminds producers that FSA offers specially-targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to Socially Disadvantaged (SDA) applicants. “FSA targets a portion of its loan funds each year to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers,” said Peiter. “Farming and…
Registration for this Extension Program Needed Today AVA – Southwest Missouri hay producers will have an opportunity to improve their hay making skills by attending a three-day hay school in Douglas County from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 5, 12 and 19 at the Douglas County Livestock…
The Ava 4-H went to visit Dr. Peters’ new vet clinic last Thursday. Several of the 4-H kids are interested in a career in veterinary medicine and were excited about the tour. Dr. Peters took time to explain about several things that were happening at the clinic while they were…
This news release is part of a five-part series on high tunnel production. For the complete series, go to extension.missouri. edu/news. COLUMBIA – Producers should take care to choose an appropriate site for a high tunnel, according to University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist David Trinklein. He spoke to agriculture…
COLUMBIA – If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1913, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. To qualify, farms must meet the following guidelines. The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership…
JEFFERSON CITY – Rep. Jason Smith pre-filed a constitutional amendment today to protect the right of Missourians to hunt, fish and farm. This amendment comes in the wake of a recent regulatory movement, spear-headed by career bureaucrats and Washington DC special interests, to force state agencies to implement regulations reducing…
To Bee or not to Bee is the question that will be answered during a three-week short course for beginning beekeepers. The course, led by Larry Tucker, will begin on Feb. 12 and will run Tuesdays through Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Mansfield. Tucker is a retired Small Farm…
By Ivie Macy, Historian On Friday, Oct. 5, 37 FFA members, two advisors, and three chaperones attended Farm Fest at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. At Farm Fest, members and visitors can buy, sell, or just see many faucets of agriculture. There were a variety of animals on display including dogs,…
By Jamie Holland, Greenhand On Tuesday, Oct. 2, six greenhands or first year FFA members attended the Area Greenhand Conference at Chadwick High School, home of our Area FFA President. Those members attending were Jamie Holland, Brandon Brooks, Jake Olsen, Austin Olsen, Devon Degase, Taylor McDonald, area parliamentarian, and Tiffany…
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced funding for rural water projects to create jobs and improve rural water and wastewater systems in 16 states. “These improvements to rural water infrastructure will provide reliable access to clean water, improving public health while creating jobs that strengthen rural economies.” Vilsack said. “The Obama…
JEFFERSON CITY – Following this summer’s findings of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer in Platte, Madison and Reynolds counties, Missouri’s quarantine regulating the movement of many ash wood products has been expanded. The quarantine, an effort to reduce the spread of the one-half inch long emerald green-colored beetle, now includes…
COLUMBIA – If you buy hay from some parts of the southern U.S., you might get stung—not just once but many times—by red imported fire ants. An Ozark County farmer recently learned that lesson the hard way while unloading hay he’d bought from a farmer in Florida. Unlike most ants,…
“Waiting for rain is no longer an option.” COLUMBIA – Landscape plants are dying from heat and lack of rain. There’s so little moisture in the soil that without irrigation many homeowners will lose landscape plants. Even well-established trees are in crisis, according to Chris Starbuck, associate professor of plant…
The Secretary of Agriculture has now designated 97 Missouri counties as primary agricultural natural disaster areas making certain farmers and other agricultural producers in the counties eligible for low-interest emergency loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), in addition to other disaster programs. Christian, Douglas, Howell, Texas and Wright counties…
COLUMBIA – Drought-stricken forages that accumulate nitrates can kill grazing livestock, quickly, warns a University of Missouri plant scientist. “We’re getting reports of cattle dying,” says Rob Kallenbach, MU Extension forage specialist. “As hot weather without rain continues, we expect to hear of more death losses. It happens at the…
COLUMBIA – An arid spring brought only 4 inches of rain to Missouri in May and June. Normal rainfall is 10 inches, says a University of Missouri climatologist. We have a 6-inch moisture deficit going into what are normally the hottest and drier months of summer, says Pat Guinan with…
Greene County’s Fair Grove Farmers’ Market Named Missouri Farmers’ Market of the Year JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri’s Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler has named the Fair Grove Farmers’ Market the state’s best in 2012 – an honor awarded each year to a farmers’ market that sets the example of…
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Searching for fresh, nutritious food? Want alternatives to everyday ingredients? To find healthy foods and unique products, you don’t have to look much farther than your “backyard.” Local farmers’ markets provide less-processed, flavorful produce and other farm-fresh products that can add variety to your diet and keep…
BLUE SPRINGS – Many gardeners end up with so many green beans they don’t know what to do with them. “There are many ways that you can preserve green beans so you are eating your garden’s bounty all winter long,” says Tammy Roberts, University of Missouri nutrition and health education…
Problem populations found in fescue pastures, corn and wheat fields around Missouri. COLUMBIA – True army worms are on the march this spring, and farmers need to be checking fields to make sure their crops aren’t among the casualties. “They often can take out an entire pasture of fescue or…
LYONS, Neb. – Today the Center for Rural Affairs called upon Senate Agriculture Committee members to adopt crucial amendments to the Farm Bill proposal currently before the committee. They are expected to begin debate on amendments today, Wednesday, April 25th. “Unfortunately, the farm bill proposal before the Senate Ag Committee…
The Future Farmers of America is once again hosting the annual FFA Labor Auction on Thursday, April 26, at the Douglas County Livestock facility, south of Ava. Bidding will start at 10 a.m. More than 30 FFA members are looking forward to participating in the fundraiser, as each one will…
Anita “Janie”Dunning, State Director for Missouri USDA Rural Development, hosted a meeting to recognize fifteen Missouri businesses which have been selected to receive Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG). The Missouri organizations were among the 298 recipients in 44 states and Puerto Rico which were selected from the national competition to receive…
Home production of vegetables is a rewarding activity in many ways. Fresh, flavorful produce, healthful outdoor exercise, and the satisfaction of growing your own are several of the reasons why home gardening is a popular activity. But as most gardeners know, it is also a way to reap significant financial…
NEW FRANKLIN – Peach trees in the MU research orchard are set to bloom next week (March 18), says Michele Warmund, University of Missouri horticulturist. That is at least three weeks early. There’s a problem with that beautiful scene of the fruit crop blooming. Killing freezes can occur from now…
For home fruit growers the time is here to make annual dormant oil application on selected fruit trees and small fruit species. This is probably one of the most important sprays that can be applied to fruit trees, and one of the least toxic of all spray materials for the…
With what looks like an early spring around the corner, thoughts will soon be turning to gardening. If you have yet to add a few fruit trees or bush (small) fruit to your garden area, now is a good time to give consideration to the wide vari-ety of fruits that…
A workshop series dealing with bovine reproduction and artificial insemination will be held at the Laclede Electric building north of Hartville on March 12 and 13. The classes will assist beef and dairy producers in learning about the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in the cow. Other topics include getting…
Leon Kreisler of Salem, Mo., is one of 29 new appointees to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack made state and import-representative appointments on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2011. Kreisler will represent Missouri’s cattle farmers and ranchers. He and his wife Helen began Oak Knoll…
By Tony Bratsch University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist A living Christmas tree, if handled correctly before, during and after the holiday season can also provide many useful years in the landscape. As a bonus, it becomes a living reminder of the season’s events as it grows through the years.…
Area farmers and agricultural producers “can really benefit” by attending an upcoming Ag Energy Seminar sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension, says Douglas County Program Director Angie Fletcher. Attending the free event, to be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at the Super 8 meeting…
JEFFERSON CITY – Andy Sodano of Houston, Mo., was recognized for two years of service on Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education (P&E) Committee during the 97th Missouri Farm Bureau annual meeting December 5 at the Lake of the Ozarks. Blake Hurst, Missouri Farm Bureau president, and Barbara Wilson, chairman of…
JEFFERSON CITY – Michael Luerssen of Cabool, Mo., has been appointed to Missouri Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education (P&E) Committee. His appointment to the P&E committee was announced at Missouri Farm Bureau’s annual meeting Dec. 5 at the Lake of the Ozarks. Luerssen represents District 8 in the south central…
Nathan Lacher, Ava, Missouri, is a new member of the American Angus Association®, reports Bryce Schumann, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in St. Joseph, Mo. American Angus Association, with nearly 30,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records…
JEFFERSON CITY – The 2012 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture is coming to Kansas City for the first time. The conference, held Jan. 19-21, will focus on current key issues in agriculture, including food safety, security and integrity. The Governor’s Conference on Agriculture will also feature in-depth panel discussions on…
University of Missouri Douglas County Extension in partnership with the Douglas County Soil and Water Board will be presenting a free Weed Workshop on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 6:00 p.m., at the Ava Victory Academy located at 1005 Northwest 12th Avenue in Ava, MO Topics covered will include:…
COLUMBIA – Every garden needs tender, loving care, and the same goes for the program that helps Missourians learn vital skills to tend those gardens. Recent changes to the Missouri Master Gardener Extension Program will let it better serve its members, said David Trinklein, MU Extension horticulturist. These changes include…
Good fences make for good neighbors, especially if the fence provides fresh, homegrown fruit every year. “If there is one crop that gardeners have difficulty finding room for in the landscape, it is grapes,” says Marlin Bates, a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. Home vineyards often use arbors or pergolas-structures…
Edward J. Hamill, state executive director, Farm Service Agency, announced effective Sept. 7, 11 counties in Missouri will have FSA disaster loans available due to combined effects of hail, high winds, flooding, widespread drought and excessive heat which occurred April 1 and continuing. Counties approved for disaster loans include Howell,…
Dr. Taylor Woods will stay on as senior advisor to the Director on livestock industry issues JEFFERSON CITY – Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler announced Dr. Linda Hickam as Missouri’s State Veterinarian today in Jefferson City. A native of Columbia, Mo. and graduate of the University of Missouri College…
“Harvesting and Storing Apples” We are harvesting apples at the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station. These are harvested into apple picking bags and then emptied into wooden boxes. Luckily we have a cooler that is just above 32 degrees Fahrenheit to store our apples. I know you probably don’t have…
Nixa Early Learning Center A Winner of AgriMissouri’s School and Community Contest. JEFFERSON CITY – Ten Missouri schools and community organizations, including the Nixa Early Learning Center, will start the year off with over $800 of new gardening supplies, including seeds, fruit trees and tools from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds,…
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) have agreed to provide an additional $2.2 million to expedite the technical assistance that private landowners need to get federal Farm Bill program benefits. NRCS conservationists work with farmers and ranchers to prepare conservation plans that…
SEDALIA – Kayla Morrow of Bronaugh, and daughter of Kevin and Twila Morrow, is the exhibitor of the 2011 Grand Champion Meat Goat at the Missouri State Fair. Her goat weighed 92 pounds; she is a member of the Show Me 4-H Club. The Reserve Grand Champion Meat Goat honor…
SEDALIA – Emily Tallman, of Archie and daughter of Steve and Renea Tallman, is the exhibitor of the 2011 grand champion market hog at the Missouri State Fair. Her market hog weighed 274 pounds. She is a member of the Archie FFA Chapter. The reserve grand champion market hog honor…
SEDALIA – Troy Sloan, son of Scott and Tonya Sloan, Cameron, Mo., is the exhibitor of the 2011 Grand Champion Market Lamb at the Missouri State Fair. His lamb weighed 137 pounds. He is a member of the Cameron FFA. The Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb honor went to Brady…
Dry Weather Can Lead To a Lethal Lunch Most people don’t think of grass as poison, but dry weather and drought can turn a pasture dangerous. Nitrates and prussic acid built to lethal levels in the stems and leaves of some plants as the hot days of July and August…
COLUMBIA–August and early September offer a reprieve from the scorching heat of summer and an opportunity to put vegetables on the dinner table well into fall. Fall planting, sometime called succession planting, takes advantage of garden plots after summer crops are harvested and removed. Falling temperatures on the horizon means…
Ava FFA attended State FFA Leadership Camp during Week 5 of Camp at Kaiser, Mo., at Camp Raising Sun. Members attending were James Elijah, Kayla Yost, Hannah Phinney, Ciara Fossett, Autumn Dawson, Tylor Emerick, Jimmy Melton, Moe Melton, Clayton Young, Cody Bellman-Hart, and advisors Brent Lakey and Tiffany Kauffman. Members…
At noon today, Thursday, Aug. 11, Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler and Missouri’s agriculture industry will honor the long standing career and accomplishments of Dr. Taylor Woods, Missouri’s State Veterinarian at a luncheon on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The luncheon event, held on opening day of the 109th Missouri…
By Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary At the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we are looking for new ways to help America’s producers succeed every single day. We want farmers and growers with operations of all sizes to be profitable and to make the decisions that are best for their land and…
Free technical assistance and low interest loans available for on-farm efficiency upgrades JEFFERSON CITY – Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recently announced that free technical assistance is now available for Missouri livestock producers installing energy efficient equipment on their farms thanks to an energy program announced earlier this year.…
Tim Green of Webb City Farmers’ Market recognized for volunteering, teaching, leadership. JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced Tim Green as 2011 Champion of the Year for his work to promote gardening, locally-grown foods and farmers’ markets. Green was recognized at the Webb City Farmers’ Market, where…
MT. VERNON – Bull management is an important part of running beef cows. A key to successful bull management is having and using a bull pasture according to Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist, University of Missouri Extension. “This is the time of year when owners of well-managed cattle herds are…
Program took effect July 1 and may provide support for loans up to $40,000 JEFFERSON CITY – A newly available program to aid farmers in obtaining commercial financing for purchases of livestock feed and inputs for livestock feed crops is now available. The Livestock Feed and Crop Input Loan Guarantee…
By Jennifer Schutter Horticulture Specialist University of Missouri Extension Many people say how hard it is to grow roses, and now I believe them. I have a hard time getting hybrid teas to grow and be healthy. In fact, I have given up on hybrid teas and converted the raised…
Investing In Rural America Essential to Job Creation and Business Growth Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that applications are being accepted for grants to provide economic assistance to independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives and agricultural producer groups through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program. “By creating value-added products, farmers…
COLUMBIA – Current problems in growing field crops are topics for the University of Missouri faculty at the annual Crop Injury Clinic, July 12-13 at Bradford Farm. “This year there are plenty of problems,” said Bill Wiebold, MU Extension agronomist. He will cover “Corn and soybean response to delayed planting.”…
Horses exposed during a show last month have been released from quarantine JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Agriculture has investigated and confirmed that Missouri does not have any confirmed or suspected cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy. On May 16, Missouri’s State Veterinarian was notified that three horses had…
By Rebecca Maples, MDC JEFFERSON CITY – Under threat of attack, people rally in defense of their homeland. That is exactly what the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking citizens to do as they head to the great outdoors for Independence Day weekend. “Not too many years ago, you…
Amy J. Peiter, Farm Loan manager of the USDA Farm Service Agency for Texas, Dent, Douglas, Ozark, Howell, Oregon, Phelps, Crawford, Shannon and Reynolds counties, announced the availability of farm operating and farm ownership loans for women and members of minority groups who want to purchase or operate a family-size…
Over $500 of fresh vegetables harvested, donated from Growing Together Garden JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Agriculture recently harvested its first donation of fresh produce through the “Grow & Give” initiative. The Department’s Growing Together Garden yielded over $500 of lettuce, radishes and Napa cabbage this week, all…
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Agriculture launched the 2nd annual Focus on Missouri Agriculture photo contest, asking Missourians to help capture the unique stories and images of agriculture through photographs. The contest, which will run through July 25, asks amateur photographers from all over the state to submit…
STOCKTON – With storm debris in pastures, now is a good time to make sure your horse has had a recent tetanus shot, according the Dona Goede, livestock specialist, University of Missouri Extension. “The debris in pastures, blown in or washed in from the flooding, increases the chance of horses…
SPRINGFIELD – As an adult, the Green June Beetle can cause losses by feeding on ripe apples, peaches, grapes, blackberries and other fruits and vegetables according to Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension. Although the adult Green June Beetles can become airborne, they are not known for their…
Twins have been born at the Clyde Connelly farm just north of Ava. Mother and offspring are doing well. The twins were born to a 7-year-old Missouri Fox Trotting mare and although very small, both are doing well this week. The birth of equine twins is rare in itself –…
“Elderflowers in the Fencerows” The elderflowers are blossoming in Missouri. Destined to ripen into elderberries used in dyes, pies, wines and jams, elderflowers are useful as well for teas, cordials and wines. A common native plant, John Avery and Dr. Martin Kaps of the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station are…
“It’s Strawberry Time!” MOUNTAIN GROVE – It’s strawberry time in Missouri. Locally grown strawberries are now available at pick-your-own farms and farmers’ markets. Delicious strawberries are a healthy treat very high in Vitamin C and dietary fiber. If picking your own fresh strawberries at the farm, select ripe berries colored…
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Department of Agriculture recently launched a new component of the 10,000 Garden Challenge – the “Grow & Give” initiative. The program represents a joint effort with Missouri’s food banks and pantries to provide more fresh produce to Missourians in need. “One of our goals with the…
Edward J. Hammill, state executive director, Farm Service Agency, announced effective May 9, 19 counties in Missouri (including Douglas and Oregon counties) and the independent City of St. Louis, in Missouri, will have FSA disaster loans available due to severe storms, tornadoes and flooding which occurred April 19, and continuing.…
Robert (Bob) Liebert will present a program on the uses and folklore of Ozark herbs at the Douglas County Public Library on Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Admission is free. The library is located at 301 SW 3rd Ave. For more information call 683-5633.…
By Jennifer Schutter Horticulture Specialist University of Missouri Extension In the past three years I have incorporated three gardening practices into my yard and garden-raised beds, compost bins, and a rain barrel. I absolutely love all three and encourage you to do the same. People are now encouraged more than…
COLE CAMP—It’s time to get moving. That’s the message of the “Move Across Missouri” program to 4-H youth and their families. Since 2008, more than 1,200 people have signed up for the program, which encourages participants to keep active by having them track how much time they spend in physical…
COLUMBIA, MO – Missourians who produce and sell organic products with annual sales of less than $5,000 may be eligible for federal financial and technical assistance even if their operations are not certified organic. But they must apply for assistance by May 20. J.R. Flores, state conservationist with the USDA…
SPRINGFIELD – The federal package of laws known as the ‘Farm Bill’ touches everything about the food we eat, what we pay for it and how it’s grown. Southwest Missouri residents are invited to a panel discussion about our nation’s food system as Congress prepares to re-authorize the nation’s farm…
COLUMBIA – Brett Craigmyle snipped off shoots of brown and wilted waterhemp one at a time, weighing the plants to determine how dead they really are. For the University of Missouri weed science graduate student, this is just one step in a research project looking at how best to control…
By Randy Dudley Since we moved to Ava five years ago, our family has always talked about putting out a garden. It seemed like every year something would come up and it just never seemed to get done. Then a couple of years ago we met up with Len Pense…
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Department of Agriculture is currently investigating a case of low pathogenic Avian Influenza at a poultry facility in Polk County. As a precaution, the poultry facility has been quarantined following preliminary results obtained during routine testing. Avian Influenza is a viral disease affecting birds. It is…
The future of Ava children depends on more than just what they learn in the classroom. Just as important is what they eat in the lunchroom. Designed to raise awareness around the issue of school nutrition, the Missouri Farm to School project helps to connect schools and students to locally…
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –– Missouri Arbor Day is just around the corner (April 1). Everyone grab a shovel and get ready to plant a tree. But wait… Before planting a tree make sure you know how to do it correctly, advises the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). How a tree is…
Earlier this week cowpea aphids (Aphis craccivora) were reported in a Douglas County alfalfa field. Cowpea aphids were first reported in Missouri in the mid 1990′s and are usually observed in low number; however, occasionally the insect is found in large enough number to cause concern. Cowpea aphids are very…
Interested in growing a garden? Foods preservation? Farm/Family finances? These and many other topics will be addressed at the upcoming Farming from the Roots Up program being offered by University of Missouri Douglas County Extension along with sponsorship from the Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation District Board and the…
By Sarah Kenyon University of Mo. Extension Agronomy Specialist Water supplies were limited last fall, which restricted forage production and resulted in higher winter feed costs. However, in a spring following a drought, grass plants are still suffering from last growing season’s water shortage. Even though it is tempting to…
Program is focused on connecting producers to consumers and consumers to agriculture. JEFFERSON CITY – Today, as part of National Agriculture Week, the Missouri Department of Agriculture launched a new website for the AgriMissouri program. Through the new site, consumers can easily find fresh and wholesome Missouri-grown food and farm…
By River Stillwood Spring is gradually making its way into the Ozarks. Tendrils of warmth are weaving their way through the late-winter cold. The sound of joyful honking filters down as geese fly to their northern homes. Bald eagles are leaving. Turkey buzzards are returning. Young grasses stretching toward the…
The Tri-County Master Gardeners together with Missouri State University will be having a free Spring Seminar “Growing Vegetables” on March 12. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program to begin at 9 o’clock. It will be held at the State Fruit Experiment Station in Mtn. Grove. This workshop will…
The Ozarks Native Plant Society will hold their Tuesday, March 15 meeting at the Missouri Department of Conservation Ozarks Regional Office at 551 Joe Jones Blvd in West Plains. The meeting is open to residents of Howell, and surrounding counties including Arkansas. The group meets each third Tuesday during the…
By River Stillwood With the days lengthening and the weather warming, it’s time to start hardening off your seedlings and starts and prepare them for the garden. To do that, you’ll want to provide them with a protected environment in which they can safely adjust to outside temperatures. The best…
COLUMBIA – If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1911, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. To qualify, farms must meet the following guidelines: The same family must have owned the farm for 100 consecutive years. The line of ownership…
The South Central Cattlemen’s Association will hold its regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 24, beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply in West Plains. There will be a meal served, compliments of Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply. In addition to the regular business…
COLUMBIA – Amy J. Peiter, Farm Loan Manager of the USDA Farm Service Agency for Texas, Dent, Douglas, Ozark, Howell, Oregon, Phelps, Crawford, Shannon and Reynolds counties, announced the availability of farm operating and farm ownership loans for women and members of minority groups who want to purchase or operate…
The South Central Cattlemen’s Association will hold its annual meeting tonight (Thursday, Jan. 20), beginning at 6:30 p.m. in West Plains. A meal will be served. The meeting will be held In the Magnolia room at the West Plains Civic Center. The association has completed the first year of existence.…
Right now is the time for gardeners to purchase and begin planning to start seed indoors for outdoor planting in spring. Why? Because it takes some time for the plants to germinate indoors and grow to the transplanting stage – so timing is critical. You want to start your indoor…
By Denny Banister Tuesday, November 2, is Election Day. The 2008 election was held on the first Tuesday in November, and this year’s election is also on the first Tuesday in November, but Election Day is not always on the first Tuesday of November. Elections are actually held on the…
LAMAR – Missouri landowners who want to make extra money with agroforestry need to consider planting black walnut trees that are grafted to improved cultivars, according to Brian Hammons, CEO of Hammons Products Company in Stockton. “Growing black walnut trees that have been grafted to improved cultivars have the potential…
By Courtney Levan and Kayla Tanner On Tuesday, Oct. 5, eight Greenhands (or first year FFA members), one Area officer, and Advisor Tiffany Kauffman attended the Area XII Greenhand Conference in Branson. The Area officers conducted opening ceremonies to kick off the conference. Members were split into groups and had…
Those of us who grow herbs in containers or in the garden hate to see our fresh supply of parsley, chives, basil and other flavorful delights freeze out or go dormant. If your container herb garden is used only for the season, you can harvest your annual and perennial herbs…
Your holiday cactus will need some special treatment to make sure it will rebloom this year. “Given proper care, holiday cacti can provide years of brilliant color around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,” said David Trinklein, a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. “Holiday cacti are short-day/long-night plants that need a…
Research in Southwest Missouri May Change Ragweed From a Seasonal Curse to a Money Maker for Farmers MT. VERNON – Allergy season has arrived and 30 percent of American’s curse the pollen production of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) this time of year while they suffer the symptoms of “hay fever.”…
SPRINGFIELD – Students from 10 different southwest Missouri high schools attended a “People and the Press” session as part of the annual Agriculture Education Day held Thursday, Sept. 9 at University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center in Mt. Vernon. During the field day, nearly 1,600 students from 40 schools rotated…
“I know we’re supposed to do something to our trees in the fall, but what?” Tree owners often feel compelled to spray, prune or apply something to their trees and landscape plants on a regular basis. But, unless there is a specific reason to spray, prune or apply things to…
Missouri Farm Bureau (MoFB) is urging voters to do their homework on Proposition B before stepping into the voting booth on Nov. 2. ––”please don’t be fooled by television ads and slick endorsements offered by Hollywood celebrities”. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, Missourians will have a chance to vote on the…
Home gardeners can preserve some of their garden treasures by saving seed. Heirlooms varieties are prized possessions handed down from generation to generation. Once you purchase an heirloom variety that you love, or better yet, get one from your aunt or granny, you can continue the tradition by saving seed…
JEFFERSON CITY –– The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced that the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) is now accepting applications for the Dairy Business Planning Grant Program. This funding will enable Missouri’s dairy producers to work with qualified dairy business planning professionals to develop a business…
It’s National 4-H Week October 3 through 9 and the week will be celebrated by more than 6.5 million youth! With a motto of “Making the Best, Better” and the practical ideal of “Learning by Doing”, 4-H encourages youth to explore ideas and experiment with new concepts in a fun…
COLUMBIA – When nighttime temperatures edge toward the frost mark, the time has come to prepare your plants for the trek indoors. If indoor space is limited you will have to decide which plants to overwinter and which to discard, said David Trinklein, a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. “In…
Fall armyworms continue to threaten forage crops in South Central Missouri. Recent rainfall has caused many types of forage to green up which may provide additional feeding areas for the armyworm. Last month Bermuda grass and alfalfa fields were hardest hit by armyworm; recently, fescue fields have had some damage…
Blackberries, dewberries, caneberries, brambles, or briars (Rubus L.) grow naturally across North America and portions of South America. There are over 375 different species of Rubus L. and it can be difficult to distinguish one species from another. Regardless of what you call them, blackberries can be very difficult to…
COLUMBIA–Fall is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. “Spring-flowering bulbs are among the easiest plants to grow and some of the most rewarding,” said David Trinklein. Planting spring-flowering bulbs in the fall is crucial to allow them to develop a good root system…
COLUMBIA–Now is the time to think about fall lawn maintenance, including aeration followed by fertilization and overseeding, said a University of Missouri Extension turf scientist. “Hot weather and continuous rainfall produce conditions for turfgrass disease to run wild—starting with zoysia patch in the spring, dollar spot on bluegrasses and ryegrass…
BILLINGS, Mont. – A new case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or mad cow disease) in the Netherlands has prompted R-CALF USA to once again request the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to withdraw its OTM (over-30-months) Rule that allows all Canadian cattle born on or after March 1, 1999,…
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently held open-house-style public meetings in southern Missouri to share information about proposed plans for elk restoration in the region and to gather comments from the public. About 300 people attended the meetings, which were held in Van Buren on Aug.…
Three members of the Ava Organic Gardening Group went to Texas a few weeks ago for a seminar on holistic dental care and healing infections without antibiotics. On August 21st, Pearl Schneider shared what she learned about holistic dental care. If was very informative and interesting. On Sept. 4th, Lisa…
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has reopened a study to determine the pros and cons of restoring free-range elk to Missouri. Elk in Missouri is not so uncommon. Actually, elk once lived in Missouri until around 1894, according to Kevin Hinkebein, president of the Missouri Elk Farmers Association. In…
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is proposing a new plan to stock elk in the Ozarks. Stocking elk in the region was proposed 10 years ago but dropped after strong concerns were raised by the public, legislators and organizations like Missouri Farm Bureau over liability,…
“Harvesting Grapes” When I first started working at the State Fruit Experiment Station back in the early 1980s, I remember the Catawba grape growers would taste a couple of berries and say that they were ready to pick for the wineries. Growers were just beginning to routinely take pH and…
Missouri Farm Bureau – I always felt comfortable at the University of Missouri campus until last semester when the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sent petitioners to Lowry Mall, a major gathering spot for students. I was heading to class through Lowry Mall when a petitioner asked me…
JEFFERSON CITY – As part of a routine Coggins test – a regulatory surveillance requirement in Missouri for all horses changing ownership or exhibiting – a horse located on a farm near Walker, Mo. has tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The Missouri Department of Agriculture was notified last…
SEDALIA – An anticipated 3,000 Missouri 4-H and FFA youth will participate in the 2010 Missouri State Fair. Beginning this week are the equine competitions July 29 through August 1, involving 300 of these youth and 430 horses. “Due to the number of competitions held at the Fair each year,…
Women from throughout Missouri who are involved in some aspect of agriculture are invited to come together September 13-15 in Branson, site of the 16th Annual Missouri Women in Ag Conference. The conference, with a “Growing in Harmony” theme, will include a tour of the College of the Ozarks, a…
Missouri landowners have shown vast interest in participating in the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI), says J.R. Flores, state conservationist with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Because so many applications have already been received, Flores said NRCS will rank applications on July 23, which is a week before the…
