The 2000 United States Census showed less than 30 Hmong residents throughout the state of Missouri. A decade later, that number was estimated to be more than 1,300 – with southwest Missouri serving as a common location for those residents. Farming was and continues to be a popular occupation among the Hmong community in southwest Missouri, but there are challenges…
Extension ⋅ Page 1
Serving the Animal Industry
David Patterson named American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Fellow
For nearly 25 years, David Patterson has helped Missouri cattlemen get the most out of their beef cattle operations. Patterson piloted the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program early in his University of Missouri career. The program has now enrolled more than 150,000 heifers on more than 900 farms – and contributes more than $3.5 million annually to the Missouri economy. Patterson,…
Cultivating Inclusivity
Gardening webinar leads to growth of Spanish-language resources
By population, the United States is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Counting both bilingual and native speakers of Spanish, the U.S. has more people who can speak Spanish than Spain itself. How do MU Extension specialists make sure they serve Missourians who speak Spanish? “I first started doing a home gardening webinar…
Creating Inclusive Programming
MU plant diagnostic clinic helps Amish producers in Clark, Missouri
On Friday mornings at the Clark Produce Auction, University of Missouri Agriculture and Environment Extension agronomist Dhruba Dhakal sets up a table, plant posters and an MU Extension sign. MU Extension’s objective is to serve all Missourians with resources and research needed to improve lives, communities and the economy. When Dhakal noticed Amish producers in Clark could benefit from a…
Gardeners Make Community Impact
Greene County Master Gardeners donate fresh grown produce to local food pantries
Those who have planted gardens feel that they have “done something for the good of the whole world,” wrote American author Charles Dudley Warner in 1871. For Greene County Master Gardeners Maryfrances DiGirolamo and James Hilburn, gardening has become a way to give back to their community, doing “something for the good of the world.” They use their University of…
MU Faculty Part of Gene Editing Task Force
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) recently announced an 11-person Gene Editing Task Force, which includes two individuals from the University of Missouri: Bhanu Telugu (associate professor) and Londa Nwadike (food safety state specialist, MU Extension). The 11-person task force is comprised of scientists and industry leaders who will…
A Consistent Presence
Eldon Cole has served Missourians through MU Extension for 50-plus years
A lot has changed in the 56 years that Eldon Cole has served as a University of Missouri Extension specialist, but one thing has remained incredibly consistent – Cole’s desire to build relationships with the Missourians he continually serves. While it’s hard to imagine MU Extension in Lawrence County without Cole, his career path nearly looked much different. As a…
A Time of Transition
MU Extension specialists are moving materials and building COVID-19-focused resources on alternative platforms
“It’s hard to find a more resilient, optimistic person than the American farmer. And as an integral part of the food system, the University of Missouri continues to deliver science-based information for Missouri’s farms.” — Zac Erwin, MU Extension livestock specialist Despite halting all face-to-face programming due to COVID-19, University of Missouri Extension recognizes the continued need to provide university…
Moving the Agricultural Food Chain Forward
Agricultural Experiment Station balancing research, proper safety protocols during pandemic
The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) at the University of Missouri operates a system of Agricultural Research Centers across the state in an effort to meet the regional needs of agricultural producers and natural resource managers. With nearly 14,000 acres, these research and demonstration facilities host more than 35,000 people each year for field days, Extension activities and other community events.…
An Exciting Mission
Rob Kallenbach named associate dean of CAFNR Extension/senior program director of Agriculture and Environment Extension
It was more than 20 years ago when Rob Kallenbach joined the University of Missouri as an assistant professor and state Extension specialist in forage crops. Kallenbach served farmers and producers across the state, educating, answering questions and building relationships. With more experience, Kallenbach gained more responsibility, which in turn led to more leadership opportunities. Those opportunities led to new…