The Missouri Department of Agriculture has always put a strong focus on commending farmers, producers, ranchers and landowners who are good stewards of the resources in their care. The Missouri Agricultural Stewardship Assurance Program was unveiled in 2015 to acknowledge and reward those responsible stewards. MDA has certified nearly 90 farms across the state thus far, including the University of…
Jefferson Farm & Garden ⋅ Page 3
Making Good Management Decisions
MU Extension researchers create automated system to track precipitation
Nearly five years ago, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) revised its CAFO regulatory rules for catastrophic and chronic weather events. CAFOs, concentrated animal feeding operations, are large animal agricultural facilities that raise a specific number of animals in production barns or confinement pens. Because catastrophic and chronic weather events happen, MDNR can issue a permit to a farmer…
Extending the Growing Season
South Farm, Jefferson Farm and Garden adding high tunnels
The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Agricultural Research Centers are no stranger to high tunnels, also known as hoop houses. High tunnels are unheated greenhouses designed to extend the growing season for landowners and maximize their profits. They come in a variety of sizes, with a focus on aiding fruit and vegetable crop production in…
Preparing For Planting
Winter months provide opportunity to clean, repair and mend equipment
With the harvest season wrapped up and colder weather settling in, the time is perfect to revisit the farming equipment that was so vital during the past year. The winter months provide an ideal opportunity to not only clean, repair and mend equipment, it gives landowners a chance to prepare for the upcoming planting season. “Right now, it’s important to…
Cooler Temperatures Expected This Winter
Expected snowfall between 15 and 20 inches
Temperatures have started to cool and coats and sweatshirts have been pulled out of the closets. Tony Lupo, University of Missouri professor of atmospheric science, said those coats could get a lot of use this winter, as it could be a tad cooler than the average. “I’m thinking it’s going to be a little colder than normal,” Lupo said. “This…
FDA Changes Coming for Livestock Owners
New changes go into effect on Jan. 1
Livestock owners across Missouri are encouraged to be prepared for the upcoming Food and Drug Administration changes to antibiotics that will go into effect on Jan. 1. Craig Payne, director of veterinary medical extension at the University of Missouri, said there are two main changes. The first deals with medically-important feed grade or water soluble antibiotics that have a claim…
An Exciting Anniversary
More than 16,000 attend 10th South Farm Showcase
The South Farm Showcase added more activities to celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 1 – and that led to even more fun for attendees. This year’s Showcase, which took place at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ South Farm Research Center in Columbia, added several stops throughout the event, including a horse plow…
‘A New Initiative’
Mizzou International Experience focuses on showcasing numerous careers
Three University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Agricultural Research Centers had a unique opportunity in the month of July. Mizzou K-12 Online, part of the MU College of Education and the parent program of the MU High School, brought more than 100 of its high school students from Brazil to the Mizzou campus. The program was…
An Unusual Month
Hot and dry conditions have been prevalent throughout June
Tony Lupo, a University of Missouri professor of atmospheric sciences, had one word to describe the rather hot and dry month of June: unusual. “When you have a strong El Niño like we did this winter, the summers are hot and dry,” Lupo said. “That heat is usually upfront, in the months of June and July.” Lupo said his team…
Advocating for Pollinators
CAFNR Agricultural Research Centers focused on aiding pollinators
The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Agricultural Research Centers continue to be advocates for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Thirteen Research Centers planted monarch waystations, beginning in late January. The waystations include milkweed and other nectar sources that benefit all pollinators. “By establishing a diverse habitat we’re helping the monarch population – and we’re also…