Extension

Reagan Bluel named interim superintendent of Southwest Research Center

Aug. 30, 2023

Q&A with Reagan Bluel

Reagan Bluel named interim superintendent of Southwest Research Center on July 31. What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? As an MU Extension field specialist in dairy and education director for Missouri Dairy, I serve dairy producers statewide through on-farm assessments and learning events. My programming ranges from small group, like Women in Dairy or full farm benchmarking, to large events such as the statewide dairy expo and summer social. Hands-on learning courses are my favorite to teach, such as artificial insemination or udder dissection. Individually, I consult a number of herds on ruminant nutrition. It’s…

July 28, 2023

Q&A with Patrick Davis

Get to know Patrick Davis

July 18, 2023

Top 5 livestock forage actions to take during drought

Most of Missouri is experiencing drought conditions, which have extended almost a full year, putting enormous pressure on cattle producers. University of Missouri Extension specialists have five top action items for producers to do now
A woman in a yellow collared shirt is teaching a group of seven children who are around the age of eight. They are all in a garden. She is holding plants in both hands.

June 28, 2023

Q&A with Jennifer Schutter

Get to know Jennifer Schutter
A man in an orange hat leans over a garden in a greenhouse.

June 28, 2023

Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center Cultivates growth in Local Agribusinesses

Nearly one-third of Missouri's economy is tied to agriculture. Now, as part of a partnership that evolved from a statewide effort to help agricultural producers scale their businesses, the Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center (MAFFIC) has launched. The center draws on agricultural business development expertise at the University of Missouri and the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA).
A white man with dark hair and sungalsses wearing a bright yellow t-shirt sits next to a white woman with long, blonde hair and glasses wearing a grey polo shirt. The two examine pieces of grass laid out on a wooden table in front of them. The woman is holding one piece of grass

May 31, 2023

A Natural Fit

MU Extension Field Specialist Valerie Tate sat at her desk near Linneus as her co-worker popped in. “Oh, hey, do you mind if I put these insect traps up around the farm as part of the statewide MU IPM pest monitoring network?” Tate asked. When she asked this question, Tate was already on “the farm.” Tate works out of the Linn County Extension Office, which moved into the administrative building at Cornett Farm — part of Mizzou’s Northern Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center (NM-REEC) — in March. The REEC is part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural…
A group of nine people pose together for a photo holding pink bags.

May 26, 2023

Q&A with Mary Sobba

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I am a field specialist in agricultural business based in Audrain County. There are many things to do every day, but the most important things are building and maintaining relationships with clients and co-workers. It is very important to help clients by answering questions and providing information that leads to better decisions and increased profits. My role is working with farmers, agribusinesses, stakeholders, councils and co-workers. My work is focused on a variety of farm management and ag business topics. Recently, the emphasis has been on farm leases…
Flooded field

April 28, 2023

Cover crops could reduce PPL acres in wet springs

A topic in farm policy circles is whether conservation practices can reduce PPL risk in extreme weather such as floods. Crop insurance is one of the farm bill’s largest expenditures. 2019 file photo of Holt County, Missouri, by Linda Geist. A newly released study shows that planting cover crops and reduced tillage could substantially lower the number of prevent plant (PPL) acres and subsequent federal crop insurance payments. Cover crops lower the number of PPL acres in wet springs, reducing the loss odds by 24%, according to the six-state study released in March, says Rob Myers, director of the University…
A man wearing a black and gold MU shirt stands in a row of crops.

April 26, 2023

Q&A with Justin Keay

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? As a field specialist in horticulture, I work with specialty crop producers and home gardeners to help folks grow more produce while protecting our state’s natural resources. In my work with specialty crop producers, I help folks with fertility, pest, and irrigation management, as well as marketing and evaluating new crops and enterprises for their farms. I get to serve as a resource for growers in my region, helping to connect them with science-backed information that helps them make informed management decisions on their farms. With projects…
Sarah is posing for a photo in front of a tree in the woods.

March 20, 2023

Q&A with Sarah Kenyon

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I am a field specialist in agronomy serving six counties in the southwest region. Based in West Plains, Missouri, I conduct educational programs for producers in forage production and management. I also participate with local farmer cooperators with on-farm demonstrations concerning grazing management, weed control and fertility management. How long have you worked in this position? I started in November 2009, so I have been in this role for over 13 years. What is your favorite part about the work you do? I enjoy working with farmers…