Extension

Zac Erwin

Oct. 30, 2023

Q&A with Zac Erwin

Zac is a field specialist in livestock.
Reagan Bluel named interim superintendent of Southwest Research Center

Aug. 29, 2023

Q&A with Reagan Bluel

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 so exciting to watch how a subtle dietary change can…

July 27, 2023

Q&A with Patrick Davis

Get to know Patrick Davis
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 27, 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 27, 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 group of nine people pose together for a photo holding pink bags.

May 25, 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…
Flooded field

April 27, 2023

Cover crops could reduce PPL acres in wet springs

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 of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture. The center is a five-year, $25 million project to promote climate-smart farm practices. Average losses varied based on physical features that vary field to field. Myers and Bruce Sherrick of the…
A man wearing a black and gold MU shirt stands in a row of crops.

April 25, 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.
Sarah is posing for a photo in front of a tree in the woods.

March 19, 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?…
A woman stands outside next to her cattle operation. The sky is great and it looks windy.

March 16, 2023

Annie’s Project empowered Marion County farmer Amy Lehenbauer

Annie’s Project, a program offered by University of Missouri Extension for two decades, gave Amy Lehenbauer the confidence she needed to become active in the family farm. Lehenbauer is one of more than 19,000 women across the nation who completed the program during the past 20 years, says MU Extension agriculture business specialist Karisha Devlin. The program celebrates two decades of helping women in agriculture gain skills in leadership, business and estate planning, self-defense and self-care. “Annie’s Project educates and empowers women in agriculture and encourages them in whatever role they choose to have in their farming…