MU Extension in Dallas County

05/29/2026

Looking for practical ways to strengthen your family relationships and reduce everyday stress?

Join the Building Strong Families virtual course and gain tools you can use right away. This interactive, six-session series helps parents build on their strengths while learning effective communication, stress management and positive parenting strategies.

Sessions occur on Thursdays, June 4 through July 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Register today: https://brnw.ch/21x2WgA

05/28/2026

Raw or cooked… which tomato packs more nutrition?

As we head into peak tomato season, the answer might surprise you. Watch to learn how to get the most out of every bite this summer.

Learn more about this fruit/vegetable: https://brnw.ch/21x2UzF

05/27/2026

Looking for a simple way to bring more whole grains and vegetables into your meals?

Try this Nutty Couscous with Raisins and Vegetables recipe that delivers real value with a quick, flavorful combination of ingredients.

05/26/2026

Interested in building stronger connections and improving your well-being?

Through the ShowMe Connection project, eligible participants can take free MU Extension classes focused on:
• Healthy relationships
• Physical activity
• Mental health awareness

If you live in a rural area, are 18+ and can complete a short training, you may qualify! Eligibility required. Spots are limited.

Interested? Email Candace Rodman at [email protected] to express interest.

This work is supported by ShowMe Connection, project award no. 2025-46100-45377 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture

05/25/2026

A simple red flower has become a widely recognized symbol of remembrance in the United States.

The poppy’s significance dates to World War I and the 1915 poem In Flanders Fields, which describes red poppies growing among the graves of fallen soldiers. The flowers appeared in areas where the soil had been disturbed, contributing to their association with military sacrifice.

Today, the poppy is used to honor service members who have died in combat and serves as a symbol of remembrance on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day provides an opportunity to recognize and remember those who lost their lives in military service.

Read more about the poppy: https://brnw.ch/21x2NXg

05/22/2026

As the unofficial kickoff to summer, this weekend is the perfect time to start the season off right and keep young minds engaged.

The “summer slide” is real. When school routines pause, many children lose ground in reading and math skills. The good news is that everyday moments can double as learning opportunities without feeling like homework.

Try these simple, research-backed ideas:

• Let kids choose books they are excited to read and set aside family reading time

• Turn cooking and shopping into math practice by measuring, budgeting and comparing prices

• Explore museums, parks or local landmarks to build curiosity and critical thinking

Keeping kids engaged now can make the transition back to school smoother and more successful this fall.

Explore more ideas: https://brnw.ch/21x2Jy8

05/21/2026

Our office will be closed Monday May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen Tuesday May 26.

05/21/2026

Ready to grow a garden without digging, tilling or perfect soil? Straw bale gardening might become your new favorite method.

Whether you’re working with a small space, challenging soil or just want a simpler setup, straw bales offer a flexible, beginner-friendly way to garden. With a little preparation, you can turn a simple bale into a productive garden bed for the season.

Explore additional tips and info on the MU Extension YouTube channel: https://brnw.ch/21x2HQB

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x2HQC

05/21/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/187Q9NahPj/

The drought monitor (data valid each Tuesday, maps released Thursday) shows no improvement in Arkansas and slightly worse conditions in far southern Missouri.

05/21/2026

We still have openings! Be sure to join us! We are not in the office on Fridays, so just show up if you can fit it in your schedule. Google says 102 South Cedar, but the address on the door is 108 Cedar. The Annex building is directly south of the Dallas County Administration Building,
(where you pay your property taxes), located on the east side of the square in Buffalo, MO.

Please join us for this upcoming workshop. Call the office to sign up. 417-345-7551.

05/20/2026

You’ve heard the warnings about mosquitoes, chiggers and spiders, but how much of it is actually true?

In this episode of Fact or Hype, we separate common myths from research-backed facts so you can better understand what is happening in your backyard.

Before you buy a bug zapper or avoid the outdoors, watch to learn what these pests actually do, what risks are real, and how you can protect yourself.