MU Extension in Knox County

05/13/2026

Seeing holes in soybean leaves or damage to pods?

A new publication will help soybean growers identify, scout and manage bean leaf beetles before they impact yield potential.

Access the free publication: https://brnw.ch/21x2soK

05/12/2026

Access to health care isn’t always as simple as making an appointment.

Across Missouri, many residents face barriers that go beyond insurance status. Cost, long travel distances, limited providers, transportation challenges, childcare needs and work schedules can all stand in the way of getting care.

In fact, 41 rural counties in Missouri don’t have a hospital, and even those with coverage may delay care due to out-of-pocket costs or life constraints.

MU Extension is working to close these gaps by connecting communities with resources, supporting local providers and addressing real-world barriers.

Understanding these challenges is the first step toward building stronger, more accessible systems for all Missourians.

People across Missouri recognize that healthcare needs to improve. And the first step is understanding what is putting pressure on the system.

05/11/2026

The Japanese beetle is an invasive pest that can cause serious damage to plants and lawns.

Adult beetles feed on leaves, flowers and fruit, while their grubs live in the soil and damage turfgrass roots. Knowing when they appear and how to identify them helps gardeners protect landscapes and make informed management decisions.

Learn how to spot and manage Japanese beetles:
https://brnw.ch/21x2nYm

05/08/2026

4-H Candy Company members gathered Thursday afternoon, May 7, in the elementary kitchen for their second project meeting. During the first meeting, each member shared a specific skill or treat they wanted to learn how to make, helping shape future hands-on lessons.

This week’s lesson, requested by Charlie, focused on homemade caramel apples. Knox County 4-H Youth Program Associate Crystal Murr partnered with local “caramel guru” Pam Ausmus, who taught members how to make homemade caramel from scratch.

05/08/2026

Tick bites can lead to more than just an itchy annoyance.

Alpha-gal syndrome is a growing concern in Missouri and across the Midwest. This tick bite–related condition can trigger a serious allergy to red meat and other mammal-derived products, with symptoms that may appear hours after eating.

Want to learn more?

Join MU Extension for an upcoming Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness online course on May 18 at noon.

Topics:
• What alpha-gal syndrome is and how it develops
• Common symptoms
• Prevention strategies to reduce tick bites
• Tips for managing food choices and reading labels to avoid hidden sources of alpha-gal

As tick populations rise, awareness and education are key to protecting your health and your family.

Register today: https://brnw.ch/21x2jxS

05/07/2026

Curious how crop leftovers could help feed livestock?

“Tabletop silage” is an emerging idea being explored by researchers, and it’s all about making the most of what’s already on the field.

Here’s the concept:
After harvest, leftover milo stalks are typically underused, even though they still contain valuable nutrients. With tabletop silage, those stalks are chipped, bagged them in airtight plastic bags to ensile them. After processing, the silage is tested for nutrient value.

Why it matters:
• Reduces waste by using crop byproducts that might otherwise be left behind
• Provides a potential lower-cost feed option for producers
• Offers an alternative during drought or when hay is expensive or limited
• Can supply energy for livestock when paired with protein supplements

While still being researched, tabletop silage could become another tool to help Missouri producers stretch feed resources and adapt to changing conditions.

Learn more about this and milo grazing.

Rusty and William Lee are experimenting with ways to use scrapped milo stalks to keep beef producers from turning to low-quality, high-priced hay as a last resort to feed herds during Missouri droughts.

05/07/2026

Nearly 100 Knox County Youth Participate in 4-H Embryology

Nearly 100 Knox County youth recently participated in the 2026 “Chick It Out” 4-H Embryology program, including first- and third-grade students at KCR-1, as well as youth from Edina Head Start and Angie Miller’s daycare.

Fertilized eggs were delivered to classrooms on April 14, with hands-on lessons and presentations provided throughout the week. Students explored the differences between fertilized and unfertilized eggs and learned how grocery store eggs differ from those placed in incubators.

“At breakfast, we talked about the difference between our chick eggs and the eggs we were eating,” said Santanna Shultz of Edina Head Start.

Throughout the program, students engaged in a variety of interactive learning experiences, including reading about chick development, dissecting a raw unfertilized egg, and studying the 21-day incubation cycle. Classrooms also had the opportunity to “candle” their eggs—a process that uses a bright light to observe embryo development inside the shell.

During the first week, students carefully turned their eggs to ensure even heat distribution. By the second week, excitement grew as chicks began to hatch. Along the way, educators guided students through important lessons about both life and loss.

“One of our chicks did not hatch, so we talked about development and how most hatch on day 21, though some may be early or late,” said first-grade teacher Brenna Porter.

Third-grade teacher Amy Handzus shared a similar experience. “I had to help a chick out of its egg, and we discussed the possibility that it might not survive. It did, though, and was eventually able to join the others.”

Other classrooms had different outcomes. “I was surprised they all made it,” said first-grade teacher Alex Nunn. “I was preparing students to understand that not all would survive.”

The program resulted in 83 live chicks from 96 incubated eggs, an 87% hatch rate across six participating sites.

“The embryology program offers a unique opportunity for students to experience life and death in a non-threatening way,” said Murr. “Students spend nearly two weeks caring for their eggs and observing development, which makes the learning experience meaningful and memorable.”

Teachers emphasized the responsibility and engagement the project fosters. “My favorite part of this project is the responsibility it teaches the kids,” said third-grade teacher Bethany Hoffman. “Along with patience and learning about the life cycle of an animal we commonly eat.”

In addition to hands-on learning, the program reinforces key academic concepts, including animal and human development, nutrition, ecology, and basic mechanics related to incubators and electricity. Educators reported that the program enhances instruction across core subject areas, including science, math, history, and communication arts.

Survey feedback from participating educators was overwhelmingly positive. All six classrooms indicated they would recommend the program, with four rating it as outstanding.

“All of it is teachable moments,” said Angie Miller of Angie’s daycare. “With pre-K, you never know where the discussion will go, but the kids always love seeing the progression of the chick.”
The 4-H Embryology program is funded by University of Missouri Extension in Knox County and is offered each spring at no cost to participating classrooms and daycare providers. Those interested in participating next year can contact the Knox County Extension Office at 660-397-2179.

Photo: Crystal Murr, 4-H Youth Program Associate with University of Missouri Extension in Knox County demonstrates a raw, unfertilized egg dissection for Edina Head Start youth during the 2026 Chick it Out Embryology program. Photo submitted by Edina Head Start.

05/07/2026

County Liners 4-H Club Members Engage in Civic Leadership at State Capitol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On April 28, three County Liners 4-H Club members and volunteers were among more than 500 Missouri 4-H members, staff, and volunteers who gathered in Jefferson City for 4-H Day at the Capitol, focused on civic engagement, leadership, and advocacy.

To kick off the day, the 4-H Civic Engagement Ambassadors met with Lieutenant Governor, David Wasinger, to share their 4-H experiences. Durning the opening ceremony, Representative John Martin presented a resolution celebrating the “the incredible contributions of Missouri 4-H youth, volunteers, and the University of Missouri Extension in shaping the future of our state and nation, ensuring young Missourians are Beyond Ready to succeed.” A second resolution by Senator Sandy Crawford recognized and celebrated the history, mission, and impact of 4-H, highlighting its focus on Head, Heart, Hands, and Health while expressing the Senate’s support and best wishes for its continued success.

Throughout the day, 4-H members met with state representatives and senators, sharing their experiences and highlighting the value of University of Missouri Extension 4-H programs. Youth often shared how 4-H is preparing young people for future success.
"Anytime you can expose youth to our government processes is valuable time spent,” said County Liners 4-H Club Leader Casie James. “They were able to see that our elected officials are accessible and working for them in Jefferson City. 4-H is commonly a building block for tomorrow's leaders and this event will only broaden the horizons for any youth that participated."

Youth participants also engaged in hands-on educational activities led by the Missouri 4-H Civic Engagement Ambassadors. These peer-led experiences helped youth explore government processes, practice leadership skills and better understand their role as active citizens. In addition, attendees observed legislators in action, gaining real-world insight into how decisions are made at the state level.

“This experience allows young people to see firsthand how their voices can make a difference,” said Tim Tanner, Missouri 4-H senior director. “Through opportunities like 4-H Day at the Capitol, Missouri 4-H youth are building the skills and confidence to be Beyond Ready—ready to lead, ready to serve and ready to shape the future of their communities and our state.”

A program of University of Missouri Extension, Missouri 4-H equips youth with the tools and experiences needed to thrive in agriculture, STEM, civic engagement and more. Through hands-on learning and mentorship from dedicated volunteers, Missouri 4-H continues to prepare young people to lead with confidence and purpose.

Missouri 4-H thanks the Missouri 4-H Foundation for their support of this event.

About Missouri 4-H
Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

05/06/2026

Think lavender is hard to grow? Think again.

With the right pot, well-drained soil and a simple watering routine, lavender can thrive at home. Plant in a container with good drainage, give it plenty of sunlight and water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Too much water is the fastest way to stress this plant.

Follow these steps to grow healthy, fragrant lavender right on your patio.

05/05/2026

Missouri is experiencing the effects of the baby boomer generation entering retirement, reshaping the state’s workforce.

One way to track this shift is through the labor force participation rate of prime-age workers ages 25 to 54, which measures the share of this group that is working or actively seeking work. This group typically has the highest participation and makes up about two-thirds of Missouri’s workforce.

Metropolitan counties continue to see stronger participation, averaging 86%, compared to 78% in nonmetropolitan areas.

From 2015 to 2024, Missouri’s prime-age workforce declined by more than 38,000 workers, about a 2% decrease. Some industries, like agriculture, are feeling this shift more than others, with more than one-third of workers age 55 or older.

Higher participation rates are generally found in western Missouri and along the Missouri and Mississippi river corridors. At the same time, late-career workers are making up a larger share of the workforce, accounting for 38% in 2024, up from 29% in 2015.

Get more details on this report. Link in the comments.

05/04/2026

Five Knox County 4-H and FFA members weighed in 8 head of sheep on Saturday morning, May 2nd in preparation for the Knox County 4-H/FFA Fair in July. Each sheep was also DNA tested for Missouri State Fair.