MU Extension in Jefferson County

06/19/2026

Support the mental well-being of youth in your community.

Attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid virtual training on June 30. This course is designed to help adults recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in young people.

You'll learn how to:
• Assess for risk of su***de or harm
• Listen without judgment
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage professional help• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

This training is ideal for parents, educators, coaches, youth program staff and anyone who works with or cares about young people.

Register and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3ueU

06/19/2026

Our office will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. We will re-open on Monday, June 22nd at 8:30am.

06/18/2026

Fact or hype? We’re putting summer insect myths to the test.

Do wasps really sting for no reason, or is it just their reputation talking? And are pesticides driving the decline of fireflies?

Watch as MU Extension's bug expert breaks down common questions and separates fact from hype.

06/18/2026

Turn your passion for gardening into community impact! 🌱 The University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener program trains volunteers in horticulture and equips them to share research-based gardening knowledge through education, outreach, demonstration gardens, and community service. Participants complete training and give back through 30 hours of volunteer service. https://extension.missouri.edu/courses/missouri-master-gardener-online-core-training-fall-2026

06/17/2026

Thistles may seem like a nuisance, but they can significantly reduce pasture productivity by crowding out grasses and clover and discouraging cattle from grazing. Missouri landowners are encouraged to scout pastures in fall and spring, maintain healthy forage stands, and control noxious thistles before they produce seed. Healthy pastures start with proactive management.

BOONVILLE, Mo. – The spiny growth of thistles can shade out desirable pasture grasses and clover, reducing both profitability and productivity of pastureland. Many Missouri fields now have large populations of musk and bull thistles, says Todd Lorenz, University of Missouri Extension field special...

06/17/2026

Stay Alert for changing weather this afternoon and evening!

A cold front will drop into the region Wednesday, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the area. The primary threat timing will be Wednesday afternoon into evening. All hazards are possible with any severe thunderstorms that develop, including damaging winds, large hail, and a strong tornado.

06/17/2026

Mark your calendars and come out and join the fun!

4-H Families - Come out and join us at Kress Farm Garden Preserve on June 27th - 5:30PM. Hope to see everyone there!

06/17/2026

Your tomatoes might just need a gentle shake to thrive. Try lightly shaking flowers. It helps with pollination and is a great chore for young gardeners.

Learn more about growing homegrown tomatoes: https://brnw.ch/21x3qkA

06/16/2026

Meet Brad Coleman, a MU Extension 4-H field specialist in southeast Missouri, who is helping youth take the next step toward their future.

Through the Youth Futures College to Career Readiness program, Brad empowers young people with essential skills like resume writing, completing job applications and practicing mock interviews, while guiding them toward the careers they aspire to achieve.