MU Extension in Scotland 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/21x2snS

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/21x2o0r

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/21x2jvV

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.

05/06/2026

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

White, ladino and sweet clover are valuable additions to Missouri forage systems, offering high-quality nutrition for livestock while improving soil health. These perennial legumes spread through creeping stems, allowing them to recover quickly from grazing and persist over time with proper management.

Clover varieties range from small, more persistent types to large, high-yielding ladino clovers, giving producers flexibility based on their goals and conditions.

Learn more about clover types, soil requirements, forage value, establishment and more. Link in comments.

05/01/2026

Across Missouri, businesses, schools and communities depend on people being healthy enough to show up. When health challenges keep individuals out of the workforce, the impact is felt everywhere, from productivity losses to economic growth. In fact, about 1 in 20 working-age Missourians are not working due to illness or disability, reinforcing how closely health and economic strength are connected.

That’s why health isn’t just a personal issue. It's an economic one. Investments in prevention, access to nutritious food, safe places to be active and strong community connections all help build a workforce ready to meet today’s demands. These efforts also make Missouri communities more attractive to employers and families alike.

MU Extension is proud to partner with communities across the state to improve health outcomes through education, programs and local collaboration. Together, we are building environments where healthy living is easier and where Missouri’s workforce can succeed.

Read the full column for more info: https://brnw.ch/21x26NM

04/30/2026

The deadline for 2026 Centruy Farm application has been extended through May 15.

If your farm has been in the family for 100+ years as of Dec. 31, 2026, apply for the Century Farm designation and receive a certificate, sign and booklet to commemorate your heritage.

Since its inception in 1976, the Missouri Century Farms program has celebrated farms that have remained within the same family for a century or more. This initiative honors the dedication and hard work of Missouri's farmers, who have played a pivotal role in our state's history and continue to nourish our nation.

So far, more than 8,000 farms have received this recognition.

Apply now: https://brnw.ch/21x25tC

Missouri Farm Bureau

04/29/2026

No Garden? No Problem. Grow Tomatoes in Pots

Growing tomatoes in pots is a great option for small spaces, patios and balconies.

Container-grown tomatoes warm up faster in spring, offer better control over soil and watering, and can be moved to maximize sunlight or protect plants from weather.

With the right pot and care, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes almost anywhere.

Get more credible tips for growing your own tomatoes: https://brnw.ch/21x22Kh