MU Extension in Ralls County

MU Extension in Ralls County MU Extension empowers people to improve their lives, businesses and communities by providing practical, relevant and research-based educational strategies.

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ADA/EOE Employer Includes Ralls County 4-H

Frequent rain and cooler-than-normal temperatures this spring are creating ideal conditions for tar spot in Missouri cor...
06/03/2026

Frequent rain and cooler-than-normal temperatures this spring are creating ideal conditions for tar spot in Missouri cornfields.

The disease has shown up in June in recent years and is expected again in 2026, so early scouting and continued monitoring are key.

Tar spot, caused by a fungus that survives in crop residue, appears as small, raised black spots on leaves and can spread quickly under favorable conditions. While it can impact yield, MU Extension plant pathologists say there’s no need to panic.

Finding the disease in June doesn't automatically mean a fungicide application is needed. Continue monitoring how quickly it spreads, where symptoms are appearing in the canopy, disease severity and upcoming weather conditions before making management decisions.

Get additional information: https://brnw.ch/21x33US

Missouri was the nation’s 18th-largest state in 2025, with a population of 6.27 million. From 2024 to 2025 the state gai...
06/02/2026

Missouri was the nation’s 18th-largest state in 2025, with a population of 6.27 million. From 2024 to 2025 the state gained more than 27,000 residents, an annual growth rate of 0.4%.

Population change reflects natural change (births minus deaths) and migration. From 2020 to 2025 Missouri’s population rose by about 115,000, or 1.9%. During that period the state experienced a natural decrease—deaths outnumbered births by more than 12,000—but that loss was more than offset by migration: roughly 70,000 international migrants and 57,000 domestic migrants moved to Missouri.

Read the full Missouri Economy Indicators brief. Link in the comments.

06/01/2026

Pollinators are disappearing and it impacts ecosystems and food supplies. Watch to learn what’s driving the decline and simple actions you can take to help.

If you’re going to be in Columbia area on June 13, make plans to attend the 9th Annual Butterfly Festival at Jefferson Farm and Garden to explore pollinators up close and discover ways to make a difference.

Read about how to protect the pollinator population: https://brnw.ch/21x30bZ

Looking for practical ways to strengthen your family relationships and reduce everyday stress?Join the Building Strong F...
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/21x2Wgt

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/21x2UBv

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.

Interested in building stronger connections and improving your well-being?Through the ShowMe Connection project, eligibl...
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

A simple red flower has become a widely recognized symbol of remembrance in the United States.The poppy’s significance d...
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/21x2NX9

As the unofficial kickoff to summer, this weekend is the perfect time to start the season off right and keep young minds...
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/21x2Jzq

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/21x2HTz

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x2HTy

Address

311 S Main Street
New London, MO
63459

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15739853911

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