MU Extension in McDonald County

MU Extension in McDonald 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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Soil testing
Basic soil testing analyzes nutrient content and fertility status. Results include fertilizer and lime recommendations. Additional tests are available for nutrient management plans, environmental issues, potting mixes, compost, manure and water usage. Each sample should contain about 1½ cups of dry soil from 6 to

7 inches deep. Consult our soil testing publications for specific instructions. Results are typically provided within two weeks. Canner gauge tests
Testing for dial-type pressure canner lids is available. Dial-type gauges should be tested annually to ensure accuracy and prevent bacterial contamination of preserved foods. (Testing is not necessary for weighted gauges.) Hay testing
Mailing materials and probes, or hay samplers, for forage testing by commercial labs are available as a convenience to our clients. Probes/samplers are recommended to get a proper sample. Plant and insect identification
Plant and insect samples may be brought to the extension office for identification or disease diagnosis. Recommendations for managing pests, weeds and diseases are provided. Plant disease diagnosis
Plant disease, insect and weed diagnosis is available for field crops, ornamentals, vegetables, fruits and turfs. Private pesticide applicator training
MU Extension provides private pesticide applicator training for producers as required for Missouri Department of Agriculture certification. Individuals must purchase or bring a copy of MU Extension publication M87, Private Pesticide Applicator Reference Manual, to the training. Manuals may be purchased at the extension center. Pesticide classes are available, contact John Hobbs to set up a class or to find out when the next class is scheduled.

McDonald County Extension will be closed June 19th in observation of Juneteenth.
06/18/2026

McDonald County Extension will be closed June 19th in observation of Juneteenth.

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.

06/17/2026

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/21x3qlh

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.

Those tall plants with delicate white flowers popping up along roadsides and field edges may look harmless. They are not...
06/15/2026

Those tall plants with delicate white flowers popping up along roadsides and field edges may look harmless. They are not. Poison hemlock is a toxic plants in Missouri and every part of it is poisonous, whether green or dried. This plant spreads aggressively, with a single plant producing up to 38,000 seeds.

How to identify poison hemlock:
• Height: Can reach 6 feet or taller
• Stems: Smooth, hollow, hairless with distinctive purple blotches or streaks
• Leaves: Fern-like, finely divided, with a strong unpleasant odor when crushed
• Flowers: Small white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters
• Growth cycle: Low rosette the first year, tall flowering plant the second year
• Poison hemlock is often confused with Queen Anne’s lace, but that plant is shorter, hairy and not toxic

How to get rid of it safely:
• Hand removal: Only for small infestations and with full protective clothing
• Mowing or tillage: Can help reduce spread
• Herbicides: Most effective in the early rosette stage before flowering

Safety tips:
• Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when handling
• Avoid inhaling plant material during removal
• Never burn poison hemlock — inhalation can be dangerous
• If unsure, do not touch the plant

Get more info: https://brnw.ch/21x3mpl

Consult the W**d ID Guide for additonal photo of Poison Hemlock and Queen Anne's Lace: https://brnw.ch/21x3mpk

Want to stay independent, active, and confident as you age?Join the next online session of Stay Strong, Stay Healthy — L...
06/12/2026

Want to stay independent, active, and confident as you age?

Join the next online session of Stay Strong, Stay Healthy — Level 2, starting June 22 at 3 p.m. This course builds on the progress you made in Level 1, helping you continue to build muscle, strengthen bone density and feel more confident in everyday movements, all guided by MU Extension specialists from the comfort of your home.

Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays, June 22–August 12, from 3 – 4 p.m.

Keep moving forward this summer with a practical, supportive program that delivers real results.

Register and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3iIA

06/11/2026

Strawberry season is here in Missouri, making it the perfect time to enjoy fresh, local flavor.

Looking for a simple way to enjoy a quick, satisfying dessert? Try this one for a light, sweet treat you can make in individual servings in minutes.

Strawberries are not only sweet and versatile, they are also packed with nutrition. They are a great source of vitamin C, provide fiber and contain antioxidants that support overall health.

Find more recipes and make the most of strawberry season while it lasts: https://brnw.ch/21x3hc4

If your home has been impacted by recent flooding, here are a few important steps to take:• Stay safe. Avoid standing wa...
06/11/2026

If your home has been impacted by recent flooding, here are a few important steps to take:

• Stay safe. Avoid standing water, as it may be contaminated or electrically charged
• Document damage with photos for insurance purposes
• Begin drying out your home as soon as it is safe to do so to prevent mold growth
• Discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater

Download the guide: Resources for Your Flooded Home for more details: https://brnw.ch/21x3gN8.

For more guidance on cleanup, safety and next steps, visit the flood resource page: https://brnw.ch/21x3gN9

Interested in leasing your ag land or having custom work done? Join the Ag Leasing and 'What It's Worth' Program online,...
06/10/2026

Interested in leasing your ag land or having custom work done?

Join the Ag Leasing and 'What It's Worth' Program online, a five-session course designed to equip landowners and farm operators with knowledge and resources related to ag leasing and evaluating costs, including farmland values, custom rates and rental rates.
Whether a participant is a first-time farm operator or seasoned landowner, the information shared can aid in informed decision-making.

Participants meet at noon via Zoom on July 9, 16, 23, 30, and Aug. 6. Cost is $40.

Register for this virtual class: https://pears.io/events/mu/7487/

Japanese beetles are beginning to emerge in Missouri.Populations are low now but activity is expected to increase over t...
06/10/2026

Japanese beetles are beginning to emerge in Missouri.

Populations are low now but activity is expected to increase over the next two to four weeks. Early scouting helps guide timely management decisions.

What to look for:
• In soybeans, check multiple areas and estimate overall defoliation. Beetles often feed in the upper canopy, leaving a skeletonized look where only leaf veins remain.
• In corn, watch for beetles feeding on silks during pollination. Pay attention if silks are clipped very short, especially when beetle numbers are high and pollination is not complete.

Learn more and sign up to receive pest alerts: https://brnw.ch/21x3eRg

Address

500 Olin Street , PO Box 336
Pineville, MO
64856

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+14172234775

Website

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