MU Extension in Putnam County

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/21x2WdF

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.

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

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/21x2O0p

05/22/2026

💪 Help Us Plan a Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Exercise Class in Unionville!
MU Extension is exploring a Stay Strong, Stay Healthy exercise class in Unionville. This program helps adults build strength, improve balance, increase flexibility, and stay active.
Class Details:
• Starting in late June
• Tuesdays and Thursdays
• 16 strength-training classes plus pre- and post-assessment days
• Cost: $60
• Adults age 60+ living in Putnam County may qualify to have the class fee covered through Young at Heart
We need your input! Please take our short survey and share the class times that work best for you.
Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/3RkybWF
Questions? Contact the Putnam County Extension Office at 660-947-2705
Please share with others who may be interested!

05/22/2026

Pearls of Production Webinar Series
International Year of the Woman Farmer Webinar Series - All sessions begin at 12:00pm CST!
Wednesday, May 27 – Judith de Vor (Netherlands)
Registration: https://pears.io/events/mu/4096/
Wednesday, June 24 – Dr. Louise Bulmer (Scotland)
Registration: https://pears.io/events/mu/4097/
Wednesday, July 22 – Melanie Ramser (Switzerland)
Registration: TBA
This year-long series of monthly virtual learning sessions features international speakers from multiple countries, offering practical, research-based education and diverse global perspectives. Each session builds knowledge, confidence, and community, leading up to the hands-on Pearls of Production Conference, November 6–7, 2026 in Columbia, MO.
The Pearls of Production Conference will also include Future Pearls of Production, a youth track for ages 5–12 (available only for children of adults participating in Pearls), ensuring the next generation is engaged and inspired.
Thank you to our partners for making this programming possible: USDA NIFA, Missouri AgrAbility, Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, and MFA Rural Mental Health Awareness.

PEARS is the leading SaaS application that streamlines data collection, evaluation, and reporting for community engagement programs.

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/21x2JAY

05/21/2026

The office will be closing at noon tomorrow 5/21 and will be closed for Memorial day on Monday. Please call 660-947-2705 or email [email protected] with any questions.

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

05/20/2026

You’ve heard the warnings about mosquitoes, chiggers and spiders, but how much of it is actually true?

In this episode of Fact or Hype, we separate common myths from research-backed facts so you can better understand what is happening in your backyard.

Before you buy a bug zapper or avoid the outdoors, watch to learn what these pests actually do, what risks are real and how you can protect yourself.