University of Missouri Extension will hold a free monthly webinar series for sheep and goat producers starting Sept. 26. more

At the University of Missouri Extension 2023 State 4-H Horse Public Speaking and Demonstration and Youth Equine Fine Arts and Poster contests, July 26, youths demonstrated speaking, presentation and artistic abilities while sharing their equine knowledge. more

Small pockets of Missouri pastures may have gone unscathed more

When grass doesn’t grow, some cows have to go. more

My whole family gets excited when the calendar reaches mid-August. Like many kids who are involved in agriculture, the State Fair brings both a healthy spirit of competition and pride when their work culminates and they present their 4-H and FFA projects. As a parent, there’s also a little spark of relief knowing that school is just around the corner and will once again bring a normal routine to our house. I know I’m not alone. more

The emerald ash borer is a small insect that’s causing big problems for Missouri’s ash trees. more

New platform makes it easy for producers to find hay in drought. more

Some drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. more

This time of year we receive a lot of calls about Johnsongrass. Is it bad for my cows? Will it kill my cows? Is it true that it can cause cattle to abort? more

In the wake of drought, Missouri livestock producers face dwindling water supplies for their herds. more

Vendors set up at the Greater Polk County Farmers Market on Saturday, July 22 at the Southern Hills Baptist Church’s parking lot in Bolivar. more

Ever since humans began tending to small patches of cultivated ground near their homes, the terms “rain” and “garden” have gone together. more

Drought. You are either in it, preparing for it or recovering from it. more

Ragweeds are flowering plants in the genus Ambrosia in the aster family, Asteraceae. more

The Southwest Missouri Antique Tractor Puller’s Association (SWMATPA) set up the track and sled at the Polk County Fairgrounds for a tractor pull on Saturday, July 15. more

Many species of Ironweeds (Vernonia Gigantea) are commonly found throughout Missouri. more

“Cattle producers are dealing with varying degrees of drought and forage resources,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Some cattle producers have received... more

Thistles, those pretty reddish-purple flowered sticker plants found in our abandon fields, pastures, hay meadows, and along roadsides, which are unpalatable to wildlife and livestock, greatly reduce the grazing potential and hay quality on our farms. more

Don’t forget plant care when planning your summer getaway. “After a wonderful vacation, it’s never fun to come home to dead plants,” says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund. more

With more than 90% of Missouri under drought, browning lawns and wilting cornfields are common sights. But don’t forget about your trees. A lawn can be replaced in months, but it takes decades to replace a large tree, says University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Joni Harper. more

On Saturday, July 8, people of all ages from near and far competed in the annual Halfway Antique-Farm Stock-Classic Tractor Pull at the Lions Club grounds. more

Most of Missouri is experiencing drought conditions, which have extended almost a full year, putting enormous pressure on cattle producers. University of Missouri Extension specialists have five top action items for producers to do now: more

See what’s going on in Polk County! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events. Some events may require registration or admission fees; please contact the organization for more details. more

Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), also known as Queen Anne’s Lace, is a biennial plant in the parsley family. It is often found growing in pastures, hayfields, along roadsides, and in abandoned areas this time of year. Wild carrot prefers well-drained to dry soils but can grow in most of our soil types here in Missouri. It is usually found in full sun to partially shaded areas. more

According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Show-Me State is home to 95,000 farms that span almost 70% of the state’s land and produce a variety of commodities, including soybeans, corn and cattle. As stakeholders make management decisions and gauge the future of the agricultural economy, the University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) and Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI), in partnership with Farm Journal, have launched The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor survey — a valuable resource to empower stakeholders with timely insights about agricultural markets. more