Features

by Eric Bohl We all want to eat healthy food and keep our children safe from toxic substances, and simple lists and clean-versus-dirty shopping guides appeal to some consumers. But context matters. Scientists thoroughly test thousands of substances, from water to arsenic, to determine how much of them would be toxic to humans. Some level

From backyard gardens to full-fledged growers, something twisted started happening to tomato plants in southwest Missouri during 2017. “The first sample came in around June 15, 2017, from Dade County,” said University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist Robert Balek. A Dade County resident brought a portion of the suspect plant into the Dade County Extension

Asparagus is a perennial that provides one of the first vegetables harvested from the garden each season. Best of all, once a planting is established, it will last for many years, perhaps a lifetime. That longevity is why variety selection and careful bed preparation are important according to Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator, University of Missouri

by Davis Long Being the youngest member of my family I have always felt I like needed the guidance and wise counsel of those older and wiser than me. I always could depend on my family for anything. Aside from my parents, my sister, Adrian, was the one in particular I held in high regard.

The deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of Agriculture has been extended to July 30. Forms can be returned by mail or securely submitted online. University of Missouri Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments, as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations and others, use the data to serve

by Francis Skalicky/Missouri Department of Conservation Here’s a head-scratcher: If you see an abundance of poison ivy growing in various places in summer, does that make it a “good year” or a “bad year” for poison ivy? Regardless of which side of this discussion you lean towards, there’s one thing all people can agree on

Missouri livestock producers may be looking south for hay due to concerns over predicted hay shortages. Buyer beware of red imported fire ants hitching a ride on hay from south of Missouri’s border, says University of Missouri Extension field crops entomologist Kevin Rice. This invasive species attacks native insects, birds, reptiles and small animals. When

Johnsongrass is listed as a noxious weed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, which requires landowners to take steps toward controlling the weed on property they own or have under their control. “Grass weeds are difficult to control in pasture, but there are a few things that can be done to manage this weed,” said

Imagine getting a great deal on a jersey featuring your favorite sports team or athlete, only to receive an item that feels cheap, has a logo that’s slightly off or even misspells the athlete’s name. Worse yet, imagine that it wasn’t a bargain at all – imagine that you paid top dollar for such an

May 2018 is set to go down in history as the warmest on record in Missouri, and perhaps the nation, said University of Missouri Extension climatologist Pat Guinan. Every day in May charted above normal in Missouri, Guinan said. Many days registered more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, with preliminary data indicating an average