MU Extension in Oregon 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/21x2WfG

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/21x2UAW

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

05/26/2026

“Can I use a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar when making jam or jelly?”

No. Sugar helps with the gel formation in regular jams and jellies. It also reduces moisture for microbial growth. If you prefer a reduced sugar or sugar-free jam or jelly, make sure to use the correct recipe.

If you are planning to can fruits and vegetables this year, don’t just wing it. Planning and preparation are important first steps.

Make sure you have the right equipment and research-tested recipes. Both are essential to a safe product. Remember, home food preservation is a science.

Read the Complete Guide to
Home Canning: https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/the-complete-guide-home-canning

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/21x2NY6

05/22/2026

This Memorial Day keep food safety in mind while you gather with friends and family:
-Keep everything clean: hands, surfaces, utensils, produce
-Separate raw foods from cooked or ready-to-eat foods: use new platters/plates and utensils
-Cook thoroughly: use thermometer to check internal temps--ground meat 160 degrees, poultry 165 degrees, meat 145 degrees
-Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Don't leave food at room temp for more than 2 hours.
Learn more: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/grilling-food-safely

05/22/2026

05/22/2026