MU Extension in Cooper County

03/26/2026

Participants are asked to pre-register using the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScG8Ky69XmTt-uxmWE5f_HHsMNh63rMXm-FaquXjBWat8kQ9Q/viewform
This is a great opportunity to learn about photography, pick up tips and tricks, and explore the beautiful Missouri Valley Campus!

03/26/2026

This form is utilized by CCJC to locate livestock owners in the area if and when we receive calls about livestock that is found to be out of the pasture. This information is NOT public, and is kept in our secure system for our utilization only. If you own ANY type of livestock, please help us update...

03/26/2026

Are fermented foods really the gut health superheroes social media makes them out to be?

In this episode of Fact or Hype? nutrition and health specialist Melissa Cotton breaks down what science actually says about fermented foods, which benefits are backed by research and where popular claims go too far.

Watch now and get evidence-based answers you can trust.

What food trend should we tackle next? Tell us in the comments.

03/25/2026

Years of research conducted by MU Extension has consistently shown that the timing of planting is the most significant factor influencing soybean yields.

Planting earlier not only enhances yield potential but also provides growers with greater flexibility throughout the growing season. With the USDA forecasting a 5% increase in soybean acreage for 2026, driven by anticipated higher prices, early planting could offer farmers a competitive edge.

Soybeans are more tolerant of cooler soil temperatures compared to corn, making them an ideal first crop to sow once soil temperatures reach 50°F. Additionally, completing planting earlier can help mitigate the risk of substantial yield losses associated with late planting.

For more insights and notable trends, read the full article. Link in the comments.

03/24/2026

Over the past year, health care and social assistance was Missouri’s fastest-growing industry, leading employment growth in 54 counties and the city of St. Louis.

Knowing where jobs are growing can help you make smarter decisions about where to invest your skills and education.

All Things Missouri makes that insight easy to access. Powered by CARES, the interactive platform brings together data on employment, education, income, workforce demographics, regional economic trends across the state and more!

This map highlights where health care and social assistance is the fastest-growing industry across much of the state. Other colors represent different industries. Explore All Things Missouri to view the full map legend and learn which industries are growing in each county: https://brnw.ch/21x119o

03/23/2026

🌱 2026 Children’s Learning Garden — Registration Now Open! 🌱

03/23/2026

03/23/2026

What's the difference between indeterminate and determinate tomatoes?

• Indeterminate tomatoes grow tall and keep producing fruit all season. They need staking or cages and work best if you want a steady harvest over time.

• Determinate tomatoes grow to a set size and produce most of their fruit at once. They are great for containers, small spaces and batch canning.

03/20/2026

Starting seeds indoors? Don’t underestimate the power of the right soil.

Whether you’re experimenting with soil blocking or sticking with plastic trays, your soil mix plays a major role in germination and early growth. The right blend supports strong roots, healthy stems and better success from day one.

Watch the reel for a breakdown of the soil mix that gives seedlings the best start.

03/19/2026

Todd will be hosting one more Private Pesticide Applicator Training in MU Extension in Saline County Wednesday, March 25th. It is at 10 am at the Saline County Office. Show up with either a check or $75 cash

03/19/2026

Warmer weather, blooming flowers and more time outdoors are all signs spring is here. Unfortunately, ticks return this season, too.

Watch this video to learn how to properly remove a tick and how to prevent bites before they happen.

03/18/2026

Sidney Patrick, field specialist in nutrition and health, explains how the science-based program, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, delivers meaningful benefits for older adults.

The program helps reduce the risk of falls, supports management of chronic conditions and improves overall mental outlook which calculates to a $1000 medical cost savings per participant who completes the eight-week program!