MU Extension in Wayne County

10/23/2026

Last week, we introduced cold stratification and explained why some perennial flower and native plant seeds need a winter chill before they sprout. This week, we're showing you one simple way to do it at home.

Using pots and garden soil, you can expose seeds to the natural cold, moist conditions they need while keeping them organized and ready for spring growth. It's a low-maintenance method that mimics nature and can help improve germination for many species.

Watch for step-by-step instructions, and stay tuned for a spring follow-up when we'll show you what to do as your seeds begin to emerge.

10/22/2026

Halloween should be fun for every trick-or-treater. For children with alpha-gal syndrome, many traditional candies may contain ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction. Offering vegan treats or nonfood items such as stickers, glow sticks and small toys can help make Halloween more inclusive for everyone.

Learn more about alpha-gal-friendly options and ways to support children with food allergies this Halloween: https://brnw.ch/21x6BlI

10/22/2026

Agricultural lenders play an important role in helping farm operations navigate changing markets, production costs and land values. Gain the latest economic insights and tools to better serve your agricultural clients at MU Extension's 2026 Agricultural Lenders Seminar series.

The series will cover farm profitability, lending risks, commodity markets, enterprise budgets, land values and cash rental rates, along with region-specific topics important to Missouri agriculture. Sessions will be offered at five locations across the state beginning in November.

Learn more and register: https://brnw.ch/21x6A4T

10/20/2026

More flu vaccine myths are up for review.

We've already tackled some common misconceptions about flu vaccines. In this video, we're breaking down a new set of claims to help you separate fact from fiction and make informed health decisions.

Watch now to see which myths don't hold up to the facts and which ones do.

10/19/2026

Recent rains may have greened up pastures, but they can also increase the risk of prussic acid poisoning in cattle and horses. Young regrowth of Johnsongrass and other sorghum species may contain dangerous levels of compounds that release prussic acid, especially after periods of drought followed by rainfall.

MU Extension specialists recommend avoiding grazing on these forages until plants reach about 24 inches tall and feeding hay or grain before turnout so hungry animals are less likely to consume large amounts of potentially toxic forage. Clinical signs can appear quickly and may include rapid breathing, muscle tremors, excessive salivation, staggering and collapse. If poisoning is suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Get more info: https://brnw.ch/21x6vZM

10/18/2026

10/16/2026

Why do some seeds need a winter chill before they grow?

Many perennial flowers and native plants won't sprout right away. They need a process called cold stratification, which mimics winter conditions and signals the seeds that it's safe to germinate when spring arrives.

There are several ways to cold stratify seeds, including refrigerating them indoors or winter sowing in recycled containers. In this video, we're introducing another simple method that lets nature do the work.

Watch Part 1 to learn why cold stratification matters, then stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll show you how to cold stratify seeds using pots and garden soil right in your own backyard.

10/15/2026

Looking for a make-ahead fall breakfast that’s easy on both your schedule and your budget? These Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies are soft, lightly sweet and filled with pumpkin, warm spices, raisins and nuts.

Made with whole-wheat flour and nutrient-rich ingredients, they’re a satisfying option for busy mornings, lunch boxes or an afternoon snack.

Better yet, you can bake 48 cookies in about 30 minutes for roughly $0.15-$0.20 per cookie!

Get this recipe and other pumpkin favorites: https://brnw.ch/21x6r5K

10/15/2026

Agriculture Lenders - you are invited to join MU Extension and partners at an upcoming seminar. Check out the dates and locations available near you.

10/15/2026

Virtual Class for Healthy Living

MU Extension is excited to announce that you will now have the opportunity to attend a Living a Healthy Life – a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program from the comfort of your own home!

This class will be a Virtual Class via Zoom to be held on Mondays, November 2 - December 7, 2026, from 9:00 -11:30 a.m.

Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions programs are six week, highly interactive group programs to help people with chronic disease(s) and caregivers of people with chronic disease(s) gain self-confidence in their ability to control their symptoms and learn how their health problems affect their lives. Participants make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program.

• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions (CDSMP) topics include dealing with feelings of fear and isolation, appropriate exercise, medication use, nutrition, managing depression, how to evaluate new treatments, and communicating with family, friends. and health team.

These classes will be taught by University of Missouri Field Specialists in Nutrition and Health, Bethany Bachmann and Kelley Brent, and Nutrition and Health Educator, Alicia Amyx-Winrod.

To register for this FREE class visit: https://pears.io/events/mu/11191/ or call the Howell County Extension Office at 417-256-2391. You will be sent the Zoom link before the first class.

Make small changes to your routines, habits, and physical activities to improve your life!