MU Extension in St. Francois County

10/27/2026

Plant garlic this fall for a flavorful harvest next summer.

Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow at home. Plant individual cloves in autumn, let them overwinter and enjoy fresh, homegrown garlic the following summer. Whether you're just getting started with gardening or have years of experience, garlic is a low-maintenance crop that delivers big rewards in the kitchen.

Watch the video for a step-by-step demonstration on how to plant garlic and set yourself up for a successful harvest.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x6HYE

10/26/2026

As temperatures cool, you may notice more stink bugs trying to sneak indoors. Brown marmorated stink bugs are looking for warm places to spend the winter, and while they're a nuisance, they're harmless to people and pets. They don't bite, sting or spread disease.

The best defense is prevention:
• Seal cracks and entry points with caulk or weather stripping.
• Be sure openings are sealed when removing window air conditioners.
• Trim back vegetation around the inside of your home and clean up yard waste to reduce hiding spots for insects.
• Vacuum up bugs with a shop canister vacuum that make their way inside.

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/21x6Blh

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/21x6A4L

10/21/2026

Two of our very own - Kayce Amsden & Sarah Barks! Thank you for all of your hard work & commitment to helping our community, ladies! And thank you to St. Francois County for supporting their vision with your generosity!

Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce Desloge, MO Chamber of Commerce Farmington Regional Chamber Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce Farmington Press Daily Journal Online KTJJ Radio "The Boot" 98.5 FM B104.3

As we celebrate National 4-H Week, we're highlighting a great example of what happens when youth leadership and community partnerships come together to make a difference.

What started as a simple community meal has grown into something remarkable in St. Francois County. Through the "Soup, There It Is" initiative, community members, businesses, local organizations and youth volunteers came together to improve food access for neighbors in need.

In 2026, the effort served or delivered 450 meals, collected more than 2,500 pounds of food for local families experiencing food insecurity and provided meal kits to underserved communities. The program's success was made possible through strong local partnerships and the dedication of volunteers, including 4-H members who helped collect donations, prepare meals and deliver food to families.

Read the full story: https://brnw.ch/21x6i7t

10/20/2026

MDC calendars are in! Only $9!

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/21x6w1d

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.