MU Extension in Madison County

10/30/2026

Updated Ag Planning Budgets Are Now Available

Making decisions for the year ahead starts with having reliable numbers. The updated agricultural planning budgets provide estimated costs and returns to help producers evaluate production practices, compare enterprise options and develop sound financial plans.

These budgets help livestock and crop producers:
• Estimate production costs and expected returns
• Compare management and enterprise alternatives
• Support financing and lending discussions
• Evaluate expansion opportunities and input decisions
• Build more informed plans for the upcoming production season

A wide range of budgets are available covering grain crops, forage systems, beef cattle, dairy, sheep and more!

Find the resources that fit your operation:
https://brnw.ch/21x6MGh

10/29/2026

10/29/2026

It’s been a stressful year for many, and as the holidays approach, taking care of yourself is more important than ever.

Join Thriving Through the Holidays, a three-part webinar series focused on building resilience, managing stress and prioritizing self-care during the holiday season. You'll gain practical strategies to support your emotional, physical, financial, occupational, social, and spiritual wellness so you can truly thrive throughout the season.

• Fridays, Nov. 6 – 20 | 11 a.m. – noon
• Online via Zoom

Give yourself the gift of well-being this holiday season!

Register today: https://brnw.ch/21x6Lja

10/28/2026

Not all apples are the same, and choosing the right variety can make all the difference.

Watch this video to learn which apples are best for fresh eating, baking, pies, applesauce, salads and freezing. You'll also discover how to select high-quality apples, spot signs of under- or over-ripeness and store apples properly to keep them crisp and flavorful.

Plus, learn about the nutritional benefits of apples, including fiber and antioxidants, and why leaving the peel on can help you get the most nutrition from every bite.

Whether you're planning fall baking, packing healthy snacks or bringing home a fresh haul from the orchard, these practical tips will help you make the most of apple season. Watch now.

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/21x6HWZ

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/21x6BlP

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/21x6A5L

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.