MU Extension in Montgomery County

06/25/2026

Is intermittent fasting effective for weight loss? Is it a safe method or just another fad?

MU Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, Debbie Bennett, reacts to a video explaining what happens in your body during fasting, then shares a healthier, evidence-based approach to weight loss.

Discover research-based nutrition and health resources:
https://brnw.ch/21x3EyU

06/24/2026

After a life-changing crash, Missouri cattle producer Carey Portell faced years of recovery, physical limitations and uncertainty about what came next.

Through MU Extension programs like Missouri AgrAbility and Pearls of Production, Carey found ways to adapt her work, stay safe and continue doing what she loves. What began as a search for help became a turning point, providing the tools and support she needed to move forward.

Today, Carey’s story has come full circle. She now shares her experience not only as a farmer with disabilities but as a woman farmer, speaking to the physical and mental demands of the role. Her message resonates with others balancing family, farm operations and their own well-being.

Her journey shows how support, adaptation and self-care can make it possible to keep doing the work that matters.

Read Carey’s full story and watch her in action on the farm: https://brnw.ch/21x3C6V

06/23/2026

People move every day for school, work, retirement and family, bringing new perspectives that shape communities. From 2020 to 2025, net migration grew the average U.S. county population by 2.5 percent.

In Missouri, counties gained an average of 2.1 percent of their population from net migration during that same period. Nonmetro counties saw larger gains, 2.8 percent compared to 1.8 percent in metro areas. Some counties, including Lincoln, Hickory, Benton and Ozark, saw especially large increases.

While all residents value community ties and health care access, newer residents place more emphasis on broadband access, arts and outdoor recreation. Understanding these differences can help communities plan for growth and better meet changing needs.

06/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E3FDChB3P/

Montgomery County Arts Council's Open House was hosted June 20th. Special thanks to all who visited and to MCAC Board members who worked on the planning and decorating and the artists who exhibited. Consider a membership today and help support the arts in Montgomery County. Contact us at: [email protected]

Alice Runzi, Gale Patterson Burch, Bruce Sassmann, Susie Keithley, Dennis Weinrich,
Jolene Rodgers.

06/22/2026

The Soybean Growth Monitoring biweekly report for 2026 is now available, offering timely updates on crop development across the state. Using crop growth models and weather data, the report helps farmers understand how conditions are impacting soybean growth and potential yield before harvest.

This season, heavy and uneven rainfall has already slowed planting and early growth in many areas. The report provides insight into how these conditions may affect emergence, nodulation and overall plant health, while also supporting in-season decisions like whether replanting is worth the risk.

With new updates released every two weeks, this resource is designed to give producers the information they need to adapt throughout the growing season.

Download the free biweekly report: https://brnw.ch/21x3y5G

06/19/2026

Support the mental well-being of youth in your community.

Attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid virtual training on June 30. This course is designed to help adults recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in young people.

You'll learn how to:
• Assess for risk of su***de or harm
• Listen without judgment
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage professional help• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

This training is ideal for parents, educators, coaches, youth program staff and anyone who works with or cares about young people.

Register and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3ueA

06/18/2026

Fact or hype? We’re putting summer insect myths to the test.

Do wasps really sting for no reason, or is it just their reputation talking? And are pesticides driving the decline of fireflies?

Watch as MU Extension's bug expert breaks down common questions and separates fact from hype.

06/17/2026

Your tomatoes might just need a gentle shake to thrive. Try lightly shaking flowers. It helps with pollination and is a great chore for young gardeners.

Learn more about growing homegrown tomatoes: https://brnw.ch/21x3qlh

06/16/2026

Meet Brad Coleman, a MU Extension 4-H field specialist in southeast Missouri, who is helping youth take the next step toward their future.

Through the Youth Futures College to Career Readiness program, Brad empowers young people with essential skills like resume writing, completing job applications and practicing mock interviews, while guiding them toward the careers they aspire to achieve.

06/16/2026

Three online sessions will be offered and cover concerns regarding select wildlife populations including turkeys. The importance of upland oak forests and their condition for wildlife. Actions landowners can take to improve conditions for wildlife will be discussed with Morgan County landowner David Haake. The event is free and supported by MU Extension, the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri and partially funded by the National Wild Turkey Federation. https://extension.missouri.edu/events/oaks-and-wildlife?

Event information for Oaks and Wildlife