Linda Geist

4 days ago | farmtalknews.com | Linda Geist

Up close photo of Tar Spot on corn leaf. (Photo by MU) Good scouting is the best way to identify tar spot in corn, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Tar spot was confirmed in June of 2023 and 2024 in Missouri, which is earlier than in previous years, when the disease showed up in August or September. This earlier appearance is likely to continue because Missouri’s spring air temperatures are favorable for the disease, says Bish.

4 days ago | m.farms.com | Linda Geist

By Linda GeistCattle rid their bodies of heat in three ways: radiation, convection and evaporation. “If your cattle can’t use all three methods, they’ll overheat fast,” says University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey. Summer heat knocks weight off calves and pounds off milk, Bailey says. Losses come in the form of less gain, weaker fertility and other health issues. “Heat stress costs real money,” he says.

1 week ago | m.farms.com | Linda Geist

By Linda GeistFeral hog occupancy of Missouri watersheds has fallen 84% since 2016, when the state’s Feral Hog Elimination Partnership began. Funded by the U.S. Farm Bill and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the partnership comprises 18 federal and state entities work together to eliminate feral hogs on public and private lands.

1 week ago | farmtalknews.com | Linda Geist |Nick Rex

University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel is a self-proclaimed “science geek.” She likes pawing through the latest science journals to keep on the cutting edge of dairy research that could improve the bottom line of Missouri dairy producers. “Sometimes useful farm management information is in scientific jargon that is just not very user-friendly,” Bluel says — so Bluel does the leg work of translating the scientific findings into digestible 25 minute podcast episodes.

3 weeks ago | westplainsdailyquill.net | Linda Geist

Somewhere over the rainbow you'll find irisesBy Linda Geist, Writer,University of Missouri ExtensionPosted 6/7/25According to Greek mythology, Iris was a goddess who served as a messenger between the divine world and the human world. The Greek gods never communicated directly with mortals. Instead, they sent … This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website.