MU Extension in Polk County

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MU Extension in Polk County MU Extension empowers people to improve their lives, businesses and communities by providing practical, relevant and research-based educational strategies.

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ADA/EOE Employer Extension programs provide education and information that helps to improve people's lives. University of Missouri Extension uses science-based knowledge to engage people in understanding change, solving problems and making informed decisions.

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.

Halloween should be fun for every trick-or-treater. For children with alpha-gal syndrome, many traditional candies may c...
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/21x6Blx

Agricultural lenders play an important role in helping farm operations navigate changing markets, production costs and l...
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.

Recent rains may have greened up pastures, but they can also increase the risk of prussic acid poisoning in cattle and h...
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/21x6vZG

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/21x6r5d

Interested in having your own fresh produce year-round? Growing vegetables in a backyard greenhouse is an excellent way ...
10/14/2026

Interested in having your own fresh produce year-round? Growing vegetables in a backyard greenhouse is an excellent way to extend the harvest and enjoy fresh produce over the winter months. Join MU Extension Field Specialists to learn tips and tricks for greenhouse gardening success. Three 30-minute sessions will address greenhouse structures, growing strategies, and hydroponic systems. This is a free course. Light refreshments will be provided.

Friday, October 30th
12:30 - 2:30
MU Southwest Research, Extension, and Education Center
14548 Highway H, Mount Vernon, MO 65712

Follow the link below to register!
https://pears.io/events/mu/10880/

Contact: Matthew Huchteman
Field Specialist in Horticulture
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 417-358-2158

Address

110 E Jefferson Street
Bolivar, MO
65613

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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