MU Extension in Cooper County

10/12/2026

As we continue sharing fire safety tips beyond Fire Prevention Week, it's important to think about the devices you charge every day. Smartphones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life, but improper charging can increase the risk of overheating, fire or explosion.

The risk is growing. A report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology estimates that since 2011, there have been roughly 198,000 lithium-ion battery fires in structures nationwide and about 5,700 fires involving electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The number of battery-related fires continues to increase each year.

Help protect your home and family by:
• Using the charger recommended by the manufacturer.
• Charging devices on hard, flat surfaces.
• Unplugging devices when fully charged.
• Replacing batteries that become hot, swell, smoke or give off unusual odors.

Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety and other fire prevention tips: https://brnw.ch/21x6lor

10/09/2026

We're getting ready for The Center for Agroforestry Missouri Chestnut Festival! Come check it out this Saturday, October 10th from 10:00-3:00 in New Franklin and enjoy a great meal made with local agroforestry products like chestnuts, elderberries, pecans, paw paws and more!

10/09/2026

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/21x6i5L

10/08/2026

The holiday season is one of the biggest opportunities of the year for farm and food businesses. Are you ready to make the most of it?

Join Season's Sellings: Holiday Sales Planning for Farm & Food Businesses, a free virtual webinar series designed to help producers and food entrepreneurs create a focused plan for holiday sales. Participants will learn how to set sales and marketing goals, develop messaging and pricing strategies for holiday shoppers and stay top-of-mind with customers throughout the season.

The series begins Oct. 27 and includes ongoing resources and support through the holiday season, culminating in a recap session on Jan. 20 to share successes and lessons learned.

Register today and start planning for your most successful holiday sales season yet: https://brnw.ch/21x6gJ1

10/08/2026

What are you thankful for?

👏 It’s ! 💚

Who’s made your 4-H experience better? 👀

Your club leader? A friend? A mentor? Your family? Someone who’s always cheering you on?

Tag them below + tell ’em why you appreciate them! 🍀

Let’s give some love to the people who make special. 🫶

remember, if you share with Missouri 4-H, we might use your story or photos to promote 4-H to others.

10/08/2026

Our office will be closed next Monday the12th for Columbus / Indigenous Peoples Day

10/07/2026

💚 It’s Wednesday! 🍀

4-H is more than a project, a meeting, or an event—it’s the people, experiences, and memories that make it yours.

So… what’s your 4-H story? 👀

Maybe it’s a show ring win, a camp memory, a new friend, a service project, a skill you never thought you’d learn, or something totally unexpected.

📸 Drop a pic or tell us in the comments what 4-H means to YOU!

Let’s fill the comments with the people and moments that make what it is. 💚

Please remember: If you share a photo or story with Missouri 4-H, we may use it to help promote 4-H to others.

10/07/2026

Think you know the flu? Put your knowledge to the test as we separate fact from hype.

Learn how the flu differs from a common cold, how it spreads and why getting an annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you.

For more research-based health information: https://brnw.ch/21x6eBT

10/06/2026