MU Extension in Audrain County

10/02/2026

Want the latest dairy research without spending hours reading journal articles? The Dairy Science Digest podcast delivers practical, research-based insights for dairy producers in short episodes that typically run 20-30 minutes. Topics include nutrition, reproduction, calf management, herd health, milk production and profitability.

Hear directly from researchers about findings that can help inform management decisions on your farm. Whether you're looking to improve herd performance, increase efficiency or stay up to date on emerging dairy science, Dairy Science Digest provides timely takeaways you can put to work.

Listen today: https://brnw.ch/21x67yI

Dairy Science Digest - a podcast developed to share the MOST current research published in the Journal of Dairy science. Hear directly from the research authors on how their results can impact your herd’s profitability. Science you can base your management...

10/01/2026

When Zoe looks back on her 4-H experience, she doesn't just talk about projects. She talks about the friendships she's made, the leadership and communication skills she's developed and the opportunities that helped shape her future.

For Zoe, a 4-H first aid project sparked an interest in the medical field and introduced her to a potential career path.

Whether your child is interested in STEM, agriculture, arts, leadership, healthy living or exploring something entirely new, Missouri 4-H offers hands-on experiences that help young people become Beyond Ready for college, careers and life.

Open enrollment starts today!
Learn more about Missouri 4-H: https://brnw.ch/21x668S

09/30/2026

Fall can be one of the busiest times of the year and when everything feels important, it can be difficult to know how to prioritize your to-do list.

The ABC Technique can help identify your most urgent tasks and focus your energy on where it matters most.

Here's how it works:
1. Make a list of everything you need to do.
2. Prioritize. Label each task as A, B or C.

A: Important and time-sensitive. These tasks need immediate attention.
B: Important, but not urgent. Schedule time for these tasks.
C: Tasks that would be nice to complete but can wait if needed.

By narrowing your focus to the most important tasks, you can reduce decision fatigue and make steady progress throughout the week.

What's your top "A" task this week?

09/29/2026

Better Breakfast Month starts with a simple step: don’t skip breakfast. After a night without food, your body needs fuel to help you get moving. A balanced breakfast can provide energy, support focus and help you meet your nutrition needs throughout the day.

Learn why breakfast matters and get tips for building a healthier morning meal.

Find healthy breakfast recipes: https://brnw.ch/21x62OS

09/28/2026

A total 1,138 Missourians got moving this summer through the 100 Miles, 100 Days challenge, logging more than 100,000 miles statewide through walking, biking, swimming and other physical activities. Participants from 79 counties recorded more than 25,000 walks, rides, swims and workouts, with 319 people reaching the 100-mile goal.

The challenge was designed to help Missourians build healthy habits, stay active and connect with others through physical activity.

While the 100 days challenge may be over, your health journey doesn't have to end. Keep the momentum going with programs like Walk With Ease, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention.

09/25/2026

Ready to grow one of the quickest crops in the garden? Radishes are easy to grow from seed and can be ready to harvest quickly. Learn how deep to plant radish seeds, proper spacing tips and how to create the best conditions for crisp, flavorful roots.

Whether you're planting a fall garden or introducing kids to gardening, radishes are a simple and rewarding crop to grow.

09/24/2026

A recent Missouri Economy Indicators Brief explores multiple job and self-employed trends.

Self-employment is an important part of Missouri’s economy, offering people ways to earn income outside traditional jobs. In 2023, Missouri had more than 485,000 businesses without paid employees, including about 429,000 sole proprietorships, generating $26.2 billion in revenue.

About three-quarters of these businesses were in metro counties, while one-quarter were in nonmetro counties. However, nonmetro businesses generated slightly more revenue per business — about $56,200 compared with $53,300 in metro areas.

Nonmetro counties also had the highest concentration of these businesses. Scotland County ranked first, with 119 businesses per 1,000 residents and more than $106,000 in revenue per business. Transportation and warehousing had the most businesses in metro areas, while construction led in nonmetro areas.

These numbers show that self-employment and small, one-person businesses are an important part of how Missourians work and earn income, particularly in rural communities.

Read the full brief: https://brnw.ch/21x5WjG

09/23/2026

National Farm Safety and Health Week is a great time to review grain bin safety before harvest gets into full swing. Grain can engulf a person in seconds, making preparation and prevention critical.

Keep these grain bin safety tips in mind:
• Never enter a grain bin alone. Always use the buddy system and have someone nearby who can call for help if needed.

• Lock out and tag out all grain-handling equipment before entering a bin.

• Wear a safety harness connected to an anchor point outside the bin.

• Never walk on crusted or bridged grain. Hidden cavities beneath the surface can give way and trap you.

• Store grain at the proper moisture content and temperature and monitor conditions regularly to reduce the need for bin entry.

• Keep grain bin doors locked and restrict access, especially when children are on the farm.

A few minutes spent reviewing safety procedures today can help prevent a tragedy tomorrow.

09/22/2026

How many times can you stand up from a chair without using your hands?

The sit-to-stand exercise is a simple way to build leg strength, improve balance and maintain independence as we age. Try doing 5-10 repetitions once or twice a day to help make everyday activities like getting out of a chair, the bed or car easier.

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, making it a great time to focus on exercises that can help reduce fall risk and improve mobility over time.

Watch the demonstration and give it a try.

09/21/2026

This is National Farm Safety & Health Week Sept 21-25. The National Education Center for Ag Safety is hosting educational webinars free all week. Tuesday focuses on Health and Wellness 11 a.m. is CALM Conversations, 1 p.m. is Noise in Agriculture: An Overlooked Occupational Hazard and at 3 p.m. The Cost of Fatigue in Agriculture: Practical Solutions to Protect Workers and Increase Productivity. To sign up www.necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek/