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MU Extension in Reynolds County

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MU Extension in Reynolds County

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

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10/30/2026

Updated Ag Planning Budgets Are Now Available

Making decisions for the year ahead starts with having reliable numbers. The updated agricultural planning budgets provide estimated costs and returns to help producers evaluate production practices, compare enterprise options and develop sound financial plans.

These budgets help livestock and crop producers:
• Estimate production costs and expected returns
• Compare management and enterprise alternatives
• Support financing and lending discussions
• Evaluate expansion opportunities and input decisions
• Build more informed plans for the upcoming production season

A wide range of budgets are available covering grain crops, forage systems, beef cattle, dairy, sheep and more!

Find the resources that fit your operation:
https://brnw.ch/21x6MGr

10/30/2026

🌾 Century Farm Spotlight! 🌾

The Reynolds County MU Extension office is pleased to shine a spotlight on the Carty Farm, recognized as a Reynolds County Century Farm!

Established in 1857, the Carty Farm represents generations of hard work, dedication, and agricultural heritage in our community.

Please join us in celebrating the Carty family and their lasting contribution to Reynolds County's rich farming history! 🚜

Congratulations on this wonderful recognition! 🌟

***A Note from Kevin Skibiski:

The farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 1991 while owned and occupied by our grandmother, Mrs. Willie M. Carty Williams. It has been owned by direct descendants since the first land grant papers were issued in 1857.

Our grandmother passed away in 1995, and ownership transferred to me, Kevin Skibiski, my brother Terry Skibiski, and our sister Julie (Skibiski) Carter. We put the farm into the Carty Branch Family Trust to keep it in direct family ownership for years to come.

On June 16, 2004, the Buford-Carty Farmstead (Carty Farm) was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, "in recognition of the outstanding historical significance of this property and to encourage its preservation".

The original 1847 log house was restored back to original condition in 2007, the restoration was dedicated on the family Decoration Day on June 1, 2007.

10/29/2026

It’s been a stressful year for many, and as the holidays approach, taking care of yourself is more important than ever.

Join Thriving Through the Holidays, a three-part webinar series focused on building resilience, managing stress and prioritizing self-care during the holiday season. You'll gain practical strategies to support your emotional, physical, financial, occupational, social, and spiritual wellness so you can truly thrive throughout the season.

• Fridays, Nov. 6 – 20 | 11 a.m. – noon
• Online via Zoom

Give yourself the gift of well-being this holiday season!

Register today: https://brnw.ch/21x6LiD

10/28/2026

Not all apples are the same, and choosing the right variety can make all the difference.

Watch this video to learn which apples are best for fresh eating, baking, pies, applesauce, salads and freezing. You'll also discover how to select high-quality apples, spot signs of under- or over-ripeness and store apples properly to keep them crisp and flavorful.

Plus, learn about the nutritional benefits of apples, including fiber and antioxidants, and why leaving the peel on can help you get the most nutrition from every bite.

Whether you're planning fall baking, packing healthy snacks or bringing home a fresh haul from the orchard, these practical tips will help you make the most of apple season. Watch now.

10/27/2026

Plant garlic this fall for a flavorful harvest next summer.

Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow at home. Plant individual cloves in autumn, let them overwinter and enjoy fresh, homegrown garlic the following summer. Whether you're just getting started with gardening or have years of experience, garlic is a low-maintenance crop that delivers big rewards in the kitchen.

Watch the video for a step-by-step demonstration on how to plant garlic and set yourself up for a successful harvest.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x6HYE

10/27/2026

🌾 Reynolds County Farm Family Spotlight! 🌾

The Reynolds County MU Extension Office is proud to shine a spotlight on our 1976 Reynolds County Farm Family, Arnet Smith! 🚜🌱

We are honored to recognize the hardworking farm families who have helped shape our county’s agricultural heritage and made lasting contributions to our community.

Join us in celebrating Arnet Smith and the legacy of Reynolds County farming! 💚

10/26/2026

As temperatures cool, you may notice more stink bugs trying to sneak indoors. Brown marmorated stink bugs are looking for warm places to spend the winter, and while they're a nuisance, they're harmless to people and pets. They don't bite, sting or spread disease.

The best defense is prevention:
• Seal cracks and entry points with caulk or weather stripping.
• Be sure openings are sealed when removing window air conditioners.
• Trim back vegetation around the inside of your home and clean up yard waste to reduce hiding spots for insects.
• Vacuum up bugs with a shop canister vacuum that make their way inside.

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.

10/23/2026

📢 Reynolds County Residents — We Want YOU! 📢

The Reynolds County University of Missouri Extension Council is now accepting nominations for council election!

Are you interested in making a difference in our community? The Extension Council serves as the local connection between Reynolds County residents and the University of Missouri, helping plan and support educational programs that improve lives and meet the needs of our community.

As a council member, you can help shape local Extension programs, support community education, and make a positive impact right here in Reynolds County!

✅ Nominee Requirements:

Must be a resident of Reynolds County

Must be 18 years of age or older

Interested in serving your county or know someone who would be a great fit? We would love to hear from you!

📞 Phone: 573-663-7343
📧 Email: [email protected]

Help us continue making a difference in Reynolds County! 💚

10/23/2026

🌾 Century Farm Spotlight: The Fitzgerald Family 🌾

Reynolds County MU Extension is proud to shine a spotlight on The Fitzgerald Family, recognized as a Reynolds County Century Farm, established in 1854! 🌱

For generations, Century Farms have represented the hard work, dedication, and agricultural heritage that help shape our communities. We are honored to recognize the Fitzgerald family and celebrate their lasting contribution to Reynolds County's rich farming history. 🚜❤️

Join us in congratulating The Fitzgerald Family on this special recognition!

A note from Charles Fitzgerald:

Charles Fitzgerald: The Charles “Doug” Fitzgerald Farm

John Schrum came to Missouri about 1819 or 1820. We don’t know when he obtained the farm.

The Charles “Doug” Fitzgerald farm, nestled in the Ozark Hills on the East Fork of Black River, was first owned by John Schrum who received 400+ acres by military grants in the early 1800’s. John was enlisted in the Missouri census of 1820 at age 23. Doug’s grandfather, John Fitzgerald and wife, Elisema Schrum Fitzgerald bought the farm nest and raised 13 children. John Fitzgerald acquired the farm from his mother, Elisema in 1936 and moved his wife Lora and 9 children there. After Robert died in 1967, Doug and his wife Nina bought the farm from his mother Lora and built a new house for his family.

Doug made improvements to the farm by building new fences, a machine shed and hay barn, improving pastures and increasing a polled Hereford herd. He taught in public schools in Missouri for 30 years before retiring to his farm.

The Fitzgeralds have four children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family consists of Gwen and the late Mike Edgar, Neil and Lisa Fitzgerald, Sammye Gail and Dennis White, and Scottye and Eric Adkins. Their grandchildren are Jessica, and husband Neel Patel; Douglas and wife Jesica Fitzgerald; Ryn and wife Kelsey Fitzgerald; Cora, and husband Travis Walker; and Colby White. Doug and Nina have seven great grandchildren: Cara and Claire Patel; Hannah Fitzgerald; Ezra and Isaac Fitzgerald; and Atlas and Hazel Walker.
They are members of Gideons International and Iron Mountain Baptist Church.

Doug is treasurer of the Reynolds County Soil & Water District and President of the County Library Board.

Address

180 S. Main
Ellington, MO
63638

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 1pm
Wednesday	9am - 1pm
Thursday	9am - 1pm
Friday	9am - 1pm

Website

https://extension2.missouri.edu/locations/mu-extension-in-reynolds-county

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