MU Extension in Warren County

06/17/2026

Your tomatoes might just need a gentle shake to thrive. Try lightly shaking flowers. It helps with pollination and is a great chore for young gardeners.

Learn more about growing homegrown tomatoes: https://brnw.ch/21x3qmF

06/16/2026

Meet Brad Coleman, a MU Extension 4-H field specialist in southeast Missouri, who is helping youth take the next step toward their future.

Through the Youth Futures College to Career Readiness program, Brad empowers young people with essential skills like resume writing, completing job applications and practicing mock interviews, while guiding them toward the careers they aspire to achieve.

06/15/2026

Those tall plants with delicate white flowers popping up along roadsides and field edges may look harmless. They are not. Poison hemlock is a toxic plants in Missouri and every part of it is poisonous, whether green or dried. This plant spreads aggressively, with a single plant producing up to 38,000 seeds.

How to identify poison hemlock:
• Height: Can reach 6 feet or taller
• Stems: Smooth, hollow, hairless with distinctive purple blotches or streaks
• Leaves: Fern-like, finely divided, with a strong unpleasant odor when crushed
• Flowers: Small white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters
• Growth cycle: Low rosette the first year, tall flowering plant the second year
• Poison hemlock is often confused with Queen Anne’s lace, but that plant is shorter, hairy and not toxic

How to get rid of it safely:
• Hand removal: Only for small infestations and with full protective clothing
• Mowing or tillage: Can help reduce spread
• Herbicides: Most effective in the early rosette stage before flowering

Safety tips:
• Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when handling
• Avoid inhaling plant material during removal
• Never burn poison hemlock — inhalation can be dangerous
• If unsure, do not touch the plant

Get more info: https://brnw.ch/21x3mtJ

Consult the W**d ID Guide for additonal photo of Poison Hemlock and Queen Anne's Lace: https://brnw.ch/21x3mtI

06/12/2026

Want to stay independent, active, and confident as you age?

Join the next online session of Stay Strong, Stay Healthy — Level 2, starting June 22 at 3 p.m. This course builds on the progress you made in Level 1, helping you continue to build muscle, strengthen bone density and feel more confident in everyday movements, all guided by MU Extension specialists from the comfort of your home.

Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays, June 22–August 12, from 3 – 4 p.m.

Keep moving forward this summer with a practical, supportive program that delivers real results.

Register and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3iH4

06/11/2026

Join the challenge! 100 Miles 100 Days starts June 16th!

Move however you like throughout 100 days of summer, log your activity and compete with other counties for an added challenge.

For those in our East Central region of Missouri, if you complete enough miles you will also be entered to win one of many prizes (including bluetooth earbuds, premium water bottles, massagers, cooler bags, and more!).

Event information for 2026 100 Miles, 100 Days

06/11/2026

Strawberry season is here in Missouri, making it the perfect time to enjoy fresh, local flavor.

Looking for a simple way to enjoy a quick, satisfying dessert? Try this one for a light, sweet treat you can make in individual servings in minutes.

Strawberries are not only sweet and versatile, they are also packed with nutrition. They are a great source of vitamin C, provide fiber and contain antioxidants that support overall health.

Find more recipes and make the most of strawberry season while it lasts: https://brnw.ch/21x3hd3

06/10/2026

Japanese beetles are beginning to emerge in Missouri.

Populations are low now but activity is expected to increase over the next two to four weeks. Early scouting helps guide timely management decisions.

What to look for:
• In soybeans, check multiple areas and estimate overall defoliation. Beetles often feed in the upper canopy, leaving a skeletonized look where only leaf veins remain.
• In corn, watch for beetles feeding on silks during pollination. Pay attention if silks are clipped very short, especially when beetle numbers are high and pollination is not complete.

Learn more and sign up to receive pest alerts: https://brnw.ch/21x3eR9

06/09/2026

Show Me Neighborhood Art Month is in full swing, inviting you to see how art brings communities together and strengthens a sense of place.

Be a part of the process and explore local displays in person or view photos online, then vote for your favorite and support the work that resonates most with you.

Access a map of where the art displays are located and vote for your top three by the end of the month: https://brnw.ch/21x3doS

06/08/2026

Did you know one in every three bites of food relies on pollinators?

Last week we explained why pollinator populations are declining. This week, learn about the different types of pollinators and how they help plants thrive and produce fruits and vegetables.

If you’re going to be in Columbia area on June 13, make plans to attend the 9th Annual Butterfly Festival at Jefferson Farm and Garden to explore pollinators up close and discover ways to make a difference.

Find out what plants attract pollinators to your garden:https://brnw.ch/21x3baB

06/05/2026

Ready to make this your most active summer yet?

Join the 100 Miles, 100 Days Challenge and move your way to 100 miles between June 16 and Sept. 24. Walk, run, bike or dance, every mile counts.

Track your progress, climb the leaderboard and help your county compete for bragging rights.

This free, virtual program is open to all ages and abilities, making it easy to get moving and stay motivated.

Register today and get ready to move.
https://brnw.ch/21x37BR