MU Extension in Texas County

With early corn harvest and recent moisture, many producers are seeing volunteer corn emerge in harvested fields and wondering whether it can be safely grazed.

Volunteer corn and corn residue can provide an inexpensive source of forage and help stretch hay supplies, but nitrate accumulation may be a concern, especially following drought, excess nitrogen application or cold weather. The safest way to know if forage is safe is to have it tested before grazing.

Learn how nitrates develop and how to collect a sample for testing: https://brnw.ch/21x6Q7V

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

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/21x6LhF

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.

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/21x6Blo

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/21x6A4h