MU Extension in Cape Girardeau County

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

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10/16/2026

Why do some seeds need a winter chill before they grow?

Many perennial flowers and native plants won't sprout right away. They need a process called cold stratification, which mimics winter conditions and signals the seeds that it's safe to germinate when spring arrives.

There are several ways to cold stratify seeds, including refrigerating them indoors or winter sowing in recycled containers. In this video, we're introducing another simple method that lets nature do the work.

Watch Part 1 to learn why cold stratification matters, then stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll show you how to cold stratify seeds using pots and garden soil right in your own backyard.

10/15/2026

Looking for a make-ahead fall breakfast that’s easy on both your schedule and your budget? These Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies are soft, lightly sweet and filled with pumpkin, warm spices, raisins and nuts.

Made with whole-wheat flour and nutrient-rich ingredients, they’re a satisfying option for busy mornings, lunch boxes or an afternoon snack.

Better yet, you can bake 48 cookies in about 30 minutes for roughly $0.15-$0.20 per cookie!

Get this recipe and other pumpkin favorites: https://brnw.ch/21x6r2h

Older Americans are building wealth at a historic pace. Since 1992, the median net worth of households led by adults 65 ...
10/14/2026

Older Americans are building wealth at a historic pace. Since 1992, the median net worth of households led by adults 65 and older has roughly doubled, outpacing gains among younger households.

The map shows where adults age 65 and older are choosing to relocate in Missouri. In 2024, older adults accounted for 2.8% of new county residents statewide, with similar rates in metropolitan (2.7%) and nonmetropolitan (3.2%) counties.

What could that mean for Missouri communities? With relatively low living costs, access to outdoor recreation and proximity to major metro areas, many rural communities may be well-positioned to attract retirees and the economic activity they bring.

Read the latest Missouri Economy Indicators brief to learn how the growing wealth of older households could influence Missouri's economy and rural communities.

Looking for a lower-sugar Halloween? Start here.Did you know some studies suggest children may consume the equivalent of...
10/13/2026

Looking for a lower-sugar Halloween? Start here.

Did you know some studies suggest children may consume the equivalent of about 3 cups of sugar on Halloween? While enjoying a few favorite treats is part of the celebration, many families are looking for ways to reduce the post-Halloween sugar overload.

One fun option is the Switch Witch, a tradition where children leave some of their candy out overnight and "trade" it for a small surprise such as a book, craft kit or coloring activity. It helps reduce the amount of candy hanging around for weeks while keeping the excitement of Halloween intact.

Stink Bugs – Stinking Pest in the FallBy Anthony Ohmes, MU Extension Field Specialist in AgronomyBrown marmorated stink ...
10/12/2026

Stink Bugs – Stinking Pest in the Fall
By Anthony Ohmes, MU Extension Field Specialist in Agronomy

Brown marmorated stink bugs are a stinking pest for those whose structures are chosen this fall to invade. Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) are native to Asia. They are notorious hitchhikers and were accidently introduced into the U.S. in the 1990’s. I received my first call in October of 2020. Since then, the numbers in Southeast Missouri have continued to increase. BMSB are brown and have a shield shape with brown-white banding on antennae and abdominal edge. As the name implies they release a very strong, unpleasant odor when disturbed.

BMSB is an agronomic pest during the growing season, feeding on horticultural and agronomic field crops. As the season ends and temperatures cool, BMSB are the only species of stink bug adults that seek structures for overwintering. They do not lay eggs, nor do they feed during the winter. Management includes identifying and seal openings/cracks around structures, ideally before they enter. Avoid sealing up areas now if you do have insects since you would want them to exit the same way next spring. If BMSB enter your home, vacuuming live specimens is the least disturbing, but they will still release a defensive odor. Consider using a shop cannister vacuum, not your indoor home vacuum.

More information on brown marmorated stink can be found in the MU publication Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Midwest Field Crops.

As we continue sharing fire safety tips beyond Fire Prevention Week, it's important to think about the devices you charg...
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/21x6lrg

10/09/2026

MU Extension in Cape Girardeau County is Hiring!
A position for 4-H Youth Development Specialist in Cape Girardeau County is open for applications. Required qualifications: A Master’s Degree in child, adolescent, or adult human development; education, learning theory, and learning strategies; organizational systems. The Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating positive youth and volunteer development programs. Salary based on experience. Must have own transportation (mileage paid). To apply go to: https://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job. Search for Staff Job ID 61265. Applications will be accepted until filled. 4-H Cape Girardeau County

As we celebrate National 4-H Week, we're highlighting a great example of what happens when youth leadership and communit...
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/21x6i5u

The holiday season is one of the biggest opportunities of the year for farm and food businesses. Are you ready to make t...
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/21x6gIW

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/21x6eBf

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684 Jackson Trl
Jackson, MO
63755

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Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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(573) 243-3581

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