MU Extension in DeKalb County

Celebrate 125 Years of 4-H!

We’re getting ready to celebrate an incredible milestone—4-H turns 125 in 2027! To commemorate 125 years of making the best better, we’ve created a special Missouri 4-H Anniversary Puzzle featuring highlights from Missouri 4-H history.

The puzzle measures 11" x 16", includes 28 pieces, and is available for $20 each.

Payment can be made by:
• Check: Payable to MAE4-HYDP and mailed to 14 E. 19th Street, Suite 102, Higginsville, MO 64037
• Venmo: -Bergsieker

Once payment is received, your puzzle will be delivered to your local county 4-H office for pickup.

Celebrate Missouri 4-H history and grab a puzzle for your family, club, office, or as a great gift!

Missouri's rural communities depend on a strong healthcare workforce, yet many areas continue to face provider shortages and challenges with access to care. Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural Missouri is essential to ensuring residents have access to quality care close to home.

The Rural Immersion Program, a partnership between the MU School of Medicine's Rural Scholars Program and MU Extension,
helps future providers experience rural life firsthand and see the meaningful impact they can make in these communities.

This year, 19 students pursuing healthcare careers at Missouri universities spent five days exploring what makes rural communities healthy. Traveling through Grundy, Mercer, Harrison, Gentry and Nodaway counties, students met with healthcare providers, emergency responders, educators, agricultural producers and community leaders to better understand the many factors that influence health and well-being in rural Missouri.

Along the way, students gained valuable insight into the relationships that make rural healthcare unique. One participant shared that hearing rural physician Tammy Hart describe herself as "a friend who is a physician" reshaped their understanding of community-centered care, illustrating how meaningful relationships are built long before patients enter a clinic. Another student said seeing physicians serve as mentors, volunteers and community leaders strengthened their interest in pursuing rural family medicine.

From touring healthcare facilities to learning how agriculture, education, economic development and community partnerships contribute to healthy communities, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the opportunities and rewards of rural practice. Many described the challenges facing rural healthcare as opportunities for professional growth and emphasized the importance of teamwork and community involvement.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x5cx9

Looking for a career where you can make a difference in the lives of Missourians every day?

At MU Extension, our faculty and staff bring the resources and research of the University of Missouri directly to communities across the state. From strengthening agriculture and businesses to improving health, supporting youth development and expanding educational opportunities, MU Extension helps solve Missouri's most pressing challenges.

Whether you're passionate about education, community development, agriculture, health or youth programs, there are career opportunities available in communities across Missouri.

Explore current openings: https://brnw.ch/21x5aiG

Nitrogen prices have risen more than 40% in recent months, causing many livestock producers to take a closer look at fall fertility decisions.

Research shows fall nitrogen applications can increase stockpiled tall fescue yields, but the return on investment depends on fertilizer costs, hay prices and growing conditions.

To compare costs and make an informed decision based on your specific situation, use the formula in this article: https://brnw.ch/21x533s

Missouri has nearly 530,000 small businesses, according to the Small Business Administration, making up 99.4% of all businesses in the state. From Main Street storefronts to innovative startups, small businesses create jobs, strengthen local economies and help communities thrive.

MU Extension is proud to support entrepreneurs and business owners with research-based expertise, training and resources that help Missouri businesses start, grow and succeed.

Learn more about the Missouri SBDC: https://brnw.ch/21x4ZxA