MU Extension in Wright County

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/21x6r5K

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.

10/13/2026

Our office is currently closed due to an unforeseen medical circumstance. We appreciate your understanding and will resume normal operations as soon as possible. If you need us,
Call our MU Extension in Douglas County office at 417-683-4409 or our MU Extension in Texas County office at 417-967-4545. You can also reach out to Extension Specialist, Dr. Weddle, at 417-259-2291.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this causes. Thank you!

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.

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/21x6lrr

10/11/2026

A heartfelt thank you to all of our Century Farm families who joined us for our Century Farm Celebration Banquet! It was an honor to celebrate your family’s history, hard work, and lasting legacy in agriculture.

We also took a moment tonight, to recognize Zach Williams. As his time as Wright County Presiding Commissioner winds down, we want to express our sincere appreciation for his dedication and commitment to Wright County and MU Extension over the past 16 years. His service has made a lasting impact on our county and community.

Thank you for allowing MU Extension–Wright County to be part of celebrating the traditions, hard work, and generations that make our community so special!

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/21x6i7J

10/09/2026

FREE GARLIC GROWING WORKSHOP

This workshop will cover the basics of
growing garlic including planting,
harvesting, storing, soil preparation,
and different types.

Participants will also take part in
hands - on garlic planting while learning
about proper planting techniques.
Light snacks will be provided.
Free to attend, but registration is
required.

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27 noon – 1:30 pm
WHERE: Wright County University of
Missouri Extension
608 E. State St. Mountain Grove, MO 65711

Register online at
https://pears.io/events/mu/10822/
or by calling the number below.

Contact: Kelly McGowan
Field Specialist in Horticulture
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 417-349 -4134

10/09/2026