MU Extension in Mercer County

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/21x6r3Z

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

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/21x6lmT

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/21x6i7Q

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/21x6gIA

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/21x6eFB

10/06/2026

Planning to save your dahlias and other summer bulbs this year?

A few simple steps before frost can make the difference between healthy plants next spring and bulbs that don't survive winter storage.

Watch for tips on storing dahlias, caladiums, gladiolus, cannas and more.

What are you overwintering this year?

10/05/2026

There’s still plenty of time before Halloween to make sure your child’s costume is both fun and safe.

As you plan costumes, check that clothing and shoes fit properly to help prevent trips and falls. Look for costumes, wigs and accessories made from flame-resistant materials, and choose options that are comfortable for your child’s individual sensory needs.

Because many trick-or-treat activities happen after dark, visibility is especially important. Add reflective tape to costumes, candy bags, strollers and wagons. Glow sticks and flashlights can also help children stay visible and safely navigate their route.

When possible, consider using nontoxic makeup instead of masks that could block vision. If using makeup, test a small area of skin first for irritation. Costume accessories should be soft and flexible rather than sharp or rigid.

Before Halloween arrives, have your child practice wearing their costume to identify any comfort or safety concerns. After the festivities, remove costumes, makeup and accessories before bedtime to help prevent skin irritation and other hazards.

A little planning now can help make Halloween both safe and spooky for the whole family.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x6b0q

10/02/2026

Want the latest dairy research without spending hours reading journal articles? The Dairy Science Digest podcast delivers practical, research-based insights for dairy producers in short episodes that typically run 20-30 minutes. Topics include nutrition, reproduction, calf management, herd health, milk production and profitability.

Hear directly from researchers about findings that can help inform management decisions on your farm. Whether you're looking to improve herd performance, increase efficiency or stay up to date on emerging dairy science, Dairy Science Digest provides timely takeaways you can put to work.

Listen today: https://brnw.ch/21x67A9

Dairy Science Digest - a podcast developed to share the MOST current research published in the Journal of Dairy science. Hear directly from the research authors on how their results can impact your herd’s profitability. Science you can base your management...