MU Extension in Phelps County

Japanese beetles are beginning to emerge in Missouri.

Populations are low now but activity is expected to increase over the next two to four weeks. Early scouting helps guide timely management decisions.

What to look for:
• In soybeans, check multiple areas and estimate overall defoliation. Beetles often feed in the upper canopy, leaving a skeletonized look where only leaf veins remain.
• In corn, watch for beetles feeding on silks during pollination. Pay attention if silks are clipped very short, especially when beetle numbers are high and pollination is not complete.

Learn more and sign up to receive pest alerts: https://brnw.ch/21x3eRd

Show Me Neighborhood Art Month is in full swing, inviting you to see how art brings communities together and strengthens a sense of place.

Be a part of the process and explore local displays in person or view photos online, then vote for your favorite and support the work that resonates most with you.

Access a map of where the art displays are located and vote for your top three by the end of the month: https://brnw.ch/21x3dpb

Ready to make this your most active summer yet?

Join the 100 Miles, 100 Days Challenge and move your way to 100 miles between June 16 and Sept. 24. Walk, run, bike or dance, every mile counts.

Track your progress, climb the leaderboard and help your county compete for bragging rights.

This free, virtual program is open to all ages and abilities, making it easy to get moving and stay motivated.

Register today and get ready to move.
https://brnw.ch/21x37BN

Frequent rain and cooler-than-normal temperatures this spring are creating ideal conditions for tar spot in Missouri cornfields.

The disease has shown up in June in recent years and is expected again in 2026, so early scouting and continued monitoring are key.

Tar spot, caused by a fungus that survives in crop residue, appears as small, raised black spots on leaves and can spread quickly under favorable conditions. While it can impact yield, MU Extension plant pathologists say there’s no need to panic.

Finding the disease in June doesn't automatically mean a fungicide application is needed. Continue monitoring how quickly it spreads, where symptoms are appearing in the canopy, disease severity and upcoming weather conditions before making management decisions.

Get additional information: https://brnw.ch/21x33TK

Missouri was the nation’s 18th-largest state in 2025, with a population of 6.27 million. From 2024 to 2025 the state gained more than 27,000 residents, an annual growth rate of 0.4%.

Population change reflects natural change (births minus deaths) and migration. From 2020 to 2025 Missouri’s population rose by about 115,000, or 1.9%. During that period the state experienced a natural decrease—deaths outnumbered births by more than 12,000—but that loss was more than offset by migration: roughly 70,000 international migrants and 57,000 domestic migrants moved to Missouri.

Read the full Missouri Economy Indicators brief. Link in the comments.

Looking for practical ways to strengthen your family relationships and reduce everyday stress?

Join the Building Strong Families virtual course and gain tools you can use right away. This interactive, six-session series helps parents build on their strengths while learning effective communication, stress management and positive parenting strategies.

Sessions occur on Thursdays, June 4 through July 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Register today: https://brnw.ch/21x2WcU