MU Extension in Cedar 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/21x6r2E

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.

10/13/2026

Join Us TONIGHT for a FREE Virtual Workshop on Bees!

Interested in learning more about bees and beekeeping? Join us tonight, October 13, at 6:00 PM for our Little Roots, Big Harvest virtual workshop!

We are excited to welcome Travis Harper, MU Extension Field Specialist in Agronomy, as our guest presenter!

Date: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Cost: FREE!

Register here: https://pears.io/events/mu/3028/

There's still time to register! We hope you'll join us!

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/21x6lr0

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/21x6i63

10/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CRL1jroyh/

Sale Book: Fall 2026 Southwest Missouri Performance Tested Bull Sale; Ranch Name: Fall 2026 Southwest Missouri Performance Tested Bull Sale (Brett Naylor); Sale Date: October 27, 2026;