Ozarks Farm & Neighbor Newspaper – written for, by & about farmers

Media contact:
Debbie Johnson
Writer
University of Missouri Extension
Phone: 573-882-9183
E-Mail: [email protected]

Story source: David H. Trinklein, 573-882-9631

COLUMBIA, Mo. – You might love your houseplants, but our homes often do not provide the best environment for them to thrive.

Houseplants plants need adequate light and humidity, two...

Media contact:
Duane Dailey
Writer
University of Missouri Extension
Phone: 573-882-9181
E-Mail: [email protected]

Story source: Joe Horner, 573-882-9339

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A series of four lunch-hour lessons from the University of Missouri will give farmers tips on reducing risks, starting March 12.

The programs, presented online, give livestock and...

Years ago a popular TV commercial carried the tagline of “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” Todd Weyl, who lives in Fayetteville, Ark., on a small purchased acreage but runs his parents’ 228-acre farm in Lincoln, Ark., has learned through trial and error and  through extensive observation and reading that allowing Mother Nature to have dominance in farming leads to a paradigm shift.  Todd views agriculture as an interdependent system where superimposing solutions to problems may solve a particular problem but harms the system. Todd said, “This is not about going ‘natural’ for the environment’s sake but increasing profitability by decreasing costs naturally.”

Tony and Linda Nichols own and lease 2,000 acres just outside of Wainwright, Okla., in Council Hill where they raise a commercial herd with 400 mommas. The land where the Nichols’ house sits was purchased by Tony’s grandfather 100 years ago and added to as the years have gone by. Tony said, “I was born a rancher and really wanted to live with my grandparents because my folks lived in town.” Tony and Linda have been married for 53 years after meeting at church when 5 or 6 and becoming sweethearts in high school although they went to different high schools. When Tony asked Linda to go on their first date at his high school’s talent show, Linda wasn’t sure if he was asking her out or selling her a ticket. Linda said, “That date was it, and we’re still dating now.” The couple has three girls, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter with another on the way. Colt Watson, the oldest grandson, is a fulltime employee.

Age is just a number for Honey Reese, 17 of Sallisaw, Okla. Honey may only be a high school senior set to graduate in May, but she’s taking on and accomplishing her dreams.

Planting a new forage crop involves more than just spreading seed on the ground.