MU Extension in St. Louis County

After a life-changing crash, Missouri cattle producer Carey Portell faced years of recovery, physical limitations and uncertainty about what came next.

Through MU Extension programs like Missouri AgrAbility and Pearls of Production, Carey found ways to adapt her work, stay safe and continue doing what she loves. What began as a search for help became a turning point, providing the tools and support she needed to move forward.

Today, Carey’s story has come full circle. She now shares her experience not only as a farmer with disabilities but as a woman farmer, speaking to the physical and mental demands of the role. Her message resonates with others balancing family, farm operations and their own well-being.

Her journey shows how support, adaptation and self-care can make it possible to keep doing the work that matters.

Read Carey’s full story and watch her in action on the farm: https://brnw.ch/21x3C6q

People move every day for school, work, retirement and family, bringing new perspectives that shape communities. From 2020 to 2025, net migration grew the average U.S. county population by 2.5 percent.

In Missouri, counties gained an average of 2.1 percent of their population from net migration during that same period. Nonmetro counties saw larger gains, 2.8 percent compared to 1.8 percent in metro areas. Some counties, including Lincoln, Hickory, Benton and Ozark, saw especially large increases.

While all residents value community ties and health care access, newer residents place more emphasis on broadband access, arts and outdoor recreation. Understanding these differences can help communities plan for growth and better meet changing needs.

The Soybean Growth Monitoring biweekly report for 2026 is now available, offering timely updates on crop development across the state. Using crop growth models and weather data, the report helps farmers understand how conditions are impacting soybean growth and potential yield before harvest.

This season, heavy and uneven rainfall has already slowed planting and early growth in many areas. The report provides insight into how these conditions may affect emergence, nodulation and overall plant health, while also supporting in-season decisions like whether replanting is worth the risk.

With new updates released every two weeks, this resource is designed to give producers the information they need to adapt throughout the growing season.

Download the free biweekly report: https://brnw.ch/21x3y4b

Support the mental well-being of youth in your community.

Attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid virtual training on June 30. This course is designed to help adults recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in young people.

You'll learn how to:
• Assess for risk of su***de or harm
• Listen without judgment
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage professional help• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

This training is ideal for parents, educators, coaches, youth program staff and anyone who works with or cares about young people.

Register and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3ufa

Those tall plants with delicate white flowers popping up along roadsides and field edges may look harmless. They are not. Poison hemlock is a toxic plants in Missouri and every part of it is poisonous, whether green or dried. This plant spreads aggressively, with a single plant producing up to 38,000 seeds.

How to identify poison hemlock:
• Height: Can reach 6 feet or taller
• Stems: Smooth, hollow, hairless with distinctive purple blotches or streaks
• Leaves: Fern-like, finely divided, with a strong unpleasant odor when crushed
• Flowers: Small white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters
• Growth cycle: Low rosette the first year, tall flowering plant the second year
• Poison hemlock is often confused with Queen Anne’s lace, but that plant is shorter, hairy and not toxic

How to get rid of it safely:
• Hand removal: Only for small infestations and with full protective clothing
• Mowing or tillage: Can help reduce spread
• Herbicides: Most effective in the early rosette stage before flowering

Safety tips:
• Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when handling
• Avoid inhaling plant material during removal
• Never burn poison hemlock — inhalation can be dangerous
• If unsure, do not touch the plant

Get more info: https://brnw.ch/21x3msP

Consult the W**d ID Guide for additonal photo of Poison Hemlock and Queen Anne's Lace: https://brnw.ch/21x3msQ

Want to stay independent, active, and confident as you age?

Join the next online session of Stay Strong, Stay Healthy — Level 2, starting June 22 at 3 p.m. This course builds on the progress you made in Level 1, helping you continue to build muscle, strengthen bone density and feel more confident in everyday movements, all guided by MU Extension specialists from the comfort of your home.

Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays, June 22–August 12, from 3 – 4 p.m.

Keep moving forward this summer with a practical, supportive program that delivers real results.

Register and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3iHa