MU Extension in Perry County

06/03/2026

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/21x33U1

06/02/2026

Vote for Perry County Public Art! 🎨

Did you know Perryville has public art featured in the 2026 Show Me Neighborhood Art Month competition? Throughout June, Missourians can vote for their favorite public art projects from across the state as part of Missouri's annual celebration of community-created art.

Perry County has two projects up for votes:
🖌️ The new mural on the Enterprise Bank building
🎨 Our Perry County Sculpture Trail

We encourage you to explore the incredible public art found throughout Missouri—and while you're at it, show some love for Perry County's artistic side by casting your vote!
🔗 Vote here: https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e2TTrttFexNItHU

After voting, take some time to stroll downtown, discover our murals, and explore the sculpture trail that helps make Perry County a unique place to live, work, and visit.

06/02/2026

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.

06/02/2026

We are Hiring! Livestock Specialist in Cape Girardeau County!

This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs in Livestock Production, including management, nutrition, reproduction, animal health, and marketing. Specialists will support the livestock industry in and around southeast region of Missouri. This will include work supporting State Specialists and collaboration with other Field Specialists.
Salary Range: Minimum starting salary of $58,000.00, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the applicant. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Occasional evenings and weekend work with travel is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications - An earned Master’s degree in animal science or closely related field with appropriate coursework demonstrating knowledge of livestock production and management at the time of appointment. Related areas could include forage management, farm management, etc..

Go to the extension jobs website at: https://extension.missouri.edu/about-us/extension-jobs and search the directory for Job ID: 59743 for more information.

Explore diverse career opportunities and grow professionally with flexible roles that make a real difference in communities across Missouri.

06/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated to our May food drive.

Now, welcome June! As we start a new month, we think about new food items for our Feeding Perry County Food Drive. This month we are concentrating on Fruits- canned in water or light syrup, 100% fruit juice, and dried or freeze-dried. You can drop your donation off at the Perry County Extension Office at 321 N Main, Suite 1 in Perryville during our normal business hours. (8-12 and 12:30-4:30 Monday - Friday)

06/01/2026

Do you own a dial gauge pressure canner and plan on using it to preserve foods at home this year? If so, continue reading!

Testing for dial gauge pressure canner lids is available at our office! Dial gauges should be tested annually to ensure accuracy and prevent bacterial contamination of preserved foods. For more information or to schedule a time to bring your equipment in for inspection, contact our office at 573-547-4504.

06/01/2026

Pollinators are disappearing and it impacts ecosystems and food supplies. Watch to learn what’s driving the decline and simple actions you can take to help.

If you’re going to be in Columbia area on June 13, make plans to attend the 9th Annual Butterfly Festival at Jefferson Farm and Garden to explore pollinators up close and discover ways to make a difference.

Read about how to protect the pollinator population: https://brnw.ch/21x30br

05/29/2026

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/21x2Wge

05/28/2026

Raw or cooked… which tomato packs more nutrition?

As we head into peak tomato season, the answer might surprise you. Watch to learn how to get the most out of every bite this summer.

Learn more about this fruit/vegetable: https://brnw.ch/21x2UAW

05/27/2026

Calling all KIDS ages 10-12 who want to learn how to cook!

Perry County University of Missouri Extension will be hosting a Kids in the Kitchen class on Wednesdays - June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 10-11:00 a.m. at the Perry County Extension Office located at 321 N Main Street in Perryville.

If you like to cook or have a child who wants to learn, Kids in the Kitchen is for you! In this class you will prepare and taste a healthy recipe each week. You will also get to do other fun activities that will help you learn about having a healthy body.

You will learn:
- How to get rid of pesky germs
- The five food groups that make up MyPlate
- How to be safe while you are cooking.

There is no charge for the class but registration is required by calling the Perry County Extension Office at 573-547-4504. (A parent or guardian must attend the class with the child.)

If you have any questions, call Mandie Sullivan, Nutrition Program Associate at 573-243.3581