MU Extension in Laclede County

There’s still plenty of time before Halloween to make sure your child’s costume is both fun and safe.

As you plan costumes, check that clothing and shoes fit properly to help prevent trips and falls. Look for costumes, wigs and accessories made from flame-resistant materials, and choose options that are comfortable for your child’s individual sensory needs.

Because many trick-or-treat activities happen after dark, visibility is especially important. Add reflective tape to costumes, candy bags, strollers and wagons. Glow sticks and flashlights can also help children stay visible and safely navigate their route.

When possible, consider using nontoxic makeup instead of masks that could block vision. If using makeup, test a small area of skin first for irritation. Costume accessories should be soft and flexible rather than sharp or rigid.

Before Halloween arrives, have your child practice wearing their costume to identify any comfort or safety concerns. After the festivities, remove costumes, makeup and accessories before bedtime to help prevent skin irritation and other hazards.

A little planning now can help make Halloween both safe and spooky for the whole family.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x6b1z

Want the latest dairy research without spending hours reading journal articles? The Dairy Science Digest podcast delivers practical, research-based insights for dairy producers in short episodes that typically run 20-30 minutes. Topics include nutrition, reproduction, calf management, herd health, milk production and profitability.

Hear directly from researchers about findings that can help inform management decisions on your farm. Whether you're looking to improve herd performance, increase efficiency or stay up to date on emerging dairy science, Dairy Science Digest provides timely takeaways you can put to work.

Listen today: https://brnw.ch/21x67yy

Dairy Science Digest | reaganbluel Dairy Science Digest - a podcast developed to share the MOST current research published in the Journal of Dairy science. Hear directly from the research authors on how their results can impact your herd’s profitability. Science you can base your management...

Fall can be one of the busiest times of the year and when everything feels important, it can be difficult to know how to prioritize your to-do list.

The ABC Technique can help identify your most urgent tasks and focus your energy on where it matters most.

Here's how it works:
1. Make a list of everything you need to do.
2. Prioritize. Label each task as A, B or C.

A: Important and time-sensitive. These tasks need immediate attention.
B: Important, but not urgent. Schedule time for these tasks.
C: Tasks that would be nice to complete but can wait if needed.

By narrowing your focus to the most important tasks, you can reduce decision fatigue and make steady progress throughout the week.

What's your top "A" task this week?

A total 1,138 Missourians got moving this summer through the 100 Miles, 100 Days challenge, logging more than 100,000 miles statewide through walking, biking, swimming and other physical activities. Participants from 79 counties recorded more than 25,000 walks, rides, swims and workouts, with 319 people reaching the 100-mile goal.

The challenge was designed to help Missourians build healthy habits, stay active and connect with others through physical activity.

While the 100 days challenge may be over, your health journey doesn't have to end. Keep the momentum going with programs like Walk With Ease, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention.

A recent Missouri Economy Indicators Brief explores multiple job and self-employed trends.

Self-employment is an important part of Missouri’s economy, offering people ways to earn income outside traditional jobs. In 2023, Missouri had more than 485,000 businesses without paid employees, including about 429,000 sole proprietorships, generating $26.2 billion in revenue.

About three-quarters of these businesses were in metro counties, while one-quarter were in nonmetro counties. However, nonmetro businesses generated slightly more revenue per business — about $56,200 compared with $53,300 in metro areas.

Nonmetro counties also had the highest concentration of these businesses. Scotland County ranked first, with 119 businesses per 1,000 residents and more than $106,000 in revenue per business. Transportation and warehousing had the most businesses in metro areas, while construction led in nonmetro areas.

These numbers show that self-employment and small, one-person businesses are an important part of how Missourians work and earn income, particularly in rural communities.

Read the full brief: https://brnw.ch/21x5Wj3