Radio-Active Radon: The Invisible Health Threat

MU Extension Southwest Region News Service

Radon is a colorless, odorless and radioactive gas caused by the natural breakdown of rocks and soils that contain uranium and radium. Radon is also the second leading cause of lung cancer, immediately behind smoking.  Cooler temperatures make winter a good time to test your home for harmful radon gas, according to Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

2014 Annual Missouri Organic Association Conference to be Held in Springfield MO

The Missouri Organic Association will be hosting the 2014 Annual Conference from Feb 6-8, 2014 at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield MO. This conference will provide the best education needed to impart successful farming procedures – whether your focus is on grain and row crop production, livestock production, horticultural production of vegetables, fruits & berries; on sustainable production and living techniques, or perhaps looking to add skills in tractor mechanics or Welding 101 to reduce maintenance costs. Maybe you need some tips on successful marketing with training provided by some of the nation’s experts on marketing; or perhaps you are looking for new ideas for adding value to hands-on workshops.

From Monoculture Farmer to Homestead Beekeeper

By James A. Zitting
Guest Blogger – Show Me Oz –

Some of my earliest desires to live sustainably on the land were fueled in my early 20’s by reading Mother Earth Magazine and books by Gene Logsdon, Masanobu Fukuoka, and others. These readings planted a desire in me to live the country life in a different way than I had been raised.

Jill’s Herbal Diary: Natural Oils and Their Uses

By Jill Henderson – Show Me Oz –

Natural oils are a vital component of herbal preparations such as lotions, salves, and balms.  These herbal products are often meant to sooth, moisturize, and nourish skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes.  Natural oils are often added to simple liquid herbal extractions such as tinctures, tisanes, and decoctions to allow them to adhere to the body for long periods of time and thus, allowing their healing properties to be absorbed.  They can be used alone, or in combination with other oils, fats, and herbs to make healing remedies at home.