It's Time to Protect Plants From Frost

Oct 08, 2025

University of Missouri Extension’s Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide tells us that it’s time to think about protecting plants from frost, said MU Extension state horticulture specialist David Trinklein.

Although near-freezing temperatures are not currently in the forecast, daily temperature normals are dropping and daylight is dwindling, says MU Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor.

The median dates of frost-freeze probabilities vary by region in Missouri. Based on historical data, northern counties would experience their first frost around Oct. 11. Central Missourians usually see the first freeze around Oct. 20, while the first freeze is around Nov. 1 in the southern part of the state. Frosts are more likely to come earlier over the Ozarks compared to central Missouri due to the Ozarks’ higher elevation.

Not all plants react the same to lower temperatures, Trinklein said. “Certain species, especially tropical ones, suffer ‘chill injury’ at temperatures well above freezing. Most species in this category should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Source : missouri.edu

Video: Understanding the Basics of the Renewable Fuel Standard

On Friday, April 24, 2026, from 12 noon–1:00 ET, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s (PDA) Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC), presented this webinar in the Understanding Agricultural Law Educational Series, a course designed to develop subject matter literacy and competence on fundamental issues of agricultural law for attorneys and business advisors who work with or represent agricultural or rural clients but may not necessarily specialize in agricultural law:

“Understanding the Basics of the Renewable Fuel Standard”

The Clean Air Act’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program requires transportation fuel sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, or advanced biofuels. Established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and later expanded by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the RFS is implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This webinar provides an overview of the legal authority and structure for the RFS program and explain how it works, including the program’s system of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and categories of renewable fuels. Additionally, this webinar addresses EPA annual volume requirement rulemaking and associated recent legal issues.