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The current drought has many crop producers looking for salvage alternatives and animal producers looking for feed. There are several options available for an insured crop severely damaged by drought. 
Drought-stricken forages that accumulate nitrates can kill grazing livestock. Most MU Extension county offices can provide a quick nitrate check. The nitrate test can only be performed by a trained extension specialist. Call ahead to schedule an appointment for the test.
MU economist has calculator for hay:bean value to help make decision to cut beans for hay.
Corn harvest for most farmers in the upper Mississippi Delta Region including southeast Missouri will begin near August 1 to 15, and farmers need to beware of aflatoxin contaminated grain.
Farmers are weighing what to do with this year's drought-damaged corn and soybean crops — wait and harvest for grain, harvest as forage or abandon the field. MU's Integrated Pest and Crop Management program helps you consider the decision points and includes worksheets for estimating corn and soybean yields.
This year, cow-herd owners short on feed are asking about baling soybeans that won't make a bean crop.
Many producers are now searching for alternative feeding options for livestock. In addition to safety and herd health issues, these factors affect the business decisions for each operation.
Nitrate is a normal part of our environment. But drought conditions can cause the nitrogen cycle of plants, water and air to become out of balance. Farm animals eating forage or drinking water with excessive levels of nitrate can be poisoned.
It's been a pretty typical July, weather-wise, in Missouri. The only problem is it's barely June, and high temperatures and lack of rain threaten damage to crops, pastures and lawns. Watch the video.
MU climatologist encourages farmers, residents in drought-stricken areas to share observations and impacts online.
One of the worst droughts in nearly 25 years was impacting Missouri by the end of June and agricultural crops were feeling the stress from lack of rain and sweltering temperatures.
Drought and record-high temperatures have placed parts of Missouri under a fire weather watch, which the National Weather Service issues when forecasters are expecting ideal conditions for extensive wildfires.
Find out what you can do to prevent and control wildfires. The Missouri Department of Conservation offers tools and tips to help you protect lives, property and our natural resources.
University of Missouri Extension has created an open community page on Facebook for organizations and individuals to share information related to drought, extreme heat and wildfires in Missouri.
Wildfires can start suddenly. Don’t be caught unprepared. eXtension offers ideas on preparing your home and evacuation routes, what to do if you’re trapped, and how to manage when you return home after a fire.
Anyone with soybeans should be scouting fields closely every day.
There’s so little moisture in the soil that without irrigation many homeowners will lose landscape plants. Even well-established trees are in crisis.
In addition to watering your lawn and trees, it’s a good idea to water your home’s foundation, said a University of Missouri housing and environmental specialist. Dry, shifting ground can crack foundations.
Are you wondering whether or not you should water your lawn during drought conditions? Find out how you can conserve water and help your lawn in MU Extensions Home Watering Guide.
No rain and high temperatures cover most of Missouri and nearby regions. Abnormally dry weather covers much of the mid-western Corn Belt.