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MU Extension offers calf backgrounding program in Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host a Calf Backgrounding Program in Mount Vernon on May 19, with a follow-up session on June 30. This hands-on program is designed to help cattle producers determine when backgrounding calves can add value—and how to do it profitably, says Ian McGregor, livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension.
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Happy Beef Month from your MU Extension dairy specialist
Happy Beef Month. Yes, that message is coming from your University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist. Across Missouri, where cattle operations of all kinds form the backbone of rural communities, the lines between beef and dairy are not separate conversations. They are part of the same cattle industry and, increasingly, the same supply chain.
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Preweaning calf management that leads to postweaning success
STOCKTON, Mo. – “For cattle producers who retain their calves after weaning, calf performance is crucial for a successful operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
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Strong, steady March bull sale in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, described the 107th Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale in Springfield as “a strong, steady sale.”
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Severe-weather resources from MU Extension
Access free resources, guides, and videos to stay safe and prepared during severe weather and flooding emergencies.
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Show-Me-Select sale offers 170 commercial fall-calving bred heifers
Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests that anyone interested in adding to their cattle herd should consider the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program. The southwestern Missouri Sale 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Joplin Regional Stockyards, 10131 Cimarron Road, Carthage.
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Missouri Century Farm deadline extended to May 15
COLUMBIA, Mo. – If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1926, it’s not too late to apply for recognition as a Missouri Century Farm. Due to technical issues preventing some people from submitting applications, the deadline to apply has been extended to May 15.
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Show-Me-Select sale set for May 15 at Joplin Regional Stockyards
The southwestern Missouri spring Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale is 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Joplin Regional Stockyards, 10131 Cimarron Road, Carthage.
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Bull management for breeding success
What's a bull worth? What is that future calf crop worth? Davis advises cattle producers to implement effective management practices for bulls as they transition out of the breeding pasture and prepare for future breeding seasons to safeguard their investment.
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Grazing during spring green-up
Seeing the bright green new growth pop up in our pastures signals the end of winter and the transition into spring. As that short green carpet starts to come up, cattle start chasing that short growth and may turn their noses up to hay they were previously eating well. However, allowing cattle to nip off this short regrowth can slow down the pasture growth moving into the spring.
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A bull breeding soundness exam pays
Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests a bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) prior to each breeding season to make sure a bull is physically and reproductively sound to breed females. He suggests that with cattle prices as they are, not doing a BSE is an expensive mistake.
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Numbers low but prices high at SW Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale
“The numbers were low, but the prices were high at the Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale on Oct. 27 in Springfield,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension livestock field specialist. Twenty-one bulls sold for an average of $7,128 per bull.
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Full crowd for strong Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sale
STOCKTON, Mo. – “A full house saw a strong Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program sale on Nov. 21 at Joplin Regional Stockyards,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The sale saw 246 heifers sold from 13 consignors for an average price of $4,177 per heifer.
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Cattle AI school equips producers with breeding skills
Producers sharpen cattle-breeding skills in a hands-on artificial insemination school, learning anatomy, semen handling, synchronization and herd-building strategies.
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2026 Redbook available at your local MU Extension center
Start your 2026 cattle operation recordkeeping on the right foot by purchasing your Redbook, produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The pocket-size record books are available for sale through county MU Extension centers.
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Big profits in 2024-25 Missouri Steer Feedout
STOCKTON, Mo. – “The Missouri Steer Feedout Finale showed that producers were very profitable in feeding steers over the last year,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Held in conjunction with the Barton County Cattlemen’s Association meeting on Sept. 9 in Lamar, the event discussed the results of the steers fed at the Show Me Youth Ag Academy Feedlot near Newport.
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Have you scheduled your bull breeding soundness exam?
STOCKTON, Mo. – Have you scheduled your bull breeding soundness exam? Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests your bulls have a BSE prior to each breeding season.
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Fall is prime time to establish cool-season forages
Fall offers the best opportunity to establish or renovate cool-season forages like tall fescue, orchardgrass and winter annuals such as brassicas, oats, wheat, rye and triticale. With strong cattle prices and improved cash flow, now is a smart time to invest in your forage base.
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Neighboring lessons from voices across America
Voices from across America reflect on everyday neighborly acts—from greetings and gatherings to caring and uniting communities.
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Mizzou meets Missouri at the State Fair
Whether it’s through interactive exhibitions, educational programming or support for young leaders, Mizzou plays a proud role in helping the fair fulfill its mission to champion Missouri agriculture and inspire future generations.
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2025 Missouri Hunger Atlas now available
Food insecurity is on the rise in Missouri, according to the newly released 2025 Missouri Hunger Atlas. Published every other year, the atlas provides local leaders, nonprofits and agencies with data they can use to guide resources and shape solutions.
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Early pregnancy checking and culling open heifers improves efficiency, bottom line
Learn how early pregnancy detection and timely culling of non-pregnant heifers boosts herd efficiency, sale value, and feed resource use.
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Review biosecurity basics to keep your herd safe
Summer is a good time to review how to prevent disease from coming onto your farm, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins.
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Update on MU Extension SNAP-Ed programming
SNAP-Ed ends Oct 1, 2025; MU Extension shifts focus to new health education initiatives statewide.
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Make sure foot rot doesn't affect your bottom line
Foot rot in cattle can lead to lameness and decreased profitability. Prevention includes proper hoof care and adequate trace minerals.