Update on MU Extension SNAP-Ed programming
Congress passed a budget reconciliation bill that has eliminated funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed), and the program is officially ending Oct. 1, 2025.
MU Extension Livestock Bus Tour is Sept. 23-26
STOCKTON, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Livestock Bus Tour will visit livestock operations in northwestern Missouri, northeastern Kansas and southwestern Nebraska beginning Sept. 23, says Patrick Davis, MU Extension livestock field specialist.
Make sure foot rot doesn't affect your bottom line
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Foot rot can lead to cattle lameness, resulting in lost performance and profitability for your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Cattle spend time in the pond and streams to cool themselves during summer, which can lead to foot rot. Davis discusses foot rot and gives prevention and treatment options.
Results from spring SW Mo. Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Days
“Calf production is perhaps the most important metric that supports the existence of the cattle industry, making bull health and productivity incredibly important” says Ian McGregor, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
When your garden becomes a drive-thru for wildlife
Most gardeners know the frustration of having a beautiful garden decimated by wildlife. Just like people, deer and other critters are drawn to food that is tasty and convenient. A garden is wildlife’s equivalent of a fast food drive-thru.
Keep the sparkle, skip the ER: Fireworks safety for July 4
They light up the sky, but fireworks can also send people to the emergency room. Before you celebrate, take a few simple steps to keep your family safe.
SW Missouri Show-Me-Select sale sets new records
STOCKTON, Mo. – “People are enjoying high cattle prices, and the 57th Southwest Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program sale on May 16 at Joplin Regional Stockyards near Carthage was no different,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Eight consignors sold 124 heifers for a record average price of $4,010 per heifer.
Expert comment: Potential cuts to federal food assistance, nutrition education
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee recently approved a proposal that would make it harder to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), reduce benefits and make other changes. Jo Britt-Rankin, director of MU Extension SNAP-Ed, is available for interviews about SNAP, SNAP-Ed and how the proposed changes could affect Missourians.
Report outlines Missouri population growth
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Analysis from University of Missouri Extension has placed Missouri as the 19th-most-populous state in the U.S. as of 2024, with 6.25 million residents.
Good cattle market led to a strong bull sale in Springfield
“People are enjoying high cattle prices, and the 105th Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale was no different,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. A total of 26 bulls sold for an average price of $5,458 per bull.
Produce high-quality hay to reduce cattle supplementation
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Hay harvest is approaching, and producing high-quality hay reduces cattle supplementation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Davis discusses harvest management strategies to achieve optimal hay quality.
Missouri's best-kept secret is hiding in plain sight
How MU Extension helps people help themselves—all across the state.
Pre-breeding exams for replacement heifer selection
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – For cow-calf producers, it is ideal to have one healthy calf on the ground per cow per year. Producers should also strive to have cows that are productive in the herd for many years. On average, a cow must stay in the herd for six years for the producer to break even on that cow’s initial investment along with yearly maintenance costs.
Use sacrifice pastures now to spare best pastures for later
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Cattle producers welcome the rain, but it leads to muddy pastures and proper management is needed for optimum grazing the rest of the year,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Davis feels sacrifice pastures may be needed to help in promoting forage production for the rest of the grazing season.
Strong bull sale in Springfield
STOCKTON, Mo. – “There was a strong showing at the 104th Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Test Bull Sale on Oct. 28 at the Springfield Livestock Marketing Center in Springfield,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Thirty-two bulls sold for an average price of $4,263 per bull. By breed, the 30 Angus bulls sold for an average of $4,303 per bull, one Hereford bull sold for $3,700 and…
Results from fall SW Mo. Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Days
STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is important for reproductive performance and profitability of the cattle operation to identify bulls that are not sound breeders and replace them prior to the breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. This is the goal of the Southwest Missouri Fall Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) Days, which also educate cattle producers on bull management for a successful…
SW Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale results
STOCKTON, Mo. – Strong sale with record prices were seen at the Southwest Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale at Joplin Regional Stockyards on Nov. 15, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. This sale had eight consignors sell 112 heifers for an average price of $3,205 per heifer. Compared to the fall 2023 sale, the sale average was $299 higher per heifer and 27 more heifers were…
Federal disaster assistance available in southern Missouri
Federal aid available for southern Missouri residents and businesses affected by May 2024 storms and flooding.
Managing pinkeye in cattle
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – An abundance of flies in cow herds is being reported to University of Missouri Extension specialists this summer, increasing the likelihood of cattle health issues, including pinkeye. MU Extension livestock field specialist Elizabeth Picking estimates face flies are the biggest contributor this year to the spread of pinkeye in cattle.
Heatstroke can kill quickly in hot cars
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that. “It’s not just negligent parents or indifferent caregivers. When juggling the demands of work, parenting and daily life, it’s easier than you might think to make a simple but fatal mistake,” says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety…
Severe-weather resources from MU Extension
News releases, videos, publications and more. Publications In-depth information is available from these MU Extension publications, which are available for free download. (To access publications, use the links below or go extension.missouri.edu/publications/ and search by publication number.)
Reducing hay waste when supplies are low
Learn effective strategies to reduce hay waste during times of low supplies, ensuring better livestock management and cost efficiency.
“Missouri’s Most Engaged Neighbors” Announced as Part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week Awards
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Twelve Missourians have been chosen for statewide recognition as “Missouri’s Most Engaged Neighbor” for 2023 as part of the planned activities for Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4). Sixty-two people were nominated for recognition as one of Missouri's most engaged neighbors. Each of them received an acknowledgment letter and gift by mail.
Best Acts of Neighboring Announced from Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Second Annual Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4) was a documented success. Organizers had a goal to document 15,000 acts of neighboring. But instead, Missourians reported 19,752 acts of neighboring during the week.
Partnership helps southern Missouri landowner stave off feral hogs
SALEM, Mo. – If anything is worse than a pasture rooted up by feral hogs, it’s a pasture that dries and hardens after hogs leave damaged areas the size of tractor tires. Freddie Leroux’s damaged pastures need to be repaired and reseeded. He waits for soaking rains to soften the ground so he can smooth out ruts.