Neighboring lessons from voices across America
More 250 people from across the U.S. have taken the Engaged Neighbor Pledge during 2025. They were invited to share what that commitment means in practical terms. “Their reflections reveal a consistent set of themes, a hopeful vision for stronger neighborhoods, and the first steps many are ready to take,” said David Burton, MUExtension community development specialist and creator of the Engaged Neighbor Project.
Enroll steers in Missouri Steer Feedout by Oct. 15
Through cooperative efforts of MU Extension, Show Me Youth Ag Academy and Missouri State University, the Missouri Steer Feedout is enrolling spring-born steers to begin feeding in November.
Business, community leaders to meet Sept. 23 in Springfield on workforce challenges
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Business and community leaders can learn how inclusive hiring can reduce turnover, strengthen retention and improve workplace productivity at a regional conference Sept. 23 in Springfield.
MU Extension Livestock Bus Tour is Sept. 23-26
The University of Missouri Extension Livestock Bus Tour will visit livestock operations in northwestern Missouri, northeastern Kansas and southwestern Nebraska Sept. 23-26. Registration deadline is Sept. 1.
Missouri Steer Feedout Finale meeting is Sept. 9
The Missouri Steer Feedout allows producers the opportunity to experience feeding cattle and gain knowledge on how those cattle will perform in the feedyard on a small scale. The Missouri Steer Feedout Finale meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9, in Lamar, will provide results on how the 42 steers on feed performed.
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.
Ozark Empire Fair Hay Show draws 49 entries
Missouri hay producers showcased their work at the hay contest during the Ozark Empire Fair, July 24-Aug. 3 in Springfield. The contest, which drew 49 entries from 30 participants, gives producers an opportunity to have their hay evaluated and placed in competition.
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.
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.
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.
Cattle and forage management for grazing success
“Now is the time to prepare forage and cattle for the fall and winter grazing season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Proper management of cattle and forage right now leads to fall and winter grazing success as well as setting up your operation for spring. Davis provides forage and cattle management suggestions for successful grazing through the fall, winter and into the future.
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.
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.
Use a grazing strategy to get more grass from pastures
Compared to other parts of the agricultural community, graziers of cattle depend less on fossil fuel and more on solar energy to turn a natural resource like grass into a sellable commodity, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg. Graziers can save on operating expenses and provide quality feed to meet nutritional needs by allowing cows to do selective harvesting.
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
High cattle prices powered a strong bull sale in Springfield, averaging $5,458 across 26 bulls—around $1,600 more per head than spring 2024.
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.
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
Springfield's bull sale achieved strong prices, with 26 bulls averaging $5,458 each, highlighting a robust cattle market.