Livestock

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Beef breeding resources

Learn how reproductive technologies can increase productivity and profitability of your cattle herd.

Cattle breeding videos

Swine production

Find resources and link to knowledgeable specialists to learn more about Missouri’s top-grade pork commodity.

Get information about Missouri's swine industry

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Animal health

Keep current about animal health and production in Missouri.

News and articles

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Events

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Bull BSE Days

Event date: Oct. 5, 2023 - Oct. 20, 2023

The BSE evaluates reproductive soundness of the bull to make sure he will have optimum success in the upcoming breeding season. The internal and external reproductive tract is evaluated to determine that these structures are sound for ...

Forage and Pasture Management for Sheep and Goats

Event date: Oct. 24, 2023

Event time: | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

As fall approaches, it is extremely important for producers to start thinking on how they can properly manage their pasture. Fall pasture management is crucial in providing enough feed for sheep and goat, thereby keeping production cost to a minimum. ...

3rd Annual Howell County Equine Conference

Event date: Nov. 8, 2023

Event time: | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

West Plains, MO

Do you wonder if your saddle fits your horse properly? Do you have questions about the best types of grass to use for your pastures? Do you want to know strategies to reduce the amount of hay your horses waste? All of these topics will be covered at ...

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MU Extension receives swine biosecurity grant

Published: Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist Teng Lim has been awarded a $179,933 grant to study new wean-to-harvest biosecurity projects to improve entry to swine operations.The Swine Health Information ...

Cattle producers urged to watch for prussic acid poisoning

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists urge producers to closely watch cattle grazing pastures with Johnson grass and other sorghum species.Cattle producers in several drought-stressed parts of Missouri have recently reported ...

Water, shade help prevent heat stress in cattle

Published: Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – This is the time of year when cattle producers need to pay extra attention to heat stress in their operations, says University of Missouri Extension beef specialist Eric Bailey.Unlike many other animals, cattle can’t rid their ...

MU Extension to offer free webinar series on small ruminants

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023

OSCEOLA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a free monthly webinar series for sheep and goat producers starting Sept. 26.The series will be hosted by David Brown, MU Extension small ruminant specialist, alongside other experts in ...

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Publications

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Selecting a Site for Livestock and Poultry Operations

Publication date: Feb. 8, 2023

Reviewed by Teng Teeh LimDepartment of Agricultural EngineeringThe first factor to consider in selecting a site for an animal feeding operation is state and local permitting requirements and ordinances. Consult local health and regulatory ...

Dairy Grazing: Genetics of the Grazing Cow

Publication date: Feb. 9, 2023

This publication is one in a series about operating and managing a pasture-based dairy. Although these publications often refer to conditions in Missouri, many of the principles and concepts described may apply to operations throughout the United ...

Avian Influenza Biosecurity for Small Flock Owners

Publication date: Feb. 15, 2023

Revised by Maria DashekVeterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryAvian influenza (AI) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It readily infects most bird species, including those that are of commercial importance, such as chickens, ...

Basics of AI: Avian Influenza

Publication date: Feb. 15, 2023

Revised by Maria DashekVeterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryAvian influenza (AI) is an infectious respiratory disease that affects a variety of birds. The various strains of virus that cause AI are generally categorized as high or low ...

Prevention of Poultry Disease

Publication date: Feb. 15, 2023

Reviewed by Maria DashekVeterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryAn adequate disease prevention program is essential to a profitable commercial poultry operation. Chronic diseases can reduce efficiency and increase costs. Although a disease prevention ...

Control of Poultry Disease Outbreaks

Publication date: Feb. 15, 2023

Reviewed by Maria DashekVeterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryPoultry owners should immediately begin an investigation if a disease is suspected in a flock. Obvious disease signs and symptoms can be identified on the farm, while others may require ...

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Online courses

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CEU Train the Trainer for Missouri Certified Swine Sample Collector Training

online $0.00

In this course, you will learn about Foreign Animal Diseases affecting swine, biosecurity basics, the Secure Pork Supply Plan, and the Certified Swine Sample Collector program. This course is self-paced and entirely online. It should take ...

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Resources

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Missouri farmland values opinion survey

Annual results to a survey designed to determine what people think is happening to Missouri farmland values.

Put Options as Price Insurance (PDF)

Milk Prices and Marketing - Risk Management - Put Options as Price Insurance for Dairy Farmers, by Gregg Ibendahl and John D. Anderson, University of Kentucky

Comparison of Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue in a Pasture-based Dairy Grazing System (PDF)

When base forages do not meet or exceed feed demand or quality needs of livestock, supplemental feedstuffs must be provided at added costs. While maximizing forage yield is critical, balance between yield and nutritive value must be met.

Alliance for Grassland Renewal

The Alliance for Grassland Renewal is a university/government/industry partnership that aims to replace toxic tall fescue grass with a tall fescue that hosts a nontoxic endophyte. This goal is pursued through education, seed quality control, ...

Ag Lease 101

Multistate farm lease information designed to help landowners and land operators discuss and resolve issues, provided by the North Central Farm Management Extension Committee.

Tax Issues (Iowa State)

Labor, Taxes, and Records - Income Taxes - Whole Farm Legal and Tax resources

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