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Updates to Livestock Risk Protection insurance give producers more flexibility
Livestock producers now have more flexibility under recent updates to USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program, which helps safeguard against unexpected price declines in feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine markets. MU Extension has updated its publication on LRP to reflect the most recent program changes.
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Favor older, earlier-calving bred heifers at auction this fall
University of Missouri Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey suggests a review of data shows that early-calving bred heifers pay off many times over in the long run.
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Ticks 'vant to suck your blood' this fall
Many people think ticks are most active during summer. However, fall is prime time for ticks. Ticks are especially concerning now due to increased incidences of alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including an allergy to red meat.
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MU Extension available to assist dairy producers with MDA grant
MU Extension specialist Chloe Collins urges dairy producers to apply for margin enhancement initiative grants through the Missouri Department of Agriculture. She is available to help producers in eight southwestern Missouri counties brainstorm ideas and review applications.
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Learn to jump-start your farm at free MU Extension webinar
If you’ve been thinking about getting into farming, MU Extension’s free "Jump-Start Your Farm" webinar will help you gain insight into what to do before purchasing a farm property or starting an agricultural-related business.
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Fall foliage show beginning in Missouri
Missouri’s hills might not be alive with the sound of music, but they soon will transition into a kaleidoscope of color. The foliage of trees, shrubs and vines is about to burst into its full glory.
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New MU Extension guides help farmers plan for mobile poultry production
Raising chickens on pasture in movable shelters, often called “chicken tractors,” is gaining popularity among Missouri farmers and families. MU Extension has released two new resources to help farmers make informed decisions about operating a mobile poultry enterprise.
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Is the 'going rate' going up?
Farmers and agricultural service providers across Missouri are invited to participate in University of Missouri Extension’s Custom Rates Survey. This triennial survey helps shed light on the costs associated with custom farming operations such as tillage, planting, spraying, harvesting, land management work and machinery rental.
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Missouri farmer adjusts to life with alpha-gal syndrome
Life changed dramatically for Ted DeVault of Mexico, Mo., in 2023, when he was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic condition triggered by the lone star tick, which is common in Missouri.
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Pearls of Production returns Nov. 8
The 2025 Pearls of Production in-person conference, Nov. 8 in Columbia, promises a full day of hands-on learning, idea exchange and inspiration, says Heather Conrow, MU livestock specialist. Pearls of Production is a hands-on educational program for women involved in livestock production.
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275 high-quality spring-calving Show-Me-Select replacement heifers for sale Nov. 21
The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program’s southwestern Missouri fall sale is 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Joplin Regional Stockyards near Carthage.
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African flavors find a home in Columbia
With support from the Missouri Small Business Development Center, Mahalet Tesfaye opens the city’s first Ethiopian restaurant.
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Can you dig sweet potatoes?
The first frost of fall is approaching, and it’s time to think about harvesting your sweet potato crop. This warm-season root vegetable does not tolerate cold. The table quality of sweet potatoes declines when they are harvested after temperatures drop below 50 F.
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Missouri 4-H youths join #4HForGood challenge with NBCUniversal and 'Wicked: For Good'
In celebration of the movie “Wicked: For Good,” which opens in theaters Nov. 21, NBCUniversal is supporting 4-H youths who lead with purpose and a little green. 4-H has launched the #4HForGood Challenge, a nationwide call to action.
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Remember the 5Qs of colostrum
Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow’s mammary glands after giving birth, is liquid gold for baby calves. The thick, nutrient-rich fluid provides essential nourishment and crucial immunity in the form of antibodies to newborn calves in the first 24 hours of life.
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MU Extension expands food waste reduction program in rural Missouri
University of Missouri Extension is expanding its “Freeze It!” food waste reduction program across rural Missouri. The initiative empowers rural families to better manage their meals and reduce waste through strategies like meal planning, freezing meals and sharing excess food.
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MU Extension drone workshop offered Nov. 14 in Auxvasse
MU Extension will offer training on “Opportunities for Drones in Agriculture” Nov. 14 at the Auxvasse Lions Club Park. The event will provide farmers, agribusiness professionals and entrepreneurs an in-depth look at how drones are transforming agricultural operations across Missouri.
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Remembering Missouri's fallen fire heroes
Each year, MU Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute helps honor those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. FRTI’s collaboration with the Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri culminates in two ceremonies: the Candlelight Service and the Memorial Service.
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Fall tree planting: Rooting for a greener tomorrow
As autumn paints Missouri’s landscapes in brilliant hues, it also signals the start of the best season for planting trees, says University of Missouri Extension state forestry specialist.
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Free workshops help beekeepers safeguard losses
MU Extension workshops will help beekeepers learn how to leverage USDA insurance, disaster assistance and tax exemption to strengthen their businesses. The workshop will be offered in person and online in November.
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Missouri woodland owners learn from the best at the annual conference
Woodland owners and natural resource professionals gathered Oct. 3-4 in Mountain Grove for the Missouri Woodland Owners Conference. The conference provided hands-on learning through three field tours.
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How an Irishman, a turnip and the devil shaped Halloween
For many people, Halloween would not be complete without a jack-o’-lantern. Americans are projected to spend more than $867 million on Halloween pumpkins this year, said MU Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. We can thank Irish immigrants and a mythical character named “Stingy Jack” for our rush to buy pumpkins in October.
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Learn to save the cuss words, secure your load at Pearls of Production
MU Extension specialists will show women in agriculture how to hone their shop skills at “Save the Cuss Words 2.0: You Got This” during the annual Pearls of Production Women in Agriculture Conference on Nov. 8 in Columbia. Other sessions will cover swine and beef topics, small ruminant management, beekeeping and emergency management.
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Southern rust can affect nutrient value of winter feed
Southern rust, a fungal disease, can reduce nutrients and lower digestibility in infected corn fed to livestock, says MU Extension agronomist Nick Wesslak. Early dry down caused by southern rust can cause problems with proper silage packing, which increases risk of poor fermentation and higher mold and yeast populations.
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Seeding cover crops aerially can boost grazing potential
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Stored hay can be a livestock producer’s best insurance, says University of Missouri Extension plant science specialist Caleb O’Neal, who is also a cattle producer. It provides flexibility for cattlemen to rest pastures in the event of drought and is often the feed of choice for winter herd maintenance.