Keeping Missouri calves home

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Each year, thousands of Missouri calves leave the state shortly after weaning. Leaving with them is the opportunity to add value, strengthen local economies and grow producer profits. University of Missouri Extension is working to change that through its expanded Feedlot School program, including a school Feb. 18–19 in Linneus, designed to help cattle producers retain ownership longer and successfully background and finish cattle in Missouri.

“Missouri has the cattle base to do this,” says Eric Bailey, MU Extension state beef nutrition specialist. “But too many calves are still shipped out of state early. That means we’re losing value that could stay right here in Missouri.”

Beef production is a cornerstone of Missouri agriculture, which contributes an estimated $93 billion to the state economy and supports nearly 400,000 jobs. Retaining calves beyond the cow-calf phase creates ripple effects, driving spending on feed, veterinary services, transportation, labor and infrastructure in rural communities, Bailey says.

To help producers take advantage of these opportunities, MU Extension is expanding its Feedlot School program in response to producer demand for practical, hands-on education that connects the dots from weaning through marketing finished cattle.

“Backgrounding is one of the most accessible ways to add value in today’s market,” Bailey says. “Producers told us they want training that’s realistic, numbers-driven and focused on profitability. That’s exactly what this program delivers.”

This two-day Feedlot School includes a dedicated backgrounding day followed by a finishing and marketing day, giving participants a full-system view of retaining ownership, he says.

The event aims to set both calves and producers up for success. Sessions cover low-stress cattle handling, working facility design, backgrounding nutrition and management, facility design and upkeep, financial decision-making and more.

The program aligns with results from a recent MU Extension statewide needs assessment, where Missourians identified improving agricultural profitability, training a skilled workforce and supporting the next generation of farmers as top priorities.

The Feedlot School is at the MU Cornett Research Farm in Linneus. Details and registration.