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Cattle AI school equips producers with breeding skills
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – With the U.S. cattle inventory at its lowest point in more than 70 years, artificial insemination (AI) could boost numbers, says University of Missouri Extension dairy field specialist Chloe Collins. “The need to rebuild the national herd is urgent,” she says. More than 66% of dairy cows are bred using AI, but only 11.6% of beef cattle are bred using this technology. “There is much opportunity here,” says Collins.
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New forage budgets help Missouri farmers plan for 2026
HIGGINSVILLE, Mo. – If you’re thinking about planting alfalfa, chopping corn silage or getting started with native warm-season grasses, the newly updated 2026 forage budgets from University of Missouri Extension can provide valuable guidance, says MU Extension agricultural business and policy field specialist Katie Neuner.
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Beef cattle producers meeting set for Dec. 11 in Nevada, Mo.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Understanding markets as well as suggestions on feeding cattle through the winter are important for a cattle operation to function properly,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Furthermore, understanding financial tools that are available to cattle producers is helpful in planning for operational success in the future.
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Cattle, hay management headline beef cattle producers meeting Dec. 15 in Lowry City
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Feeding management of cattle is important to the profitability of the cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Furthermore, forage is the main part of the diet for cow-calf producers, so economics related to acquiring that forage is important to an operation’s bottom line. Therefore, MU Extension, with the help of Wheeler Livestock Auction, is providing a…
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Thank a pollinator for your Thanksgiving dinner
When giving thanks this Thanksgiving, give a special nod to pollinators that make much of your feast possible, says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Tamra Reall.
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Guide clarifies farmers market sales tax exemption for holiday vendors
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As Missouri farmers and food entrepreneurs prepare for busy holiday and winter markets, a new University of Missouri Extension publication helps clarify how state sales tax laws apply to farm direct-to-consumer sales.
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Leave the leaves
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Pollinators want you to sit back and take it easy this fall. Put the rake away and use fallen leaves as a winter haven for pollinators, says Tamra Reall, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in horticulture. Pollinators rely on leaves, plant stems and dried flower heads for survival. “Let sleeping bees lie, since approximately 70% of all bee species nest in the ground,” says Reall.
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MU Extension uses NASA data to identify highway hot spots
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists are using NASA satellite data to help transportation planners identify areas along highways in the St. Louis metropolitan region where green infrastructure could reduce extreme heat and improve public health.
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MU Extension hosts free soil health webinar Dec. 11
TUSCUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a free virtual workshop on “Understanding Your Soil Needs” 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. “We will talk about the essential aspects of soil management to help you maximize your farm productivity,” said MU Extension agronomy specialist Rudra Baral, who will host the workshop.
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Missouri 4-H'ers take top awards at American Royal Livestock Contest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri 4-H was well-represented at the 2025 American Royal 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Oct. 19. The team from Clinton County included Shanna Aughdinbaugh, Cass Kleeman, Reagan Rodgers and Dylan Swindler and was coached by Cody Sloan and Shane Bedwell. The team of four competed against individuals from 19 states, placing seventh during the awards ceremony that evening.
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Missouri youths compete at National 4-H Meats Judging Contest
Four Missouri 4-H members competed at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest on Oct. 21 in Kansas City, Mo.
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Youths compete at Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Eight Missouri 4-H members competed at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Expo on Nov. 8 in Louisville, Ky. Each member placed at the top of their respective contests at the state level before representing Missouri on the national level.
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Crop Management Conference offers research updates on soybean
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Soybean farmers will learn ways to improve yields and reduce impacts from drought, pests and disease at the 2025 Missouri Crop Management Conference sessions, says University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley.
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MU Extension offers no-cost technical assistance for Missouri nonprofits
University of Missouri Extension now offers nonprofit technical assistance (NPTA) to help Missourians build stronger organizations to serve their communities. This statewide initiative provides a range of educational services and resources to support the full life cycle of Missouri’s nonprofits.
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MU looks at weather impact on farmer mental health
University of Missouri researchers are looking at how weather extremes affect the mental health of Midwestern farmers. They are recruiting 40 farmers from the Midwest to understand how weather and environmental concerns affect farmers’ health, stress, sleep and well-being.
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Thanksgiving food safety tips
The traditional Thanksgiving feast is one of the most anticipated meals of the year. But amid all the excitement, food safety can often be overlooked, turning a joyful gathering into an unpleasant experience. But by following a few key food safety practices, you can keep the Thanksgiving meal both delicious and safe for everyone at the table.
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Help for the holidays from MU Extension
Get expert tips for a stress-free holiday feast—from thawing and roasting turkey to budget-friendly side dishes and centerpieces.
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Prevent mice and rats from coming inside
Temperatures are dropping, and that tiny mouse in the house looms large as pests make their way inside. University of Missouri Extension state wildlife and fisheries specialist Robert Pierce says it is time to prepare for the unwelcome houseguests.
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Cattle grading, feeding and marketing workshop set for Dec. 9 in Lamar
MU Extension is partnering with the Show Me Youth Ag Academy, Missouri State University and ACRISURE-Gibson Insurance to hold a Feeder Cattle Grading, Feeding and Marketing Workshop 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Lamar First Baptist Church.
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Turkey triumph: Master the perfect Thanksgiving bird
Don’t be intimidated by the the prospect of cooking a big Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not that difficult, even for novice cooks, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.
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'Hands, for larger service'
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The third H in 4-H stands for “hands, for larger service,” and that spirit of service is one of the first things that caught Tim Tanner’s attention when he became director of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development in September.
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MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute celebrates excellence
University of Missouri Extension’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute recently hosted the 22nd Annual Missouri Emergency Services Instructor Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks.
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Safe food relies on Good Manufacturing Practices
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Producing safe and high-quality food requires more than good recipes and effective processing technologies, says Kantha Channaiah, University of Missouri Extension food scientist.
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Learn how to improve soil health at Crop Management Conference
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Longtime University of Missouri researcher Tim Reinbott will speak on soil health and its increasingly important role during drought at the 2025 Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia. The conference is Missouri’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and agricultural industry professionals, says MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley, who organizes the conference.
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Missouri Health Symposium explores science, practice of holistic health
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The 2025 Missouri Health Symposium will bring together professionals and community members for a daylong conversation on integrative approaches to health and well-being. The event, themed “The Science and Practice of Holistic Health,” is Friday, Dec. 5, both online via Zoom and in person at Truman State University in Kirksville.