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Three-day school provides tools to make your grazing operation successful
MU Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Missouri State University will host a Management Intensive Grazing School, Sept. 8-10. The school will cover livestock and forage management for all grazing species, with special focus on cattle and sheep.
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Maximize your margin by minimizing fixed machinery costs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Major equipment purchases involve more ongoing costs than many realize. Whether you’re making a cash purchase or opting for financing, the ownership costs of machinery continue after the check is cashed or the final payment is made.
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Don’t let your profits wander: Invest in new pasture fences
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Few things will get a rancher’s attention like that late-night call from the neighbor about the cows being on the highway. Improving pasture fences can reduce the likelihood of that dreaded ringing in the wee hours of the morning.
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Free online tools help farmers manage costs, forage challenges
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Frequent drought and rising input costs have livestock producers continuing to feel the pressure of finding feed for their herds. University of Missouri Extension specialists encourage farmers and ranchers to use free online tools to improve feed sourcing and budgeting decisions.
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Summer Tax School to address key 2026 agricultural tax changes
MU Extension's 2026 Summer Tax School, July 1 in Columbia, provides critical updates and continuing education for tax professionals.
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Insights from MU's survey of custom rates for farm services
The cost of hiring fieldwork in Missouri has risen an average of 9% since 2023, according to an update to University of Missouri Extension’s Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri.
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Does ‘tabletop silage’ have potential?
Rusty and William Lee are experimenting with ways to use scrapped milo stalks to keep beef producers from turning to low-quality, high-priced hay as a last resort to feed herds during Missouri droughts.
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Drones can help diagnose ailing crops
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – Rusty Lee, a University of Missouri Extension agricultural systems technology specialist, used artificial intelligence and drone technology last season to diagnose irregular corn stands.
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Pesticide poisoning symptoms can mimic flu
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Pesticide poisoning can be confused with common illnesses like the flu. “Pesticides include chemicals used to control weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), rodents (rodenticides) or fungi (fungicides). If the word ends in ‘ide,’ it is likely a pesticide that can poison you if used incorrectly,” says Rusty Lee who teaches pesticide courses for University of Missouri Extension.
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How rising diesel prices affect crop production costs
Many farms are starting the planting season with bulk tanks full of sub-$3-per-gallon diesel purchased over the winter, but the first refill this spring could cost $1.50-plus per gallon more than they paid for their last delivery. The impact of high fuel prices on a farm’s bottom line can be identified with an enterprise budget and might not be as large as many farmers expect, says Drew Kientzy, an MU Extension senior research analyst.
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Women Landowners Leading Regeneration to host sessions in 3 states
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture is bringing together women landowners and will host in-person gatherings in Missouri, Iowa and Kansas this year.
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Adding value, strengthening farms
For farm families navigating a complicated economic landscape and wondering how to bring the next generation into the business in a way that makes financial sense, value-added agriculture can be a practical solution to these challenges.
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MU Extension updates custom rates for Missouri farm services
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has updated its Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri guide, which provides current estimates of charges and payments for common custom farming activities across the state.
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Smartphones can save lives on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Your smartphone can improve farm safety during calving or planting this spring, says University of Missouri Extension state specialist for health and safety Karen Funkenbusch.
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Making sense of smart agriculture: Why trusted guidance matters
For Missouri farmers navigating the challenges and opportunities of rapid technological change, MU Extension offers unbiased, research-based guidance to help producers cut through the noise and make smart, practical decisions.
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Specialty crop producers should consider risk management options
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As specialty crop producers plan for the 2026 growing season, University of Missouri Extension reminds growers that federal crop insurance application deadlines for the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and Micro Farm programs are approaching, and planning now can be critical to managing risk throughout the year.
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Safe cooking and reheating during cold weather
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During cold weather, people often prepare warm, comforting meals and store leftovers for later. While this is convenient, improper cooking, storage and reheating can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Following safe food handling practices helps ensure that meals remain both nutritious and safe to eat, says Kantha Channaiah, a University of Missouri Extension food scientist.
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Add value, manage market volatility by selling beef directly to consumers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Despite cattle prices being near all-time highs, marketing beef direct-to-consumer still adds value to beef operations. Two updated University of Missouri Extension guides help producers understand the numbers and methods behind marketing your beef to consumers.
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Preparing Missouri's next generation of farmers
Column by University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialists Wesley Tucker, Denice Ferguson and Mary Sobba, and Robert Jones, director of Integrated Marketing Communications for MU Extension.
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Why rotational grazing isn’t working
Rotational grazing promises healthier pastures and higher returns, but labor, water limits and rigid plans often derail it. MU Extension forage specialist Carson Roberts explains why it fails—and how smarter rotations, better water access and flexibility can make it work.
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How Missouri farmers are strengthening land and livelihoods
Missouri farmers are using regenerative agriculture practices such as cover crops, improved grazing and smarter nutrient management to protect soil and water while staying profitable, with support from MU Extension and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
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MU Extension works with swine industry, TN visa workers to address labor shortages
University of Missouri Extension specialists are working with the swine industry and temporary visa holders to help recruit, retain and develop agriculture professionals needed to address ongoing farm labor shortages.
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Producer enjoys continued success with milo grazing
University of Missouri Extension specialists find that producers see up to $300 savings in feeding costs per calf when their livestock graze standing milo through the winter.
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Updated budgets show improved cow-calf outlook for 2026
FORSYTH, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension recently released updated Missouri Beef Cattle Enterprise Budgets, which provide new estimates of income and expenses for 2026. “The budgets look favorable for cow-calf producers in the coming year, but as we’ve seen, markets can change quickly,” says Jacob Hefley, MU Extension field specialist in agricultural business.
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Review your farm lease for 2026
As the end of the year approaches, many landowners and tenants are reviewing farm leases for the 2026 season. For those using a verbal agreement, MU Extension encourages a careful review of a newly revised guide, "Verbal Farm Rental Agreements Under Missouri Law," which is available for free download.