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Waterhemp, the weed that won’t go away

For a quarter of a century, MU Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley has warned farmers about waterhemp and its ability to develop resistance to herbicides. Bradley continues his call for diversity in weed management at the 2025 Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia.

New forage budgets help Missouri farmers plan for 2026

Updated 2026 forage-budget tools help Missouri producers estimate costs, yields and break-even prices for alfalfa, corn silage and native warm-season grasses.

Guide clarifies farmers market sales tax exemption for holiday vendors

A new resource clarifies how Missouri’s farmers-market sales tax exemption applies to holiday vendors, outlining when sales must be taxed or qualify for exemption.

Crop Management Conference offers research updates on soybean

Farmers and agronomists will gain research-driven strategies for soybean variety selection, planting practices and managing drought, pests and disease.

Learn how to improve soil health at Crop Management Conference

Learn practical strategies to improve soil health using cover crops at the 2025 Crop Management Conference in Columbia.

Consider farm tax options before end of year

MU Extension to host free in-person and online farm tax workshops Dec. 3-4 that will look at options for producers to navigate tax implications and reduce their tax burden.

Register for the Missouri Crop Management Conference

Registration is open for the state’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and ag industry professionals, the Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia.

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.

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.

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.

Celebrate Pork Month by considering value-added production

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The average Missourian eats 63 pounds of pork each year. “If you’ve thought about supplying pork to Missouri markets but haven’t decided for sure, then Intel for Ag (Intel for Ag) can help,” said Mallory Rahe, University of Missouri Extension state specialist and Intel for Ag contributor.

Missouri State Fair queen an advocate for ag

Bailey Schneider, the 2025 Missouri State Fair queen, is a 4-H alum and a junior at the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

The sky’s the limit for drones on the farm

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Enthusiasm for drone use in agriculture is growing quickly, says Caleb O’Neal, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in plant science.

Data-driven insights for harvest timing

The MU Extension publication “Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Missouri” can help farmers plan with confidence. It draws on 20 years of weather data to show weekly averages of days suitable for fieldwork. It also includes formulas to estimate how much acreage can be covered per day and size equipment to match available field time.

Urban ag risk management series offered this fall

University of Missouri Extension and Annie’s Project are offering an urban agriculture risk management class in the St. Louis area in October and November.

Missouri corn adds a-maize-ing complexity to whiskey

MU Extension researchers are working to help Missouri corn growers who provide corn to distilleries for brewed corn whiskey. As of 2024, the state was home to 71 active craft distilleries. The corn whiskey business, as part Missouri’s broader distilling industry, has a substantial economic footprint.

Tips to repair relationships after mistakes on the farm

Mistakes on the farm can strain community ties. To repair relationships, document damages, communicate professionally, and assess losses fairly.

Hot markets, tax changes call for new planning

Rising cattle prices raise tax bills. New laws like bonus depreciation and higher Section 179 limits help plan ahead.

Mizzou meets Missouri at the State Fair

Whether it’s through interactive exhibitions, educational programming or support for young leaders, Mizzou plays a proud role in helping the fair fulfill its mission to champion Missouri agriculture and inspire future generations.

Early pregnancy checking and culling open heifers improves efficiency, bottom line

Learn how early pregnancy detection and timely culling of non-pregnant heifers boosts herd efficiency, sale value, and feed resource use.

Free Feedstuff Finder tool helps buyers, sellers

Connect with local feedstuff sellers or buyers. Browse listings of hay, baleage, silage, and coproducts. Compare prices and estimate delivery costs.

Free MU tool can help plan for flooding, other risks

Free online tool helps landowners plan for flooding and other risks to protect property and resources.

Use simple math to find your hay cost

Use basic math and a forage-budget worksheet to calculate baleage production costs—seed, fuel, labor, equipment—and compare making feed versus buying.

Stabilizing prices, shifting interests: Inside 2025 Missouri farmland market estimates

COLUMBIA, Mo. – While Missouri’s farmland market remains relatively stable, new survey data points to rising interest—and prices—for timberland and recreational properties. That’s one of several key takeaways from the latest Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey, conducted annually by University of Missouri Extension.

A vision for collaboration

David Baker, assistant dean emeritus in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, was inducted into the 2025 Missouri Agriculture Hall of Fame. Baker is the first MU faculty member or administrator to be inducted.