Registration open for MU Extension Fall Tax Schools

University of Missouri Extension is hosting trainings this fall for professional tax preparers. Fall Tax Schools, which start in late October, have in-person and online options. Attendees can register for a single day (Day 1 or Day 2) or both. The training will use the National Income Tax Workbook 2024. Topics for Day 1 include business tax issues, individual tax issues, related party issues, real estate rental activity issues and…

Producer expertise needed to shape future of state's small ruminant industry

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extension specialists from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and the University of Missouri in Columbia are working to gain deeper insights into sheep and goat production in the Show-Me-State. “Our initiative aims to uncover valuable insights that will benefit producers and contribute to the state’s economy and inform policy decisions,” said Ye Su, assistant professor of agribusiness with Lincoln University.

Missouri farmland, hunting cash rental rate insights from MU Extension

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri rental rates rose again in 2024, according to the latest cash rental rates survey from University of Missouri Extension. More than 600 Missouri landowners and tenants responded to the survey earlier this summer and shared their insights into rental rates and leasing arrangements for cropland, pastureland, hunting land and farm facilities.

Regional events for value-added producers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – This fall, the Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center (MAFFIC) is hosting five in-person events for value-added agricultural producers. From marketing deep dives to hands-on business planning, these events will offer fresh ideas and practical tools to new and seasoned producers alike, said Mallory Rahe, MAFFIC director and University of Missouri associate extension professor.

Farm management series 'On My Own' offered this fall

A program to help women landowners and operators understand agricultural leases and the value of land and agricultural activities will be offered this fall in a series of evening events. University of Missouri Extension will hold “On My Own” classes on various weeknights at locations throughout the state from Oct. 15, 2024, through Feb. 25, 2025. There are also two opportunities for taking the class online.

USDA Business Builder grants applications accepted through Oct. 15

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Small and diverse food and farm entrepreneurs are invited to apply for more than $3.7 million in Business Builder grants that will support projects in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and northwestern Arkansas.

MU Extension offers native warm-season grass seed production workshop

COOK STATION, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers an opportunity to learn about native warm-season grass seed production at a workshop at the MU Wurdack Extension and Education Center on Oct. 25. MU Extension agricultural business specialist Rachel Hopkins says forage producers can learn from field demonstrations on harvesting and seed cleaning at the one-day event. The workshop also will cover regulations, testing,…

Fall series highlights what ag lenders need to know in 2025

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension invites lenders serving farmers and rural communities to “What Ag Lenders Need To Know in 2025.” The 44th annual seminar will be hosted in six locations across the state.

Elevate your farmers market success

COLUMBIA, Mo. – In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 4-10, University of Missouri Extension has resources to help improve your local food systems awareness and polish your farmers market presence. Learn about local food systems Consumers are increasingly searching out healthy and safe food that supports their local community. Farmers can meet this demand by taking advantage of local food systems.

Intel for Ag helps sow seeds for business success

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has developed a free online platform to help beginning and established producers start or grow their agriculture ventures. “Intel for Ag is a free toolbox that makes management concepts accessible and allows users to better determine what agricultural products might most suitable and sustainable for their individual success,” says Mallory Rahe, MU Extension associate professor and Intel…

Farm business operators can tackle labor crunch with seasonal workers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – As summer arrives in the Show-Me State, farm business operators often experience periods of fluctuating labor needs. Seasonal workers, including young people, can offer extra capacity during critical times.

Marketing matters in direct-to-consumer beef sales

FORSYTH, Mo. – Selling beef directly from the farm to consumers gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Though adoption has slowed, selling direct to consumers remains a popular option for Missouri beef producers as an alternative to selling live animals, as it allows the producer to capture additional value otherwise obtained by others in the food processing chain,” said Jacob Hefley, University of Missouri…

MU Extension resources for specialty ag producers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s urban and specialty agriculture producers—and those considering starting an agricultural enterprise—have new business planning resources at their fingertips.

How to have conversations about conservation on leased land

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Various agencies and organizations are promoting practices for soil conservation and ecosystem improvement. These efforts, intended to maintain or improve productivity of the land, often come with financial incentives. Long-term or short-term, these practices also can affect leases and relationships between landowners and tenants.

2024 dairy returns might improve

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prices paid in 2024 for dairy products should be similar to 2023, while net returns may be better, according to University of Missouri Extension economist Scott Brown. Brown told attendees at the 2024 Missouri Dairy Expo that average weather and feed costs will be key factors for this year’s outlook.

10 tips to bulletproof your beef operation

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Beef producers can use a window of profitability to make their farm business more bulletproof. University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist Joe Horner says successful beef producers can make small changes in three areas to make their farm less vulnerable to risks: plants, animals and business. Being good in just one of those three areas is not enough.

Feedstuff Finder: One-stop shop for Missouri buyers and sellers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers and ranchers have a new tool to find or list hay and co-product feedstuffs for sale: Feedstuff Finder, developed by University of Missouri Extension for individuals looking to buy or sell products.

MU Extension ag enterprise budgets updated for producers

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension crop and livestock enterprise budgets for Missouri producers have been updated at http://muext.us/MissouriAgBudgets.

Classes on Missouri farm leases offered in September

MEXICO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialists will offer a program on Missouri farm leases in September. Participants may attend Sept. 12 or Sept. 13 in person at sites throughout the state or through Zoom.

MU Extension offers self-paced vegetable production series

BOWLING GREEN, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a self-paced “Conventional Vegetable Production Series” this fall.

Missouri Agricultural Lender Seminar series to offer insights

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Lenders serving farmers and rural communities are invited to attend University of Missouri Extension’s 43rd Missouri Agricultural Lender Seminar series this fall in eight locations across the state.Agricultural business and policy specialists and researchers will present market and policy outlooks, farm financial conditions and land values, said Ben Brown, MU Extension agricultural economist and series organizer.

A No. 2 pencil is a beef producer's best tool

COLUMBIA, Mo. – One of the most important tools for livestock producers is a sharp No. 2 pencil.The pencil and some basic arithmetic can help take the emotion out of desperate measures to find feed. When you do the math, buying grain or other alternative feeds may be the best bang for the buck, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker.

MU Graves-Chapple field day is Aug. 22

FAIRFAX, Mo. – The Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center Field Day, Tuesday, Aug. 22, will include a ribbon-cutting for the new facility at the center in northwestern Missouri.

Keep your farm running smoothly with a midyear 'tuneup'

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers are encouraged to conduct a midyear “farm tuneup” as they approach the middle of 2023. Just as farm equipment needs the occasional tuneup, farm management practices can use proactive examination and adjustment to keep an operation on track for the rest of the year.University of Missouri Extension recommends five steps for a midyear farm tuneup:Revisit agricultural budgets

MU Extension biosecurity trailer demonstrates Danish entry system

COLUMBIA, Mo. – A biosecurity trailer developed by University of Missouri Extension shows how poultry, swine and all livestock producers can implement a Danish entry system, a cost-effective way to reduce the transmission of pathogens when showering in and out is impractical or unavailable.