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.
Meeting to address stocker cattle management, risk protection
MU Extension, in collaboration with the Vernon County Cattlemen’s Association and FCS Financial, will host a Stocker Cattle Risk Management Workshop 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Vernon County Fairgrounds’ Centennial Hall, 1641 E. Ashland St., Nevada.
Expand the herd with the right replacement heifers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most beef cattle operations in Missouri develop and breed their own heifers rather than purchase bred replacements. Because replacement females represent one of the largest costs in producing a calf, choosing and managing the right ones is critical for long-term herd success.
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.
High tunnel workshop in Springfield helps vegetable growers increase yields
University of Missouri Extension will offer a workshop on how to manage pests, soil fertility, growing climate and irrigation in high tunnels 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Milsap Farm in Springfield.
High tunnel workshop in Warren County helps vegetable growers increase yields
University of Missouri Extension will offer a workshop on how to manage pests, soil fertility, growing climate and irrigation in high tunnels 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Early Bird Farms in Warren County.
High tunnel workshop on April 28 in St. Louis helps vegetable growers increase yields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a workshop on how to manage pests, soil fertility, growing climate and irrigation in high tunnels noon-3 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, at Earthdance Organic Farm School in St. Louis County.
MU Extension hosts high tunnel workshops through April and May for vegetable growers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a series of on-farm high tunnel workshops across Missouri this spring.
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.
Learn to rebuild, retain a better cow herd
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold an educational program on rebuilding and retaining the cow herd May 5-6 at the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm in Columbia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MU Ag Lender School offers hands-on training
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Agricultural lenders looking to enhance their expertise can register for the University of Missouri Agricultural Lenders School, June 1-4 in Columbia. This program, tailored for early-career lenders and those new to agricultural loan responsibilities, aims to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to effectively serve farm clients, said MU Extension agricultural economist Ryan Milhollin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Protect your identity this holiday season
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s the season of giving, but make sure you don’t give identity thieves the gift of your personal information, says Andrew Zumwalt, University of Missouri associate teaching professor and Certified Financial Planner.
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.