MU Extension shares research on spray drones at field day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Attendees at the July 10 University of Missouri Crop and Pest Management Field Day in Columbia will hear updates on how spray drones are modernizing agriculture and what to expect when using these devices for weed control.
MU RaFF releases policy brief on changes to Federal Milk Marketing Orders
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new policy brief by the University of Missouri Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) weighs in on changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs).
Replant or roll with it? MU guide weighs costs, payoffs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When faced with a sparse or failed stand, crop producers have to ask themselves a difficult question: Should I replant?
MU Extension offers free webinar series on virtual fencing
A free webinar series will introduce graziers to technology that uses GPS collars on livestock to create invisible fences. Monthly sessions run June through October.
Cover crop, silvopasture incentive funding available
The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture has opened a third round of funding for fall cover crop planting in Missouri. About $3 million is available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops on their cropland through the Missouri Conservation Crop and Livestock Project. Payments are also available for planting trees under the silvopasture option.
St. Louis workshop will help small food, farm businesses market with purpose
To help St. Louis area food and farm entrepreneurs market their businesses, MU Extension will host “Marketing With Purpose To Build Sales and Loyalty,” a free hands-on workshop, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at the St. Louis metro area MU Extension center.
Learn about new and old pests at July 10 field day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists will share the latest pest management research July 10 at the Crop and Pest Management Field Day, says MU Extension state weed scientist Kevin Bradley. The annual event will be at Bradford Research Farm in Columbia. Presenters include MU Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida, who will show how to scout and sample for pests and discuss thresholds.
Tax preparers can stay sharp with MU Extension's Summer Tax School
MU Extension's 2025 Summer Tax School, July 1 in Columbia, provides critical updates and continuing education for tax professionals.
Women in Livestock: Smarter marketing with AI
University of Missouri Extension’s Pearls of Production program is hosting a webinar series for women livestock producers across the state. The next session, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, will include a hands-on demo and practical discussion on using artificial intelligence tools to build content calendars, write marketing copy and create images.
Cattle farmers: Is it time for a budget checkup?
Many Missouri cattle producers are gearing up for the hay season. Spring can be hectic on the farm, but it’s also an important time to check on where you’re heading financially.
Survey seeks insights from Missouri sheep, goat producers
Missouri sheep and goat producers are encouraged to participate in a survey to help shape the future of the state’s small ruminant industry. The initiative is a collaboration between University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Extension.
MU releases payment plan decision tool for corn, soybean, wheat
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the deadline approaches for growers to select between USDA safety net programs, University of Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center has developed a tool to help growers decide which plans to choose for their major crops.
MU Extension offers feed safety plan assistance
MONTICELLO, Mo. – The federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), in place for nearly 10 years, requires elevator firms to develop and maintain documentation on their current good manufacturing practices for processing and selling animal feed. Brenda Schreck, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist, helps Missouri firms meet FSMA requirements through proper documentation.
New resources help small businesses leverage social media
COLUMBIA, Mo.—Social media has changed how consumers connect with brands, but small business owners may find it a challenge to use social media to grow their business, says TaylorAnn Washburn of University of Missouri Extension. Two new MU Extension publications, which are available for free download, help business owners take on social media with a focused approach, Washburn said.
Economics of drone ownership for agricultural spraying
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the 2025 growing season approaches, many growers will consider using drones to spray their fields. A new University of Missouri Extension publication, “Economics of Drone Ownership for Agricultural Spray Applications,” introduces cost-estimating tools for farmers and custom operators interested in investing in drones for spray applications.
MU Extension holds short-term operating plan workshops
WARSAW, Mo. – If key decision-makers on a farm are unable to make decisions for a short time (two weeks to six months), how well would their farm operations continue? Starting March 27, University of Missouri Extension will host “On My Own: Planning for the Unplanned” workshops on short-term operating plans to help landowners and farm operators make sound decisions when preparing for the unexpected.
Women in livestock webinar series starts March 25
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Pearls of Production committee is hosting five online sessions for women livestock producers across the state over the next few months. Although the content is created for women producers, all producers are welcome to attend. The first “Pixels for Production” session is 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, and focuses on small ruminants like goats and sheep.
Persistent drought costs Missouri ag industry
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought is costing Missouri agriculture significant amounts of money. Since the 1980s, Missourians have had 16 drought disasters costing $1 billion or more, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the total cost of these disasters is between $10 billion and $20 billion.
Weighing the value of eggs amid high prices
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The high price of eggs and egg shortages in some places have led some consumers to seek out other sources of protein.
Avoid financial heartbreak after drought
POTOSI, Mo. – Missouri is coming off consecutive years of severe droughts and depleted cool-season pastures. As drought lingers, so do old practices that worsen its impact, says Rachel Hopkins, University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist. She likens it to an oft-quoted definition of insanity – “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” – to the mindset of some long-term fescue growers.
Better numbers, better farm
WARSAW, Mo. – Handling farm finances wisely means knowing some key numbers that indicate the health of your operation.
MU Extension offers beef feeding financial tool
POTOSI, Mo. – A risk management strategy for buying or retaining cattle is the goal of a new tool from University of Missouri Extension. The Beef Feeding Profitability Tracker, developed by MU Extension agricultural business specialist Rachel Hopkins, is a free Excel spreadsheet tool that lets producers track input costs of groups of cattle.
Benefits of beef cow leasing
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Leasing instead of purchasing cows can be an effective financial strategy for cow-calf producers. A new publication by University of Missouri Extension specialists, “Introduction to Beef Cow Leases,” details how beef cow leases work. It is available for free download at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g434.
Missouri 2025 Ag Outlook shows road ahead
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri experts have released the Show-Me 2025 Missouri Agricultural Outlook, which shows a mixed outlook for Missouri’s crops and livestock and the challenges and opportunities ahead. The report is available at https://mizzou.us/MAO25.
Tools help farmers estimate American Relief Plan assistance
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri specialists have developed online tools to help farmers estimate their potential payments from the American Relief Act, which was passed by Congress late last year. “Economic assistance payments to Missouri crop producers are expected to provide significant liquidity to the local farm sector,” said Alejandro Plastina, director of the MU Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF).