MU Extension workshops help farmers build drought resilience
Two free workshops from University of Missouri Extension will help producers build long-term resilience against weather risk through conservation practices. The workshops will be held Aug. 18 in Union and Aug. 19 in Columbia.
MU Sheep & Goat Field Day set for July 31 in Mount Vernon
University of Missouri Extension’s third annual Sheep & Goat Field Day is set for Thursday, July 31, in Mount Vernon. “The event provides an excellent opportunity for sheep and goat producers, and anyone interested in diversifying their farm with small ruminants, to learn, connect and engage,” said David Brown, MU Extension small ruminant specialist.
Use simple math to find your hay cost
POTOSI, Mo. – In May, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agricultural business Rachel Hopkins and her father harvested and wrapped wheat and clover baleage at their farm in east-central Missouri. “After everything was done, Dad said, ‘When you get a chance, figure out what this feed cost us,’” she recalls. Hopkins keeps records for the farm’s hay crop, but she had never broken the cost down by field.
Feeding tips for pregnant cows and heifers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Allison Meyer will share the latest research in feeding and managing pregnant beef cows and heifers at the July 22 virtual session of the Pearls of Production: Women in Agriculture series. The session runs 7-8 p.m.
Horsemen's Webinar Series looks at toxic weeds
A free University of Missouri webinar series dealing with topics that affect horse owners is underway. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, the second of four free webinars will address horse owners’ struggles with weeds in their pastures and dry lots.
Mizzou field days set for sites across state
Agricultural producers are invited to save the dates for these regional events in which extension specialists and researchers from the University of Missouri share their findings.
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.
Free drone event offered for Ozark area farmers, ranchers
POTOSI, Mo. – Ozark area farmers and ranchers can explore how they can use drones in their operations at a free event July 25 in Potosi. “Drones are transforming the way that farmers manage their ground,” says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Rachel Hopkins. “While drones are not commonly used in the Ozarks, there are still uses that Ozark farmers can take advantage of.”
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.
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.