Tips to repair relationships after mistakes on the farm
When a service provider sprays the wrong field or leaves a gate open and the cows get out, tempers can flare. Don’t let mistakes interfere with longtime relationships in your community, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Katie Neuner.
Hot markets, tax changes call for new planning
Rising cattle prices still show no signs of letting up. That's good news for cattle producers, but that also can mean higher tax bills. With the signing into law of the 2025 budget reconciliation bill (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), there are a few tax changes to note that may affect planning, says MU Extension ag business specialist Jacob Hefley.
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.
Graves-Chapple field day, Aug. 26, looks at tech, crops and pests
FAIRFAX, Mo. – The annual field day at the University of Missouri Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center near Corning on Aug. 26 will look at the many ways producers use drones to improve farm efficiency and yields. MU Extension agricultural engineer and center director Jim Crawford says attendees will also hear about crop diseases and pests in Missouri crops this growing season.
Calving clinic set for Aug. 22 in West Plains
University of Missouri Extension livestock and dairy specialists will teach a calving clinic Aug. 22 at the MU Extension Center in Howell County, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains.
Early pregnancy checking and culling open heifers improves efficiency, bottom line
STOCKTON, Mo. – “There are many benefits to early pregnancy checking replacement heifer,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The Show-Me-Select (SMS) Replacement Heifer Program, which is considered the “black and gold standard” for replacement heifer development, requires pregnancy checking heifers within 90 days of the beginning of the breeding season.
Free Feedstuff Finder tool helps buyers, sellers
Feedstuff Finder, a free online tool from MU Extension, provides sellers an easy way to list hay, baleage, silage or coproducts. Sellers are listed by name, location, phone number and email contact. Quantities, product types, product details and costs can also be included.
Twilight tour covers pest, disease control for small farmers
University of Missouri and Lincoln University Extension will offer a workshop on holistic strategies to manage pests and disease on vegetables and fruit crops 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at EarthDance Organic Teaching Farm, 233 S. Dade Ave., Ferguson.
MU offers HACCP training Sept. 9-11
MU Extension will offer a food safety training course on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) Sept. 9-11 on the Mizzou campus in Columbia. The training is free to Missouri residents.
Free MU tool can help plan for flooding, other risks
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Understanding your land’s geological features, terrain and climate is crucial for anticipating and responding to natural disasters, says University of Missouri Extension assistant professor Ryan Milhollin. “A little planning and knowledge about your land can significantly enhance disaster resilience,” Milhollin says.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.