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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Updates to Livestock Risk Protection insurance give producers more flexibility
Livestock producers now have more flexibility under recent updates to USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program, which helps safeguard against unexpected price declines in feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine markets. MU Extension has updated its publication on LRP to reflect the most recent program changes.
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New MU Extension guides help farmers plan for mobile poultry production
Raising chickens on pasture in movable shelters, often called “chicken tractors,” is gaining popularity among Missouri farmers and families. MU Extension has released two new resources to help farmers make informed decisions about operating a mobile poultry enterprise.
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Celebrate Pork Month by considering value-added production
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The average Missourian eats 63 pounds of pork each year. “If you’ve thought about supplying pork to Missouri markets but haven’t decided for sure, then Intel for Ag (Intel for Ag) can help,” said Mallory Rahe, University of Missouri Extension state specialist and Intel for Ag contributor.
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Missouri State Fair queen an advocate for ag
Bailey Schneider, the 2025 Missouri State Fair queen, is a 4-H alum and a junior at the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
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The sky’s the limit for drones on the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Enthusiasm for drone use in agriculture is growing quickly, says Caleb O’Neal, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in plant science.
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Data-driven insights for harvest timing
The MU Extension publication “Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Missouri” can help farmers plan with confidence. It draws on 20 years of weather data to show weekly averages of days suitable for fieldwork. It also includes formulas to estimate how much acreage can be covered per day and size equipment to match available field time.
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Urban ag risk management series offered this fall
University of Missouri Extension and Annie’s Project are offering an urban agriculture risk management class in the St. Louis area in October and November.
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Missouri corn adds a-maize-ing complexity to whiskey
MU Extension researchers are working to help Missouri corn growers who provide corn to distilleries for brewed corn whiskey. As of 2024, the state was home to 71 active craft distilleries. The corn whiskey business, as part Missouri’s broader distilling industry, has a substantial economic footprint.
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Tips to repair relationships after mistakes on the farm
Mistakes on the farm can strain community ties. To repair relationships, document damages, communicate professionally, and assess losses fairly.
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Hot markets, tax changes call for new planning
Rising cattle prices raise tax bills. New laws like bonus depreciation and higher Section 179 limits help plan ahead.
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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.
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Early pregnancy checking and culling open heifers improves efficiency, bottom line
Learn how early pregnancy detection and timely culling of non-pregnant heifers boosts herd efficiency, sale value, and feed resource use.
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Free Feedstuff Finder tool helps buyers, sellers
Connect with local feedstuff sellers or buyers. Browse listings of hay, baleage, silage, and coproducts. Compare prices and estimate delivery costs.
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Free MU tool can help plan for flooding, other risks
Free online tool helps landowners plan for flooding and other risks to protect property and resources.