How to have conversations about conservation on leased land
Agencies promote soil-conservation incentives that can impact land leases. Guide helps landowners and tenants discuss practices, costs, and timing.
2024 dairy returns might improve
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prices paid in 2024 for dairy products should be similar to 2023, while net returns may be better, according to University of Missouri Extension economist Scott Brown. Brown told attendees at the 2024 Missouri Dairy Expo that average weather and feed costs will be key factors for this year’s outlook.
10 tips to bulletproof your beef operation
Boost beef farm resilience with expert tips on grazing, hay storage, herd health, and financial strategies to thrive through cycles and drought.
MU Extension ag enterprise budgets updated for producers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension crop and livestock enterprise budgets for Missouri producers have been updated.
A No. 2 pencil is a beef producer's best tool
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One of the most important tools for livestock producers is a sharp No. 2 pencil. The pencil and some basic arithmetic can help take the emotion out of desperate measures to find feed. When you do the math, buying grain or other alternative feeds may be the best bang for the buck, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker.
Keep your farm running smoothly with a midyear 'tuneup'
Reassess budgets, labor, leasing, services and succession now to keep your farm running smoothly all season.
MU Extension biosecurity trailer demonstrates Danish entry system
A mobile biosecurity trailer demonstrates the Danish entry system, helping livestock producers reduce pathogen transmission with minimal space.
MU Extension updates custom rates for Missouri farm services
COLUMBIA, Mo. –University of Missouri Extension has published a summary of custom rates for farm services in Missouri based on a statewide online survey and solicitations by extension specialists. MU Extension asked farmers, agribusiness firms and land improvement contractors to provide rates they charged or paid in 2022 for custom services, minus the cost of materials applied.
MU Extension planning budgets can aid farmers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As farms continue to see increased input costs and fluctuating returns in 2023, proper planning and decision-making will be critical for the year ahead. Updated enterprise planning budgets from University of Missouri Extension can help producers manage costs and project revenue for their operations.
Beef producers: 'Get your house in order' in 2023
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Beef producers should approach 2023 with cautious optimism – matched with resolutions of good management and investment in infrastructure, says University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialist Wesley Tucker.
Hannibal startup shines during sunflower oil shortage
Hannibal farm produces cold-pressed sunflower oil to meet demand during the global shortage.
MU Extension releases how-to videos for hiring on the farm
Learn how to hire and retain farm workers with step-by-step videos covering recruitment, onboarding, and management.
Tight labor market challenges farm employers to rethink compensation
Farmers face tight labor markets and can attract workers with flexible schedules, perks, and nonmonetary benefits that match employee needs.
Why Agriculture is Important for Everyone to Understand
Understand how agriculture affects food, economy, and daily life, making awareness important for every community member.
MU videos share cattle management practices in drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought continues to plague growers and livestock producers in parts of Missouri, especially in the southwest corner of the state, raising concerns about feed availability.“It’s a perfect storm of high fertilizer prices, reduced fertilization of pastures lending to lower hay yields and drought in the southern half of Missouri,” said Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension state beef specialist. “Folks are eating…
Off-farm income crucial to many ag producers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farm households increasingly rely on off-farm income. A report from University of Missouri Extension notes that, on average, 82% of farm household income comes from outside the farm. More than half of the principal operators of farms have primary jobs off the farm, said Alan Spell, MU assistant extension professor and a co-author of the report.
MU Extension guide shows how cover crops can benefit pollinators, wildlife
Learn how cover crops can boost pollinator populations, support wildlife, and improve soil and farm productivity.
MU guide looks at reconsidering silage pricing
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought throughout much of Missouri has renewed interest in how to price silage. An updated University of Missouri Extension publication looks at silage costs and revenues.
How to buy meat directly from the farm
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One option for consumers buying meat is to purchase directly from the producer. A new University of Missouri Extension publication offers guidelines for buying all or part of animal from a livestock producer and having the meat processed and packaged.
MU Extension guide helps farmers with replant decisions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Challenging weather has forced Missouri farmers to make difficult decisions on whether to replant crops because of sparse stands or delayed planting.
MU Extension guide, spreadsheet help estimate farmland values
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Buyers and sellers who need an estimate of the value of a piece of farmland may not always find it feasible to get an appraisal, particularly one that reflects the land’s historical value needed to calculate taxes and settle estates.
Wheatlage or grain? New decision tool helps find the 'sweet spot'
New tool helps farmers decide if harvesting wheat for silage or grain gives the best value based on yield and costs.
Planting progress shifts in warmer, drier weather
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Warmer and drier weather is expected to help farmers make solid planting progress this week. Normally, corn planting advances about 17 percentage points this week to 67% complete by May 15, says Martyn Foreman, University of Missouri Extension instructor in agricultural economics. “While corn planting progress is unlikely to reach the average next week, the gap should narrow significantly.”
Missouri farm income to set new records in 2022
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farm income appears on pace for another record year, according to John Kruse, associate research and extension professor in agricultural and applied economics at the University of Missouri.
Evaluating costs and benefits of renovating endophyte-infected pastures
Learn how to assess the economic pros and cons of renovating endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures for better livestock health and forage yield.