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 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.
Co-grazing: Diversification could boost farm profits
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Have you ever considered diversifying production on the farm?Producing beef cattle and meat goats on the same farm may improve your financials, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Jennifer Lutes.Lutes developed a model that looks at the economics of co-grazing – a diversification strategy involving production of more than one livestock species on the same farm.
Adding value to farm commodities can ease supply chain strain
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For two years, shoppers have seen how supply chain problems can shock the food system. Initially triggered by the pandemic, these problems have persisted due to labor shortages, transportation bottlenecks and now international conflict.
MU Extension publication, website guide farm families during short-term absences
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new University of Missouri Extension publication and related online tool can guide farmers through the difficult task of keeping the farm running when the owner or key decision-maker cannot. When someone becomes ill or incapacitated, family members often struggle with finding key information, says MU Extension agricultural business and policy specialist Mary Sobba.
Survey finds Missouri land values increased across the board in 2021
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Landowners who purchased Missouri property in 2021 paid more for land than buyers who purchased land in 2020, according to the latest Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey report from University of Missouri Extension.
Make a plan when marketing this year's grain crop
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Crop farmers should take this adage to heart when marketing their grain, advises University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist Martyn Foreman.
Missouri meat, poultry processors receive $16.7 million in grants with help from MU Extension partnership
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nearly empty meat aisles are a burden producers, processors and consumers don’t want to face again. To prevent that, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) awarded $16.7 million to keep 150 meat and poultry processors throughout Missouri going strong.