The following publications cover topics related to Agricultural Business and Policy Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Planning for an Aquaculture Business in Missouri
New
Aquaculture is a highly specialized form of agriculture and a high-risk enterprise. There are numerous expenses to consider and potential markets to be investigated. Consequently, to increase potential for success, it is important to research and carefully plan a aquaculture venture before getting started. Read this publication to learn more.
Leasing Land for Solar Energy Development
Reviewed
Leasing land to develop utility-scale solar energy farms is becoming more common in Missouri. Learn what landowners should consider before entering into utility-scale solar energy development land leases.
Market Channels for Locally Raised Foods
Revised
Sell Missouri vegetables via CSAs; U-pick sales; on-farm, roadside, farmers markets; co-ops; wholesale auctions; restaurants, institutions, supermarkets.
Three Types of Farm Meetings to Strengthen the Business and Start a Farm Transition Plan
New
Use operating, business and family council meetings to build a culture of communication and inclusive decision-making in your family business. Find guidelines for running a successful family meeting, and when to use different meetings in this publication.
Economic Budgeting for Agroforestry Practices
Revised
See the steps and examples you can follow to develop enterprise budgets, create a cashflow plan and estimate economic indicators for agroforestry practices.
Crop-Share Leases in Missouri
Revised
Producers expand their base of operations by purchasing or renting additional land. The three most common types of farmland lease agreements in Missouri are cash rentals, flexible-cash leases and crop-share leases. This guide presents information on crop-share leases.
Goats — Early Kidding Planning Budget
Revised
Use this doe flock enterprise budget to estimate costs and returns when birthing goat kids in the winter — a system with seasonally high prices for kids and low land needs.
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance
Revised
See how LRP insurance helps farmers manage market price volatility risk. Missouri producers may apply for feeder cattle, fed cattle, lamb and swine policies.
Crop Insurance in Missouri
Revised
Learn four types of crop insurance that can manage corn, soybean and other row crop risk. Plus, read about units you can insure and the premium cost for a policy.
Five Phases of Management Transition During Family Farm Succession
New
Use a gradual process to transition farm management responsibilities from one generation to the next to improve the odds of keeping your farm in the family. This 5- phase process asks multiple generations to set goals, timelines and evaluation milestones.
Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) Insurance
Revised
LGM insurance helps producers manage risk by guaranteeing a minimum gross margin. Learn how it works, and see cattle, swine and dairy examples in this guide.
Adding Value in Agriculture, Food and Forestry
Reviewed
See 7 ways to add value to farm commodities or products, and learn how to turn a value-added agriculture idea into a business that can increase farm income.
Introduction to Local Food Systems
Revised
Learn how to create rural and urban local food systems that are profitable and sustainable, connect farms to consumers and support the community and economy.
Soybean (Double Crop) Planning Budget
Revised
Use this crop enterprise budget as a guide to estimate your production costs and returns when growing double-crop soybeans after wheat in Missouri.
Cool Season Pasture Establishment Planning Budget
Revised
Use this enterprise budget to plan how to finance, establish and graze cool-season pastures on Missouri farms. It links to the Missouri Forage Budget Generator spreadsheet.
Fescue - Clover Hay Planning Budget
Revised
Use this enterprise budget to plan how to produce, finance, graze and market fescue-clover hay on Missouri farms.
Clarifying Roles in Family Farm Businesses
New
Strong family businesses communicate to separate their family roles and expectations from business roles. Read about common family business conflicts and find steps to address tension in this publication.
Pricing Corn Silage
Revised
Learn how to price corn silage whether it's in the field or delivered to storage or the feed bunk, and see how drought can damage a corn silage crop.
Short-Term Operating Plan for Farms and Ranches
Revised
Download a short-term operating plan workbook you can use to prepare your farm or ranch for operating if decision makers are unable to make short-term choices.
Drought-Related Issues in Forage, Silage and Baleage
Revised
Get answers to questions about how to feed livestock during drought. Read about nitrate toxicity, corn silage and baleage, forage grazing and feeding hay.
Corn and Soybean Replant Decisions
Revised
Find out what options you have when wet spring weather causes poor crop germination. Whether you replant depends on seed variety, weather and insurance.
Introduction to Wind Energy Leases
New
Learn what Missouri landowners should consider before entering into utility-scale wind energy agreements. Wind agreements have implications for land use, finances, liability, environment, and the community.
5 Steps to Buying Meat Direct From the Farm
New
If you are interested in buying meat from a local farmer, in quarters or halves, review these five considerations: how much meat your family can consume and what cuts to buy, sourcing an animal, finding a local meat processor, costs, and timing.
Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Missouri
Revised
Learn the number of days Missouri farms have available per week—due to weather and soil conditions—for tillage, planting, chemical application and harvest activities.
Missouri Farm Labor Guide
Revised
Learn good human resource practices related to employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training and termination that your farm or agribusiness can use.