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.
Selecting Cover Crop Seeding Machinery
New
Learn about different cover crop seeding machines and their operational features. Understand their strengths and weaknesses to reduce planting costs, the second largest expense in growing cover crops.
Basics of Farm Lease Agreements
Revised
Learn about key elements necessary for creating quality written farm leases between tenants and landowners.
Growing Missouri’s Aquaculture Industry: Marketing Study
New
Reference this market research information as you explore aquaculture production alternatives and develop a plan for selling food fish, bait fish, sport fish or ornamental fish.
Growing Missouri’s Aquaculture Industry: Business Models
New
Learn about capital investments, production budgets, inputs and net returns for startup Missouri aquaculture operations using pond culture or recirculating aquaculture systems.
Small Acreage Business Planning in Missouri
New
Learn why business planning around marketing, assets and profitability is important for launching a successful small acreage enterprise. Be sure to envision your goals as you consider enterprises.
Growing Missouri’s Aquaculture Industry: Needs Assessment
New
Survey based needs assessment of Missouri aquaculture producers identifies common Missouri aquaculture species, fish and pond stocking market use, and perceptions about the future of the aquaculture industry.
Growing Missouri’s Aquaculture Industry: Trends and Outlook
New
Learn aquaculture production trends, demand for seafood, industry competition and feed industry trends that affect Missouri’s aquaculture industry.
Flexible Cash Leases in Missouri
New
Explore how flexible cash leases balance risk and reward for landowners and tenants, offering a fairer alternative to fixed cash and crop share leases.
Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri
Revised
Get custom service rates for fieldwork, planting, fertilizer, crop harvesting, hauling and heavy equipment activities from a survey of farmers, agribusinesses and contractors.
Forage Crop Irrigation Systems and Economics
Revised
Before choosing a forage irrigation system to mitigate drought risk, explore expected forage response to irrigation, equipment options and the economics.
Planning for an Aquaculture Business in Missouri
New
Learn how to start and manage aquaculture businesses in Missouri, including system types, species selection, and water quality tips.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crop Insurance in Missouri
Revised
Learn four types of crop insurance that can manage corn, soybean and other row crop risk. 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.
Establishing and Managing Cover Crops in Missouri for Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
New
Learn how to establish and manage cover crops in Missouri to improve soil, attract wildlife, and support pollinators year-round.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.