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.
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: Trends and Outlook
New
Learn aquaculture production trends, demand for seafood, industry competition and feed industry trends that affect Missouri’s aquaculture industry.
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.
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.
Flexible Cash Leases in Missouri
New
Learn about the basics of flexible cash leases and how to apply the principle to crop land in Missouri. Tips are provided to enhance the success rates of flexible cash lease agreements.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Establishing and Managing Cover Crops in Missouri for Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
New
Learn how cover crops can provide seasonal habitats for wildlife and pollinators while also improving soil health and providing agronomic benefits in crop systems.
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.
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.
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.
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.