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.
Introduction to Wind Energy Leases
Revised
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.
Incorporating Conservation Provisions in Leases
New
Landowners and tenants can both benefit when their responsibilities concerning conservation practices are specified in a written land lease. Learn topics that should be discussed and understood prior to incorporating conservation practices into a written land lease. This guide also provides sample wording for various conservation considerations.
Funding Agricultural Business Development With Federal and State Grants
Revised
Grant programs allow agricultural businesses and farmers to seek funding that supports business development and may complement other business financing.
Cash Rental Rates in Missouri
Revised
Updated with 2024 survey data, this guide provides average cash rental rates for Missouri cropland and pastureland, aiding informed lease decisions.
Leasing Land for Solar Energy Development
Revised
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.
Microgreens Planning Budget
Revised
Use this enterprise budget to estimate costs and returns from producing microgreens in Missouri.
Controlled Environment Agriculture: Hydroponic Farming
Revised
Learn about ways to grow vegetables, fruits and related crops in indoor hydroponic systems and environmental control considerations for managing production.
Lisianthus Planning Budget
New
Use this enterprise budget to estimate costs and returns for growing lisianthus as a cut flower in Missouri.
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Insurance in Missouri
Revised
Protect your grazing or hay farming operation from drought risk. Get tips and examples for understanding how PRF insurance works and choosing a policy.
Evaluating Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Opportunities for Local Beef in Missouri
New
Explore strategies for Missouri beef producers to market directly to consumers, including selling by the cut or in shares, to enhance profitability.
Strip-Grazing Milo as a Low-Cost Winter Forage
New
Learn how to utilize strip-grazing milo as a cost-effective winter forage option for livestock, reducing feed expenses and enhancing pasture management.
Native Warm-Season Grass Seed Production
New
This guide provides a description of the methodology behind harvesting native warm-season grass seeds, including management tips, maturity indicators, harvest methods, and a production budget.
Pasture Fence Construction Budget
New
Detailed cost estimates for building perimeter and interior fences on Missouri farms, including materials, labor, and equipment.
Conservation Provisions in Leases
New
Conservation practice can affect leases and the relationship between landowners and tenants. This guide presents topics to address when incorporating conservation and ecosystem services into a lease agreement.
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.
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: 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.
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.