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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Distributed Energy Resources: A Primer for Missouri Farmers
New
Major changes are occurring in how electricity is generated, distributed and used. Learn about this transition from centralized energy generation towards distributed energy generation and the potential impacts it will have for rural landowners.
Pesticide Laws and Regulations
Revised
Learn about federal and Missouri pesticide rules, and see the steps to take to become a pesticide applicator and keep good records of when you use pesticides.
An Employer’s Guide to Worker Protection Standard Compliance
Revised
Learn terms used in EPA’s Worker Protection Standard, and read about duties the standard outlines for agricultural employers, workers and pesticide handlers.
Worker Protection Standard Overview
Revised
Read about how the EPA’s Worker Protection Standard applies to agricultural pesticide use and what you as a farm employer must do to comply with the standard.
Agricultural Owners, Family Labor and the Worker Protection Standard
Revised
Find out what the EPA’s Worker Protection Standard requires of family-owned agricultural establishments to keep your family safe from pesticide exposure.
An Introduction to Basis
Revised
Discover how agricultural commodity basis applies to crops and livestock and affects your farm's production, forward pricing, hedging and storage decisions.
Safe Tractor Operation
Revised
The purpose of this guide is to assist employers and employees in training for safe tractor operation. Farm employers should review this guide with anyone who operates a farm tractor.
Selecting an Appropriate Pricing Strategy
Revised
This guide outlines how to set prices for value-added agricultural products by analyzing costs, customer demand, and competition.