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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Basics of Farm Lease Agreements
Revised
Learn about key elements necessary for creating quality written farm leases between tenants and landowners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Read about units you can insure and the premium cost for a policy.
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.