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Three ways to be more profitable making hay
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Haymaking is a game of threes, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts. To be profitable, producers must manage three key factors: equipment expenses, quality and yield.
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National survey looks at beef producers' bull-buying decisions
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new national survey aims to better understand how beef producers make bull-buying decisions and how extension programs can better support those producers.
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Producer enjoys continued success with milo grazing
University of Missouri Extension specialists find that producers see up to $300 savings in feeding costs per calf when their livestock graze standing milo through the winter.
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Updated budgets show improved cow-calf outlook for 2026
FORSYTH, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension recently released updated Missouri Beef Cattle Enterprise Budgets, which provide new estimates of income and expenses for 2026. “The budgets look favorable for cow-calf producers in the coming year, but as we’ve seen, markets can change quickly,” says Jacob Hefley, MU Extension field specialist in agricultural business.
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Numbers low but prices high at SW Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale
“The numbers were low, but the prices were high at the Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale on Oct. 27 in Springfield,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension livestock field specialist. Twenty-one bulls sold for an average of $7,128 per bull.
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Theileria losses may qualify for USDA Livestock Indemnity Program
Beef producers who have lost cattle to Theileria orientalis may qualify for financial assistance through USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Program, says Craig Payne, MU Extension director of veterinary medicine. The program provides payments to livestock owners when deaths exceed normal mortality due to weather, predator attacks or eligible diseases.
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Full crowd for strong Show-Me-Select replacement heifer sale
STOCKTON, Mo. – “A full house saw a strong Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program sale on Nov. 21 at Joplin Regional Stockyards,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The sale saw 246 heifers sold from 13 consignors for an average price of $4,177 per heifer.
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Cattle AI school equips producers with breeding skills
Producers sharpen cattle-breeding skills in a hands-on artificial insemination school, learning anatomy, semen handling, synchronization and herd-building strategies.
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Cattle disease that causes anemia spreading in Missouri
University of Missouri Director of Veterinary Extension Craig Payne urges cattle producers to watch for signs of disease associated with Theileria orientalis (ikeda), a protozoal organism recently detected in Missouri.
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Livestock producers face health threats from ticks
Due to the nature of their work, livestock farmers are often exposed to ticks, which can cause serious health issues, including alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause an allergy to red meat, milk and some animal byproducts.
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2026 Redbook available at your local MU Extension center
Start your 2026 cattle operation recordkeeping on the right foot by purchasing your Redbook, produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The pocket-size record books are available for sale through county MU Extension centers.
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Updates to Livestock Risk Protection insurance give producers more flexibility
Livestock producers now have more flexibility under recent updates to USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program, which helps safeguard against unexpected price declines in feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine markets. MU Extension has updated its publication on LRP to reflect the most recent program changes.
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Favor older, earlier-calving bred heifers at auction this fall
University of Missouri Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey suggests a review of data shows that early-calving bred heifers pay off many times over in the long run.
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Big profits in 2024-25 Missouri Steer Feedout
STOCKTON, Mo. – “The Missouri Steer Feedout Finale showed that producers were very profitable in feeding steers over the last year,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Held in conjunction with the Barton County Cattlemen’s Association meeting on Sept. 9 in Lamar, the event discussed the results of the steers fed at the Show Me Youth Ag Academy Feedlot near Newport.
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Have you scheduled your bull breeding soundness exam?
STOCKTON, Mo. – Have you scheduled your bull breeding soundness exam? Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests your bulls have a BSE prior to each breeding season.
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Hot markets, tax changes call for new planning
Rising cattle prices raise tax bills. New laws like bonus depreciation and higher Section 179 limits help plan ahead.
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Early pregnancy checking and culling open heifers improves efficiency, bottom line
Learn how early pregnancy detection and timely culling of non-pregnant heifers boosts herd efficiency, sale value, and feed resource use.
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Review biosecurity basics to keep your herd safe
Summer is a good time to review how to prevent disease from coming onto your farm, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins.
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10 reasons you should quit making hay
High equipment costs, time constraints, and soil degradation make hay production less profitable. Explore alternatives like grazing and stockpiling forage.
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Cattle and forage management for grazing success
Implement strategies to improve cattle and forage management for year-round grazing success.
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Prepare cattle for second heat wave
Learn strategies to protect cattle from heat stress, including providing shade, fresh water, and proper ventilation to maintain animal health.
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Making hay to reduce ergot infestation
Learn how to manage ergot infestations in pastures to protect livestock health. Tips on mowing, haymaking, and recognizing symptoms of ergot poisoning.
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Make sure foot rot doesn't affect your bottom line
Foot rot in cattle can lead to lameness and decreased profitability. Prevention includes proper hoof care and adequate trace minerals.
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Results from spring SW Mo. Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Days
“Calf production is perhaps the most important metric that supports the existence of the cattle industry, making bull health and productivity incredibly important” says Ian McGregor, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
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Tall fescue adds to heat stress in cattle
Cattle rid their bodies of heat in three ways: radiation, convection and evaporation. “If your cattle can’t use all three methods, they’ll overheat fast,” says University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey. Summer heat knocks weight off calves and pounds off milk, Bailey says. “Heat stress costs real money.”