Results from fall SW Mo. Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Days
STOCKTON, Mo. – “It is important for reproductive performance and profitability of the cattle operation to identify bulls that are not sound breeders and replace them prior to the breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. This is the goal of the Southwest Missouri Fall Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) Days, which also educate cattle producers on bull management for a successful…
Pick up the 2025 Redbook at your local MU Extension center
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Recordkeeping is important to make management decisions for optimum cattle operation productivity and profitability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Davis urges cattle producers to consider purchasing the 2025 pocket-size “Redbook” to aid in their recordkeeping. The books are available at county MU Extension centers for $8 per copy.
Three steps to prepare for winter feeding of livestock
Assess livestock feed needs, evaluate forage availability, and plan for necessary supplements to ensure adequate winter nutrition.
Forage, cattle producers embrace change in move from Colorado to Missouri
Tad and Kim Carnahan transitioned from Colorado to Missouri's agriculture, adopting rotational grazing and sustainable practices to enhance their cattle operation.
Buying corn silage to feed beef cows in winter
Farmers consider corn silage for winter: higher in digestible nutrients than hay, but costlier and spoilage-prone unless stored and hauled carefully.
Rebuild your cow herd with proper heifer development
Boost your herd’s success with proper heifer development, nutrition, breeding, and health management strategies.
Record-breaking attendance at eighth MU Extension Feedlot School
Over 65 cattle producers from Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois attended the Feedlot School in Kirksville, marking a significant increase in participation.
MU Extension offers tips on safely handling livestock
Learn safe livestock handling—use caution, read animal behavior, maintain equipment, and reduce risks during feeding and transport.
Early preparation equals a successful breeding season
Prepare your herd with exams, vaccinations, nutrition, and breeding plans for a successful cattle breeding season.
MU Extension offers listing of farm apps
Explore mobile tools to support farm decisions—from weather and crop models to weed identification and water use planning.
How hair shedding scores can help select cattle for heat stress
Learn how hair shedding scores help identify cattle with heat tolerance, improving herd productivity, profitability, and sustainable management.
Managing pinkeye in cattle
Learn strategies to prevent and manage pinkeye in cattle, including fly control, vaccination, and early detection.
Is rained-on hay still good?
Rainfall affects hay quality, yield, and digestibility. Learn when rained-on hay can still be useful and why testing is important.
Dealing with cattle herd anaplasmosis
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Summertime brings factors that lead to anaplasmosis in cattle operations,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Anaplasmosis can affect cattle operation performance due to calf abortions, decreased weight gain, bull infertility and animal death.
Marketing matters in direct-to-consumer beef sales
FORSYTH, Mo. – Selling beef directly from the farm to consumers gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Though adoption has slowed, selling direct to consumers remains a popular option for Missouri beef producers as an alternative to selling live animals, as it allows the producer to capture additional value otherwise obtained by others in the food processing chain,” said Jacob Hefley, University of Missouri…
Spring SW Missouri bull breeding soundness exam day results
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Bull breeding soundness exams (BSEs) are important to make sure bulls are ready for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. The exam evaluates bull physical and reproductive soundness. Using bulls that fail this exam can lead to poor conception, pregnancy, calving and weaning rates, which results in poor operation productivity and profitability,…
Management strategies to reduce pink eye in cattle
Learn management strategies to reduce pink eye in cattle, including fly control, pasture care, and preventive treatments.
Sunn hemp can boost summer pastures
Learn how planting sunn hemp in summer can enhance forage quality, fix nitrogen and support livestock through heat and drought.
Can high cattle prices pay for mistakes?
High cattle prices boost profits, but mistakes cost more. Smart management ensures gains today and security tomorrow.
Use heifer pre-breeding exams as a culling tool and to prepare for breeding season
Learn how pre-breeding exams assess reproductive tract, pelvic area, body condition and soundness to guide culling and retention of heifers.
Saving the herd with milo grazing
See how grazing standing milo rescued a herd during drought by cutting winter feed costs and labor.
Plans for weaned fall-born calves
Learn how to manage weaned fall-born calves using feed cost and value of gain to guide profitable decisions.
MU livestock specialists on new MDA exhibition rules
New exhibition rules issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture late last year for showing cattle and swine at county fairs and exhibitions go into effect this year. University of Missouri Extension specialists say the changes encourage healthy animals.
What to do if you're short on hay this winter
Learn strategies to stretch hay, use supplements, and manage cattle efficiently during a winter hay shortage.
What to feed when there's nothing to feed
Tips for feeding cattle during low hay supplies, including alternative feeds and strategies to reduce costs and maintain herd health.