The following publications cover topics related to Beef Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
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.
Crop Insurance in Missouri
Revised
Learn four types of crop insurance that can manage corn, soybean and other row crop risk. Plus, read about units you can insure and the premium cost for a policy.
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.
Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Missouri
Revised
Learn the number of days Missouri farms have available per week—due to weather and soil conditions—for tillage, planting, chemical application and harvest activities.
Missouri Farm Labor Guide
Revised
Learn good human resource practices related to employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training and termination that your farm or agribusiness can use.
Estrus Synchronization Recommendations for Artificial Insemination of Beef Heifers
Revised
Learn about recommended protocols for artificial insemination of beef heifers using 1-Shot PG, 7-Day CO-Synch + CIDR, 5-Day CO-Synch + CIDR, 14-Day CIDR-PG, and MGA-PG in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Sexed Semen for Artificial Insemination: Recommendations and AI Approaches
Revised
Learn about using sexed semen in a planned mating of cattle and how it differs from conventional semen. Heat detection, fixed-time artificial insemination and split-time AI approaches are described in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Estrus Synchronization Recommendations for Artificial Insemination of Beef Cows
Revised
Learn about Select Synch, 7-Day CO-Synch + CIDR, 7 & 7 Synch, 5-Day CO-Synch + CIDR, PG 6-Day CIDR, and Bos indicus PG 5-Day CIDR estrus synchronization protocols for artificial insemination of beef cows in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Estrus Synchronization Recommendations for Natural Service Bull Breeding
Revised
Learn about simple synchronization protocols the can be used effectively with natural service bull breeding that capture some benefits of estrus synchronization without the need to adopt an artificial insemination program in this MU Extension guide.
Grazing Cover Crops
New
There is a direct and easily tracked way of turning cover crops back into cash: grazing. Look at grazing cover crops from the perspectives of livestock owners and row crop farmers, and learn how to overcome some of the challenges that cover crops pose.
Care and Maintenance of a Liquid Nitrogen Tank
Revised
Semen is a significant cost in a cattle artificial insemination program. Maintaining a liquid nitrogen tank’s integrity is key to protecting that investment. Learn how to properly care for and maintain a liquid nitrogen tank in this MU Extension guide.
Artificial Insemination of Cattle Step by Step
New
Using correct techniques when performing artificial insemination on beef cattle can help ensure success and minimizing risk of injury. Learn how to deposit the semen in the proper location in the female reproductive tract while using sanitary techniques.
Herd Health Programs and Reproductive Efficiency of Beef Cattle
New
An excellent herd health program is an important component of overall management for reproductive efficiency in a beef cattle operation. Learn ways to mitigate health risks through consistent monitoring and proactive management in this MU Extension guide.
Managing the Effects of Stress and Temperament on Beef Cattle Reproduction
New
Commercial beef producers can improve herd temperament by selecting for docility and culling flighty, aggressive animals. Learn management practices that might improve reproductive outcomes in this guide.
Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Cow
Revised
The ability of a cow or heifer to successfully mate, conceive, give birth, and raise a healthy calf each year is essential for profitable and sustainable beef production. A good understanding of anatomy and physiology of both the male and female is helpful in successfully managing reproduction.
Selection of Replacement Heifers for Commercial Beef Cattle Operations
New
To maintain herd numbers, commercial cow-calf operations must buy or develop females to replace culled cows. Learn about different stratgegies so you can make the most economical decision for your farm or ranch with long-term profitability in mind.
Facilities for Artificial Insemination of Beef Cattle
New
Access to functional artificial insemination (AI) facilities is a challenge for beef cattle producers. Learn what to look for in an AI facility and view a list of portable breeding barns available through University of Missouri Extension.
Detection of Estrus in Beef Cattle Herds
New
Correctly detecting cows and heifers in estrus can be critical for beef producers. Learn behavioral and physiological changes that indicate standing heat, how to use estrus detection aids and how to time artificial insemination in this MU Extension guide.
Production Records for Commercial Cow-Calf Operations
New
Learn what cow-calf production records are needed for making management decisions in a beef cattle operation, the basic metrics to consider monitoring, and how to interpret the results in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Crossbreeding Systems for Small Herds of Beef Cattle
Revised
Crossbreeding in commercial beef cattle production improves efficiency through heterosis and breed complementation.
Decreasing Generation Interval to Increase Genetic Progress
Reviewed
To see the greatest return on investing in genomic-enhanced EPDs, cattle breeders must decrease the average age of sires and dams. Learn how to shorten the generational invterval to speed up genetic progress in this University of Missouri Extension guide.
Calving Season Considerations for Commercial Beef Cattle Operations
New
Managing when cows calve can have significant implications for the profitability of a cow-calf operation. Learn how to manage for a short, defined calving period and thus reduce costs and optimize productivity of the cow herd in this MU Extension guide.
Preparation and Handling of Catheters for Artificial Insemination of Cattle
New
Learn proper semen handling to achieve maximum conception rates with artificial insemination in beef cattle. Reduced conception rates occur if semen is handled improperly before, during or after thawing. See this illustrated MU Extension guide for more.
Determination of Pregnancy Status in Beef Herds
New
Pregnancy examination provides valuable information that enables cow-calf operations to make management decisions that increase profitability and improve long-term reproductive efficiency. Learn about several methods in this MU Extension guide.