The following publications cover topics related to Beef Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Evaluating Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Opportunities for Local Beef in Missouri
New
Explore strategies for Missouri beef producers to market directly to consumers, including selling by the cut or in shares, to enhance profitability.
Pasture Fence Construction Budget
New
Detailed cost estimates for building perimeter and interior fences on Missouri farms, including materials, labor, and equipment.
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.
Missouri Fencing and Boundary Laws
Reviewed
Learn about Missouri fencing and boundary laws, including duties, rights, and resolving disputes between landowners regarding fences and boundaries.
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.
A Guide to the Common Forages and Weeds of Pastures
Reviewed $30
Editor's note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available for purchase.
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. 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.
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
Explore strategies for integrating livestock grazing with cover crops to enhance soil health and profitability for Missouri farmers.
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.
Guide to Estrus Synchronization Products
Revised
Several protocols and other resources allow beef producers to effectively synchronize estrus and ovulation in the herd. Read this guide for an overview of the function, handling considerations, and proper administration of estrus synchronization products.
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
Comprehensive herd health programs enhance reproductive efficiency in beef cattle by addressing disease prevention, nutrition, and environmental stressors.
Managing the Effects of Stress and Temperament on Beef Cattle Reproduction
New
Learn how stress and temperament affect beef cattle reproduction and discover management strategies to improve breeding outcomes and herd health.
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.
The Random Shuffle of Genes: Putting the E in EPD
Reviewed
Understanding EPD variability: how genetic shuffling during reproduction leads to differences among full siblings in cattle.
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 strategies 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.