The following publications cover topics related to Beef Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
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.
Successfully Direct Marketing Beef
New
Get tips on direct marketing beef in this 32-page publication.
Missouri Grazing Manual
Reviewed $20
Learn how soil, forages and animals interact in grazing systems, and get ideas for improving pasture quality and extending the grazing season for beef or dairy.
Calculating the Value of Manure as a Fertilizer Source
Revised
Use this worksheet to estimate the value of manure nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and gauge how much manure to apply to corn, wheat, soybeans.
Missouri Frost/Freeze Probabilities Guide
Reviewed
Where in Missouri you live can make a big difference on when to expect your first or last frost. See this guide for probabilities based on past years.
Heritability and Its Use in Animal Breeding
Reviewed
Heritability has a large influence on livestock performance. Visit our website to learn about Heritability and Its Use in Animal Breeding.
Vitamins for Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Vitamin needs of beef cattle can be confined largely to A, D and E. This is because bacteria in the rumen of cattle are considered to have the ability to synthesize vitamin K and the B vitamins in sufficient quantities to meet the animal's requirement.
Mineral Supplements for Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Beef cattle require a number of dietary mineral elements to remain healthy. Visit our site to learn about Mineral Supplements for Beef Cattle.
The System Concept of Beef Production: BIF Fact Sheet
Reviewed
The systems concept of beef production incorporates an awareness that there is more to consider in a beef cattle enterprise than simply the level of production. What is most important is the overall efficiency of the enterprise.
Wheat Silage for Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Wheat, barley and oat silages are often underrated as feed for growing and finishing beef cattle. Studies show barley silage as being equal to corn silage, but they show that oat silage has about 50 percent the value of corn silage in beef rations.
Weed and Brush Control for Forages, Pastures and Noncropland
New $41
Annual broadleaf and grass weeds can become a serious problem in pastures and forages. Learn about forage crop, soil and weed problems in Missouri. See color photos of weeds at different stages and select herbicides with the help of tables in this manual.
Soil Sampling Hayfields and Row Crops
New
Collecting a representative soil sample is an important step in developing a nutrient plan for your farm. Make smarter management decisions and more efficient use of fertilizer nutrients by learning how to plan and take soil samples from your fields in th
Soil Sampling Pastures
New
Collecting a representative soil sample is an important step in developing a nutrient plan for your farm. The goals of your soil sampling plan should be to
Plants Poisonous to Livestock
Reviewed
Understanding and Using Sire Summaries: BIF Fact Sheet
Reviewed
Sire selection is one of the most important decisions cow/calf producers make. If it is effective, sire selection will account for nearly 90 percent of the genetic improvement in a herd.
Using Performance Data in Judging Classes: BIF Fact Sheet
Reviewed
Judging contests are an important educational tool. Someday young cattle producers will be faced with selection decisions that affect the profitability of their operations. This guide can be used to train youth interested in modern beef selection practices.1