Dairy Extension

Milk quality resources

Improve milk management and profitability

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Grazing wedge

The grazing wedge is a tool for managing forage in grazing systems.

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Dairy (confinement) planning budget

The production practices used to develop these cost estimates are common for confinement dairies in Missouri.

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Dairy Extension

Missouri’s dairy production and processing industry continues to evolve within a growing but rapidly consolidating US dairy industry. This site links Missouri dairy producers to key dairy production and business information at MU and other institutions.

- Herd management
  Find dairy breeding, genetics and reproduction resources
- Milk prices
  Milk price resources and tools
- Pasture-Based Dairy
  Program to help you get the most out of your field
- MU Dairy Center
  Dairy Center resources and contacts

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Events

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Cattle Artificial Insemination School

Event date: Oct. 31, 2023 - Nov. 2, 2023

Mount Vernon, MO

These schools combine classroom learning about cow anatomy and physiology, estrous synchronization, proper semen handling and tank care, cowherd nutrition and health for a successful breeding season. These classes will have a lot of hands on practice ...

Pearls of Production - In the Field

Event date: Nov. 4, 2023

Event time: | 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm

North Session has been cancelled.SOUTH: Nov 4, 2023; 1-9 pm MU Southwest Research Extension Center, Mt. Vernon, MOTopics include: Basic Cheese labSheep Production: The FAMACHA System and Five Point CheckElderberry need to knows Cost: ...

Paint a Holiday Cow with Chloe

Event date: Nov. 9, 2023

Event time: | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Mountain Grove, MO

I am holding a painting class to offer a fun environment for community members to come out and meet me while also engaging with others who have similar interests. This will also serve as a good opportunity to converse about issues that they may be ...

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News & articles

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Learn artificial insemination of cattle in SW Missouri

Published: Monday, Sept. 18, 2023

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Cattle producers interested in improving the genetic progress of their herds will have a hands-on opportunity to learn artificial insemination in southwestern Missouri.University of Missouri Extension will host “Artificial ...

Helping dairy cows through extreme heat

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Heat waves put extra stress on livestock. A University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist advises taking specific, ongoing steps for dairy cows throughout heat waves.Heat abatement“Dairy cows become heat-stressed starting at ...

Tough culling decisions come with drought, forage shortages

Published: Wednesday, June 14, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – With dry weather and short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.Give careful thought to which grass eaters go first, says Eric Bailey, ...

Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes 2022 winners

Published: Friday, March 17, 2023

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recently honored its 2022 winners in a special ceremony, according to Gloria Johnson, executive secretary for the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors.Tom Oelrichs of Mora is the recipient of the Dairy ...

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Publications

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Farmland Values for Midwestern States

Publication date: Aug. 1, 2023

Ryan MilhollinAssistant Extension Professor, Agricultural Business and PolicyThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) conducts a survey of farm real estate values each year and calculates the average ...

Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri

Publication date: April 1, 2023

Drew Kientzy Research Analyst, Agricultural Business and Policy Extension Raymond E. Massey Extension Professor, Agricultural Business and Policy Editor’s note Rates are available in the PDF file, available via the “Download this ...

Dairy Grazing: Genetics of the Grazing Cow

Publication date: Feb. 9, 2023

This publication is one in a series about operating and managing a pasture-based dairy. Although these publications often refer to conditions in Missouri, many of the principles and concepts described may apply to operations throughout the United ...

Missouri Fencing and Boundary Laws

Publication date: Dec. 1, 2022

Mallory RaheAssociate Professor, Agricultural Business and Policy ExtensionJoe KoenenCounty Engagement Specialist, Agricultural Business and PolicyFigure 1. It is important for landowners to understand fence and boundary law to avoid conflict with ...

Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) Insurance

Publication date: Oct. 1, 2022

Joe HornerState Specialist, Agricultural Business and Policy ExtensionRay MasseyProfessor, Agricultural Business and Policy ExtensionRyan MilhollinAssistant Professor, Agricultural Business and Policy ExtensionIn livestock production, gross margin is ...

Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Insurance in Missouri

Publication date: Oct. 1, 2022

Ryan MilhollinAssistant ProfessorAgricultural Business and Policy ExtensionRay MasseyProfessorAgricultural Business and Policy ExtensionJoe HornerState SpecialistAgricultural Business and Policy ExtensionFigure 1. Drought risk for grazing beef or ...

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Online courses

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Pasture Based Dairy Production: Short Course 0122

Jan. 1, 2022 - April 30, 2022

online $350.00

This is a 16-week course describing the systems approach to managing a pasture-based dairy. Participants will have a better understanding of how a grazing dairy operates with the cow-forage-people structure using a systems approach. Topics include ...

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Resources

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Forage Cost Per Ton Calculator

Calculating forages on a cost per ton of dry matter allows price comparisons between differing bale sizes and moisture levels of forage. Use this calculator to prevent confusion about bale weights and moisture and to learn the true cost of buying ...

Dairy Herd Vaccination Program (PDF)

Health and Reproduction - Management Protocols - University of Arkansas

Grazing Wedge: Online Tool for Pasture Management

The grazing wedge online tool enables beef and dairy producers to make forage management decisions that align to their production goals. Users can set up an account, input farm and paddock data, and track other information they can use to improve ...

Cash Grain Market (USDA)

Business management - Missouri Markets

Missouri Climate Center

Provides weather data required for effective planning and management of the state's agriculture, industry and natural resources.

Byproduct feed price listing

Lists prices per ton charged by a number of companies for feed such as corn gluten meal and dried distillers grain.

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Dairy Extension

Milk quality resources

Grazing wedge

Dairy (confinement) planning budget

Subscribe now to the Dairy Team monthly newsletter

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Events

News & articlestab

News & articles

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Publications

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Online courses

Pasture Based Dairy Production: Short Course 0122

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