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Mizzou field days set for sites across state
Agricultural producers are invited to save the dates for upcoming events across the state in which extension specialists and researchers from the University of Missouri share the latest findings, highlight best practices and address local emerging issues.
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June is dairy month
In celebration of June Dairy month, Hemme Brothers of Sweet Springs hosted the Missouri Dairy summer social event, where dairymen and industry supporters gathered to learn more about benefits of on-farm technology, including robotic milking and feeding systems.
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Happy Beef Month from your MU Extension dairy specialist
Happy Beef Month. Yes, that message is coming from your University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist. Across Missouri, where cattle operations of all kinds form the backbone of rural communities, the lines between beef and dairy are not separate conversations. They are part of the same cattle industry and, increasingly, the same supply chain.
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Registration open for 2026 grazing schools
GALENA, Mo. – Registration is open for 2026 grazing schools offered by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and University of Missouri Extension. These three-day schools help livestock producers learn the art and science of grazing cattle through a combination of classroom instruction and on-farm visits, said University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Tim Schnakenberg.
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Consult vets in spring management decisions for optimal cattle health, performance
STOCKTON, Mo. – “As spring approaches, cattle operations face a range of important management decisions,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Engaging your local veterinarian can provide guidance, as they possess the expertise required to support sound management choices that enhance productivity and profitability.
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Cattle AI school equips producers with breeding skills
Producers sharpen cattle-breeding skills in a hands-on artificial insemination school, learning anatomy, semen handling, synchronization and herd-building strategies.
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Remember the 5Qs of colostrum
Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow’s mammary glands after giving birth, is liquid gold for baby calves. The thick, nutrient-rich fluid provides essential nourishment and crucial immunity in the form of antibodies to newborn calves in the first 24 hours of life.
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Review biosecurity basics to keep your herd safe
Summer is a good time to review how to prevent disease from coming onto your farm, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins.
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Prepare cattle for second heat wave
Learn strategies to protect cattle from heat stress, including providing shade, fresh water, and proper ventilation to maintain animal health.
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Tall fescue adds to heat stress in cattle
Cattle rid their bodies of heat in three ways: radiation, convection and evaporation. “If your cattle can’t use all three methods, they’ll overheat fast,” says University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey. Summer heat knocks weight off calves and pounds off milk, Bailey says. “Heat stress costs real money.”
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MU RaFF releases policy brief on changes to Federal Milk Marketing Orders
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new policy brief by the University of Missouri Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) weighs in on changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs).
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Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors names winners
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors celebrates leaders, breeders, and pioneers shaping the state’s dairy industry.
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Mitigating pregnancy loss in cow herds
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – With spring calving season underway, producers want as many healthy calves on the ground as possible. “A lot of folks see pregnancy loss within their herd and think of it in two ways: either a cow aborting a calf during gestation, or losing the calf after it is already made it on the ground,” said Chloe Collins, University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist. But multiple factors go into pregnancy loss, both…
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Cattle care during prolonged extreme cold
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Cold weather has moved into Missouri quickly with no plans of leaving soon, according to forecasts.
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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.
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Early preparation equals a successful breeding season
Prepare your herd with exams, vaccinations, nutrition, and breeding plans for a successful cattle breeding season.
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Honoring the nation's dairy farmers
Celebrate National Dairy Month by honoring farmers and discovering the health benefits dairy brings to families and communities.
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MU Extension urges biosecurity to mitigate HPAI on dairy farms
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri dairy farmers are urged to protect their dairy herds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus as the USDA and other federal agencies investigate an illness among dairy cows in seven other states (Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas and North Carolina). The illnesses in those states have been confirmed as HPAI.
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Paired housing of dairy calves could be 'logical next step' of FARM
Calves housed in pairs may boost social development and learning, though paired setups require more management and raise disease-control costs.
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MU dairy team urges enhanced biosecurity over Texas mystery outbreak
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension dairy team cautions producers to practice elevated biosecurity in light of a recent disease outbreak in Texas dairy country, in and near the Texas Panhandle from Dalhart to Lubbock. While the source of the outbreak is unknown, it has affected several Texas dairy farms, observable through sudden decreases in milk production (up to 30 pounds per day), reduced feed intake and changes in…
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2024 dairy returns might improve
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prices paid in 2024 for dairy products should be similar to 2023, while net returns may be better, according to University of Missouri Extension economist Scott Brown. Brown told attendees at the 2024 Missouri Dairy Expo that average weather and feed costs will be key factors for this year’s outlook.
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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.
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Helping dairy cows through extreme heat
Learn how to protect dairy cows from heat stress with cooling, nutrition, and reproductive management strategies.
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Franklin County farm hosts Missouri Dairy Summer Social
WASHINGTON, Mo. – Riegel Dairy in Washington, Mo., will host the Missouri Dairy Summer Social 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, June 30.Grade A dairy producers statewide are encouraged to attend this free educational event, says Reagan Bluel, University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist and educational director of Missouri Dairy.Recognized as a leading producer in the state, Riegel Dairy uses technology to help manage its herd of 780…
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Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes 2022 winners
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors celebrated 2022 awardees: Tom Oelrichs, Ridge View Farm, Dave Drennan, and the late Sam and Ethel Messer.