MU Soybean monitoring report predicts sharp decline in yield
The latest Soybean Growth Monitoring Yield Prediction report from MU Extension predicts drastically lower soybean yields due to lack of rain, averaging 3-6 bushels per acre lower than in the previous report.
More than 90% of state in drought as harvest nears
As harvest nears, MU Extension agronomists see signs of flash drought threatening Missouri crop yields. The U.S. Drought Monitor map for Missouri released on Sept. 4 shows that 93.68% of Missouri is at least abnormally dry following an unusually wet spring.
MU Extension launches second round of Cow College Workshops
Interactive Cow College Workshops offer Southeast Missouri producers practical training in forage, cattle health, heifer development and risk-management.
Plan for drought by choosing the right forage plan
TUSCUMBIA, Mo. – Now is the time for forage growers to plan for drought, says Rudra Baral, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy.
Persistent drought costs Missouri ag industry
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought is costing Missouri agriculture significant amounts of money. Since the 1980s, Missourians have had 16 drought disasters costing $1 billion or more, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the total cost of these disasters is between $10 billion and $20 billion.
Avoid financial heartbreak after drought
Learn strategies to reduce financial loss after drought by adjusting pasture management and considering native warm-season grasses.
Drought in SW Missouri worsens with no rain in forecast
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought continues to plague southwestern and west-central Missouri as pastures dry and cattle producers start to feed hay well ahead of schedule. “The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor depicts increasing severity and coverage of drought conditions across Missouri,” says Zachary Leasor, University of Missouri Extension climatologist.
Despite recent rainfall, Missouri remains dry
Missouri faces worsening drought despite recent rains, with dry pastures, crop stress, and low water levels raising concern across the state.
Weather station upgrades will help plan for flood, drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s network of weather stations will soon be updated to provide long-term soil moisture information to help forecast, monitor and respond to flood and drought. MU Extension state natural resources specialist Michael Sunde and state climatologist Zack Leasor will work alongside John Travlos, co-director of the Missouri Mesonet, to add new soil moisture sensors to many of the network’s 45…
Post-drought pasture improvement takes more than rain
LINNEUS, Mo.– Heavy rainfall throughout much of Missouri on July 2 may have lessened worries about drought damage in pastures, but one good rain won’t undo the damage to mismanaged pastures during two straight years of drought, according to two University of Missouri Extension specialists based at the MU Forage Systems Research Center in Linneus.
Protecting sheep and goats from heat stress
OSCEOLA, Mo. – Sheep and goats are susceptible to heat stress in the summer, and a revised University of Missouri Extension publication updates management practices for producers to protect their animals.
Managing heat stress in sheep and goats
OSCEOLA, Mo. – As the summer months set in, sheep and goat producers should watch their animals for heat stress, says David Brown, University of Missouri small ruminant specialist. Although sheep and goats can tolerate heat better than other livestock species, long-term exposure might have devastating effects on the health and performance of the animals.
Rains bring drought relief to Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Most of Missouri has transitioned out of drought conditions for now, said University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zack Leasor. “The past two months have brought abundant rainfall to most of Missouri,” Leasor said. “After back-to-back drought years in 2022 and 2023, drought concerns were high in early 2024 following warm and dry conditions in February and March.”
Consider changing tilling, cover crop practices due to low soil moisture
Soils are drier than last year, prompting farmers to adjust tilling, cover crops, and planting strategies to conserve moisture and protect yields.
MU Extension guide covers management of small ruminants during drought
OSCEOLA, Mo. – Producers of small ruminants have had to deal with drought in nearly every part of Missouri this year trying to keep their animals healthy.“The biggest concern in drought for sheep and goats is lack of feed for the animals,” said David Brown, the University of Missouri Extension’s new livestock field specialist in small ruminants. Drought conditions affect nutrient quality of forage, leading to weight loss in sheep and…
Cornstalks can fill forage gaps during drought
Grazing cornstalks can help fill cattle feed gaps during drought, but supplementation and careful management are needed.
Can Missouri livestock producers outlast the drought?
Missouri livestock producers face drought challenges and must adjust herd sizes and feed strategies to stay profitable.
Native warm-season grasses help feed livestock through drought
The drought in Missouri has taken a toll on cool-season grasses, diminishing forage for cattle and other livestock.“Native warm-season grasses are the ideal forage for summer during the production slump of cool-season grasses due to heat, especially in a drought,” said Rusty Lee, University of Missouri Extension agronomy field specialist.
A No. 2 pencil is a beef producer's best tool
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One of the most important tools for livestock producers is a sharp No. 2 pencil. The pencil and some basic arithmetic can help take the emotion out of desperate measures to find feed. When you do the math, buying grain or other alternative feeds may be the best bang for the buck, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker.
Perilla mint poisoning of livestock worsens during drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists are getting reports of illness and death in cows and small ruminants that may have ingested perilla mint.Perilla mint, a toxic summer annual, is also known as rattlesnake weed, purple mint and beefsteak plant.Most healthy animals will eat around perilla mint if other, more palatable feed is available, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans.
5 reasons you need your veterinarian more than ever during drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During drought, beef producers might find a best friend in their local veterinarian, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans. “Although veterinarians always provide a valuable service to animal owners, their value to livestock producers becomes increasingly important during drought, high heat and limited forage availability,” says Evans.
Helping dairy cows through extreme heat
Learn how to protect dairy cows from heat stress with cooling, nutrition, and reproductive management strategies.
Now is time to use water resources available from agencies
HERMITAGE, Mo. – In the midst of drought, Missouri livestock producers face dwindling water supplies for their herds.Few options remain for this year, but producers can explore resources from local, state and federal agencies for the future, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Terry Halleran.Halleran says it is important to plan now since the application process for many programs can take six months or more.
Deciding when to green chop drought-stressed corn or turn into silage
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many Missouri corn growers are unsure about when to green chop and/or ensile their drought-stressed crops. There are key points to take into consideration on both the crop and livestock side, according to University of Missouri Extension specialists.Agronomy recommendations (MU Extension state agronomy specialist Kelly Nelson):
MU Extension offers help for crops, livestock and people during drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought. You're either in it, preparing for it or recovering from it.That’s how University of Missouri Extension specialists describe the sentiments of farm families facing yet another year of uncertainty.“Missouri stands at the precipice of its fourth significant drought in six years,” says Rob Kallenbach, associate dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.