MU guide looks at reconsidering silage pricing
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought throughout much of Missouri has renewed interest in how to price silage. An updated University of Missouri Extension publication looks at silage costs and revenues.
Plants respond to heat differently than humans
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extreme heat affects plants differently than humans.With triple-digit temperatures this summer, grain crop growers should understand how heat affects plants, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold.First, human concepts such as “heat index” or “feels like” do not apply to plants, Wiebold says. People and plants feel and react differently to heat.
MU Extension resources for farmers amid deepening drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “It’s not a good situation” for agriculture in the southern two-thirds of Missouri, where scant rainfall and high temperatures have led to worsening drought, said Pat Guinan, associate extension professor of climatology with University of Missouri Extension.The ample moisture in northern Missouri ends abruptly where drought conditions begin in central through southern Missouri, Guinan said.
Lack of rainfall during corn's R1 stage spells trouble
COLUMBIA, Mo. – One and one quarter inch. That’s how much rain corn plants need each week in July and August to maintain rapid growth and produce the best possible yields.Mother Nature has not been kind to Missouri’s corn crop this year, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold. One indication is the rapid expansion of trouble areas in the U.S. Drought Monitor, he says.
Silage-making reminders
SEDALIA, Mo. – While it is still too soon to sound the alarm on “drought,” parts of the state are becoming severely dry, said University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz.
Drought increases risk of forage poisoning
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought increases the chance of nitrate poisoning and prussic acid poisoning. High concentrations in plants and water can harm or even kill animals.High nitrate, mostly concentrated in grass stems, causes quick death, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Jill Scheidt. Nitrate in the blood blocks oxygen uptake. Without oxygen, cows die quickly.
Missourians encouraged to submit drought reports
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The public is invited to submit information to help local, state and national decision-makers assess drought conditions and impacts in Missouri.
Too little water, too much heat puts tasseling corn at risk
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Moderate drought for as little as five consecutive days can cause major damage in corn, according to University of Missouri Extension agronomist Bill Wiebold.
Alternative forage options during and after drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Widespread drought conditions during the 2018 growing season in most of Missouri resulted in hay and forage shortages, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Dhruba Dhakal.Dhakal offers some alternative/emergency forage options to feed beef cattle during fall, winter and spring.Stockpiling tall fescue
Cows heat stressed after breeding may have unseen pregnancy losses
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prolonged heat stress this year may bring a smaller calf crop next year. Herd owners are seeing cows known to be pregnant coming back into heat to be rebred.Pregnancy losses are due to several reasons, says Scott Poock, University of Missouri Extension veterinarian. “The first is increased internal temperature of the cow.”
81-year-old Missouri farmer tries subsurface drip irrigation
BELLFLOWER, Mo. – You won’t find grass growing under 81-year-old Russel Winter’s feet. While many farmers his age are retired, Winter still likes to lead the way in trying new farming technology and methods.During a recent hot summer day, Winter helped dig a trench for subsurface drip irrigation on his farm in Montgomery County. “I’ve been wanting to try this for 10 years,” he said. “Now that I should be quitting (farming), I’m trying…
Drought stays as beef farmers plan on fall rains to make winter pasture
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Stunted, stemmy pastures unable to support grazing cattle have potential. Depend on fall rains to bring fall regrowth, says University of Missouri Extension forage agronomist Craig Roberts.Cool-season grass growth always slumps in summer. Fescue goes dormant. This year, the slump dives deep with lack of rain and too much heat. In spite of that, Missouri farmers should prepare for fall regrowth for winter grazing.
Public asked to submit drought information
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The public is invited to submit information to help local, state and national decision-makers assess drought conditions and impacts in Missouri.
Drought cuts pasture growth, farmers face culling cow herds
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In dry weather with 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, University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist. Under drought stress, identifying those cows becomes urgent.
Farmers seek help from MU agronomists on dry weather impact on crops, forages
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Newly made spring hay finally being baled in June may be toxic for cattle. Hold off on feeding new hay, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The longer the hay can be stored after baling, the less toxic it becomes.
Drought tops questions called to MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extension agronomist talk was calm on the weekly teleconference. Few problems discussed on bugs, weeds, fungus or other pests. Then the weather hit the fan. Reports from across Missouri told of farmers’ concerns about lack of rain.For corn farmers it’s the threat of rootless corn. Soybean growers worry about low emergence and uneven stands.Cattle farmers ask “Where’s the grass? What do we do for hay?”