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Forages

Cows in a field of forage

Forages feed America’s heartland

Use our research-based information to build a strong forage-livestock operation.

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Attend Grazing School to learn grassland management techniques designed to improve your operation's profitability and sustainability.

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Missouri's forage-livestock industry is the state's largest agricultural endeavor.

Forage producers use 11 million acres of private lands for grazing, hay production and conservation. Forage-livestock enterprises contribute more than $12 billion annually to Missouri's economy, providing direct income for more than 200,000 citizens.

Nationally, Missouri has the third-largest cow-calf herd — comprising more than 4 million cows and calves — the second-largest number of beef producers and the seventh-largest number of dairy farms. Fittingly, Missouri also is the second-largest producer of grass hay. No other Missouri agricultural enterprise covers more acres, generates more real income or engages as many citizens.

Find information and resources aimed at improving the economic and environmental status of Missouri's forage and grassland agriculture on this site.

 

Publications

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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 ...

Forage Crop Irrigation Systems and Economics

Publication date: Feb. 1, 2023

Ryan MilhollinAssistant Extension Professor, Agricultural Business and PolicyDrew KientzyResearch Project Analyst, Agriculture Business and PolicyStacey HamiltonState Dairy Specialist, Division of Animal SciencesRyan LockState Forage Specialist, ...

A Guide to the Common Forages and Weeds of Pastures

Publication date: Jan. 27, 2023

$30.00

Greg J. Bishop-HurleyPostdoctoral research associate, AgronomyRobert L. KallenbachState Forage SpecialistForages are the foundation of a successful grazing operation. Forage selection should take into account annual forage yield, plant persistence, ...

Dairy Grazing: Growth of Pasture Plants

Publication date: Jan. 27, 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 ...

Hurry Up and Wait: Replanting Decisions for Pastures During Drought

Publication date: Jan. 27, 2023

Rob KallenbachDepartment of AgronomyCraig RobertsDepartment of AgronomyDrought typically causes Missouri cattlemen to be concerned about their pastures. These concerns can turn to thoughts of replanting, but such plans may be premature.The major ...

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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