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.

Learn more about stored forages

MU Extension Grazing School news feature