Forages

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

Feedstuff Finder app on phone
Feedstuff Finder

The go-to platform for buying and selling feed in Missouri.

A new mobile-friendly online platform built for farmers and FREE to use for both sellers and buyers.

Sign up to list feedstuffs for sale, including hay, silage or co-products.

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Resources

Center for Regenerative Agriculture

The Center for Regenerative Agriculture (CRA) at University of Missouri provides a collaborative home for research, education and extension work with the goals of building more integrated approaches to regenerative farming and developing food systems that are more resilient. Here is a list of online courses offered through CRA.

Feedstuff Finder

Feedstuff Finder is a FREE tool for individuals to find or list hay and co-product feedstuffs for sale. Buyers can access a user-friendly map displaying available products, complete with details and a delivery cost estimator.

2012 Nitrate-Aflatoxin Update (PDF)

Learn about aflatoxins and how to test for and manage them.

Ag Lease 101 document library

Farm leases and other agreements, forms and publications written by North Central Farm Management Extension Committee members.

grazing-wedge-368.jpg
Grazing wedge
An online tool for managing pasture-based dairy farms
Missouri Forage and Grassland Council
Visit Missouri Forage and Grassland Council
Promotes the efficient use of forages through a variety of research, education and service programs