The following publications cover topics related to Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Farmers Guide to the H-2A Visa Program
Revised
This guide to the H-2A Agricultural Guest Worker Program details eligibility, application steps, and resources for Missouri agricultural employers.
Evaluating Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Opportunities for Local Beef in Missouri
Revised
Explore strategies for Missouri beef producers to market directly to consumers, including selling by the cut or in shares, to enhance profitability.
Risk Management Planning for Agricultural Businesses
New
Find examples and a template for managing the areas of agricultural risks for farms and agribusinesses: production, marketing, financial, legal and human.
Tuned In: Mastering Social Listening and Social Proof for Small Businesses
New
Social listening allows businesses to improve brand performance by gathering consumer sentiments, understanding target customers, and learning from competitors.
Missouri Farmers Market Sales Tax Exemption for Farm Products Sold
New
Learn when Missouri farmers market vendors must collect or remit sales tax and when farm products qualify for the state’s $25,000 exemption.
Missouri Farm Record Book for Cash-Based Accounting
Revised $12
Farmers can use this simple Missouri farm tax recordkeeping system if they track yearly income and expenses for their agricultural operations on a cash basis.
Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers
Reviewed
Learn how farms can market local food directly to consumers by building relationships with buyers, discovering customer needs, providing quality service.
Missouri Farm Labor Guide
Revised
Learn good human resource practices related to employee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training and termination that your farm or agribusiness can use.
Market Channels for Locally Raised Foods
Revised
Sell Missouri vegetables via CSAs; U-pick sales; on-farm, roadside, farmers markets; co-ops; wholesale auctions; restaurants; institutions; supermarkets.
Starting and Operating a Farmers Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Revised
Learn what makes a farmers market successful. Get tips about how to start or improve a market to make local food available in your community.
Crop Insurance and Risk Management Programs for Missouri Specialty Crops
Revised
Protect your revenue or crop yields of your specialty crop business with crop insurance or similar programs to manage your price and production risks.
Harnessing Social Media to Drive Sales
Revised
Ready to make your social media presence drive results for your business? Read this guide to learn how to set goals and strategies, craft action-inspiring content, leverage a content calendar and evaluate performance for future success.
Post, Engage, Grow: A Social Media Primer
New
Grow your business’s visibility with social media. This guide can help you choose the right platform, build an online presence and engage your audience. Learn how to connect with customers and turn social media into a springboard for marketing success.
Controlled Environment Agriculture: Understanding Grow Lights
New
Learn about key considerations for selecting grow lights for use in indoor hydroponic systems.
Missouri Slaughter and Inspection Requirements for Livestock and Poultry Producers
Revised
Missouri meat producers must register and meet inspection requirements to sell meat legally. Learn about species-specific regulations and compliance.
Refining Market Channel Selections Based on Cost
New
Agricultural entrepreneurs can estimate their cost of accessing market channels with this tool to set product prices, plan for marketing investments, and evaluate sales strategies.
Funding Agricultural Business Development With Federal and State Grants
Revised
Grant programs allow agricultural businesses and farmers to seek funding that supports business development and may complement other business financing.
Controlled Environment Agriculture: Hydroponic Farming
Revised
Learn about ways to grow vegetables, fruits and related crops in indoor hydroponic systems and environmental control considerations for managing production.
Small Acreage Business Planning in Missouri
New
Learn why business planning around marketing, assets and profitability is important for launching a successful small acreage enterprise. Be sure to envision your goals as you consider enterprises.
Planning for an Aquaculture Business in Missouri
New
Learn how to start and manage aquaculture businesses in Missouri, including system types, species selection, and water quality tips.
Adding Value in Agriculture, Food and Forestry
Reviewed
See 7 ways to add value to farm commodities or products, and learn how to turn a value-added agriculture idea into a business that can increase farm income.
Selecting an Appropriate Pricing Strategy
Revised
This guide outlines how to set prices for value-added agricultural products by analyzing costs, customer demand, and competition.
Break-even Pricing, Revenue and Units
Revised
This guide explains how to calculate break-even price, revenue, and unit sales for value-added agricultural products.