Collecting Genetic Material From Beef Cattle
Revised
Collect and store genetic samples from beef cattle using blood, hair, or tissue for parentage, trait analysis, and breeding decisions.
Selection of Replacement Heifers for Commercial Beef Cattle Operations
Revised
To maintain herd numbers, commercial cow-calf operations must buy or develop females to replace culled cows. Learn about different strategies so you can make the most economical decision for your farm or ranch with long-term profitability in mind.
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance
Revised
See how LRP insurance helps farmers manage market price volatility risk. Missouri producers may apply for feeder cattle, fed cattle, lamb and swine policies.
Dairy Grazing: Pasture Establishment
Reviewed
Establishing permanent pastures for dairy grazing involves selecting appropriate forage species, ensuring soil fertility, and choosing optimal seeding times
Alfalfa
Reviewed
Alfalfa is the most productive legume for Missouri. Visit our website today to learn more about Alfalfa.
Missouri Grazing Manual
Reviewed $20
Learn how soil, forages and animals interact in grazing systems, and get ideas for improving pasture quality and extending the grazing season for beef or dairy.
Making and Storing Quality Hay
Reviewed
Properly making and storing hay and greatly reduce dry matter loses. Visit our site to learn about Making and Storing Quality Hay.
Bermudagrass
Reviewed
Bermudagrass makes excellent warm-season pasture and is gaining popularity in Missouri. Visit our website today to learn more.
Tall Fescue
Reviewed
Tall Fescue is one of the more drought-resistant field plants grown in Missouri. Visit our website today to learn more.
Big Bluestem, Indiangrass and Switchgrass
Reviewed
Big Bluestem, Indiangrass and Switchgrass have been reintroduced successfully across Missouri. Visit our website today to learn more.
Reducing Losses When Feeding Hay to Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Feeding hay to cattle is expensive, mostly due to waste. Learn good management practices to minimize the losses that occur due to poor storage methods, improper feeding methods, or both.
Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Bull
Reviewed
Good reproductive performance of a bull is necessary to obtain a high percent calf crop when natural service is used for breeding. Gain a basic knowledge of the reproductive tract and an understanding of the bull’s reproductive system in this guide.
Body Condition Scoring of Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Assess beef cattle fat reserves using a 1–9 body condition scoring system to inform feeding and management decisions throughout the production cycle.
Beef Cow Nutrition Through the Year: Managing for Efficient Reproduction
Reviewed
Profitable cow-calf operations manage so that a large proportion of the cow herd calves in the early portion of a short calving season. In order to maintain this, cows need to conceive on approximately a 365-day calving interval.
Land Application Considerations for Animal Manure
Reviewed
Learn best practices for land applying animal manure to minimize nutrient loss, reduce pollution, and protect water quality.
Care and Maintenance of a Liquid Nitrogen Tank
Reviewed
Semen is a significant cost in a cattle artificial insemination program. Maintaining a liquid nitrogen tank’s integrity is key to protecting that investment. Learn how to properly care for and maintain a liquid nitrogen tank in this MU Extension guide.
Guide to Estrus Synchronization Products
Reviewed
Several protocols and other resources allow beef producers to effectively synchronize estrus and ovulation in the herd. Read this guide for an overview of the function, handling considerations, and proper administration of estrus synchronization products.
Artificial Insemination of Cattle Step by Step
Reviewed
Using correct techniques when performing artificial insemination on beef cattle can help ensure success and minimizing risk of injury. Learn how to deposit the semen in the proper location in the female reproductive tract while using sanitary techniques.
Herd Health Programs and Reproductive Efficiency of Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Comprehensive herd health programs enhance reproductive efficiency in beef cattle by addressing disease prevention, nutrition, and environmental stressors.
Determining Reproductive Fertility in Herd Bulls
Reviewed
Learn how to assess and enhance bull fertility through breeding soundness evaluations, puberty indicators, and nutrition strategies.
Understanding and Minimizing Pregnancy Loss in Cattle
Reviewed
This publication details some common causes of pregnancy loss and provides management practices that can help minimize the incidence of pregnancy loss.
Facilities for Artificial Insemination of Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Access to functional artificial insemination (AI) facilities is a challenge for beef cattle producers. Learn what to look for in an AI facility and view a list of portable breeding barns available through University of Missouri Extension.
Detection of Estrus in Beef Cattle Herds
Reviewed
Correctly detecting cows and heifers in estrus can be critical for beef producers. Learn behavioral and physiological changes that indicate standing heat, how to use estrus detection aids and how to time artificial insemination in this MU Extension guide.
Production Records for Commercial Cow-Calf Operations
Reviewed
Track key metrics like breeding, calving, and weaning to enhance cow-calf herd productivity and profitability through effective record-keeping.
Preserve It Fresh, Preserve It Safe: 2026, No. 4 (July/August)
New
Learn the facts behind common home canning myths and how to safely preserve your food. This issue covers home canning practices, including proper tomato preservation, and discover tips for foraging, handling, preparing, and preserving wild foods.