Agricultural business and policy : article
Persistent drought has cost Missouri agriculture billions, stressing crops, livestock, and soil moisture management.
Discover how precision ag tools like sensors, drones, and GPS improve efficiency, cut costs, and boost yields for smarter farming.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Heroes to Hives program. Veterans who want to learn about beekeeping can attend the self-paced online class, which runs March-November. Participants also receive on-ground training on hive handling, hive inspections, pest and pathogen management and beekeeping…
As the end of the year approaches, many landowners and tenants are reviewing farm leases for the 2026 season. For those using a verbal agreement, MU Extension encourages a careful review of a newly revised guide, "Verbal Farm Rental Agreements Under Missouri Law," which is available for free…
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Stored hay can be a livestock producer’s best insurance, says University of Missouri Extension plant science specialist Caleb O’Neal, who is also a cattle producer. It provides flexibility for cattlemen to rest pastures in the event of drought and is often the feed of choice for…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s economy surged ahead in the third quarter of 2024. The state’s gross domestic product grew at an annualized rate of 3.8%, outpacing the U.S. average of 3.1% and ranking 16th nationwide for economic growth during the quarter.
Show-Me-Select heifers averaged $1,555 in Farmington’s first spring sale, offering calving-ease and quality genetics to buyers.
Show-Me-Select heifers averaged $1,787 at Fruitland's second spring sale, with top-quality Tier II heifers fetching up to $2,400.
Show-Me-Select heifers averaged over $2,600 per head in Fruitland fall sales, with strong demand for top genetics.
Some record high prices marked the spring sales of Show-Me-Select bred heifers. The combined gross amount from the five regional sales was $2,321,900 for 602 bred heifers.
Mary Sobba earned the 2018 Annie’s Project Women in Ag Educator Award for her leadership, statewide reach, and inspiring rural audiences.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – While Missouri’s farmland market remains relatively stable, new survey data points to rising interest—and prices—for timberland and recreational properties.
Explore how stocker cattle systems can boost farm revenue using pasture-based strategies with minimal input.
KEYTESVILLE, Mo. – Farmers need more research showing cover crops increase yields, reduce erosion and add nutrients back to the soil in corn-soybean rotation before they adopt the practice, says University of Missouri researcher Ranjith Udawatta.
Southwest Missouri dairy and creamery see lower somatic cell counts, higher milk yield, and better cow comfort using compost-bedded pack barns.
Cattle rid their bodies of heat in three ways: radiation, convection and evaporation. “If your cattle can’t use all three methods, they’ll overheat fast,” says University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey. Summer heat knocks weight off calves and pounds off milk,…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Livestock owners increasing their herds must grow demand for meat. Current herd size expands meat supplies and domestic meat consumption to record levels.With more supply, expect lower prices, University of Missouri economist Scott Brown told the Womack Agricultural Outlook…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Enthusiasm for drone use in agriculture is growing quickly, says Caleb O’Neal, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in plant science.
Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report
Mistakes on the farm can strain community ties. To repair relationships, document damages, communicate professionally, and assess losses fairly.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As winter feeding season continues with a forecast of Arctic weather in February, cow herd owners face dwindling hay supplies.Eric Bailey, University of Missouri beef nutritionist, gives the short answer: “Feed less, need less.”In practice, that takes management decisions and…
Online tools help farmers estimate potential payments from the 2025 American Relief Act for major crops and plan cash flow.
FORSYTH, Mo. – Despite the benefits of conservation practices on farmland, differing goals and expectations can create tension between landowners and tenants when talking about incorporating them into a land lease.
The U.S.–China trade war has led to a 25% drop in U.S. soybean exports, disrupting global trade and impacting farmers and markets worldwide.
Livestock producers now have more flexibility under recent updates to USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program, which helps safeguard against unexpected price declines in feeder cattle, fed cattle and swine markets. MU Extension has updated its publication on LRP to reflect the most recent…
Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The high price of eggs and egg shortages in some places have led some consumers to seek out other sources of protein.
MACON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day regional program on growing and selling local foods Feb. 28 in Macon.
ST. PETERS, Mo. – Openings remain for free Feb. 13 and March 7 workshops to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.
University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshops.
HANNIBAL, Mo. – Openings remain for a free Feb. 16 workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop.
ELDON, Mo. – Openings remain for a free Jan. 24 workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies.University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop.
HANNIBAL, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Hannibal.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 6-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, in Jefferson City.