Dairy animals : article
CARROLLTON, Mo. – Centenarian Wilda Cox knows hard work. She’s built barns, lugged 110-pound cans of milk, picked and husked corn by hand and bucked hay bales.
But Cox endured no harder day than Oct. 31, 2022, when she sold the farm that had been in her family for more than a century.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prices paid in 2024 for dairy products should be similar to 2023, while net returns may be better, according to University of Missouri Extension economist Scott Brown.
Brown told attendees at the 2024 Missouri Dairy Expo that average weather and feed costs will be key factors for…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ways to replace toxic tall fescue pastures keep improving as renovations move across the Fescue Belt from Missouri to Georgia.
Five grazing schools in five states in March will clarify a complex system, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
SEDALIA, Mo. – Lexi Angelo earned high individual honors at the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest held Aug. 17 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
Molly Archer led the Missouri 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, excelling in Ayrshires, Guernseys, and Jerseys. Justice and Melzer followed in second and third.
SEDALIA, Mo.—Many Missouri producers are asking if it is safe to use soybeans for livestock forage. The topic was brought up repeatedly by attendees at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Growing supplies of meat and dairy products apply pressure on farm prices through 2017 into 2019. With big supplies, strong consumer demand brings good news for producers.The offsetting result can be prices near or above last year’s prices.
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – With the U.S. cattle inventory at its lowest point in more than 70 years, artificial insemination (AI) could boost numbers, says University of Missouri Extension dairy field specialist Chloe Collins.
“The need to rebuild the national herd is urgent,” she says.
MONETT, Mo. – Fourth-generation farmer Mike Meier knows change will help his family’s Century Farm survive.The rotational grazing and breeding system he uses for his dairy herd works. Now he wants to apply those principles to beef cattle. “At 56, I wanted to go in a different direction,” he says.
Cold snaps can trigger fescue foot in cattle grazing toxic fescue, leading to lameness and hoof loss. Early detection helps prevent losses.
Compost-bedded pack barns improve cow comfort, boost milk production, and support herd health with better bedding management.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new milk price safety net for dairy producers is in place. To take part farmers must rush to their local USDA farm service center.Milk producers must sign up for the first time or re-enroll by June 1, say University of Missouri Extension dairy economists.
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship offers a paid, two-year training program for future dairy farmers, providing hands-on experience in managed grazing systems.
Dairy farmers face lower milk demand as COVID-19 disrupts markets. Strategies include culling cows, reducing feed costs, and adjusting production.
Deep roots help grass survive drought, but overgrazing weakens root systems. Rotational grazing boosts pasture growth and efficiency.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – In dry weather with short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.
Most people don’t think of grass as poison, but dry weather and drought can turn a pasture dangerous.
Dung beetles enhance pastures by recycling nutrients, improving soil, and controlling pests.
Prepare your herd with exams, vaccinations, nutrition, and breeding plans for a successful cattle breeding season.
Learn the 4 O's—open, old, ornery, other—to cull unproductive cows and protect herd profitability.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Rain makes grass grow. That’s good for grazing livestock, but makes haying difficult.Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist, sees unusual potential for cattle producers.
COLUMBIA. Mo. – Shortage of cattle forage forces some Ozark herd owners to chop trees to feed leaves. That method was used in big droughts of the 1930s and 1950s.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Newly made spring hay finally being baled in June may be toxic for cattle. Hold off on feeding new hay, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The longer the hay can be stored after baling, the less toxic it becomes.
WASHINGTON, Mo. – Riegel Dairy in Washington, Mo., will host the Missouri Dairy Summer Social 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, June 30.Grade A dairy producers statewide are encouraged to attend this free educational event, says Reagan Bluel, University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist and educational…
STOCKTON, Mo. – Add legumes to grazing pastures to improve cow performance, soil health and forage production, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in Cedar County.
STOCKTON, Mo. – St. Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Missouri Extension, and Missouri Forage and Grassland Council will hold a school on management-intensive grazing May 9-10 in Osceola.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Rain-delayed haymaking leads to poor-quality feed for livestock next winter. Supplemental feed will be needed to make balanced rations, says University of Missouri Extension forage specialist Rob Kallenbach.
Celebrate National Dairy Month by honoring farmers and discovering the health benefits dairy brings to families and communities.
Celebrate Missouri’s dairy farmers as June is recognized for their contributions to the state’s economy and quality milk production.
Whitney Yerina of Laclede County earned top honors at the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, showcasing strong skills in multiple dairy breeds.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Adding poultry litter or nitrogen to toxic fescue pastures grows more grass, but also boosts toxins in the grass.
Protect livestock income with insurance that covers price drops and feed cost changes.
Missouri 4-H dairy judging team excelled at the All-American contest, earning top spots in oral reasons and breed classes.
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Missouri 4-H had its best finish since 1998 in the 2017 National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest on Oct. 2 at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.
Missouri 4-H dairy team wins first at the All-American Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, with all members ranking in the top 20.
Six Missouri dairy leaders were honored for outstanding contributions to the industry and their communities.
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors celebrates leaders, breeders, and pioneers shaping the state’s dairy industry.
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognized 2020 and 2021 leaders for excellence in dairy farming, breeding, and industry service.
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors celebrated 2022 awardees: Tom Oelrichs, Ridge View Farm, Dave Drennan, and the late Sam and Ethel Messer.
Missouri honors five dairy leaders for their lasting contributions to the industry, including farmers, educators, and breeders.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Dairy Association and Multimin USA will hold the 2018 Missouri Dairy Profit Seminar at five locations throughout the state Feb. 19-23, said MU Extension veterinarian Scott Poock.
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Missouri Holstein Dezi is a moo-ver and a milker.The Lawrence County cow outperforms most of her regional counterparts, producing just short of three times as much milk per day, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel.
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – With spring calving season underway, producers want as many healthy calves on the ground as possible.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialist Teng Lim advises poultry and livestock producers to be aware of a Nov. 15 deadline that could affect their operations.
Learn safe livestock handling—use caution, read animal behavior, maintain equipment, and reduce risks during feeding and transport.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has received a $444,000 grant to create a mobile application to help farmers manage forage better.
Foremost Dairy boosts calf health with top-quality colostrum, lowering scours, pneumonia, and mortality.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new policy brief by the University of Missouri Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) weighs in on changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs).
Obtain a CVI to ensure animals are healthy and safe for shows, preventing disease and meeting veterinary requirements.
Veterinary students apply campus research on dairy farms to improve milk quality, herd health, and farm efficiency.
Explore a podcast that translates new dairy science research into practical insights for producers, with episodes under 30 minutes.
Research shows targeted synchronization can improve fertility and reproductive success in dairy cows that calve late in the season.
Calves housed in pairs may boost social development and learning, though paired setups require more management and raise disease-control costs.
Persistent drought has cost Missouri agriculture billions, stressing crops, livestock, and soil moisture management.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Recordkeeping is important to make management decisions for optimum cattle operation productivity and profitability,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Davis urges cattle producers to consider purchasing the 2025 pocket-size “Redbook”…
Learn simple strategies such as shade, fans and water to keep dairy herds cool and sustain milk output under heat pressure.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - High commodity prices provide an opportunity for landowners to increase their income by converting pasture to crop production. This has created urgency among cattlemen to secure grazing land for their cattle and other livestock, said a University of Missouri Extension…
LINN, Mo. – Livestock producers and horse owners can learn how to make “Hay That Pays” at the University of Missouri Extension regional hay school Oct. 14 in Linn.The event runs 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Community Christian Church, 1598 U.S. Highway 50, Linn.
Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow’s mammary glands after giving birth, is liquid gold for baby calves. The thick, nutrient-rich fluid provides essential nourishment and crucial immunity in the form of antibodies to newborn calves in the first 24 hours of life.
NEW LONDON, Mo.– Spring is here, but parts of Missouri still aren’t through with winter weather.A University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist notes that snow makes it harder for animals to find available forage, and cold weather increases their nutrient needs.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – With high costs of feed for wintering cows, herd owners should consider adding monensin to grain supplements for winter forages. The additive, trade name Rumensin, controls coccidiosis, a disease caused by intestinal parasites.
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,…
Test alfalfa hay to know its true nutritional value, boost livestock performance, and make informed feeding and supplement decisions.
Protect dairy workers during COVID-19 with safety zones, hygiene, and limited farm traffic.
In this video news story, University of Missouri researchers use GPS technology to understand the complexities of a cow's appetite. This knowledge may help livestock producers graze cattle more efficiently.
A Warren County student earned a $2,000 dairy scholarship to support studies in agronomy, bovine nutrition, reproduction, and dairy-industry leadership.