Livestock : article
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Four participants in the University of Missouri Division of Animal Sciences 2021 Leadership Academy took home $500 scholarships to MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
High equipment costs, time constraints, and soil degradation make hay production less profitable. Explore alternatives like grazing and stockpiling forage.
University of Missouri Extension hosted the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on June 6 at the Trowbridge Livestock Center in Columbia. The event drew 87 youths from across the state to demonstrate their skills in evaluating livestock.
Start your 2026 cattle operation recordkeeping on the right foot by purchasing your Redbook, produced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The pocket-size record books are available for sale through county MU Extension centers.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Meats Judging contest on Feb. 17 drew 48 competitors, said Don Nicholson, Missouri 4-H interim associate director.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – During drought, beef producers might find a best friend in their local veterinarian, says University of Missouri Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans.
Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, suggests a bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) prior to each breeding season to make sure a bull is physically and reproductively sound to breed females. He suggests that with cattle prices as they are, not doing a BSE is an…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Despite suspending all face-to-face programming due to COVID-19, University of Missouri Extension recognizes the continued need to provide university research and knowledge to help farmers and consumers alike.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “As spring and lush grass growth arrives cattle producers need to plan for prevention of grass tetany,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Alliance for Grassland Renewal will present a free two-part evening webinar on “Improving the Production Efficiency of Tall Fescue-Based Forage Systems” on Feb. 12 and 26.
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.
Protect livestock and people from heat stress with tips for safe travel, proper cooling, hydration, shade, and smart fair preparation.
“Calf processing prior to sale that reduces work for the buyer after sale potentially makes that calf more valuable at sale time,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Regional Livestock Field Specialist. The added value can lead to improved profitability of the cattle operation. Below,…
Producers sharpen cattle-breeding skills in a hands-on artificial insemination school, learning anatomy, semen handling, synchronization and herd-building strategies.
University of Missouri Director of Veterinary Extension Craig Payne urges cattle producers to watch for signs of disease associated with Theileria orientalis (ikeda), a protozoal organism recently detected in Missouri.
ST. JAMES, Mo. – Cattle producers are invited to attend a field day at the Mingo Farm in St. James to learn how to use natural shade to improve their beef operation.
Many Missouri cattle producers are gearing up for the hay season. Spring can be hectic on the farm, but it’s also an important time to check on where you’re heading financially.
MU Extension, Cedar County Soil and Water Conservation District and Cedar County Farm Bureau are hosting the Cedar County Livestock and Forage Conference 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, in Stockton.
OZARK, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists will offer updates to help producers grow better forages for healthier herds and better profits at the annual Christian County Livestock and Forage Conference, 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3.
Compost-bedded pack barns improve cow comfort, boost milk production, and support herd health with better bedding management.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Cool-season grasses such as fescue that dominate pasture grass in Missouri need warm weather to grow.
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship offers a paid, two-year training program for future dairy farmers, providing hands-on experience in managed grazing systems.
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.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought continues to plague southwestern and west-central Missouri as pastures dry and cattle producers start to feed hay well ahead of schedule.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Extension agronomist talk was calm on the weekly teleconference. Few problems discussed on bugs, weeds, fungus or other pests. Then the weather hit the fan. Reports from across Missouri told of farmers’ concerns about lack of rain.
Learn how early pregnancy detection and timely culling of non-pregnant heifers boosts herd efficiency, sale value, and feed resource use.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Early wean calves to reduce cow herd nutrient needs to match drought-limited feed resources,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. In addition, early weaning can improve calf performance because calves are put on a more nutritious diet…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef-cow herd owners will learn new ways to raise better calves at three University of Missouri meetings in March. The sessions lead producers from proven breeding to new uses of DNA.MU Extension animal scientists David Patterson and Jared Decker will lead the ReproGene Meetings.
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.
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – A University of Missouri Extension program will help Missourians improve forage yield and sustainability by understanding soil in the Ozarks. The event is 5:30-6:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the MU Extension Center in Howell County, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As summer temperatures rise, dairy animals benefit from heat abatement, says Joe Zulovich, a University of Missouri Extension specialist in livestock housing systems.Lactating cows face the most risk from heat, says Zulovich. Dry cows and pre-weaned calves also fare better with heat…
Connect with local feedstuff sellers or buyers. Browse listings of hay, baleage, silage, and coproducts. Compare prices and estimate delivery costs.
Frost seeding legumes boosts pasture quality, yield, and soil health by adding diversity early in the growing season.
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. – “A full house saw a strong Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program sale on Nov. 21 at Joplin Regional Stockyards,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
High cattle prices powered a strong bull sale in Springfield, averaging $5,458 across 26 bulls—around $1,600 more per head than spring 2024.
Seeing the bright green new growth pop up in our pastures signals the end of winter and the transition into spring. As that short green carpet starts to come up, cattle start chasing that short growth and may turn their noses up to hay they were previously eating well. However, allowing cattle to…
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.
Programs train veterans in beekeeping and farming while connecting them with peers and new career opportunities.
Rising cattle prices raise tax bills. New laws like bonus depreciation and higher Section 179 limits help plan ahead.
Missouri farmers are using regenerative agriculture practices such as cover crops, improved grazing and smarter nutrient management to protect soil and water while staying profitable, with support from MU Extension and the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report
Jenna Hasekamp’s journey from 4-H show rings to college livestock judging highlights youth leadership, growth, and agricultural passion.
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in Jefferson County and the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District will hold the 102nd Jefferson County Ag Conference (formerly the Soils and Crops Conference) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Hillsboro High School, 123 Leon Hall…
Each year, thousands of Missouri calves leave the state shortly after weaning. Leaving with them is the opportunity to add value, strengthen local economies and grow producer profits. University of Missouri Extension is working to change that through its expanded Feedlot School program.
Due to the nature of their work, livestock farmers are often exposed to ticks, which can cause serious health issues, including alpha-gal syndrome, which can cause an allergy to red meat, milk and some animal byproducts.
Cutting hay in May boosts quality and yield. Harvest before seed develops and store properly to preserve nutrients and minimize losses.
Missouri agriculture faces mixed 2025 prospects as crop and livestock trends shift, impacting farm income and strategic planning.
Missouri 4-H livestock judging team places 6th at Western National Roundup, earning top individual and team honors.
Clinton County 4-H team secures third place at the 2024 National Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, showcasing top-tier livestock evaluation skills.
Missouri 4-H youth from Clinton County earned top individual honors and placed among the top teams at a national livestock judging contest.
Six Missouri dairy leaders were honored for outstanding contributions to the industry and their communities.
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.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farm income appears on pace for another record year, according to John Kruse, associate research and extension professor in agricultural and applied economics at the University of Missouri.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nearly empty meat aisles are a burden producers, processors and consumers don’t want to face again. To prevent that, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) awarded $16.7 million to keep 150 meat and poultry processors throughout Missouri going strong.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers faced another challenging weather year in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor.
It was a year of extremes, with bitter cold temperatures, record-breaking rainfalls and flash drought during critical parts of the growing…
Four Missouri 4-H members competed at the National 4-H Meats Judging Contest on Oct. 21 in Kansas City, Mo.
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – With spring calving season underway, producers want as many healthy calves on the ground as possible.
A mobile biosecurity trailer demonstrates the Danish entry system, helping livestock producers reduce pathogen transmission with minimal space.
MU Extension again joined the celebration at the Norborne Soybean Festival in August by bringing hands-on learning and application to the “Soybean Capital of the World.”
Guide to help livestock producers deter damage and predation by black vultures using nonlethal methods and management tips.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, offers Missouri feed mill operators training to help them comply with federal Food Safety Modernization Act guidelines.
University of Missouri Extension will host the 2026 Taney County Livestock and Forage Conference 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at Forsyth High School, 178 Panther Road, Forsyth. The free conference is designed to provide livestock producers with timely, practical information on herd management…
HERMITAGE, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers cattlemen a bus tour of cattle operations in Kansas and Oklahoma Aug. 6-9.MU Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis said the tour offers an opportunity to learn to manage herds better to make them healthier and more profitable.…
Explore mobile tools to support farm decisions—from weather and crop models to weed identification and water use planning.
Learn safe livestock handling—use caution, read animal behavior, maintain equipment, and reduce risks during feeding and transport.
Recruiting farmers to adopt grassland management practices for improved forage productivity and environmental benefits with specialist support.
Farmers get guidance and cost-share help to convert cropland to pasture using rotational grazing and conservation practices.
A forage specialist launches a podcast sharing tips on pasture management, livestock production, and improving forage systems.
Twenty years of beef breeding research at Thompson Farm show more uniform, high-quality calves and improved herd genetics.
Veterinary students apply campus research on dairy farms to improve milk quality, herd health, and farm efficiency.
“The numbers were low, but the prices were high at the Southwest Missouri All Breeds Performance Tested Bull Sale on Oct. 27 in Springfield,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension livestock field specialist. Twenty-one bulls sold for an average of $7,128 per bull.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 2026 Pearls of Production Conference is set for Saturday, Feb. 28, at the University of Missouri Beef Research and Teaching Farm in Columbia.
This in-person gathering promises a full day of hands-on learning, idea exchange and inspiration, says Heather Conrow, MU Extension…
Drought increases livestock risk from toxic perilla mint, causing breathing issues and death in cattle and small ruminants.
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”…
STOCKTON, Mo. – Patience pays off for cattle producers who wait for fescue to grow some before turning cattle out for spring grazing, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Patrick Davis.
Learn strategies to protect cattle from heat stress, including providing shade, fresh water, and proper ventilation to maintain animal health.
Learn simple strategies such as shade, fans and water to keep dairy herds cool and sustain milk output under heat pressure.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Hay harvest is approaching, and producing high-quality hay reduces cattle supplementation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
Davis discusses harvest management strategies to achieve optimal hay quality.
University of Missouri Extension specialists find that producers see up to $300 savings in feeding costs per calf when their livestock graze standing milo through the winter.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Cows need to conceive and calve early to earn their keep.
University of Missouri Extension beef cow-calf specialist Jordan Thomas says managing for a short or even an “ultra-short” calving season should determine which cows get to stay on the farm. Late-conceiving cows should go to…
“Proper identification is key to management of cattle for optimum production and profitability,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Regional Livestock Field Specialist. Identification is important in tracking cattle performance.
“With lush grass growth coming in the spring, it is time to manage cattle and implement mineral supplementation strategies to reduce the incidence of grass tetany in your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Cattle grass tetany symptoms…
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.
CUBA, Mo. – Beef herd owners profit from fewer calf death losses, steers grading USDA prime and cows staying in the herd longer. Improved herd performance comes from adding genetics to management.
“Calf production is perhaps the most important metric that supports the existence of the cattle industry, making bull health and productivity incredibly important” says Ian McGregor, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
Summer is a good time to review how to prevent disease from coming onto your farm, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins.
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.
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – A well-stocked hay inventory is one of the best forms of insurance a livestock producer can have, says Caleb O’Neal, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in plant science.
Southwest Missouri dairy and creamery see lower somatic cell counts, higher milk yield, and better cow comfort using compost-bedded pack barns.
Farming is adopting technology like GPS-guided tractors and drones to improve efficiency and reduce labor demands.
Beef producers who have lost cattle to Theileria orientalis may qualify for financial assistance through USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Program, says Craig Payne, MU Extension director of veterinary medicine. The program provides payments to livestock owners when deaths exceed normal mortality due to…
“Cattle producers are dealing with varying degrees of drought and forage resources,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension livestock field specialist. Some cattle producers have received adequate rain and are recovering from the 2022 drought through rebuilding forage and cattle resources.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Haymaking is a game of threes, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts.
To be profitable, producers must manage three key factors: equipment expenses, quality and yield.
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…
HARTVILLE, Mo. – Denis Turner keeps his southwestern Missouri heifer replacement operation simple.
For the most part, it is one man for 500-1,000 heifers at Turner’s Heifer Haven, a pasture-based operation where Turner raises heifers for others.