Farm & Ranch

Fall is generally a time when farmers and ranchers begin thinking about next year’s business decisions.  During the fall, farmland and pasture leases are typically agreed to for the following year.  We generally field several questions on this topic so a discussion on some resources to help with the decision-making process is in order. One

MU Extension regional livestock and agriculture business specialists have put together a three-night online cattle management workshop series to educate cattle producers on various management and financial strategies for optimum performance of their cattle operation.  “Management is key to profitability in a cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension Regional Livestock Field Specialist.  The workshop

Missouri’s municipal electric utilities are encouraged by the outcome of the 2020 General Assembly, which ended today. Among the favorable outcomes was the reconsideration and defeat of parts of SB 782 by the Missouri Senate. Senators found a ‘hidden’ House amendment in the bill that was an attempt to kill the Grain Belt Express transmission

President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) to extend much-needed federal support to the U.S. pork production system. By triggering the DPA, the federal government will prioritize the continuity of pork processing plant operations. The following statement may be attributed to Marcus Belshe, MPA chairman and a pig farmer from Henley, Missouri. “We appreciate

“Tighter calving windows have shown to increase cattle herd values,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist.  A shorter breeding season leads to a tighter calving window.  Below, Davis will share thoughts on how to shorten the breeding season and how this leads to improved herd value and profit potential. “To shorten the breeding

The 36th annual Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Mo.  Pre-register early because there will be no day-of registration and seating is limited and expected to sell out. This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Temple Grandin.  Dr.

Ashton Atteberry has always been able to find her own way in life. For her, it’s always centered around a love for her milk cows and small town values of hard work and dedication. A 2nd generation farmer from Conway, Missouri, she remembers her family farm starting out with a few cows, a milk barn

by Pat Miller In the past 31 years, I have seen the date of fescue hay cutting get moved later and later.  Rain delayed 2019’s harvest into July.  When is the best time to cut fescue hay?  When it is in boot, that means before the seed head has emerged.  That may be late April

The 2020 class will convene in Kansas City for a hands-on look at careers in agriculture The Missouri Department of Agriculture is offering 30 high school students representing 4-H clubs and FFA chapters, as well as farm families, throughout Missouri the opportunity to explore careers in agriculture through the 2020 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA). MAbA

Before the Nov. 15 sale of 190, Show-Me-Select heifers there was concern about their sale average price.  Following the sale, the average price at the Joplin Regional Stockyards sale was right on target to the ratio of heifers averaging twice the value of a 550-pound, Medium/Large Frame, One muscle steer.  The average was $1672. The