Widespread drought conditions during the 2018 growing season in most of Missouri resulted in hay and forage shortages, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Dhruba Dhakal. Dhakal offers some alternative/emergency forage options to feed beef cattle during fall, winter, and spring. Stockpiling tall fescue If fescue stands are strong, stockpiling tall fescue is one of […]
Health advocates want McDonald’s to phase out the use of beef and pork grown with medically important antibiotics, and that’s something that could impact Missouri’s beef industry. The Show Me State ranks sixth in the country for the number of cattle, and if the fast food chain agrees to the request, Shelby Luce, national campaign […]
Large supplies of meat and dairy, possibly record-setting tons, are coming to U.S. consumers. For consumers, this can be good news with lower prices at grocery cases. For producers of beef, pork, chicken, and milk it doesn’t bode so well. In a mid-year baseline update for livestock and dairy, University of Missouri economist Scott Brown […]
In the 2018 drought forages for cow herds are short. Without rain, pastures didn’t grow and stored hay for winter feeding fell short. But feed options are at hand that were not available before. This drought has more feed grains available at possibly lower prices, says Scott Brown, University of Missouri beef economist. Missourians hard hit […]
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association wants producers to have access to even more Conservation Reserve Program land as the drought continues. Executive Vice President Mike Deering says the Farm Service Agency’s release of such land in certain counties is a step in the right direction but not enough. Deering thinks a lot of Missouri […]
New research results will be featured at a September 17th field day at the University of Missouri Thompson Farm, Spickard. Woodland improvements on a beef farm will be the newest show-and-tell at the annual event, says Jon Schreffler, MU farm manager. Wooded acres now provide income from timber harvest. Dusty Walter, MU forester, will share […]
Science to develop Show-Me-Select replacement heifers keeps growing. Cattlemen learned the latest in an Aug. 16 “Beef ReproGene” meeting at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Howell County. MU reproduction and genetics specialists gave updates before and after dinner. Dave Patterson, who started the MU Show-Me-Select program 22 years ago, led with a refresher. […]
Farmers are looking to drought-stressed corn for silage and balage to stretch limited hay supplies. Chopped corn silage offers beef producers better options than balage, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz. Silage allows better control of the amount of high-energy feed for wintering cattle, Schmitz says. Balage offers less flexibility and control […]
The prolonged drought in Northwest Missouri has forced many farmers to consider baling their soybeans as a forage crop this year. While soybeans are an excellent feed source for cattle, producers need to take into consideration the herbicides that were sprayed on the soybeans throughout the growing season. Some herbicides such as Roundup and Sencor […]
Health advocates want McDonald’s to phase out the use of beef and pork grown with medically important antibiotics, and that’s something that could impact Missouri’s beef industry. The Show Me State ranks sixth in the country for the number of cattle, and if the fast food chain agrees to the request, Shelby Luce, national campaign […]
Like other livestock farmers trying to make a living in the grasp of a severe drought, Adam Boman was on the road to Kansas City in early August to market some of his cattle. But Boman, owner of Good Life Grass Farms, was only transporting the few cows he direct markets each month. The others […]
The continuing drought is affecting the corn crop prompting some farmers to use it to feed to livestock. The University of Missouri Extension advises farmers to have corn stalks, including ears of corn, tested for nitrates. Tim Baker is an MU Specialist headquartered in Gallatin and offers insights on nitrate levels. The Grundy […]
Voters in mid-Missouri’s Howard County decide Tuesday whether to retain a health ordinance putting animal headcount and manure handling restrictions on massive animal feeding operations known as CAFOS. Presiding Commissioner Sam Stroupe say the ordinance on the ballot imposes restrictions beyond those from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Howard County cattle producer […]
The 79th Annual Lucerne Stock Show will start on Wednesday evening. The Community BBQ kicks off the event August 1. Meat, buns, drinks, and table service are provided and organizers ask that community members bring a side dish or dessert. The meal begins at 6:30 with kids games to follow. The show continues on Thursday […]
Missouri’s top 30 FFA high school seniors completed the fourth annual Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (HYPE) FFA Academy June 26-28, in Columbia The three-day intensive program is designed to inform and empower students to effectively engage in pressing agriculture topics. Since 2015, the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council has sponsored and facilitated the academy in […]
Coltrain’s Mules and Furnish Farms will host three days of activities for mules, horses, and teams at the Newtown Saddle Club Arena next month. Activities will begin August 3rd with cattle events, including steer dobbing, ranch ropin’, and steer doctoring. David Stutzman of Rocky Timber Horse Training and Shoeing will provide the steers. August 4th […]
The North Central Missouri Fair in Trenton starts Friday with a Kids Rodeo by TNT Ranch and Rodeo Company. The event will start at the grandstand at 7 o’clock with admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for children between the ages of six and 12, and is free for children five and younger. The rodeo […]
Multiple animal shows will be held at the Jamesport Junior Livestock Show at the Jamesport City Park Thursday morning. Sheep, goats, and poultry should be in place by 8 o’clock as the Sheep Show starts at 9 o’clock with the Goat Show following the sheep show. The Poultry Show will be held in the Park […]
Stunted, stemmy pastures unable to support grazing cattle have potential and farmers are dependin on fall rains to bring fall regrowth, says University of Missouri Extension forage agronomist Craig Roberts. Cool-season grass growth always slumps in summer. Fescue goes dormant. This year, the slump dives deep with lack of rain and too much heat. In […]
The Livingston County Fair in Chillicothe continues today with a dog show, broiler chicken show, Achievement Night, and fishing. Broiler chicken check-in will run from 8 o’clock to 8:30 Monday morning with the show starting in the North Barn at 9 o’clock. The Dog Show will be at the Expo Building at 9 o’clock. Orientation […]
