Cow and cattle herd

Drought cuts pasture growth; farmers face culling cow herds

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.  Give careful thought to which grass eaters go first, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist. Under drought stress, identifying those cows becomes urgent. The first cut is […]

Corn in Beginning Stages of Drought

Farmers seek forage options as drought cuts grass growth

Shortage of cattle forage is forcing some Ozark herd owners to chop trees to feed leaves. That method was used in big droughts of the 1930s and 1950s. Damage comes from more than an intense drought, said Craig Roberts, University of Missouri forage specialist in a weekly teleconference. Regional extension specialists update state staff on […]

Ag Census

Ag census deadline extended to July 30

The deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of Agriculture has been extended to July 30. Forms can be returned by mail or securely submitted online. University of Missouri Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments, as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations and others, use the data to serve […]

Dairy Cows

Close-up cow’ barns help cows avoid heat stress, produce more milk

Martin Prairie Farms near Humansville treats dairy cows like guests.  The family-owned dairy farm north of Humansville in Hickory County dedicates itself to top-of-the-line herd nutrition and care, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel. Freddie and Mary Martin, son David, and David’s spouse, Alana, own and operate the nearly 3,000-acre farm. Almost […]

New Medicare Card

Beware scams as new Medicare cards arrive in mailboxes

New Medicare cards are on their way to everyone enrolled in the program. Cards will be mailed automatically and free of charge, however, people should be wary of anyone calling to offer assistance with the cards or to request money or personal information, says Brenda Procter, University of Missouri associate extension professor. “Any time changes […]

Beef producers workshop to be held in Trenton

An informational workshop for beef producers is scheduled in Trenton June 7th, with the Barton Farm Campus hosting visiting livestock specialists and educators from two universities.  The workshop is expected to focus on topics such as marketing, economic analysis, and risk management in the cattle-raising business. Representing the University of Wyoming are Bridger Feuz who is […]