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 […]
Tag: Producers
Emerging swine disease calls for biosecurity measures, says MU Extension veterinarian
U.S. pork producers should be aware of an emerging swine disease, says University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Corinne Bromfield. Chinese pork producers reported the 13th outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) Sept. 6. It has appeared since August in several locations in China hundreds of miles apart. This leaves researchers scratching their heads over how […]
MU researchers looking to see if intercropping Sunn Hemp can provide Summer forage
Harley Naumann, an assistant professor in the Division of Plant Sciences, has a research and teaching appointment in forage physiology. His research focuses on understanding the critical physiological components of warm- and cool-season forages that lead to improved forage-livestock production systems. Naumann has been working with a unique forage since he arrived at Mizzou in […]
As meat supplies grow for export demand, trade and tariff doubts hurt on-farm prices
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 drought, byproduct feeds help cow herds on short pastures, hay
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 […]
Audio: Missouri farm group says release of CRP land does not go far enough to address drought problems
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 […]
Forage Systems Research Center to feature drought-related presentations
The drought-like conditions in northcentral Missouri have raised numerous questions among farmers and producers, especially in terms of winter feeding options for their own herds. The Forage Systems Research Center will feature several drought-related presentations during its annual field day on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the Center in Linneus. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and […]
Missouri beef farmers learn genetic science guides
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. […]
Sale of Champions at Missouri State Fair sets records for Youth in Agriculture
The Missouri State Fair celebrated Youth in Agriculture Day, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, on Saturday, Aug. 18. The annual Sale of Champions highlighted the day, raising $195,350 – the largest amount ever raised in the history of the Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions! The Grand Champion Steer was exhibited by Mackenzie […]
USDA designates 25 Missouri Counties as primary natural disaster areas
(USDA) – Agricultural producers in Missouri who suffered losses and damages due to recent drought on two separate occasions may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency emergency loans. The loans are made available under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue. For the recent drought, the Secretary has designated Andrew, […]
Show-Me-Select rules require genetically tested bull EPDs
New sire selection rules for Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers improve reliable calving-ease genetics. “Bulls used in the heifer program will carry DNA-tested EPDs (expected progeny differences),” said Jared Decker, University of Missouri Extension geneticist. The rules going into effect Feb. 1, 2019, were set by the SMS governing board of farmers. “DNA tests add reliability to EPDs […]
Nestlé Purina commits $1 million to Ducks Unlimited in Iowa to help boost water quality
Ducks Unlimited and Nestlé Purina PetCare Company have partnered to protect and improve 1,600 acres of wetland and grasslands across Iowa over the next three years through Ducks Unlimited’s Living Lakes Initiative, promoting healthy soil, healthy crops, and healthy wildlife habitat. Purina, which operates three pet food manufacturing facilities in Iowa (in Clinton, Fort Dodge […]
Chopped corn silage offers better control for beef producers
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 […]
Drought forces farmers to consider baling soybeans as a forage crop
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 […]
Audio: Producers planning to use corn as silage should have it tested for nitrates
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 […]
Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission aids agriculture community facing drought
The Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission has approved the following five actions in response to Governor Parson’s Executive Order 18-05 Drought Alert: Require soil and water conservation districts to move landowners completing the drought practices listed below to the top of waiting lists. Defer the Grazing School Requirement for 12 months after contract approval […]
Pepperidge Farm recalls Goldfish crackers due to whey powder contamination
Pepperidge Farm Inc. has recalled four flavors of its Goldfish crackers because they were made with a whey powder ingredient that has been recalled for potential Salmonella contamination. The Goldfish cracker recall includes 18 separate package styles of four flavors — Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar; Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion; Goldfish Baked with Whole […]
Hungry Man dinner joins list of recalled food products
Federal officials have posted a public health alert regarding certain Hungry Man frozen dinners because of concerns about Salmonella contamination of whey powder used to make them. One day earlier, Flowers Foods Inc. recalled swiss roll desserts from stores nationwide because Salmonella was found in whey powder used in their production. Government officials had not received any […]
USDA to authorize up to $12 billion in programs to assist farmers impacted by tariffs
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will take several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation. President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers while the Administration works on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals […]
Livestock producers in 25 counties now eligible for benefits through Livestock Disaster Forage Program
Producers in 25 Missouri counties are now eligible to apply for benefits through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock. Both programs are administered through the Farm Service Agency. Counties now accepting applications include Adair, Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Clinton, Daviess, Dekalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Howard, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Nodaway, […]