Forage

Alternative forage options during and after drought

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 […]

Sunn Hemp Research

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 […]

Drought Graphic

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

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 […]

Beef Heifers

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. […]

Bulls in farm lot

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 […]

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.

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 […]

silage

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 Graphic

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 […]

USDA Logo

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 […]

Farm Service Agency FSA

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, […]