Dairy Cattle

MU dairy first to use new breeding system in grazing herd

Early breeding allows lactating cows to be put on grass at peak quality and quantity when the nutritional need of cows is highest. Researchers at the University of Missouri’s Foremost Dairy Research Center near Columbia are the first to use the Double Ovsynch timed artificial insemination (AI) protocol with a grazing dairy herd. This year […]

Large bale of hay

Baling wet hay becomes hot news

High-moisture grass baled above 24% moisture can cause spontaneous combustion. Overheated bales can burn down a hay barn. Craig Roberts, University of Missouri forage specialist, said frequent rains this year help grass growth, but it’s been bad for making hay. He’s part of the team on a weekly MU Extension teleconference between state and regional […]

Children with hands raised

Report provides recommendations for improving safety and quality in child care

The Child Care Working Group, comprised of leadership from the Missouri Departments of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Social Services, Elementary and Secondary Education, Public Safety and the Attorney General’s Office has submitted a report to Governor Mike Parson detailing recommendations for enhancing Missouri’s early childhood care and education system in effort to support Missouri’s current and future workforce. Governor Parson announced the […]

Farm News graphic

USDA reopens continuous CRP Sign-up, extensions available for expiring contracts

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency will accept applications for certain practices under the Conservation Reserve Program continuous sign-up beginning June 3rd and offer extensions for expiring CRP contracts. The FSA stopped accepting applications last fall for the CRP continuous sign up when 2014 Farm Bill authority expired, however, the 2018 Farm […]

CAFO Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation

Missouri House approves SB-391 that prevents counties from passing health ordinances aimed at CAFOs

The Missouri House of Representatives has given final approval to Senate Bill 391, legislation that would prevent counties from passing health ordinances aimed at large agricultural operations. The House voted 103-44 to approve the bill, which would prevent county health boards or county commissioners from passing standards stricter than state law. The Missouri House of […]

Overhead view of CAFO

Audio: Missouri House approves CAFO health ordinance legislation

The Missouri House has given final approval to legislation that would prevent counties from passing health ordinances aimed at large agricultural operations.     The House voted 103-44 today to approve the bill from Pleasant Hill State Representative Michael Haffner, which would prevent county health boards and/or county commissioners from passing standards that are stricter […]

Cattle at Sale

Prices of bred heifers rise $100 at second Show-Me-Select sale

Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers averaged $1,891 at Fruitland on May 3rd during the second of four spring sales.  This price topped last year by $100, said Erin Larimore, sale coordinator and University of Missouri Extension regional specialist, Jackson. The 117 heifers came from 16 herd owners in the MU program that improves beef herd replacements.  The […]

Hy-Vee Hy-Vee storefront

Hy-Vee raises $360,846 during the “Great American Milk Drive”

Hy-Vee has announced customer donations and its corporate participation during The Great American Milk Drive helped raise $360,846 to purchase much-needed milk for local food banks throughout Hy-Vee’s eight-state region.   During the monthlong campaign in March, customer donations totaled $277,846, with an additional $83,000 in corporate giving from Hy-Vee. According to Feeding America, milk is […]

Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Number of medical marijuana facilities to be licensed announced by DHSS

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has determined the number of medical marijuana facilities that will soon become licensed in Missouri. The top-scoring 60 cultivation facilities, 192 dispensary facilities and 86 medical marijuana-infused manufacturing facilities will be initially licensed for business in Missouri. “We appreciate and continue to seek the public’s input on […]

USDA Reconnect Program

United States Department of Agriculture Accepting Applications for Rural Broadband Program

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced Tuesday that the United States Department of Agriculture is accepting online applications for funding through the new ReConnect Rural Broadband Pilot Program. The funds will enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient […]

Smithfield Food Website

Smithfield Foods & RAE launch joint venture to create renewable energy, wildlife habitat

Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) have formed a joint venture called Monarch Bioenergy to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) across Smithfield’s hog farms in Missouri. This partnership converts manure collected from Smithfield farms into RNG, while simultaneously delivering ecological services and developing wildlife habitat. Once complete, all Smithfield company-owned finishing farms in […]