Markets & Ag
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Small pockets of Missouri pastures may have gone unscathed by the 2023 drought. Those lucky enough to have grass should consider stockpiling tall fescue, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts. Stockpiling is the process of building forage supplies by letting grass go ungrazed until frost. Stockpiled forage can…
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HERMITAGE, Mo. — In the midst of drought, Missouri livestock producers face dwindling water supplies for their herds. Few options remain for this year, but producers can explore resources from local, state and federal agencies for the future, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Terry Halleran. Halleran says it is important to plan now since…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Many Missouri corn growers are unsure about when to green chop and/or ensile their drought-stressed crops. There are key points to take into consideration on both the crop and livestock side, according to University of Missouri Extension specialists. Agronomy recommendations (MU Extension state agronomy specialist Kelly Nelson): Nitrate management recommendations (MU Extension…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — You can’t squeeze blood from a turnip, but you can easily grow this tasty and nutritious vegetable. In a press release, David Trinklein, horticulture state specialist for University of Missouri Extension, said, “The turnip is an underappreciated and underused fall vegetable crop.” Plant turnip seed in late summer It’s best to plant…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agricultural economists recommend that you check with your crop insurance agent before cutting or grazing drought-damaged crops as relief forages. Some producers are finding that drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. They are using the corn to fill feed gaps. Ben…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo.— Drought. You’re either in it, preparing for it or recovering from it. That’s how University of Missouri Extension specialists describe the sentiments of farm families facing yet another year of uncertainty. In a press release, Rob Kallenbach, associate dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, said Missouri stands at…
Read Full Article PALMYRA, Mo. — Producers in northeast Missouri can hear crop and forage updates from University of Missouri Extension specialists at a free event in August. The MU Extension Crop and Forage Chat will be 9-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at the Shawn Kiefaber/Kenny Lovelace Farm, one mile west of Palmyra, off U.S. 61 on County…
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The weather has not changed much over the past several days and weeks. Some of you are getting much-needed rain, and others of you aren’t. You need to realize we are now starting the real days of summer. I have had a few more people ask me about tips on how to water their gardens…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture recently announced about $2 million in initial funding will be available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops or silvopasture approaches on their farmland. The deadline to apply for incentive payments is Aug. 31, says Rob Myers, director of the Center for Regenerative…
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ADAMS COUNTY, Ill. — The Adams County Beef Producers, along with the Adams County Market Animal Sale Committee, will hold the 23rd annual market animal sale on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Local livestock exhibitors have spent many hours in preparation working with their animals for the show and sale. The evening…
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BOONVILLE, Mo. — Forage producers searching for options amid sustained drought should consider emergency forages, says Todd Lorenz, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist. The drought is not going away and producers need to find a way to fill feed gaps, he says. Three years of back-to-back drought leave producers searching for options. The 2021…
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MACOMB, Ill. — In Illinois, our historic grasses have been tallgrass prairie species. These include big bluestem, yellow Indian grass, and switch grass. It would make sense that a person wishing to include native prairie grasses in their landscape would opt for the tallgrass species. Yet, if you ask me, I would steer most folks…
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CAMP POINT, Ill. — Bailey Park in Camp Point will be the location for a fundraiser for the Central FFA chapter. “Party til the Cows Come Home” will be held from 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. Entertainment will be provided by local bands Mugshot & Bandit and Clover from 5-10 p.m. Admission is $5.…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — As the summer fair season ramps up, biosecurity should be top of mind for those who show animals, especially in the case of swine, where keeping African swine fever out of the country is a top goal. University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Cory Bromfield said she’s noticed less concern overall about African…
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — Drought combined with high temperatures can have devastating effects on fish ponds, but pond owners can take steps to alleviate these effects. During a drought, pond waters can drop to dangerous levels, increasing aquatic plant growth, decreasing water quality and stressing fish, making them more vulnerable to disease and death, says Bob…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Some drought-stricken corn may have more value as cattle feed than grain this year. Droughty corn offers options when feed supplies are tight, but producers should think the process through, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz. There are three main things to do before deciding to use droughty corn…
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URBANA, Ill. — Farming is stressful, and the Illinois agriculture community faces unique challenges every day that take a toll on mental health. A new program from University of Illinois Extension gives farmers and their families access to professional mental health care for free. The Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program broadens access to care…
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STOCKTON, Mo. — In a press release, Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist, said “Early wean calves to reduce cow herd nutrient needs to match drought-limited feed resources.” In addition, early weaning can improve calf performance because calves are put on a more nutritious diet following weaning. Davis discusses strategies to help…
Read Full Article April 20, 2025
MRN THIS WEEK: QFD CHIEF STEVE SALRIN
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