University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Leasing instead of purchasing cows can be an effective financial strategy for cow-calf producers. A new publication by University of Missouri Extension specialists, “Introduction to Beef Cow Leases,” details how beef cow leases work. It is available for free download at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g434. Lack of capital is often a barrier for new producers…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension economist Ben Brown and others predict 2025 corn prices will drop below $4.50 per bushel. This is one of a series of articles by University of Missouri Extension specialists suggesting ways to reduce input costs in a year that many farmers may struggle to keep production costs below…
Read Full Article LINNEUS, Mo. — Adding diversity to a pasture can make it more productive than growing tall fescue alone. Diversity can also aid in reducing or diluting the effects of fescue toxicity, improve nutritive value of forage, increase weight gain and enhance soil health, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Carson Roberts. One way…
Read Full Article ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension agronomist Wayne Flanary says 2025 likely will be a year when corn producers need to batten down the hatches to offset low sale prices and high input costs. MU Extension ag business economist Ben Brown and others predict that corn prices will fall below the $4.30 mark…
Read Full Article MONROE CITY, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension state beef nutritionist Eric Bailey says cattle producers should plan for drought by moving from a “brittle” management style to a flexible and resilient one. Bailey will share insights on how to diversify beef enterprises so that cattle can be moved off the farm during drought at…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri experts have released the Show-Me 2025 Missouri Agricultural Outlook, which shows a mixed outlook for Missouri’s crops and livestock and the challenges and opportunities ahead. The report is available at https://mizzou.us/MAO25. “While corn production is set to decline with rising prices, soybean production is expected to increase despite falling…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Soybean growers can’t rely on seed treatments alone to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN), says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Seed treatments can be a valuable part of a commercial soybean production system to protect against early-season diseases, says Bish, who also serves as director of MU’s nemadote…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri specialists have developed online tools to help farmers estimate their potential payments from the American Relief Act, which was passed by Congress late last year. “Economic assistance payments to Missouri crop producers are expected to provide significant liquidity to the local farm sector,” said Alejandro Plastina, director of the…
Read Full Article COLUMBIA, Mo. — Fungicides can be an essential part of an integrated pest management plan, but they do not always provide a positive return on investment for soybean producers, according to University of Missouri strip trial research. Missouri farmers apply fungicides to about 65% of soybean acres, says MU Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish,…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Improving fertility in cows involves leveraging genetic selection and advanced genomic tools to enhance reproductive performance. But genetic potential is only half the battle. Environment is the other half, said University of Missouri Extension state beef genetics specialist Jamie Courter at the recent Missouri Livestock Symposium in Kirksville. “Fertility is a lowly…
Read Full Article 
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Harley Naumann will discuss how sunn hemp can complement tall fescue in rotational grazing systems at the 41st annual Southwest Missouri Spring Forage Conference on Feb. 25 in Springfield. Originally grown as a fiber crop, this legume grows as tall as six feet and produces…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida expects that growers will see corn leafhoppers again in 2025. MU Extension faculty found corn leafhoppers in Missouri corn crops for the first time in 2024. Corn leafhoppers carry corn stunt disease, which can lead to 100% yield loss, says Valmorbida. MU Extension…
Read Full Article 
MARSHFIELD, Mo. — Cold weather has moved into Missouri quickly with no plans of leaving soon, according to forecasts. “It is officially winter in Missouri, and our cattle herds in southwest Missouri and beyond are feeling it,” Chloe Collins, University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist, said in a press release. “Whether you’re a pasture-based dairy…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Holiday plants can live to bloom another year with proper care, said University of Missouri Extension state horticulturist David Trinklein. Now is the time to start that care. Plants such as amaryllis and Christmas cactus received as gifts this past Christmas are fairly easy to rebloom next holiday season. They truly are…
Read Full Article 
PALMYRA, Mo. — The sixth and final fall sale of Show-Me-Select heifers on Saturday, Dec. 14, in Palmyra set a local record for total cost of heifers sold. The 53 buyers set a northeastern Missouri record $1,162,600 worth of bred heifers exchanging hands in one-and-a-half hours. Thirty-five repeat buyers purchased 192 head, or 59 percent…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Once red crown rot spreads, you cannot unspread it, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Currently, soybean and disease specialists know of no cure for red crown rot, which can reduce yields by an estimated 80% in severe cases. Seed treatments may reduce symptoms and infection, but these…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — For many, the holiday season would not be complete without evergreens, holly, mistletoe and other traditional plants. But it’s important to exercise care with some of these plants for happy and safe holidays, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. “In days of old, people rarely brought holiday greenery into the…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — You want folks to “ooh” and “aah” when they see your holiday decorations, not “eww” and “ugh.” “There is a risk that fresh trees and garland will bring unwanted gifts – insects – when moved from nature to inside,” said University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff in a press release.…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri soybean farmers should be on the lookout for several species of stink bugs in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. According to a 2024 survey, green stink bug was the most prevalent in Missouri soybean crops, accounting for a little more than 70% of the stink…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension is studying the use of pig manure as a crop fertilizer in research at the MU Bradford Research Farm in Columbia. The study is looking at corn yields and soil health indicators under three separate treatments on 5 acres at Bradford Farm, said Teng Lim, extension professor of…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension has partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation on a program to establish white oak seed orchards on private land. These orchards are intended to provide a steady supply of white oak acorns from trees of known quality and growth characteristics, says Brian Schweiss, MU Extension specialist in…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Few plants can boast colorful, long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage the remainder of the year, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Florist’s kalanchoe delivers both, making it a versatile houseplant. Its vibrant flowers provide a welcome burst of color during the dreary days of winter, Trinklein said. There is nothing…
Read Full Article 
SALEM, Mo. — November is a good time to review winter feeding plans, according to University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch. “Forage growth has come to an end, so making sure producers have what they need to feed their livestock though the winter is important,” Meusch said in a press release. “These three…
Read Full Article 
COLUMBIA, Mo.— In a press release, David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension, said, “Given most nuts ripen late in the year, they have long been associated with the holiday season.” It also is one of the few times consumers see what nuts look like in nature. Nuts often are purchased with their…
Read Full Article 
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Don’t be intimidated by the the prospect of cooking a big Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not that difficult, even for novice cooks, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist. First, make sure you have enough bird, says Tammy Roberts. If you’re hosting a large group, get at least one pound of whole…
Read Full Article 
