Missouri cattle producers can take a deep dive into essential topics at the Cattle Reproduction Short Course, hosted by University of Missouri Extension specialists Chloe Collins and Elizabeth Picking. more

On July 14, Governor Mike Kehoe signed two bills into law that support farmers and rural communities. more

“Foot rot can lead to cattle lameness resulting in lost performance and profitability for your cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. As cattle spend time in the pond and streams to cool themselves during summer this can lead to foot rot. Davis will discuss foot rot and give prevention and treatment options. more

University of Missouri livestock and forage specialists are reporting ergot infestations that can cause major losses in livestock, said MU Extension state specialist in veterinary toxicology and animal health Tim Evans. more

“Calf production is perhaps the most important metric that supports the existence of the cattle industry, making bull health and productivity incredibly important” says Ian McGregor, MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. The Bull Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) days are intended to assess the general health, structural soundness, and reproductive potential of bulls, as well as providing education regarding bull management for successful breeding seasons to individual producers. During the SW MO Spring BSE Days, MU Extension partnered with 7 veterinary clinics to educate 43 farms on bull management and 152 bulls received a BSE. There were 12 bulls that either failed their exam or were deferred to be tested later by a veterinarian. That is an 8% failure/deferral rate, which is similar to BSE Day results in previous years. Reasons for failure include low quality semen, no semen sample, penile injury, penile warts, and scrotal frostbite. Bulls that failed can be replaced ahead of the breeding season to help support a successful breeding season. Bulls that were deferred can be retested in 60 days. more

The annual Halfway Antique-Farm Stock-Classic Tractor Pull will be held on Saturday, July 12, at the Lions Club grounds in Halfway. Weigh in starts at 1 p.m. with the first class of tractors pulling at 6 p.m. All proceeds go towards community projects and facility maintenance. Trophies will be presented to the top four finishers in each class. Admission is $5 per person, 10 and under free. Bring your lawn chairs! Concessions such as grilled hamburgers, pulled pork, brats and homemade pie will be available. Contact Casey Jones at 417-328-9051 or Dean Voris at 417-399-3665 for more information. more

SEDALIA, Mo. – Summer’s increasing temperatures and potentially diminishing soil moisture levels put the brakes on cool-season grass pasture growth. Producers need to be monitoring this situation and be ready to take steps if conditions deteriorate. more

The future of agriculture was on full display at the 2025 Missouri Beef Days Classic Junior Jackpot Show, held April 12 at the Polk County Fairgrounds, where more than 100 young exhibitors from across the region gathered to compete, learn, and celebrate their passion for livestock. Now in its third year, the show continues to grow in size, drawing youth from across Missouri and beyond. more

Turtles are leaving their winter dens and crossing roads in search of grub and a mate more

Learn about native aquatic plants more

The Pleasant Hope FFA Chapter attended the 97th Annual Missouri State FFA Convention April 23rd-25th. While there, their dairy cattle team, which consisted of Loraine Arciniegas, Addison Rogers, Gracie Pulley, and Maddyson Alexander got the opportunity to compete. They went up against fifty-nine other teams from around the state. The dairy cattle girls ended up taking on the big stage at state and being awarded a fourth place plaque. Loraine Arciniegas placed fifth highest individual and received a group one rating and Addison Rogers placed seventeenth highest individual and also received a group one rating. Gracie Pulley and Maddyson Alexander both received a group two rating more

Entries are now being accepted for all Missouri State Fair livestock shows and competitive exhibits. Complete rules and regulations for all shows and contests are available in the online Premium Guide. All entrants must register online or complete the vendor input form to receive premium payment(s). Premium checks will be issued after Aug. 17, 2025, and must be claimed before Dec. 31, 2025. All shows and competitions have entry deadlines, which are listed within the rules and regulations for each department. more

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Analysis from the University of Missouri Extension has placed Missouri as the 19th-most-populous state in the U.S. as of 2024, with 6.25 million residents. more

The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association honored outstanding members of the local cattle industry at the annual Missouri Beef Days Boots & Bling Banquet, held Saturday, May 3. more

The Missouri Show-Me-SelectTM (SMS) Replacement Heifer Program educates cattle producers on heifer development strategies in management, reproduction, and genetics to create a reliable source of quality replacement heifers,” states Patrick Davis, MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. The spring sale for program participants in Southwest Missouri will be held on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Joplin Regional Stockyards near Carthage, Mo. Approximately 119 SMS-certified bred heifers, scheduled for fall calving (late August to November 30), will be available for purchase. more

For Grace (Erickson) Butler, the sound of hooves in the early morning and the feel of a halter rope in hand aren’t just part of her daily routine — they’re part of a legacy. Her family’s deep roots in livestock stretch back at least three generations and their connection to agriculture has only grown stronger over time. more

Missouri Beef Days returns for its fourth annual celebration from May 3–10, 2025, bringing a full week of family-friendly events to downtown Bolivar. The festival honors Missouri’s rich cattle heritage with a lineup of activities including the Street Festival, Boots & Bling, Cowboy Church, Beef Pairings, Rodeo & Rodeo Market, MBD Parade, and Concert. more

Making Seed Tapes more

A weed is defined as a plant that causes economic losses or ecological damage, creates health problems for animals or humans, or is undesirable where it grows. Crabgrass is a classic example. They are placed into one of two categories: more

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer a Master Pollinator Steward program that begins May 5. more

The following events are happening at your local library. more

In a celebration of faith and agriculture, the annual Cowboy Church at Missouri Beef Days will begin at 4 p.m. (doors open at 3:30 p.m.) Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Diamond S Indoor Arena, located at 2029 E Buffalo St, Bolivar, MO. This non-denominational gathering welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to come together in fellowship. more

April 29: more