“Adding value to a cow calf operation is important to its sustainability,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Understanding how your cattle perform in the feedlot and at slaughter and making management decisions to improve these aspects of your cow calf operation potentially add value to your operation. Therefore, through cooperative efforts of MU Extension, Show Me Youth Ag Academy, and Missouri State University the MO Steer Feedout is enrolling spring born steers to begin feeding in November. Davis will further discuss this long running program where cow calf operators have been able to more

“As hay season continues, I see a lot of large round hay bales being stored outside,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. If hay is not stored properly outside farmers can see significant dry matter and quality losses. Factors that contribute to these losses include: more

Highlight of Fair Play pasture walk more

The Dadeville 4-H Livestock Judging Team began learning the “in’s and out’s” of competitive livestock judging beginning in February, 2024 during after school practices for one and one-half hours, once per week. Busy schedules prevented intense practicing, but by watching instructional videos on beef, swine, sheep and meat goats along with participation in three live beef animal workouts, team members were ready to “try their hands” at a full-fledged judging contest. The team’s first opportunity came at the Gold Buckle Extravaganza held at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, July 20, 2024. A strong first showing was made and each team member’s efforts are to be commended. more

The 2024 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (4-H AIE) Protect the Plate, explores how different technologies have transformed agriculture and how farmers, government, and consumers must continue to innovate, learn, and adapt to grow more food in a sustainable manner while focusing on food safety. The activity dives into the science behind food safety and the role crops play in food safety, especially in the solutions to feed a hungry planet. more

Ragweeds are flowering plants in the genus Ambrosia in the aster family, Asteraceae. Ragweeds are erect, single stemmed, summer annual weeds primarily found in pastures, hayfields, right-of-ways, timberlines, and roadsides. Several species have been introduced to our region, some have naturalized, and many have become invasive species over time. These plants can cause allergy sufferers major problems (Hay Fever) during the summer and fall times of the year. Ragweed, depending on which one it is, can germinate and grow through the entire summer months as well as late into the fall. Pastures which are overgrazed, thin, low in fertility, and abused will most likely contain Common and Lance Leaf Ragweed. Giant Ragweed prefers a more fertile soil to grow. Ragweed seeds are often brought to and spread on the farm through low quality/cheap hay, which was put up to late in the year. more

“Native warm season grasses can be an important forage as cattle operations move to the summer months,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. more

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri corn and soybean growers are reporting growing numbers of Japanese beetles in crops in recent weeks, says University of Missouri Extension state entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. more

Stockton, MO- “Summertime brings factors that lead to anaplasmosis in cattle operations,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Anaplasmosis can negatively impact cattle operation performance due to calf abortions, decreased weight gain, bull infertility and animal death. Davis will discuss anaplasmosis and management strategies to reduce its negative impact. more

Perilla Mint (Perilla frutescens) is an erect, herbaceous annual weed originally from eastern Asia. It may also be known as the beefsteak plant, common mint, or Chinese basil. more

The proclamation ceremony took place Monday, June 10, in Jefferson City. more

Many farmers across the state have just made or will soon make their first hay of the season. While making hay, it is important for growers to notice and remove any poison hemlock from their hay or pasture fields. more

NAME: Brynley Waters more

For 77 years the Polk County Junior Livestock Show and Youth Fair has been bringing people from all around the surrounding area to enjoy a weekend of livestock shows, tractor pulls, auctions, contests and so much more. more

Stockton, MO – “Warm weather brings on environmental factors that can lead to pinkeye in cattle,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Pinkeye can lead to reduced cattle performance, which negatively impacts cattle operation profitability. Davis will discuss management strategies to reduce cattle herd incidence of pinkeye. more

Hagg Angus Ranch LLC, Bolivar, Missouri, is a new member of the American Angus Association®, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri. more

Hermitage, MO – Pokeberry, or similar names such as pokebush, pokeweed, dragonberries, or pokeroot, is a common pasture weed found throughout the Ozarks. American pokeweed is a species of open or edge habitats, especially where birds roost, as the seeds of this plant are a good food source for several species during the fall and winter months. It is often found in forest edge, fence rows, under power lines, pastures, old field, forest openings, and other open wastelands. more

Polk County Fair Association board members recently gathered to accept a $2,000 grant from the MFA Charitable Foundation. From left are Bill Bob Kallenbach, Bolivar Farmers Exchange general manager Jody Boles, 4-H enthusiasts Evan and Avery Jones, Valerie Noblitt, Curtis Dahlberg, and Michael Jones. The grant will be used to build permanent pens in the hog barn. more

The Missouri 4-H Foundation marks its 75th anniversary this year with plans to highlight impacts from decades of dedication to nurturing young leaders and fostering community development across the state. more

The third annual Missouri Beef Days is officially finished, but organizers say the work continues and dates are set for 2025. “Coming off such a fun, successful Missouri Beef Days this year, we’re excited to announce plans for next year,” says Missouri Beef Days Executive Coordinator Katie Roweton. “The final activities of this year’s event really set the stage next year for an even bigger and better Beef Days.” Roweton says the fourth annual Missouri Beef Days will be held May 3-10, 2025. more

MCE FFA will be hosting their Junior Livestock Show on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. more

Folks have just a couple of days left to enjoy this year’s Missouri Beef Days in Bolivar. more

This year’s Missouri Beef Days continues through Saturday but is already off to a strong start with several successful events from the weekend. more

Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-05, extending Missouri’s drought alert to Sept. 1, 2024. The action directs continued coordination of resources and combined response efforts across state government until conditions improve in drought-impacted areas. more

MCE FFA will be hosting their Junior Livestock Show on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18. more