Corn residue: cheap grazing for cattle

Grazing corn can benefit both cattle and cropland. by Eldon Cole, University of Missouri Extension Grazing drought-dried corn and cornstalks offers cattle inexpensive, nutritious forage, say two University of Missouri (MU) Extension specialists. Many corn and livestock growers turned to longtime MU Extension Livestock Specialist Eldon Cole to ask about grazing dried-up corn after persistent drought in southwestern Missouri this season. Cole says damaged corn makes suitable grazing for cattle — with some…

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Hay: Weigh, Test and Sample Before You Buy

Hay: Weigh, Test and Sample Before You Buy Three hay-buying tips. by Linda Geist, University of Missouri Extension Weigh, test and sample hay before buying or selling, says University of Missouri (MU) Extension Livestock Specialist Eldon Cole. Beef producers rely on good-quality hay to boost profits. “Unfortunately, our hay production is not always the greatest quality,” Cole says. “The category we excel in is ‘other grass hay’ — specifically, cool-season grass or mostly…

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Drought increases risk of forage poisoning

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought increases the chance of nitrate poisoning and prussic acid poisoning. High concentrations in plants and water can harm or even kill animals. High nitrate, mostly concentrated in grass stems, causes quick death, says University of Missouri Extension agronomist Jill Scheidt. Nitrate in the blood blocks oxygen uptake. Without oxygen, cows die quickly. Quick testing is vital to helping animals survive, Scheidt says. Most MU Extension centers offer diphenylamine-sulfuric acid…

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Remove cool-season grass seed heads before they emerge

WEST PLAINS, Mo. – “Missouri livestock producers have some options to manage tall fescue seed head development and the toxic endophyte issues we have in Missouri,” says Tim Schnakenberg, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy. Seed heads emerge in tall fescue grass pastures by mid-May across most of Missouri. Sarah Kenyon, MU Extension field specialist in agronomy, says it is important to know how forage grows to understand the effect seed…

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Prepare now for spring flooding – Review your flood coverage or consider a new policy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – According to the National Weather Service, there is the potential for Missouri to experience serious flooding again in only a few weeks. Last year’s damage repairs are ongoing, while emergency managers, meteorologists, engineers, farmers, and residents monitor weather forecasts, anticipating another spring flood season. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a great way to protect your home, business, or personal property. According to NFIP, just six inches of…

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MU Extension releases winter feed cost dashboard

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef producers will soon spend a lot on hay and supplement. Just how much can vary and depends on many moving factors, say two University of Missouri Extension specialists. Agricultural business specialist Brent Carpenter and livestock specialist Gene Schmitz looked at how current prices affect winter feeding costs for several different diets. “Winter feeding is a critical time for herd health and production. It’s also the most expensive time on…

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20th Missouri Livestock Symposium focuses on beef profits

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Beef producers will learn to improve profits through management tips at the 20th annual Missouri Livestock Symposium, says Garry L. Mathes, chair of the symposium planning committee. Farmers and ranchers will learn the value of management and genetics at the symposium, Dec. 6-7 in Kirksville. Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef specialist, focuses on nutrition and heifer development in Missouri. Temple Grandin will give the keynote Friday evening and…

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Frost-damaged soybean need special attention

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Late maturing soybean face damage from early killing frost and need special attention for harvest and storage, says University of Missouri Extension soybean specialist Bill Wiebold. Harvest frost-damaged soybean based on seed moisture content rather than how plants look after frost, says Wiebold. Delaying harvest after damaging frost results in grain shatter and subsequent yield loss. Soybean breeders select for shattering tolerance and normally the seam of the soybean pods…

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Bumper Crop of Pasture Weeds Needs Action

SEDALIA, Mo. – Leonardo da Vinci might have been describing the last few growing seasons for pastures when he wrote, “Even the richest soil, if left uncultivated, will produce the rankest weeds.” University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Gene Schmitz says the Renaissance polymath’s words ring true. “The past one to two years have been hard on pasture stands,” Schmitz says. “Last summer’s drought followed by a wet winter and summer this year…

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Mid-Missouri Grazing School set for Sept. 9-10 in Boone County

FAYETTE, Mo. – The annual Mid-Missouri Grazing School will be held Sept. 9-10 in Boone County. The school teaches producers both the art and science of management-intensive grazing, says Heather Conrow, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in Howard County. The two-day school covers pasture management from economics to fencing and watering livestock, Conrow says. Attending a school is needed before securing cost-share funds for grazing system. Controlled grazing boosts pounds of livestock…

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