The following publications cover topics related to Beef Extension. For a complete list of MU Extension publications, visit the main Publications page.
Vaccination Program for a Cow-Calf Operation
New
An overview of a vaccine program for a cow-calf operation, covering the viruses and bacteria of concern, the difference between killed and modified live viral vaccines, and an example of a vaccine schedule.
Introduction to Beef Cow Leases
New
Leasing beef cows can be a cost-effective strategy for new or expanding producers, offering reduced capital investment and risk compared to purchasing.
Beef Feeding Profitability Tracker
New
Learn how to use the Beef Feeding Profitability Tracker tool, a financial analysis spreadsheet tool for small to mid-size cattle feeders to use free of charge.
Missouri Slaughter and Inspection Requirements for Livestock and Poultry Producers
Revised
Missouri meat producers must register and meet inspection requirements to sell meat legally. Learn about species-specific regulations and compliance.
Yearling Beef Steer Feeding Planning Budget
Revised
Use this budget to estimate costs and returns for Missouri yearling beef steers bought in November and sold in April.
Beef Heifer Planning Budget
Revised
Use this budget to estimate costs and returns for buying beef heifer calves and selling them as bred replacement heifers in Missouri.
Beef Backgrounding Planning Budget
Revised
Use this budget to estimate costs and returns for backgrounded steer calves in Missouri, and summarize detailed assumptions and feed requirements.
Alfalfa Small Bales Planning Budget
Revised
Use this enterprise budget to plan how to produce, finance and market alfalfa sold as small hay bales in Missouri. It links to the Missouri Forage Budget Generator spreadsheet.
Corn Silage Planning Budget
Revised
Use this crop enterprise budget as a guide to estimate your production costs and revenues when growing corn silage on Missouri farms.
Alfalfa Baleage Planning Budget
Revised
Use this enterprise budget as a guide to estimate your production costs and returns when producing alfalfa baleage as a forage crop on Missouri farms.
Native Warm-Season Grass Planning Budget
Revised
Use this enterprise budget to plan costs and returns for establishing and managing native warm-season grass forages for hay and pasture on Missouri farms.
On-Farm Beef Finishing Planning Budget
Revised
Use this budget to estimate the costs and returns for producing, raising, home-finishing and commercially selling beef calves in Missouri. This budget includes both spring and fall calving herds.
Missouri Beef Cow-Calf Planning Budget
Revised
Use this budget to estimate costs and returns for a beef cow-calf operation (50-cow herd and purchased replacements) in Missouri for fall or spring calving season.
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance
Revised
See how LRP insurance helps farmers manage market price volatility risk. Missouri producers may apply for feeder cattle, fed cattle, lamb and swine policies.
Cash Rental Rates in Missouri
Revised
Learn about trends in cash rental rates for Missouri cropland, pastureland, grain bins, farm buildings and fee hunting based on survey responses from 112 MIssourians.
Farmland Values for Midwestern States
Revised
Find farmland value price trends in Missouri and other Midwestern states since 1912.
How to Use the Hair Shedding Scale
New
Hair shedding scores represent a visual appraisal of the extent an animal has shed their winter coat. This MU Extension guide is meant to provide further detail and guidance on hair shed scoring animals.
Hair Shedding Scores: A Tool to Select Heat Tolerant Cattle
Revised
Selecting cattle that can cope with heat stress is important for sustainable beef production. Learn about tools for breeding cattle adapted to heat stress and see a photographic guide to a hair-shedding scoring system in this MU Extension guide.
Feeding Poultry Litter to Beef Cattle
Reviewed
Poultry litter can be used as a feedstuff, but it presents special consumer issues. Visit our site to learn about Feeding Poultry Litter to Beef Cattle.
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Insurance in Missouri
Revised
Protect your grazing or hay farming operation from drought risk. Get tips and examples for understanding how PRF insurance works and choosing a policy.
Evaluating Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Opportunities for Local Beef in Missouri
New
Marketing beef direct-to-consumer is an complex business with many challenges. This guide explores common marketing options for beef producers, important considerations for direct-to-consumer marketing and the costs and returns of selling beef directly to consumers.
Strip-Grazing Milo as a Low-Cost Winter Forage
New
Explore an affordable solution for winter cattle feed by strip-grazing standing milo. This guide discusses milo production, nutritional value and the details of managing cattle while using this low-cost feed.
Native Warm-Season Grass Seed Production
New
Native warm-season grasses can be a valuable source of forage and wildlife benefits. They can also generate cash flow by harvesting and selling the seed produced. This guide discusses the practices used to harvest seed and the costs and returns of doing so.
Pasture Fence Construction Budget
New
There are many different methods and materials used to construct farm fencing. Each method varies widely in cost and ease of construction. This guide focuses on some common types of fences constructed across the midwestern United States.
Missouri Fencing and Boundary Laws
Reviewed
Find what farmers and landowners need to know about fencing duties, rights and boundaries provided in Missouri's fencing law and a local option counties can adopt.