TUSCUMBIA, Mo. — Hay quality has a direct impact on livestock performance and feeding costs, yet many producers lose value long before hay reaches the feeder, said University of Missouri Extension Field Agronomist Rudra Baral.
AMES, Iowa — Questions about effective management of nitrogen fertilizer continue to plague agriculture, even after decades of practical use.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Jason Franken, associate professor of agricultural economics and management at the University of Missouri, for the farmdoc daily website March 30.
AMES, Iowa — Questions about effective management of nitrogen fertilizer continue to plague agriculture, even after decades of practical use.
- Benjamin Herrold
The pork industry has seen a long climb in the average number of pigs saved per litter, and recent months have seen the growth rate increase.
- Benjamin Herrold
University researchers continue to study virtual fence in different grazing systems, and some farmers and ranchers are beginning to use the technology.
Lawsonia infection might be impacting more than you think
- Crystal Reed
Agricultural producers in the United States continue to rely heavily on farmworkers, especially for labor intensive commodities in the fruit, vegetable sectors.
- Benjamin Herrold
Beef production in 2026 will be a key factor driving cattle prices this year, and University of Florida Extension Beef and Forage Economist Hannah Baker said several factors will determine production.
Kidding and lambing season is coming, and there are steps that owners should take to ensure their herd or flock is prepared.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
The combination of record calf prices and a short supply of grass has likely translated to less interest in backgrounding calves.
- Crystal Reed
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — This year’s Illinois Beef Expo at the Illinois State Fairgrounds had a new event — a fitting competition featuring seven teams of four people each returned this year.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
DES MOINES, Iowa — Bill Goehring has bought and sold cattle at the Iowa Beef Expo for many years, and one of those purchases paid a big dividend recently. The southeast Iowa producer sold the top-selling Hereford bull at this year’s annual event.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Jameson Brennan, assistant professor and South Dakota State University Extension livestock grazing specialist, with Logan Vandermark and Hector Menendez for the university’s website Feb. 13.
Consumers’ demand for beef — not just shrinking cattle numbers — is playing a central role in shaping prices and profitability across the U.S. beef supply chain, according to research from Kansas State University agricultural economists.
- Crystal Reed
Genetics and breeding is a long game, and you have to see things to the end.
- Crystal Reed
For the last two years, the dairy industry has been in a relatively good place. However, a downswing in the last half of 2025 is expected to continue into 2026.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Haymaking is a game of threes, University of Missouri Extension Forage Specialist Carson Roberts said.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Russ Euken, Iowa State University Extension beef and swine field specialist.
- Crystal Reed
The Iowa Pork Producers Association elected Dean Frazer of Conrad, Iowa, the next president of the association during the organization’s 2026 Annual Meeting held Jan. 20 in Des Moines.
- By Jeff Young, Iowa Farmer Today
HARPER, Iowa — Dennis Clarahan is proud to be part of his family’s farming legacy.
- Benjamin Herrold
On his Angus cow-calf operation in southwest Missouri, Tanner Clark said he is always looking for ways to grow or improve.
- Tim Kenyon
Midwest cattle producers will soon converge at the 50th Iowa Beef Expo. The annual event is scheduled for Feb. 14-22 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
- By Morgan Kuntz-Garrison, For Lee Agri-Media
Precision agriculture is often associated with crop production while livestock production may seem to have remained a traditional industry with management practices more or less the same as they have been for the last century.
- Crystal Reed
Cows in good body condition can handle short-term increases in energy requirements, like this past weekend’s frigid temperatures and blizzard.