MU Extension Cow College Workshops Focus on Strengthening Beef Industry

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In May, cattle producers are invited to Cow College Workshops, an initiative led by specialists from University of Missouri Extension’s livestock, agronomy and agriculture business and policy teams.

As a backbone of Missouri’s agricultural economy, the state’s beef industry is $1.6 billion dollars, said Jason C. Morris, MU Extension agricultural business specialist. Prolonged drought conditions in some areas have depleted pasturelands and hayfields, causing fluctuations in forage quality that have left many producers scrambling for supplemental feed.

At the same time, other rising input costs, animal health and the need for cost-effective heifer development strategies have forced cattlemen to rethink traditional herd management practices, Morris said. Luckily, calf prices are strong and offer great opportunities for farm income.

“Between unpredictable weather patterns and the constant battle to maintain herd health, ranchers need access to the latest research and practical solutions to maximize farm income,” Morris said.

To equip producers with the tools to overcome these obstacles, MU Extension is launching Cow College Workshops, he said.

“These workshops will provide beef producers in Southeast Missouri with education related to hay and forage evaluation, cattle health management, heifer selection and cost-effective development strategies,” said Morris. “Through interactive presentations, demonstrations and real-world knowledge, participants will gain practical skills to enhance their operations.”

Key workshop focus areas

Forage & Hay Quality Assessment – Soil Health and Weed Management.
Cattle Health & Development – Body Condition Score and Heifer Development.
Heifer Selection & Development – Heifer Costs vs. Replacement.
Economic Sustainability – Livestock Risk Protection.

Morris said Cow College Workshops underscore MU Extension’s commitment to supporting Missouri’s agricultural community through science-based education. By addressing critical industry challenges, these sessions aim to bolster herd resilience, operational efficiency and long-term viability for beef producers, he said.

Event details

5-8:30 p.m. Mondays, May 5 and May 12: Grandin City Hall, Grandin.
Register: http://muext.us/CowCollegeGrandin .
5-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, May 6 and May 13: Madison County Ambulance District, Fredericktown. Register: http://muext.us/CowCollegeFredericktown .

Producers are encouraged to secure spots early due to limited capacity. Cost is $20 plus $10 per additional family member.

Related information: Missouri Beef Cow-Calf Planning Budget (PDF)

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Latest in Ag Innovation to be Featured at Feb. 13 Forum

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:13:13 GMT

The latest ideas in cutting-edge technology for agribusiness will be featured at a Feb. 13 Forum in Kansas City. The forum, hosted by the Ag Business Council of Kansas City, will showcase and celebrate ag technology in the Midwest according to Council Chair Dustin Johansen who is senior vice president at Farm Journal.

Johansen said the three keynote speakers are truly rock stars when it comes to the confluence of agriculture, innovation, and technology. Delivering keynote remarks will be:

• Dr. James Lowenberg-DeBoer, who Johansen said literally wrote the book for precision agriculture. He will share his thoughts on the economics of autonomy and robotics. He is a Professor and Elizabeth Creek Chair of Agri-Tech Economics at Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom.

• Microsoft’s Ranveer Chandra is one of the nation’s most prominent thought leaders when it comes to developing different technologies to bring internet connectivity to the middle of farms. Chandra is managing director of research for industry and CTO of Agri-Food at Microsoft.

• Aidan Connolly is president of AgriTech Capital and an unusual leader. He will bring his direct experience with greenfield start-ups, high-growth environments, turnaround issues, and challenging economic environments in a wide range of political and economic systems.

Rounding out the program will be panel discussions on three key topics – plant health, artificial intelligence, and livestock technology adoption. These leading industry experts will be part of the panels:

• Soil Health – Implications for Land Value, Farm Economics & Food Quality
Panelists:
o Nick Guetterman, Guetterman Brothers Family Farms, Bucyrus, KS
o Jason Tatge, CEO, PrairieFood
o Dan Poston, Vice President, Research and Field Services, PivotBio

• Artificial Intelligence
Panelists:
o Dr. Pascal Hitzler, Lloyd T. Smith Creativity in Engineering Chair and Director, Center for AI and
Data Science, Kansas State University
o Nic McCarthy, Senior Vice President Agronomy, Central Valley Ag Coop
o Matt Olson, Precision Ag Go-to-Market Manager, John Deere

• Livestock Technology Adoption, moderated by Dustin Johansen, Senior Vice President, Livestock Division, Farm Journal
Panelists:
o Dr. Tyler Spore, Director of R&D and Data, Innovative Livestock Solutions, Inc.
o Coby Buck, Director of Strategic Accounts, AgriWebb
o Paul Koffman, Executive Director, Livestock Technology Solutions, Merck Animal Health

Emcee for the forum will be Kristie Larson, Strategic Relationship Manager, The DeBruce Foundation.

The Ag Innovation Forum will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on February 13 at the Downtown Marriott, 200 West 12th Street, Kansas City, MO.

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MU Extension Cow College Workshops Focus on Strengthening Beef Industry

Key workshop focus areas

Event details

Latest in Ag Innovation to be Featured at Feb. 13 Forum