WEST PLAINS, MO., Nov. 4, 2025 — The Ozarks Regional Stockyards Video Auction, held in conjunction with the regular feeder cattle sale, saw good demand on a light supply. A total of 332 head were reported sold. All cattle were located in Arkansas and Missouri, with current delivery available through November 18, 2025. more

WEST PLAINS, MO., Nov. 4, 2025 — Feeder cattle showed strong improvement this week. Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers sold $15.00-$25.00 higher and steer and heifer calves sold $20-$40 higher. Demand was very good on a moderate supply. Total receipts were 2,022 head, up from 1,334 last week. more

Stored hay can be a livestock producer’s best insurance, says University of Missouri Extension plant science specialist Caleb O’Neal, who is also a cattle producer in Mt. Vernon. It provides flexibility for cattlemen to rest pastures in the event of drought and is often the feed of choice for winter herd maintenance. more

WEST PLAINS, MO., Nov. 5, 2025 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows were steady to 2.00 lower and slaughter bulls were steady at the Ozarks Regional Stockyards on Wednesday, November 5. Demand was good on a heavy supply of slaughter animals and a moderate supply of replacement cattle. Slaughter animals outnumbered replacement cattle which hasn’t been seen for several months.Total receipts were 752 head, down from 809 last week. more

Alton FFA members are at the head of the class this fall, leading local elementary students through the Agriculture Education on the Mov (Ag Moves) curriculum. more

University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins in Mtn. Grove urges dairy producers to apply for the Dairy Producer Margin Enhancement Initiative Grant through the Missouri Department of Agriculture. more

The University of Missouri Extension will offer a class on dry-curing bacon at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Howell County Extension Center, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd. in West Plains. more

Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow’s mammary glands after giving birth, is liquid gold for baby calves. more

Every farmer knows the feeling: The crop is ready, but the weather isn’t cooperating. Muddy fields, disease-weakened plants, threatening winds and broken equipment can turn a good harvest into a stressful race against time. more

Missouri landowners can take practical steps to improve habitat for ring-necked pheasants, whose populations have declined across the Midwest due to habitat loss and changing land use. more

Missourians are urged to look out for spotted lanternfly (SLF), an insect that could have devastating effects on the state’s $4.2 billion wine and grape industry. SLF can damage fruits including grapes, as well as ornamentals and urban landscapes. more

With the fall harvest season underway, Missouri State Highway Patrol officials are urging both farmers and motorists to exercise caution and share the road. In 2024, there were 194 traffic crashes involving farm equipment in Missouri, resulting in two deaths and 65 injuries. more

University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida, Columbia, has confirmed the presence of a new soybean pest in Missouri. more

The West Plains FFA Chapter has kicked off its fall fundraiser to support student activities for the upcoming school year. FFA members are currently selling various items to raise money for leadership conferences, career development events, and other chapter programs. more

The University of Missouri Extension is launching a new webinar series this fall focused on forage management as part of its “On My Own” program, which is primarily aimed at empowering women who are first-time sole operators of farms. more

Following an extremely dry August, a "flash drought" is rapidly developing across Missouri, threatening crop yields as farmers prepare for harvest, according to University of Missouri Extension specialists. more

The month of September typically signals the ideal time for establishing cool-season forages, but University of Missouri Extension specialists in Howell County are advising farmers to pause plans until significant rainfall improves soil conditions. more

The fourth virtual session of Pearls of Production offered by University of Missouri Extension deals with something most livestock producers dread talking about: diarrhea. But gut issues are critical to healthy cattle and profits, says Heather Conrow, MU Extension livestock specialist and chair of the 2025 event. more

Members of the West Plains, Mtn. Grove and Couch FFA chapters joined more than 650 fellow FFA members and agricultural leaders from across the state on Aug. 12 for the FFA Day of Service at the Missouri State Fair. During the event, students packed 177,792 meals to be distributed to food-insecure families in Missouri. more