Improving Habitats for Ring-Necked Pheasants in Missouri

Sep 30, 2025

By Linda Geist

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.

“Providing the right types of habitat for nesting, brood-rearing and winter cover is essential for pheasant survival and reproduction,” says Robert Pierce, University of Missouri Extension state wildlife and fisheries specialist.

A new MU Extension publication, developed in partnership with Missouri Pheasants and Quail Forever, outlines science-based strategies to support pheasant populations. Ecology and Management of Ring-Necked Pheasants in Missouri is available for free download.

“The sight of pheasants in grasslands and crop fields in northern Missouri is becoming less common,” says MU Extension horticulture specialist Todd Higgins. “The decline in the pheasant population is not just a Missouri problem. It is a problem across their range throughout the Midwest.”

Pheasants range in Missouri

Ring-necked pheasants range throughout at least 32 Missouri counties, mostly north of the Missouri River and near the Iowa border, Pierce says.

Source : missouri.edu

Video: Selling Rams & Helping New Farmers Begin

It’s shipping day again at Ewetopia Farms as we sell another Suffolk yearling ram! In today’s episode, we load one of our Suffolk rams onto the trailer as he heads off to his new farm to sire the next generation of lambs.

This particular customer has been buying our rams for over eight years, trusting Ewetopia genetics for their gentle temperaments, strong builds, and proven performance. Back home, we get busy looking after the flock that’s staying behind. With the weather turning wet and chilly, it’s time to put down fresh, clean bedding to keep everyone cozy and comfortable for the season ahead. Later, we welcome a wonderful new family who’s just starting out in sheep farming!

They’ve chosen some of our Suffolk ewe lambs to begin their flock — and we couldn’t be happier to help them take their first steps into raising sheep. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode when we help deliver and settle their new flock at their farm.