By Sydney Winn
Each year, thousands of Missouri calves leave the state shortly after weaning. Leaving with them is the opportunity to add value, strengthen local economies and grow producer profits. University of Missouri Extension is working to change that through its expanded Feedlot School program, including a school Feb. 18–19 in Linneus, designed to help cattle producers retain ownership longer and successfully background and finish cattle in Missouri.
“Missouri has the cattle base to do this,” says Eric Bailey, MU Extension state beef nutrition specialist. “But too many calves are still shipped out of state early. That means we’re losing value that could stay right here in Missouri.”
Beef production is a cornerstone of Missouri agriculture, which contributes an estimated $93 billion to the state economy and supports nearly 400,000 jobs. Retaining calves beyond the cow-calf phase creates ripple effects, driving spending on feed, veterinary services, transportation, labor and infrastructure in rural communities, Bailey says.
To help producers take advantage of these opportunities, MU Extension is expanding its Feedlot School program in response to producer demand for practical, hands-on education that connects the dots from weaning through marketing finished cattle.
Source : missouri.edu