MU Wurdack Center to Host Free Grass-Fed Beef Production, Marketing School

May 10, 2024

By Julie Harker

The University of Missouri Wurdack Extension and Education Center, in Cook Station, will host a free Beginners Grass-Fed Beef Production and Marketing School on May 31.

“This is an introductory course for small-scale producers interested in switching to grass-fed beef to sell directly to consumers,” said Gatlin Bunton, director of Wurdack Center.

The workshop is being held in partnership with the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council.

Representatives from MU Extension and the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council will present on topics throughout the workshop. Producers currently selling grass-fed beef will discuss pricing, market development and social media presence.

Participants will gain a better understanding of marketing, including websites, farmers markets and email marketing, Bunton said. In addition, attendees will have a chance to gain hands-on knowledge of forage systems, including native grasses and annual forage crops.

“This is a great opportunity for producers wanting to learn how to diversify their cattle sales and marketing,” Bunton said.

The school will conclude with a tour of Wurdack Extension and Education Center to view native grass pastures, summer and winter annual forages and the center’s grass-based cattle herd.

Source : missouri.edu

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.