Date of Graduation

Summer 2015

Degree

Master of Natural and Applied Science in Agriculture

Department

College of Agriculture

Committee Chair

Elizabeth Walker

Abstract

A survey of beef cattle producers in Missouri was conducted to evaluate the management and production practices of the beef cattle industry. Production and demographic data from 112 (response rate of 5.9%) were analyzed to identify areas in need of future research and education. The web-based survey was conducted through Survey Monkey© and distributed by the Missouri Cattlemen's Association to a list of their members. Responding producers were located in 65 of the 114 counties in Missouri, with 63.3% located north of Interstate 44 and 36.7% south of Interstate 44. The majority (47.3%) of producers were between ages 31 and 55, and 63.0% had a Bachelor or Graduate degree. Producers who attend grazing school (49.5%) were more likely to use temporary electric fencing to rotate cattle during the growing season (p < 0.01) and winter months (p < 0.05), purposefully stockpile forage (p < 0.01), move cattle frequently (p < 0.01), and utilize more stockpiled winter forage (p < 0.01). Net profit was positively correlated (p < 0.01) to number of mature cattle (0.792). Large producers (75 or more mature cattle) were more likely to apply fertilizer and lime (p < 0.05) to their fields and make fencing (p < 0.01), water source (p < 0.05), planting (p < 0.05), and mowing or brushhoging (p < 0.05) improvements to rented land. Understanding the management practices producers use may allow educators and extension personnel to develop educational programs to meet producer needs.

Keywords

beef cattle, survey, Missouri, rotational grazing, management practices

Subject Categories

Agriculture

Copyright

© Jordan Lee Kinder

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Open Access

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Agriculture Commons

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