University of Missouri Extension will offer Hay Quality Management workshops in the coming weeks in Gasconade and Osage counties.

Local livestock and hay producers are invited to attend these free programs intended to help farmers improve hay quality to reduce feed costs and enhance livestock performance.

“These workshops are designed to give producers hands-on, research-based knowledge they can apply right away,” said Rudra Baral, MU Extension agronomy specialist. Workshop topics include:

• Why hay quality matters.

• Practical approaches to improving hay quality.

•Nitrate poisoning concerns.

• Hay testing and interpretation of results.

• Matching hay quality to livestock classes.

Dates and locations for these workshops in Owensville and Linn include the one in Gasconade County on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the MU Extension Center in Gasconade Count, 1106 West Highway 28, Owensville. Call the MU Extension in Gasconade County at 573-266-2701 to register.

The one in Osage County is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Osage County Library, 22 Library Lane, Linn. Call the MU Extension in Osage County at 573-897-2497, extension 351, or Osage County Library at 573-897-295, to register.

Workshops are free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. To register online, go to https://muext.us/HQM2025.

The University of Missouri Extension continues to make a meaningful impact across Mid-Missouri through its agronomy and pasture management programs. Baral, an agronomy specialist, has been working with producers and community members to provide hands-on education, testing, and field support in the region.

During September 2025, Baral led pasture walks in Eldon, St. Thomas, and Dixon, helping local farmers identify and manage pasture weeds. The Extension office also offered free nitrate testing for producers in Cole, Osage, Miller, and Pulaski counties, supporting forage safety and livestock health.

Extension staff hosted outreach booths at the Taste of Osage event in Linn and the Cow Day celebration in Dixon, where they connected with over 50 community members to share agricultural resources and answer field-related questions.

Additionally, Baral reviewed soil sample reports from multiple counties, providing producers with personalized recommendations to improve soil health and crop productivity. Support was delivered through in-person visits, phone consultations, and email follow-ups.

Key outcomes Baral reports from the fall events include:

• Conducted pasture walks in three producers’ fields to improve pasture weed management.

• Provided free nitrate testing to six producers, helping ensure forage safety.

• Reached over 50 individuals through outreach events.

• Delivered tailored soil management advice to producers in seven Missouri counties and one in Texas.

• Offered technical assistance to 13 producers on topics such as pasture management, soil health, and forage quality.

Producers are reminded that free nitrate testing is available in all coverage counties. Nitrate accumulation in forages can occur under stressful growing conditions such as drought or heavy nitrogen application, posing risks for livestock feeding. Crops most at risk include sorghum, sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass hybrids, corn, millet, and johnsongrass.

Producers interested in testing should contact Baral at the MU Extension office to schedule an appointment. Baral will provide testing materials and coordinate sample collection.