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

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.