MSU Beef Unit
The Leveck Animal Research Center is located adjacent to the campus of Mississippi State University. Currently there are 1057 acres being used to conduct intensive beef cattle, horse, catfish, and poultry production research, aid in teaching production animal agriculture and assist Extension specialists in educational programs for livestock producers.
Two beef cattle seedstock herds—Angus and Hereford—and a crossbred herd are maintained for research and teaching purposes. The fall calving purebred herd consists of Angus and Hereford cows calving in September and October. The spring calving commercial herd consists of commercial crossbred females with Angus, Simmental, and Brahman influence, calving in February and March. Bulls, heifers, and stocker cattle are sold to the public annually. The proceeds from the animals sold go towards supporting livestock research programs in Mississippi.
Research on the herd includes hair shedding and adaptability studies to evaluate genetic differences and impacts on performance. Research is also currently being conducted on stocker cattle receiving systems investigating effects of nutrition and management strategies on health and performance. Research in reproduction focuses on making artificial insemination more effective, and on how conditions in early gestation affect the health and future performance of calves. Cattle nutrition research focuses on forage utilization of summer perennials and winter annuals and perennials including supplementation strategies.The forage research unit evaluates new and improved forages and pastures crops species and rates their potential use in Mississippi. The primary emphasis is placed on finding ways to integrate various combinations of hay and grazing crops into practical production systems.
Publications
News
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Food supplies in the U.S. are abundant and safe, despite some challenges in packaging and distribution related to COVID-19.
Robert Johannson, chief economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, acknowledged “widespread worries that the disease could threaten the nation’s food production and supply systems and stoke inflation” in a statement issued April 16.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service will host a free webinar to discuss the impact of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, on cattle markets March 26 at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Agricultural economists Josh Maples of MSU and Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University Extension will discuss the current situation and answer questions submitted by participants.
Beef cattle producers looking to improve their farms’ herd and forage production are invited to a field day March 26.
2020 marked Bill Fitts’ 27th consecutive appearance at the annual North Mississippi Producer Advisory Council meeting.
For the first 15 years of their marriage, Ted and Janet Parker lived off one income. She made the living, and nearly every penny he made as a beef cattle farmer went right back into growing their farm.
Success Stories
See what is new in Extension... Extension partners to promote beef quality assurance program, Extension recognized in Gulf Guardian Award Project, First Ag leadership class graduates, and Extension supports residents participating in U.S. Census 2020.
For the first 15 years of their marriage, Ted and Janet Parker lived off of one income. She made the living, and nearly every penny he made as a beef cattle farmer went right back into growing their farm.
On his Rolling Fork farm, Bill Rutherford is living the life he dreamed of as a child. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)
See what's new in Extension: Gather for First Extension Beef-Production Workshop, the Food Factor Goes Digital, Extension Professionals Share Expertise, and Extension Offers New HappyHealthy Program.
Greg Chambers is one Mississippi producer who’s focused on innovating. Whether he’s growing soybeans and wheat on his Prentiss County property or raising cattle and goats on other acres, Chambers is always looking for a better, more efficient way of doing things.
