Completed Project Report


Feed and Forage Finder

  • Award Amount: $49,644
  • Regional Center: North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2023 Education Projects
  • Project Director: Ryan Milhollin
  • Email: milhollinr@missouri.edu
  • Organization: The Curators of the University of Missouri

Extension RME Regional Centers
Extension Risk Management Education Region Map

Project Overview

Unpredictable weather conditions and transportation issues can disrupt the availability and cost of quality feed ingredients for livestock producers. To address these market or price risks, Feedstuff Finder (https://feedstufffinder.org) launched in November 2023 to offer a free, mobile-friendly online platform tailored to individuals buying or selling forages and co-products.  

Feedstuff Finder has important features for feedstuff buyers and sellers. The user-friendly map interface empowers buyers to browse available feedstuff products quickly and easily in a specific geographic area. A product listing is comprehensive with feedstuff details, photos and seller contact information. Listings can be sorted by type and price per unit. Buyers can input their location for an estimated delivered feed cost, which allows product cost comparisons relative to their farm location. 

Key promotional efforts and educational events were executed in winter 2023-24. A total of 1,787 participants were reached in 28 in-person producer meetings. Promotional activities were implemented through a strategic promotional plan – including press releases, news articles, a promotional toolkit, stakeholder communications and social media. Risk management results documented in producer trainings include improved feed cost management and sourcing for their businesses. Feedstuff Finder usage included 143 accounts (product listers) and 5,276 active users using the platform over the project period.  

Number of Participants: 1787

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

There are no educational materials available for this project.

REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.

DELIVERY AREA

DESCRIBE ANY UNEXPECTED RESULTS OF THE PROJECT:

HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THE PROJECT IF YOU WERE TO DO IT AGAIN?

WHAT WERE THE KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR YOUR PARTICIPANTS?

INDIVIDUAL STORIES / EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS / QUOTES