FEATURES:
Farmland protection efforts
Are they worth it? It's a hot-button issue. Nationally, some of these efforts have backfired. Right now, a land preservation bill is working its way to the Missouri House. It offers farmers a choice. By James D. Ritchie

Fighting city hall
Two years ago, the city of Springfield, Mo., threatened Bud and Marianna Thomson's dairy farm with eminent domain. Support from a variety of different people helped them keep their farm. By James D. Ritchie

Farming in sprawl
Suburban sprawl in Missouri is only moderate in comparison to other states across the nation. But the occurrence of sprawl outside the state's major cities is changing not only the land but also the lifestyles of both the suburban and rural residents. By Holly Hollenbeck and James Fashing

Code of the midwest
Are you sick of your new neighbors complaining about country life now that they've made the move from town? Then this tongue-in-cheek code of country living may be the perfect house-warming gift. Ah, the sights, the sounds, the smells. By James Fashing, Holly Hollenbeck, Mitch Jayne and James D. Ritchie

The urbans are coming!
If you're thinking about moving from the city to the country, answer this questionnaire to see if you and the country lifestyle are compatible before you make the big move. By Mitch Jayne

Cow-calf benchmarks
For cow-calf producers to be profitable, they must make good decisions at the right times, but those decisions are not always easy to make. Follow this break-even model to help you make the tough decisions on your farm. By Dr. Alan Wessler

DEPARTMENTS:
Country Corner
Keep your eye on the ball in farmland preservation efforts. By Chuck Lay

Country Humor
House for sale. By Jack S. Bray

Crops
More management tips concerning bermudagrass. Dr. Paul Tracy

Nutrition
Follow these TMR mixing tips to prevent acidosis. Dr. Dan Netemeyer

Viewpoint
When the Internet meets tradition, innovation happens. By Don Copenhaver