The newly elected president of the National Pork Producers Council outlined the organization’s priorities following the conclusion of their meeting at the National Pork Industry Forum. Jen Sorenson, an Iowa pork producer, says the expansion of export markets is at the top of their list. “Ultimately we see joining CPTPP as a major opportunity under […]
Category: Farm News
Audio: Missouri state lawmaker calling for investigation of potential price-fixing in the cattle market
A Missouri state lawmaker is calling for a state investigation of potential price-fixing in the cattle market. Representative David Gregory, a Republican from St. Louis, is chair of the House Special Committee on Government Accountability, “There’s some pretty strong circumstantial evidence that the meatpackers are coordinating efforts to suppress the price of fed cattle. And […]
“Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest” now open for entries
The beginning of the “Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest” is underway with photos of Missouri agriculture and rural life eligible for the contest. Last year, more than 1,000 entries were received showcasing Missourians’ passion for and commitment to the state’s No. 1 industry, agriculture. The contest is open to any amateur photographer with a […]
March 15 last day to complete enrollment for 2021 Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage Programs
Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021 must do so by March 15. Producers who have not yet signed a 2021 enrollment contract or who want to make an election change should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office […]
University of Missouri study looks at nitrogen products for pastures
University of Missouri Extension forage researchers studied the effects of treated urea products on soil fertility, forage yield, and quality. This information can help producers control risk on nitrogen investments, improve tall fescue forage yields and improve water quality. MU Extension specialist Ryan Lock led the study to evaluate commercial nitrogen products in unbiased, replicated […]
Corn and wheat export sales hit marketing year lows
The USDA says export sales numbers for most major commodities declined during the week ending February 18th. Corn and wheat were driven to new marketing year lows following cancellations by unknown destinations, possibly China, while soybean sales dropped also following cancellations by an unknown destination. China also canceled on U.S. beef and while it was […]
Audio: Agriculture Economist takes an early look at 2021 farm income projections
Net farm income is expected to drop this year compared to 2020 but that doesn’t mean your farm won’t see strong profits. In this episode of Managing for Profit, an ag economist breaks down the expected differences from last year to this year and what that could mean for farmers’ bottom line.
Farm Bureau asks for more time to apply for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
American Farm Bureau is asking USDA to extend the February 26th deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. In a letter to new Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, AFBF President Zippy Duvall says suspending CFAP3 pending regulatory review has created confusion for farmers and ranchers with respect to eligibility and the application process. The […]
University of Missouri Extension seeks input from farmers
The University of Missouri Extension wants to know how row crop farmers and others in the Missouri agricultural industry prefer to receive their agricultural information. MU Extension weed specialist Mandy Bish said the brief survey asks farmers and others in the ag industry, such as seed and chemical dealers, to share what types of information […]
Spring Show-Me-Select heifer sale dates set
Spring 2021 Show-Me-Select sale dates are set, says Erin Larimore, coordinator of the University of Missouri Extension program. The sales give beef herd owners from across the nation the opportunity to bid on top replacement heifers. Bidders get a guaranteed pregnant heifer and data on her genetics. They also receive a sales catalog that gives […]
Free farming webinar explores lessons learned from the 1980s
AEI Premium invites agricultural decision-makers to participate in a virtual event exploring lessons learned from its “Escaping 1980” podcast to be held on March 3 at 1 pm eastern. Farmers, agribusiness leaders, farm policy wonks, and students can click here to register for the free webinar. Agricultural economists Brent Gloy and David Widmar will […]
Audio: Arctic temps have made it a hard few weeks for Missouri farmers
The director of Missouri agriculture says it’s been a tough few weeks, especially for livestock producers, in the frigid weather. Chris Chinn, who owns a hog operation with her husband, says it’s also impacting growers who have a lot of grain to get to market. “A lot of farmers had contracts that they […]
Applications open for Missouri Century Farms
If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1921, you can apply to have it recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. The University of Missouri Extension, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and Missouri Farm Bureau sponsor the program. To qualify, the same family must have owned the farm […]
Missouri Department of Natural Resources sells out to foreign factory farms
(Missouri Independent) – I’m an independent Missouri farmer and livestock producer, and JBS, the largest meatpacker in the world and a Brazilian corporation, is attempting to put a 10,500 head hog operation next to my community and the Poosey Conservation Area in Livingston County. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is in the process of giving Missourian’s […]
Online workshops set for fruit and vegetable growers for produce safety training
Missouri fruit and vegetable growers can enroll in upcoming no-cost or low-cost online produce safety training. Webinar topics include creating a food safety plan for USDA Good Agricultural Practices certification, Food Safety Modernization Act training, produce safety best practices, and wildlife control for produce growers, said Londa Nwadike, an extension associate professor of food safety […]
Cooper County Court in Missouri rules mostly in favor of CAFOs
The Cooper County Circuit Court ruled in favor of five out of six of Senate Bill 391’s regulations Tuesday, limiting local ordinances from being stricter than state law. The ruling comes after local ordinances were attempted to be put in place against Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Cooper and Moniteau Counties in 2019. Missouri Farm […]
Show-Me-Select registration deadline is February 15th
Enrollment for the Show-Me-Select Heifer Replacement Program ends February 15, 2021. Show-Me-Select helps Missouri producers raise and market high-quality beef replacement females, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Kendra Graham. The educational program uses the latest research on health, nutrition, genetics, and reproductive science. “Now is the time to enroll in the program for […]
Evaluate your calving distribution this spring
Record calf birthdates this calving season to track calving distribution. “Evaluating a calving distribution takes very little time but can provide valuable insight into reproductive performance and productivity of the herd,” says University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Craig Payne. Calving distribution is often expressed as the percentage of calves born at 21-day intervals since 21 […]
USDA extends general signup for Conservation Reserve Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the Conservation Reserve Program General Signup period, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12, 2021. USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity for the incoming Administration to evaluate ways to increase enrollment. Under the previous Administration, incentives and rental payment rates […]
Audio: Missouri fence laws topic of in-person program on February 23 and March 8, 2021
The differences between Missouri’s general and optional fence laws will be discussed at a program to be held in person and online via Zoom on February 23rd and March 8th. Sessions will be held at the Harrison County Extension Center of Bethany, Adair County Extension Center of Kirksville, and North Central Missouri College Barton Farm […]