Temple Grandin, renowned author on animal behavior and autism, will be one of four keynote speakers during the virtual 2020 Pixels of Production – Women in Agriculture conference. Pixels of Production offers women farmers and ranchers a four-night opportunity to learn practical tips and be inspired, says University of Missouri Extension swine nutritionist Marcia Shannon. […]
Category: Farm News
Managing cover crops before corn focus of MU Strip Trial Program
The University of Missouri Extension is looking for farmers to participate in cover crop trials as part of the “MU Certified” Strip Trial Program. MU Extension nutrient management specialist John Lory, who leads the program, said this year’s farmer panel approved trials focused on improving the management of cover crops, particularly ahead of corn. “The […]
USDA Issues $1.68 billion in payments to producers enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is issuing $1.68 billion in payments to agricultural producers and landowners for the 21.9 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which provides annual rental payment for land devoted to conservation purposes. “CRP is one of the many ‘tools’ that USDA offers to producers and private landowners to […]
Missouri Crop Progress report released October 13, 2020
Temperatures last week averaged 65.2 degrees, 7.1 degrees above normal. The only measurable precipitation occurred in the Southeast part of the state. There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending October 11, 2020. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 35 percent short and 54 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture supply […]
Dairy margin coverage program enrollment for 2021 opens October 13
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Dairy Margin Coverage program on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, for 2021 enrollment. “This year has been a market roller coaster for the dairy industry, and the Dairy Margin Coverage program is a valuable tool dairy producers can use to manage risk,” said Bill Northey, USDA’s Under […]
Livestock economist says hog industry faces more pressure in last quarter of 2020
A livestock economist says the hog industry could face some serious pressure in the last quarter of 2020. University of Missouri’s Scott Brown says there’s still a lot of hogs backed up in the supply chain from the COVID-related disruptions earlier this year. Brown says it will likely get worse before it gets better. “We […]
USDA issues first Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments
USDA has issued its first report on payouts under the second Coronavirus Food Assistance Program which is also known as CFAP 2. As of October 6th, the agency had distributed nearly two billion dollars of the 14 billion available for CFAP 2. Payments to corn growers topped the list at more than 687 million dollars […]
A big week for pork and soybean export sales
Pork export sales hit a marketing-year high last week. The USDA says the total for the week ending October 1st of 60,200 tons were up more than 50% from the four-week average, with China buying 29,000 tons, a possible sign of significant demand improvement as Germany remains out of the export market because of an […]
Soybean expert concerned about slow EPA decision on Dicamba
A soybean expert says farmers need the EPA’s decision about 2021 and the availability of dicamba now. Shawn Conley with the University of Wisconsin tells Brownfield if he were a betting person, he would bet on a very limited application window in 2021. “I would think that when the EPA review comes through, there will […]
Missouri crop harvest behind average
Missouri’s corn harvest is behind the five year average of more than 50%. As of Sunday, 31% of Missouri corn was harvested. More than 60% is in good condition, 17% is excellent. Soybean harvest is six-percent complete as of Sunday, also below the five-year average. Cotton harvest is eight percent complete while 56% of rice is harvested, […]
Missouri Corn Growers Association announce new slate of officers
The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and Missouri Corn Growers Association have announced their new slate of officers, the appointment of recently elected board members, and national committee assignments. The election of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council officer team took place during an August board meeting. Leaders assumed their new roles Thursday, October 1st. Those officers […]
2020: The year of the cull cow
Now is a good time for beef producers to take advantage of stronger than normal prices for culled cattle, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker. Fat trimmings become a value-added product for hamburgers. Demand for hamburger increased during COVID-19 as more people ate at home instead of restaurants or schools. COVID-19 […]
Organic certification cost share program available for Missouri farmers
The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced today that funding is available to assist Missouri farmers and food processors in obtaining organic certification for their businesses. Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, producers may be reimbursed for up to $500 of their certification expenses. This year, Missouri received $62,950 in program […]
Be patient and share the road with farm equipment this harvest season
This autumn, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists to be on the lookout for slow-moving farm vehicles. Please remember that farmers are just doing their jobs when moving equipment from field to field. It’s important that we be patient and drive carefully around farm vehicles. Non-farm motorists may not immediately recognize […]
Video: Deb Thummel says her philosophy on the farm is “Kids, Cattle and Christ”
“My philosophy on the farm is that the three things that I truly enjoy are kids, cattle, and Christ, and they all come together here in his creation,” said Deb Thummel. “Anytime that I can involve kids, cattle, and Christ in the same thing, I’m a very happy person.” Thummel’s faith is planted as deep […]
Harvesting grief: Suicide on the farm
It is almost harvest time on the Gottman farms in rural northeastern Missouri. Trees blushed with shades of scarlet, saffron, and sage edge mouse-brown soybean fields. The air is crisp; the sky a palette of blues. From the combine cab, Tim Gottman will remember his gentle-hearted son’s birthday on Sept. 27. Toby would have been […]
USDA making an additional $1.4 billion available to assist ag producers impacted by COVID-19
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced it is making up to an additional $14 billion in aid available nationwide to assist agricultural producers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program funding provided through the CARES Act. The application period will be open from September […]
Updated cover crop tool helps Missouri farmers
The Midwest Cover Crops Council will unveil a new cover crop selection tool during a live one-hour webinar Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. CDT. Cover crops improve water and soil quality, reduce erosion and capture nutrients, said Charles Ellis, a University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist. However, choosing the right cover crop can be […]
Thompson Research Center Virtual Field Day set for Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Spickard
Each year, the Thompson Research Center, located in Spickard, Mo., opens its doors to the public to share research findings and information related to agriculture and natural resources during its field day. This year is going to look a little bit different. Instead of offering an in-person event, Thompson will go virtual this year, along […]
Audio: Rally at 9 o’clock this morning to feature rural Trenton Farmer with presentation on “Disparity”
A rural Trenton farmer, Ben Thomas, is encouraging others to join him at what’s promoted as a “cattleman’s rally” scheduled this Friday, September 4, 2020, in Marshall. The event, which is open to the public, begins at 9 o’clock on September 4, 2020, and will be held at the Martin Center, located at 1985 O’Dell […]