Dairy Cows

Close-up cow’ barns help cows avoid heat stress, produce more milk

Martin Prairie Farms near Humansville treats dairy cows like guests.  The family-owned dairy farm north of Humansville in Hickory County dedicates itself to top-of-the-line herd nutrition and care, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel. Freddie and Mary Martin, son David, and David’s spouse, Alana, own and operate the nearly 3,000-acre farm. Almost […]

Chillicothe FFA Officers attend LEAD training

Chillicothe FFA officer teams attend LEAD conference

Chillicothe FFA officer teams recently attended the LEAD conference on the campus of North Central Missouri College. Over 1200 local Chapter FFA officers and 200 chapter officers and advisors attended the annual LEAD training. The LEAD (Learn, Educate, Advance, and Develop) training is designed to help prepare each officer team for their term of service […]

MOASK IRC Missouri Ag Skills and Knowledge Industry Recognized Credential

High School students in agriculture education courses receive technical skills certificates

High school students enrolled in agriculture education courses have the unique opportunity to go beyond the classroom and learn real-world applications in a number of disciplines. Whether it is in agricultural mechanics, livestock evaluation, or a dozen other areas of learning, the Missouri Agricultural Skills and Knowledge Assessment Industry Recognized Credential (MOASK IRC) program recognizes […]

Grants Graphic

FCS Financial awards 40 community improvement grants

FCS Financial is recognizing 40 different 4-H clubs and FFA chapters with $500 grants for submitting outstanding Shaping Rural Missouri grant applications. In the seven years of its existence, more than $100,000 has been awarded to Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters. Grants are awarded to organizations with plans to complete a community improvement project […]

Mental Health Awareness Month

Suicide rate is higher in rural areas

For many, the peace and quiet of country living is the American dream. But that dream can turn into a nightmare for those who become isolated and disconnected from their communities, says University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch. May is Mental Health Month. It is a good time to talk with […]

USDA Logo

Assistance available to agricultural producers through the Conservation Stewardship Program

Agricultural producers wanting to enhance current conservation efforts are encouraged to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps private landowners build their business while implementing conservation practices that help ensure the sustainability of their entire operation. NRCS plans to enroll up to 10 million acres in […]