Producers selling local foods can learn about best practices, state regulations, and available resources at a four-part online series in March presented by the University of Missouri Extension. “This series will help farmers and other food producers gain knowledge to help them sell their food products direct to consumers in these ever-changing times,” said Leslie […]
Tag: agriculture
Computers on the Farm Conference meets February 8-9 via Zoom
With its virtual format, this year’s Computers on the Farm Conference, Feb. 8-9, will vividly underscore the increasingly vital role of computers in agriculture. “The topics are designed to simulate a hands-on experience for both beginner and advanced farm computer users,” says Kent Shannon, University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist and MU assistant teaching […]
PETA seeks criminal probe after revealing steers shot in head at Warner Locker near Maysville
PETA has obtained a U.S. Department of Agriculture report revealing a recent violation of law at Warner Locker outside Maysville, Missouri. In response, the group sent a letter this morning calling on DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney Erik Tate to review the matter and, as appropriate, file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the facility and its manager […]
Construction begins soon on Caldwell County’s Little Otter Creek Reservoir
After approximately 30 years of hard work and persistence, Little Otter Creek Reservoir is becoming a reality. The final permits to begin construction were issued in late October 2020. Bud Motsinger, Presiding Commissioner of Caldwell County credits the success of this endeavor to the patience and support of the Citizens of Caldwell County and the […]
Private pesticide applicator training begins Friday
There will be two opportunities in Trenton on Friday, January 15, for private pesticide applicator training. Sessions begin at 10 o’clock Friday morning or at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon, with both sessions at the Grundy County Extension office located in the basement of the NCMC Alexander Student Center. Other dates and locations are to be […]
Audio: University of Missouri releases report on 2020 survey regarding crop and pasture land
University of Missouri extension has a report on the 2020 survey regarding crop and pasture land. MU Specialist in agriculture and the environment, Jackie Spainhauer, reports the average cropland values for eight area counties. Jackie Spainhauer noted the average 2020 land values are based on surveys among ag lenders and others in the […]
Missouri 4-H continues the fight against hunger
Missouri 4-H continues its partnership with Feeding Missouri and the Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids. To date, efforts have raised more than 400,000 meals to feed Missourians. The third annual food drive runs January through April to allow plenty of time for clubs to plan and carry out their activities, says Anne Reeder, […]
Nearly $127 million in fiscal year 2021 funds released to the state of Missouri
Governor Mike Parson announced the release of $126,921,606 in previously restricted Fiscal Year 2021 funds, including $117,460,583 in general revenue. “Thanks to our Show Me Strong Recovery Plan, we continue to outpace our economic recovery forecast, which is why were are able to release these funds today,” Governor Parson said. “This is great news for […]
Audio: Missouri Director of Agriculture says supporting small processors a priority in 2021
Missouri’s Director of Agriculture says funding for small meat processors will continue to be a priority in 2021. Chris Chinn tells Brownfield roughly $20 million of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding for the state went towards improving existing small and medium processors and building new ones. “We could also see, approximately, maybe […]
Missouri Farm Bureau Chief Administrative Officer retires after 24-years of service
Chief Administrative Officer Dan Cassidy has retired after serving the organization for 24 years. Cassidy made the announcement after the organization’s annual meeting on December 6. Cassidy has served as CAO since April 2003. From 1996 to 2002 he was the organization’s director of National Legislative Programs. Prior to his career at Missouri Farm Bureau, […]
Five-day virtual workshop on industrial hemp begins January 11, 2021
The University of Missouri Extension offers a virtual workshop about industrial hemp from 12:30-2:00 p.m. January 11 through the 15th. Topics include a legislative summary and regulatory update, agronomic practices, and pests, uses for hemp, crop enterprise budgets, and processing and contracts. Presenters include MU Extension specialists, CBD-hemp growers, and processors, processors from the Tiger […]
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation lending rates for January 2021
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation announced interest rates for January 2021, which are effective January 4-January 31. These rates are used for a variety of farm credit options available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). The CCC’s borrowing rate-based charge is 0.125%, the same as December. The interest rate for crop year commodity […]
Deadline to submit Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarship application is February 1
The Missouri State Fair and the Youth in Agriculture Committee are accepting applications for Youth in Agriculture scholarships for Missouri high school seniors graduating in 2021. The application form can be found on the Fair’s website. Applications should be submitted to the Missouri State Fair and must be postmarked by February 1, 2021. Applicants must […]
Year In Review: Missouri’s Governor highlights successes in 2020
As 2020 comes to a close, Governor Mike Parson highlights the state’s many successes and accomplishments despite the challenges of the past year. “Although 2020 has brought many challenges, we remained committed to serving the people of this state and moving Missouri forward,” Governor Parson said. “We still made great strides in advancing Missouri’s economy, workforce, and […]
Audio: COVID-19 relief Bill signed by President specific on how funds can be spent within agriculture
The latest COVID-19 relief Bill passed by Congress and signed by the President includes specific instructions on how the money will be spent within agriculture. Gary Crawford reports for the Department of Agriculture. Net income for farmers was up in 2020, but what about next year? Department of Agriculture reporter Gary Crawford provides […]
Oregon County, Missouri dog breeder found in contempt of court order
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that dog breeder Marlisa McAlmond of Cedar Ridge Australians in Oregon County, Missouri was found in criminal contempt of a court order. The order was entered earlier this month. Attorney General Schmitt previously filed an application for an order to show cause and a 24 count criminal complaint against […]
United States hog inventory down 1 percent
As of December 1, there were 77.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, down 1 percent from December 2019 and down 1 percent from September 1, 2020, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Other key findings in the report were: Of […]
University of Missouri Extension to help expand mental health resources in rural areas
Missouri’s rural counties lack mental health services despite growing financial stress and suicide rates with all of Missouri’s 99 rural counties facing a shortage of mental health professionals; 57 of them have none. The University of Missouri Extension hopes to change that through a multistate project to help farmers, ranchers, and farm families find affordable […]
NCMC Foundation announces receipt of “Gifts in Action” donation; campus to close for winter break
The North Central Missouri College Foundation announces it received a Gifts in Action donation from JK Farms to establish the John Kuttler Agriculture Scholarship. The scholarship honors the memory of the local farmer and community leader. The first John Kuttler Scholarship will be awarded in fall 2021. To qualify, NCMC students must be enrolled full-time, […]
Chillicothe man pleads guilty to his role in $142 million fraud scheme
A Chillicothe, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a $142 million scheme to sell non-organic grain as though it was organic. Steven N. Whiteside, 57, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill A. Morris to a federal information that charges him with falsely signing documents related to the fraud scheme. […]