Justin and Stephanie Oaks, along with their three boys, are proud to call their Harris, Missouri farm diversified, to say the least. On their 200 acres in Sullivan County, the Oaks family raises cattle, hogs, row crops, and hay. Justin, a fifth-generation farmer, is also a local seed salesman, adding more diversity to their operation’s […]
An indictment was unsealed charging 11 individuals on a 136-count federal indictment including violations of drug conspiracy, drug possession, and drug possession with the intent to distribute, and violations of the dogfighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act, and conspiracy to commit the same. The defendants include Jarvis Lockett, 40, of Warner Robins, Georgia; […]
The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees approved several personnel items on Tuesday evening, January 26th. Former Board Clerk/Secretary Vicki Weaver was granted emeritus status. She was an employee of NCMC for 36 years. She retired at the end of December. President Doctor Lenny Klaver noted in a nomination letter that Weaver “guided NCMC […]
Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced that 14 youth groups from across Missouri were awarded grants from the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s 2021 Building Our American Communities grant program. Six local chapters of the National FFA Organization and eight Missouri 4-H clubs statewide have been awarded funds for their community service projects this year. “It’s […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
