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 […]
Tag: farmer
Land values in Missouri continue to grow, according to annual survey of farmers, appraisers and ag lenders
All classes of Missouri land values grew steadily in the past year, according to the University of Missouri Extension’s annual survey of farmers, rural appraisers, and agricultural lenders. Ray Massey, MU Extension agricultural economics professor, heads the survey efforts. No governmental or public agencies in Missouri require the reporting of land values, said Massey. Despite […]
Gallatin Board of Aldermen approve upgrading electrical system as well as electric rate study
The Gallatin Board of Aldermen on Monday evening, January 25th approved two ordinances authorizing engineering service contract agreements. City Clerk Hattie Rains reports one with Finley Engineering Company involves upgrading the 2400 electrical system. The other agreement is for electric cost of service and standard rate design with Toth and Associates and involves an electric rate […]
Director of Agriculture announces funding for local 4-H, FFA youth service projects
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 […]
Northwest Missouri meeting for row crop producers to be held via Zoom
An upcoming meeting for row crop producers will be held next Thursday evening, January 28th on Zoom. The meeting will provide updates from State Specialists and is free of charge. The meeting will be held from 6-8 pm. Dr. Kevin Bradley, State Extension Weed Scientist, will start the meeting with an update on weed management […]
March webinar series on selling local food begins March 2 via Zoom
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 […]
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 […]
American Coalition for Ethanol says EPA’s proposed ethanol rule is a tough pill to swallow
A proposed biofuels rule from the EPA is getting criticism from ethanol supporters. The part of the rule ethanol supporters like would address E-15 labeling and infrastructure requirements and not act on 66 petitions for Small Refinery Exemptions. Growth Energy’s Chris Bliley tells Brownfield EPA’s proposed rule is in the middle between good and bad. […]
Audio: Missouri Cattlemen’s Association legislative agenda includes banning companies from taking private land
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association says one of its key legislative priorities this year is to prevent private companies from using eminent domain to get private land. Ag Policy Chairman Jimmie Long says the organization’s legislative progress was halted last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Missouri farmers and virtually all commodity groups […]
Public interest groups sue EPA for re-approving controversial herbicide dicamba
Public-interest groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency over the agency’s re-approval of products containing dicamba, a herbicide controversial for its tendency to drift into neighboring fields and damage farmers’ crops and homeowners’ gardens. Last fall, the EPA green-lighted dicamba use for five years, the third time the agency registered dicamba products. George Kimbrell, legal director at […]
Scholarships for high school seniors now available through FCS Financial
Since 2004, FCS Financial has provided more than $670,000 to Missouri high school seniors seeking higher education. Up to 35 scholarships, each at $1,500 will be awarded to children or grandchildren of FCS Financial members. The scholarship deadline is March 1 and recipients will be notified in April. Applicants must be a graduating senior at […]
Mercer farmer achieves top honors in Missouri Soybean Association annual yield competition
Missouri soybean farmers brought impressive yields for the Missouri Soybean Association’s annual competition. Results from Missouri’s soybean yield contest are now finalized with the highest yields topping 100 bushels per acre. Contest winners in the irrigated and non-irrigated categories presented yields of 102.79 and 106.14 bushels per acre, respectively. The contest’s top honors for non-irrigated […]
Annual essay contest sponsored by Farmers’ Electric Cooperative now open for submissions
The 58th annual essay contest sponsored by Farmers’ Electric Cooperative in Chillicothe will look different this year. The Youth Tour trip to Washington, D. C. has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, however, area high school sophomores and juniors will still have an opportunity to win an all-expense paid experience this summer. Juniors will compete […]
Never say never to nitrogen
Sometimes it pays to be late. Nitrogen application is one of those times, says University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist Peter Scharf. Scharf, who has researched nitrogen application in corn, wheat, and other crops for 35 years, continues to favor spring nitrogen application over fall-applied application, especially during wet years, which are becoming more […]
Chillicothe Fire Department responds to garage fire on County Road 2313
The Chillicothe Fire Department reports a fire on Wednesday destroyed a garage, a couple of vehicles, a tractor, and other equipment.m The owners were listed as Jim and Linda Souders of 9857 Livingston County Road 2313. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighter and paramedic Zach Parks said a detached two-car garage/machine shed was fully engulfed. […]
Gallatin Board of Aldermen accept bids for advanced metering infrastructure and dump truck
The Gallatin Board of Aldermen accepted bids Monday evening, January 11th for advanced metering infrastructure and a dump truck. The accepted AMI metering system bid was for Core and Main for $25,852. Public Works Director Mark Morey recommended that bid based on the amount of strength the sensus radios have to collect data and the use […]
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, […]
MU Extension offering three night class on estate, succession and retirement planning
The University of Missouri Extension will offer a three-night class on estate, succession, and retirement planning for farmers and business owners. Extension Agricultural Business Specialist Darla Campbell will teach “Your Farm, Your Business, Your Future” with other Extension specialists and a probate judge on January 19th and 26th and February 2nd from 6 to 9 […]
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 […]
Audio: Farmers will have options when renewing Private Pesticide Applicators License in 2021
When the calendar changes to 2021, it’ll be time for farmers to either renew their Private Pesticide Applicators Licenses or to obtain certification for one. Valerie Tate is an MU Extension agronomist in Linn County. She tells there will be a limited number of face to face opportunities in Grundy, Livingston, and Linn counties to […]