Farm Service Agency FSA

Livestock producers in 25 counties now eligible for benefits through Livestock Disaster Forage Program

Producers in 25 Missouri counties are now eligible to apply for benefits through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock. Both programs are administered through the Farm Service Agency. Counties now accepting applications include Adair, Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Clinton, Daviess, Dekalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Howard, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Nodaway, […]

Center for Rural Affairs

More than 800 Midwest farmers surveyed on conservation

Many farmers and ranchers value the opportunity the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers to enhance their existing conservation efforts, according to a recent survey by the Center for Rural Affairs. Eighty-seven percent of more than 800 respondents, all living in an area with a strong agricultural presence, said CSP should be supported as a priority in the […]

Cow and cattle herd

Drought cuts pasture growth; farmers face culling cow herds

In dry weather with short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.  Give careful thought to which grass eaters go first, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist. Under drought stress, identifying those cows becomes urgent. The first cut is […]

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Department of Natural Resources to offer free workshop on water and wastewater infrastructure financing

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and two other agencies are offering a free workshop June 21 in Macon about funding opportunities for drinking water systems and wastewater treatment plants. “Nothing beats a face-to-face discussion,” said Hannah Humphrey, director of MoDNR’s Financial Assistance Center. “We know that state and federal assistance programs have a reputation for being […]

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 […]

New Medicare Card

Beware scams as new Medicare cards arrive in mailboxes

New Medicare cards are on their way to everyone enrolled in the program. Cards will be mailed automatically and free of charge, however, people should be wary of anyone calling to offer assistance with the cards or to request money or personal information, says Brenda Procter, University of Missouri associate extension professor. “Any time changes […]