A livestock economist says the hog industry could face some serious pressure in the last quarter of 2020. University of Missouri’s Scott Brown says there’s still a lot of hogs backed up in the supply chain from the COVID-related disruptions earlier this year. Brown says it will likely get worse before it gets better. “We […]
Tag: produce
Trump Administration invests more than $1 million in rural business development in Missouri
The Trump Administration, along with the Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Missouri Jeff Case, today announced 20 organizations statewide are being awarded a total of $1,068,984 to create jobs and increase economic opportunities throughout the state. “When rural, small businesses expand and do well, it leads to a positive impact on the […]
2020: The year of the cull cow
Now is a good time for beef producers to take advantage of stronger than normal prices for culled cattle, says University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Wesley Tucker. Fat trimmings become a value-added product for hamburgers. Demand for hamburger increased during COVID-19 as more people ate at home instead of restaurants or schools. COVID-19 […]
Organic certification cost share program available for Missouri farmers
The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced today that funding is available to assist Missouri farmers and food processors in obtaining organic certification for their businesses. Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, producers may be reimbursed for up to $500 of their certification expenses. This year, Missouri received $62,950 in program […]
USDA making an additional $1.4 billion available to assist ag producers impacted by COVID-19
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced it is making up to an additional $14 billion in aid available nationwide to assist agricultural producers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program funding provided through the CARES Act. The application period will be open from September […]
NCMC livestock judging team competes in first contest
The North Central Missouri College Livestock Judging team launched fall 2020 and competed in the first contest of their inaugural season on September 13th and 14th at The National in Des Moines, IA. The team evaluated breeding and market hogs, presented oral reasons, and had the opportunity to network with swine producers and industry leaders. […]
Trenton City Council adopts ordinances relating to work at airport
The Trenton City Council on Monday night adopted two ordinances related to proposed work at the municipal airport. Also approved was a bid and contract regarding lime sludge at the water treatment plant. Each vote was unanimous among the six councilmen present at city hall and one on zoom with Kevin Klinginsmith absent. The council […]
Thompson Research Center Virtual Field Day set for Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 in Spickard
Each year, the Thompson Research Center, located in Spickard, Mo., opens its doors to the public to share research findings and information related to agriculture and natural resources during its field day. This year is going to look a little bit different. Instead of offering an in-person event, Thompson will go virtual this year, along […]
Attorney General’s office announces first CODIS hits through SAFE Kit Initiative
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced that his office has received results from sexual assault kits shipped to the lab and DNA tested, resulting in several CODIS, or Combined DNA Index System, hits. The Attorney General’s Office began shipping untested sexual assault kits to the lab from police departments last year, with the first batch […]
Audio: Rural Trenton farmer to speak at beef rally on Friday morning
In promoting attendance at a cattleman’s rally Friday morning, September 4, 2020, in Marshall, rural Trenton farmer Ben Thomas says the cattle industry has been suffering losses for quite some time. The rally is Friday morning, beginning at 9 o’clock at the Martin Center on O’Dell Street in Marshall. Thomas says there will […]
Forage Systems Research Center to offer virtual Field day on Tuesday, September 15
Each year, the Forage Systems Research Center, located in Linneus, Mo., opens its doors to the public to share research findings and information related to agriculture and natural resources during its field day. This year is going to look a little bit different. Instead of offering an in-person event, Forage Systems will go virtual this […]
Weigh, test and sample hay before you buy
Weigh, test, and sample hay before buying or selling says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eldon Cole. Beef producers rely on good-quality hay to boost profits. “Unfortunately, our hay production is not always the greatest quality,” Cole says. “The category we excel in is ‘other grass hay’ – specifically, cool-season grass or mostly fescue. […]
Missouri man sentenced to life in prison without parole for the sexual exploitation of a 4-year-old child
A Missouri man has been sentenced in federal court for the sexual exploitation of a 4-year-old child victim. Anthony Leon Helsel, 32, of Joplin was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, Aug. 25, to life in federal prison without parole. On Sept. 24, 2019, Helsel pleaded guilty to one count of […]
MU Extension, Small Business Development Centers to provide business counseling to agri-businesses
The University of Missouri Extension and Missouri SBDC have recently joined efforts to specifically provide support to agri-businesses through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. MU Extension Agriculture and Environment specialists, MU Extension agricultural economists, and Missouri SBDC have recently combined expertise and resources to better serve Missouri agriculture. The partnership is formally known as […]
Are postal service delays hampering small business?
Operational changes intended to help the financially troubled U.S. Postal Service save money aren’t going over well with some small-business owners in Missouri and other states. Recent modifications, including the end of overtime for workers, have led to numerous reports of delays, both in personal and commercial mail and package delivery. John McHugh, chairman of […]
St. Joseph man charged with producing child pornography
A St. Joseph, Missouri, man was charged in federal court with producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography. Tyler Bradley Wirth, 31, was charged in a four-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., with two counts of producing child pornography, one count of distributing child pornography over the internet, and […]
AgButler employment app debuts in North Missouri
A diverse group of individuals, from North Central Missouri, gathered to evaluate a new App called AgButler. The App is designed to connect individuals seeking work, with producers and agri-businesses needing temporary labor. Created by Kevin and Jamie Johansen, a Missouri farm family, they recognized the many benefits AgButler could provide to rural America. “Our […]
Trenton City Council approves purchase of fence for fire training tower and camera for sewer department
Three purchases were approved at Monday nights’ meeting of the Trenton City Council. A purchase for fencing to surround the new fire training tower, along with another purchase that involves a specialized camera for the sewer department to inspect underground mains, and the third item is the purchase of shirts for council members to wear. […]
New USDA survey to measure areas for improvement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a new annual survey of farmers, ranchers, and private forestland owners. The survey will help USDA understand what it is doing well and where improvements are needed, specifically at the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency. A selection of 28,000 producers will receive […]