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USDA announces funding available to assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency announces the availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, an effort to distribute resources more broadly and to put greater […]

Missouri Department of Agriculture website

Missouri Department of Agriculture launches Missouri Agriculture Awards for 2021

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting nominations for the Missouri Agriculture Awards. The Missouri Agriculture Awards will honor five individuals that strive to innovate their farm or ranch, give back to their communities, or stand as a great example for future generations. Award categories include Missouri Farm Innovation, Missouri Agriculture Education Leader, Missouri […]

Pigs at a factory

Rural Iowa communities urge more factory-farm regulations

Advocates for family farms, rural neighborhoods, and the environment are asking Iowa lawmakers to find a more equitable balance between the interests of factory farms and of the communities they’re in.  Research has shown higher levels of nitrates and phosphorus in the water, as well as air quality issues, in communities with nearby concentrated animal feeding […]

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State agriculture officials recommend enhancements to USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families Food Box program and recommend adjustments to improve the program’s effectiveness.   “The Farmers to Families Food Box program has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic […]

Pasture with stone wall

University of Missouri study looks at nitrogen products for pastures

University of Missouri Extension forage researchers studied the effects of treated urea products on soil fertility, forage yield, and quality.  This information can help producers control risk on nitrogen investments, improve tall fescue forage yields and improve water quality. MU Extension specialist Ryan Lock led the study to evaluate commercial nitrogen products in unbiased, replicated […]

Show Me Select Heifer Replacement Sale

Show-Me-Select registration deadline is February 15th

Enrollment for the Show-Me-Select Heifer Replacement Program ends February 15, 2021. Show-Me-Select helps Missouri producers raise and market high-quality beef replacement females, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Kendra Graham. The educational program uses the latest research on health, nutrition, genetics, and reproductive science.  “Now is the time to enroll in the program for […]

Cow and calf in a field (cattle)

Evaluate your calving distribution this spring

Record calf birthdates this calving season to track calving distribution. “Evaluating a calving distribution takes very little time but can provide valuable insight into reproductive performance and productivity of the herd,” says University of Missouri Extension veterinarian Craig Payne. Calving distribution is often expressed as the percentage of calves born at 21-day intervals since 21 […]

CRP Website Revised (Conservation Reserve Program website)

USDA extends general signup for Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the Conservation Reserve Program General Signup period, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12, 2021.  USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity for the incoming Administration to evaluate ways to increase enrollment. Under the previous Administration, incentives and rental payment rates […]