Several major meatpackers require Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification from all fed cattle suppliers. It is predicted that the requirement will trickle down to all levels of cattle producers in the next few years. Beef producers may become certified by attending one of two upcoming meetings in Princeton and Trenton taught by Jenna Monnig, Livestock […]
Tag: Producers
Enrollment begins for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs for 2021
Agricultural producers can now make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2021 crop year. The signup period opened Tuesday, Oct. 13. These key U.S. Department of Agriculture safety-net programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops, and more than $5 billion […]
USDA Issues $1.68 billion in payments to producers enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is issuing $1.68 billion in payments to agricultural producers and landowners for the 21.9 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which provides annual rental payment for land devoted to conservation purposes. “CRP is one of the many ‘tools’ that USDA offers to producers and private landowners to […]
Dairy margin coverage program enrollment for 2021 opens October 13
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Dairy Margin Coverage program on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, for 2021 enrollment. “This year has been a market roller coaster for the dairy industry, and the Dairy Margin Coverage program is a valuable tool dairy producers can use to manage risk,” said Bill Northey, USDA’s Under […]
Livestock economist says hog industry faces more pressure in last quarter of 2020
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
USDA announces changes to emergency haying and grazing provisions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has announced changes for emergency haying and grazing of acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. This includes changes outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill that streamlines the authorization process for farmers and ranchers. “FSA authorizes emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program acres under certain […]
National 4-H Film Festival draws youth from 17 states, 8 from Missouri
Pursuing their silver screen dreams in an age of pandemic, 4-H youth from 17 states — including eight from Missouri — gathered online the first weekend of August for FilmFest 4-H. Now in its 10th year, this national film festival celebrated its decade-long run with the film industry workshops and youth-produced films it is known […]
BTC Bank named top farm lender
BTC Bank has been recognized as a Top Farm Lender by both the American Bankers Association and Independent Community Bankers of America. BTC Bank’s recognition is based on the strength of its competitive banking services and operational efficiencies throughout 2019 and showcases BTC Bank’s commitment, ingenuity, and skill in adapting to market dynamics and evolving […]