(Missouri Independent) – Former Trump administration officials and conservative and libertarian nonprofits have launched lawsuits to block federal relief funds aimed at Black and minority farmers—a development that House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott of Georgia calls “an evil system at work here.” Suits have been filed in Florida, Wisconsin, and Texas that says it’s […]
Eleven of Missouri’s largest concentrated animal feeding operations are working to reduce the state’s oversight of their hog facilities despite a record of manure spills and clean water violations. Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork producer, has 11 CAFOs seeking new state permits. The facilities, dotted across northern Missouri, combined are capable of raising more […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency published the first notice of funding availability announcing loan payments for eligible borrowers with qualifying direct farm loans under the American Rescue Plan Act Section 1005. The official NOFA will be published in the Federal Register early next week and USDA expects payments to begin in early […]
(Missouri Independent) – With the Missouri Senate poised for what promises to be a lengthy debate over Medicaid expansion, legislative Democrats said Tuesday that the fight over funding will move to the courts if lawmakers don’t approve money for the new coverage. During a rally on the Capitol Building lawn, Senate Democrats promised to push […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Green Hills Animal Shelter in Trenton is holding Rib Fest on February 7th to benefit the shelter. Hy-Vee Hickory House ribs will cost $20 per slab, smoked baked beans $6 per pint, and homemade cinnamon rolls $6 for four. Payment can be made by cash or check at pick up or by PayPal or […]
Livingston County Health Center received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to the Tier 1A Population in the county. The CDC defines Tier 1A as “Paid and unpaid people serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and cannot work from […]
Governor Michael L. Parson’s Bicentennial Inaugural Committee announced initial plans for an Inaugural Prayer Service and the Inauguration Ceremony in January of 2021. “To kick off Missouri’s bicentennial, we will celebrate our state’s rich heritage with a historic Bicentennial Inauguration,” said Teresa Parson, First Lady of Missouri and co-chair of the inaugural committee. “The strong […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds dairy producers that the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) for the calendar year 2021 is Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened DMC signup in October to help producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities. “2020 has been […]
Wright Memorial Hospital is urging all residents in the area to wear masks and socially distance from others when in public as the number of positive cases in Missouri reaches an all-time high. “This is a serious matter,” said Steve Schieber, CEO of Wright Memorial Hospital. “The rising number of cases and hospitalizations affects the […]
The Grundy County R-5 Board of Education the evening of November 11th discussed modifications for home basketball games in regard to COVID-19. Attendance will be allowed only with a ticket. About 150 tickets will be issued per game. Each Grundy R-5 player, coach, and cheerleader will receive five tickets. Visiting teams will receive two tickets […]
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, wants a federal investigation launched in the case about a St. Louis couple who pointed guns at protesters last month. He has sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr accusing St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner of abusing her power. He says Gardner’s unacceptable abuse of power has […]
Governor Mike Parson says he talked to President Donald Trump on the phone about a St. Louis couple who pointed guns at protesters walking through their neighborhood last month. Photos and videos have gone viral of Mark McCloskey sporting a rifle and Patricia McCloskey flashing a pistol as protesters filed by. During a press conference […]
Openings remain for a free October 18, 2019, workshop to help beginning farmers and ranchers, including military veterans, learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies. The University of Missouri Extension sponsors the workshop. “Understanding the ABCs of USDA Programs” for beginning farmers and ranchers will be held noon-3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds dairy producers that the deadline to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for 2019 is Sept. 20, 2019. Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, the program offers reasonably priced protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost […]
Farmers affected by flooding have until Aug. 30 to apply for help from USDA emergency assistance programs, says University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Heather Conrow. The USDA Farm Service Agency provides up to 75% of approved renovation costs, to a maximum of $500,000, through its Emergency Conservation Program, says Conrow, who was part of […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced up to $16 million in available funding to help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program). […]
Twenty-five years ago, Brian Pemberton bought acreage filled with thorn trees, scrub brush and multiflora roses. The only water source was a frog pond. The land needed four things: a road, buildings, fences, and water. Thanks to hard work and cost-share programs, those goals were met. Grazing Acres Farm is now complete with a solid […]
Two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a conspiracy in which they fraudulently profited from hundreds of millions of dollars in federal government contracts they were not entitled to receive, which were set aside for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, and minorities. Patrick Michael Dingle, 48, of Parkville, […]
