The Gallatin Board of Aldermen approved the results of the April 3rd election at its meeting Monday evening. John Witfield was elected as East Ward Alderman, and Dan Lockridge was elected as West Ward Alderman. The new members were sworn in and the board appointed and approved City Clerk Hattie Bailey as the City of […]
Agricultural producers wanting to enhance current conservation efforts are encouraged to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps private landowners build their business while implementing conservation practices that help ensure the sustainability of their entire operation. NRCS plans to enroll up to 10 million acres in […]
A lack of moisture over an extended period of time has caused producers in certain Missouri counties to suffer from the effects of severe drought conditions. Farms and ranches in Bollinger, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Oregon, Phelps Pulaski, Polk, Ripley and Texas counties experiencing severe drought conditions may be eligible […]
Forms for the 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture are due Feb. 5. University of Missouri Extension economists urges farmers to complete the census. It can be returned by mail or securely submitted online at agcensus.usda.gov. MU Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade […]
Farmers’ markets are pulling out all of the stops as a guilt-free alternative as many people stuff themselves silly during the holidays. Known for their fresh produce, meats, and dairy, farmers’ markets are now attracting lower-income families with incentives through various government food-aid programs such as SNAP and WIC. Corrina Smith, executive director of Columbia […]
Sheep owners and meat goat owners have their own sections in the Missouri Livestock Symposium, December 1 and 2 in Kirksville. But, they also gain from topics in forages and stock dog tracks. Concurrent sessions, from beekeeping to horses, run all day Saturday, Dec. 2, says Garry Mathes, chair of the planning committee. Lead speaker, Ray […]
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has announced the USDA provided more than $1 billion in the fiscal year 2017 to help improve access to health care services in rural communities. Of that amount, more than $1 million was invested in Missouri. USDA made investments through the community facilities direct loan program. According to the agriculture […]
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that USDA is investing $2.5 billion in rural electric infrastructure improvements to help create jobs and support economic development in 27 states. Of these investments, nearly $119 million was invested in Missouri. “These significant investments will help develop and maintain modern, reliable electric infrastructure that businesses and rural communities […]
University of Missouri Extension economists urges farmers to complete the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of Agriculture. The census should arrive in farmers’ mailboxes in December. It can be returned by mail or securely submitted online. MU Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations […]
Rural Missourians can save money on energy bills with help from University of Missouri Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. MU Extension specialist Willard Downs says USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps Missourians lower costs through energy audits, financing and grants. Farmers who earn at least 50 percent of their income from […]
During a special month-long campaign called “No-Till November,” the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging Missouri farmers to “keep the stubble” on their harvested crop fields and improve soil health. “The No-Till November campaign encourages farmers to keep tillage equipment in machine sheds this fall because tillage reduces the amount of valuable crop […]
The United States Department of Agriculture announced that farmers and ranchers with base acres in the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage safety net program may enroll for the 2018 crop year starting November 1. The enrollment period will end August 1, 2018, and farm producers not enrolled for the 2018 enrollment period will […]
Kids love Halloween when it comes to Trick-or-treating, classroom parties and trips to a neighborhood haunted house. But for moms and dads, often there is a fine line between Halloween fun and safety concerns, especially when it comes to road and pedestrian safety. ALL DRESSED UP: Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced grants to help bring agricultural business ideas from the drawing board to the marketplace. Funding is made through NIFA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program. “For small agricultural businesses, the federal government is a key, initial investor to help them get great ideas into […]
The United States Department of Agriculture has released its latest crop progress report for Missouri. Rain in some areas slowed the harvest. Statewide, the temperature averaged 61.8 degrees, 3.7 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.26 inches statewide, 0.62 inches above normal. There were 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending October 15.
October is a busy month for both our nation’s farms and our nation’s schools. Farmers are harvesting everything from apples to pumpkins, while schools are celebrating Farm to School Month by raising awareness of the connection with fresh, healthy food and local food producers. Farm to School connects communities to our nation’s farmers, ranchers and […]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will process many pending eligible offers for land enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and it will temporarily suspend accepting most new offers until later in the 2018 fiscal year. “All current, eligible CRP continuous enrollment offers made through Sept. 30, 2017 – except for those […]
Openings remain for a free Sept. 18 workshop to help beginning farmers, ranchers and veterans learn about resources offered by state and federal agencies. “Understanding the Alphabet Soup of USDA” workshop for beginning farmers and ranchers will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at Follis Hall, Fredericktown, said Richard Proffer, MU Extension business […]
The deadline to nominate candidates to serve on local Farm Service Agency county committees is approaching. U. S. Department of Agriculture FSA Acting Executive Director for Missouri Kimberly Viers reminds farmers and ranchers that they can nominate eligible candidates until August 1st. Eligible nominees must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program and reside […]
The USDA Farm Service Agency is made up of staff as well as committees. Grundy County FSA Director Curtis Crawford explains the structure of the committees. He says all USDA FSA offices all have county committees, which is broken into administrative areas. The administrative areas depend on volume, the number of producers, and farms throughout […]
