Local highlights
Century Farm Program
The 2013 Missouri Century Farm program applications are available and will be accepted through May 15. Century Farms are those owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years as of December 31, 2012. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption. The present farm shall consist of no less than 40 acres of the original land and shall make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. Clink on the link to learn more about the Century Farm Program. http://extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm/home.aspx
Cash Renting Farm Land
The University of Missouri just released the results of their most recent cash rent survey in the 2011 Cash Rental Rates in Missouri. These rates were compiled using the survey responses of 226 Missourians who are involved with cash renting farm land. Every rent situation is different so this guide should be used as reference in addition to considering other factors in your area, including: average yield, soil types, the number of acres available for rent in the area and the demand of rental land. The guide includes rates of crop and pasture land by acre, crop land by yield, pasture by stocking rate and rates for farm buildings.
For more information or a copy of the 2011 cash rental rates in Missouri visit your local MU Extension office and ask for MU Guide G247.
Horticulture Tips for April
For those who use them, the Horticulture tips for April have been posted at: http://extension.missouri.edu/nwregion/hort/tips/1304.shtml
Visit the University of Missouri Extension/drought for drought related articles. Also follow Missouri Drought Info on Facebook for timely articles and response information.
Tips for coping with Drought-related stress (PDF)
Mark Your Calendars for MU Field Days
Events connect farmers to the latest agricultural science:
August 27, 2013 Graves-chapple Research Center Field Day, Rock Port
August 28, 2013 Hundley-Whaley Research Center Field Day, Albany
September 26, 2013 Hundley-Whaley Research Center Ag Education Day, Albany
September 27, 2013 Graves ChappleResearch Center Ag Education Day, Rock Port
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or this spring is your first in the field, the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) field days will offer ample opportunities to learn about techniques, tools and technology that you can employ on your farm. CAFNR has more than 14,000 acres dedicated to agricultural research in every corner of Missouri. Ongoing research at the out-state network helps farmers address emerging pest problems, respond and recover from droughts and floods, and provides the latest science to improve their operations.
Research and extension faculty from the University of Missouri will share research developments to enhance your operations, and help you save money and resources while conserving the natural environment. Whether it’s new strategies for stockpiling forages, improving a pasture, controlling waterhemp, becoming an elderberry entrepreneur or improving soybean yields, the field days across the state will address your agricultural challenges and questions.
“Research presented at our field days is almost totally driven by those we serve,” said John Poehlmann, assistant director of the Missouri Agriculture Experiment Station. “Our scientists gather information about problems farmers are facing and work to solve those. Research is done in collaboration with farmers, industry, government and other universities in order to determine the best approach – economically, environmentally and socially – for the challenges that confront Missouri farmers.”
CAFNR has several research centers around the state, many of which host multiple educational events, workshops and tours throughout the year. The events and field days are also an excellent time to connect with friends and learn from Missouri’s growing agricultural community.
Save the date for the events in your area and explore innovative and practical developments in production agriculture, forestry, horticulture, natural resources management, soil fertility and more.For more information, visit aes.missouri.edu or cafnr.missouri.edu.
Northwest Missouri Extension News You Can Use
This monthly newsletter provides practical advice on a variety of subjects and reports on extension activities throughout the region. Northwest Missouri Extension News You Can Use
Weather information
Real-time Weather at St. Joseph, Mo.