Soil testing

With the arrival of spring, many folks are thing of planting time. Whether you are planting a garden, an orchard or thinking of hay and pasture a soil test can help you know what you will need to amend your soil for the best results possible. Call our office for more information. Cost is $15 per sample.

Commemorative book to feature Missouri Century Farms

The Missouri Century Farm program recognizes family farms as a treasure of our state. Missouri farms that have stayed in families for more than 100 years are given special recognition through the program. This year, to celebrate the program’s 35th anniversary, the University of Missouri and the Missouri Farm Bureau are releasing a commemorative book showcasing Missouri Century Farms.

The one-of-a-kind volume will celebrate the historical and educational value of Missouri Century Farms. Century farm owners are invited to submit their materials for inclusion in this anniversary book. In addition to the biographical sketches, the book will include regional histories, a special feature on how agriculture has changed through the years, including technology, crops and equipment, and the 35-year history of the Missouri Century Farm program.

Reserve a deluxe edition of the book for $49.95 and a leather collector’s edition for $79.95. For more information, visit the Missouri Century Farm website at http://extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm or call Acclaim Press toll-free at 877-427-2665.

Century Farm applications

Applications are available from approximately Feb. 1 through May 15 from the MU Extension office in your county or from University of Missouri-Century Farms, Extension Publications, 2800 Maguire Blvd. Room E1, Columbia, MO 65211.

A fee of $50 (if you apply by May 1) is required to cover processing costs, one certificate, a booklet and one two-sided metal sign (includes MU and Missouri Farm Bureau logos) for each approved farm.

Send a completed application, order form and a check made made payable to University of Missouri-Century Farms for the total amount on your order form. Return completed applications to University of Missouri-Century Farms, Extension Publications, 2800 Maguire Blvd. Room E1, Columbia, MO 65211, or to the extension center in the county where your farm is located. For more information, call toll-free 800-292-0969 or email Extension Publications at emerson@missouri.edu.

Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2012. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Time to prepare for canning season

We can test your dial type canner guages for you. You spend to much time, effort and money to can your produce to let it go bad because the canner pressure was wrong.