Know youth labor laws before hiring your summer staff

COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the school year ends, you can expect young people to start applying for summer jobs. For agricultural employers, these young workers can provide extra capacity at a time when farms and agribusinesses often have more work than they have employees to get that work done.

Missouri farm income saw large increase in 2020 despite pandemic

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Large government payments helped 2020 Missouri net farm income match or exceed the 2014 record of $3.4 billion, according to Abigail Meffert, senior research associate with the University of Missouri Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI).

Missouri land values continue to grow

COLUMBIA, Mo. – All classes of Missouri land values grew steadily in the past year, according to the University of Missouri Extension’s annual survey of farmers, rural appraisers and agricultural lenders. Ray Massey, MU Extension agricultural economics professor, heads the survey efforts.

Value of farm business plan shows when death or illness strikes

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The value of a farm business plan becomes clear when family members need to get on the same page or when sudden illness strikes, says Joe Horner, University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist.A farm’s business plan formalizes what is in owners’ heads, Horner says. Writing a farm business plan forces family owners to think things through and agree on goals.

Five steps to pass the farm to the next generation

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farm succession planning should not begin when the head of the family dies, says Wesley Tucker, University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist and succession planning coordinator. Too often, planning starts the day after the funeral, Tucker says. In addition to straining family relationships, this also increases the likelihood that the next generation will fail.

Study maps future workforce demands of state’s No. 1 economic driver: agriculture industries

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Over the next decade, Missouri’s food, agriculture and forestry industries are projected to generate 13,000 job openings each year. Deliberate statewide planning and action will ensure a globally competitive workforce for employers in these industries that are foundational to Missouri’s economy.

MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab still open and serving Missouri agriculture

COLUMBIA, Mo. – For now, the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory remains open. “We understand the essential role the lab plays in supporting Missouri's agricultural industry,” said Robert Kallenbach, MU Extension senior program director for agriculture and environment. “If we can continue to operate safely, the MU Soil Testing Laboratory in Columbia will continue to accept samples.”

Dicamba labels and regulations

Following EPA and state pesticide labels and regulations is important for liability concerns. Most business general liability insurance coverages do not cover illegal activities. If the label is not followed, it may impact the coverage a business has for causing damage to another person’s property. To aid farmers and businesses in complying with pesticide regulations, educational information on EPA and state regulations are summarized…

Dicamba injury and insurance

Dicamba can harm neighboring plants, leading to third-party injury claims involving business liability insurance plans.

Third-party injury and federal crop insurance

Multi-peril crop insurance is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agencies. For row crop producers, the most common multi-peril crop policies purchased are revenue protection and yield protection. Both of these insurance products use the insured farmer’s actual yields in determining the level of indemnity, if any, to be paid.

Professional liability insurance

Perhaps the best-known type of professional liability insurance is malpractice insurance carried by medical professionals. Professional liability insurance carried by other professionals, such as accountants and architects, is frequently called errors and omissions insurance. Professional liability insurance is intended to covers lawsuits arising from professional services.

Water availability

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report

Impact of major weather events

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report

Atrazine detects in surface water

Atrazine levels in Missouri surface water sometimes exceed EPA's 3 ppb limit but remain below harmful thresholds.

Farmer participation in conservation programs

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report

Precision ag tools

Discover how precision ag tools like sensors, drones, and GPS improve efficiency, cut costs, and boost yields for smarter farming.

Irrigation and water use efficiency

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report

Biotechnology use and adoption of GE crops

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report

Tillage practices

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report

Fertilizer usage and efficiency

Farmers are improving fertilizer efficiency, producing more crops per unit. Adoption of better nutrient management practices is increasing.

Chemical and pesticide use

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report

Cropping history

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report

Major land uses

Excerpted from the Environmental Impact of Missouri Crop Production report