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.

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

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

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

African swine fever reduces China’s pork production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects that by the end of 2019, China’s total swine inventory will be down by 18%. Indeed, the USDA estimated that the Chinese sow inventory was down 12% at the start of 2019.

Corn prices headed up?

A significant reduction in corn production could push farm prices to $4.15 per bushel and Chicago Board of Trade prices near $4.50 per bushel.

A glut of soybeans?

The U.S. soybean market faces potential oversupply due to trade disputes, high carry-in stocks, reduced Chinese demand, and possible acreage shifts.

Missouri planting progress data as of June 23, 2019

The rain returned to Missouri this past week, leaving only 2.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Soybean plantings progressed by 9 percentage points, but progress was minimal in corn, rice and cotton.