HB 544 is designed to align Missouri law with federal standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, the bill affirms that any pesticide or herbicide registered with the EPA, and labeled in accordance with EPA guidelines, should be deemed compliant with both state and federal safety and health regulations. This would ensure that products like RoundUp, a widely used glyphosate-based herbicide, can continue to be sold and used in Missouri without conflicting regulatory mandates.

“Legislation like HB 544 in Missouri clarifies and affirms that any pesticide registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and sold under an EPA-approved label, is sufficient to meet all federal and state health and safety warning requirements,” the letter stated.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp, is a cornerstone of modern agriculture in Missouri. It plays a critical role in weed control, improving crop yields, and reducing the need for tillage, which can contribute to soil erosion. According to recent data, approximately 91% of soybean farmers and 66% of corn farmers in Missouri rely on glyphosate to manage their fields effectively.

However, the use of glyphosate has been the subject of controversy since a 2015 report by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified the chemical as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” That conclusion was based on “limited evidence” linking glyphosate to cancer in humans and “sufficient evidence” in experimental animals. Despite this, regulatory bodies such as the EPA, the European Food Safety Authority, and other international agencies have maintained that glyphosate, when used as directed, does not pose a significant health risk to humans.

Critics of HB 544 argue that the bill could provide blanket immunity to chemical manufacturers, particularly Bayer, the company that acquired Monsanto, the original producer of RoundUp. They contend that such legislation could prevent consumers from holding companies accountable for alleged health risks associated with herbicide exposure.

However, the organizations supporting the bill strongly reject this interpretation.

“Importantly, this legislation does not create blanket immunity for manufacturers, nor would it shield companies from liability in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, misuse, or noncompliance with EPA regulations,” the letter clarified. “Consumers have multiple legal pathways. Instead, HB 544 ensures that compliance with EPA-approved labeling is recognized as legally sufficient, upholding the authority of the federal regulatory framework and preventing conflicting mandates from undermining it.”

The debate over RoundUp has already led to extensive litigation. Bayer has agreed to pay approximately $10.9 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits related to the product. As of now, around 165,000 cases have been filed, with more than 60,000 still pending. One high-profile case in Cole County, Missouri, resulted in a staggering jury verdict: each of the three plaintiffs was awarded $500 million in punitive damages, along with $5.6 million and $38 million in compensatory damages. In total, Bayer was ordered to pay $1.56 billion in that case alone.

The letter of support for HB 544 was signed by a number of influential organizations, including the National Taxpayers Union, Innovation Economy Alliance, American Consumer Institute, Center for Individual Freedom, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, Independent Women’s Forum, Market Institute, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Missouri Century Foundation, and the Institute for Policy Innovation.

As the Missouri legislature considers HB 544, supporters continue to argue that the bill is essential for safeguarding regulatory clarity, reinforcing federal standards, and supporting the state’s agricultural economy. 

The post Conservative Organizations Voice Support for HB 544 appeared first on The Missouri Times.

This transition not only threatens the economic stability of farmers in a state where corn is a key agricultural product, but also raises concerns about the broader implications for rural economies that depend on this industry. 

Corn isn’t just a crop; it’s a lifeline for countless families. It feeds livestock, becomes an essential ingredient in our favorite foods, and, most importantly, fuels the ethanol industry. With Ford planning to abandon flex-fuel options, the impact could be significant, putting not only farmers’ livelihoods at risk but also shaking up the entire agricultural landscape that many rural communities depend on.

The Ford F-150 is the single most popular truck in America with 2024 marking it as being the best-selling vehicle in the country for 42 years. Missouri is also home to Ford’s F-150 manufacturing plant in Claycomo. 

Ford’s 2023 F-150 model is expected to be the last to use corn-based ethanol flex-fuel by changing from a Flex Fuel option for the F-150’s V8 engine to electric. 

Ford is moving away from ethanol flex-fuel options for its F-150 trucks as part of a broader strategy to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transition towards more sustainable technologies. 

This shift isn’t just about creating cleaner vehicles; it’s also a response to stricter environmental regulations and a growing consumer push for greener alternatives. While these efforts are laudable on a global scale, they could leave local economies, especially those tied closely to agriculture, in a tough spot.

“If Missouri’s farm families want to buy a new American-made Ford F-150 FFV that runs on American-made fuel, they can’t,” said Brad Schad the CEO of the Missouri Corn Growers Association “Ford no longer offers this option on any vehicle. If, as the Ford slogan claims, their trucks are Built For America, the company is turning away from its roots and ignoring the largest group of Americans that buy them.” 

Ford Motor Company’s decision to transition away from ethanol flex-fuel vehicles poses a significant threat to Missouri’s vital corn industry, which ranks among the top corn-producing states in the U.S., generating approximately 600 million bushels annually. Corn is not only the most widely cultivated crop in Missouri but also accounts for about 30% of the state’s total agricultural revenue, underscoring its importance to both local farmers and the broader economy. 

Moreover, Ford’s shift away from flex fuel could reduce demand for Missouri corn, jeopardizing thousands of agricultural jobs and harming the economic stability of rural communities that depend on this critical crop.

The change could also deter investment in Missouri’s agriculture. As the company focuses on alternative fuels and electric vehicles, reduced emphasis on flex-fuel options may lead to less investment in ethanol-related infrastructure and production. 

This transition could undermine the viability of corn farming in Missouri, limiting resources and funding for corn cultivation and distilleries. Consequently, the shrinking ethanol market could hinder growth in the local agricultural economy, adversely affecting thousands of farmers and their livelihoods.

“Ford’s shift from FFV to the lackluster sales of electric vehicles (EVs) doesn’t fit with a farming model,” added Schad “Coincidentally, while California has passed vigorous EV standards, it leads the nation in E85 sales. The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, along with corn checkoff programs from Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa, are leveraging resources to build ethanol demand in the fastest-growing market for E85. This coalition has partnered with Pearson Fuels, the largest E85 distributor in California, since 2021. And efforts are paying off. Sales of E85 have exploded from just over 40 million gallons in 2020 to a record-setting 118.5 million gallons in 2023. Consumers in California are proving the demand is there when E85 is competitively priced.” 

Schad and Missouri corn have been working to address this issue before it begins to take a serious toll on the state’s corn growers. 

​​”We are asking Ford Motor Company to stand with today’s farm families and renew its support for Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs),” Schad said. “We are ready and willing to collaborate with Congress to reinstate key FFV incentives that continue to harness the potential of today’s biofuels. At a time when this country is focused on building domestic demand, increasing biofuels production will help our rural, state, and national economies.”

While it is uncertain if Ford will reverse its decision or if a deal can be reached in the next Farm Bill proposed by Congress it is clear that Missouri Corn and many rural communities will see a negative impact from this choice. The stakes are high. A decline in the corn market isn’t just a hit to farmers; it’s a blow to the rural communities that thrive on agriculture.

Jake Kroesen

Jake Kroesen is a Jackson County native and a graduate of the University of Central Missouri. He holds a B.S. in Political Science.

themissouritimes.com

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This session the Missouri General Assembly is being asked to consider passing legislation that could affect the state’s most prominent industry, that being agriculture. Whether it be ending the sunset on various agricultural tax credits, or legislation to help bring affordable healthcare to those in rural Missouri, the state’s Ag industry is asking legislators to address serious issues this year. 

One of those issues is the regulation/labeling of glyphosate products, mainly Roundup. 

Glyphosate is an essential herbicide for Missouri’s agriculture, playing a vital role in helping farmers effectively control weeds and boost crop production. According to one study, 91% of Missouri soybean farmers use glyphosate as well as 66% of Missouri’s corn farmers. 

With rising demand for food and the challenges posed by invasive weed species, many farmers in the state rely on glyphosate to keep their fields productive and ensure food supplies are secure for local and national markets. The herbicide’s effectiveness in managing a variety of weeds has made it a go-to option for many, allowing farmers to maximize their yields and lower production costs. 

While many voices express concerns about the dangers of glyphosate, it’s important to recognize the extensive research and evaluation that underpin its approval by the US 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for safety and efficacy. 

The EPA’s endorsement is based on thorough scientific reviews that assess glyphosate’s effects on human health and the environment, considering factors such as toxicity and exposure levels. Following rigorous testing protocols, the EPA has concluded that glyphosate does not pose significant risks when used according to label instructions. 

Despite ongoing debates about its safety, the EPA’s continued support highlights glyphosate’s essential role in modern agriculture and pest management, reassuring users of its responsible use and effectiveness.

The major concern that has been raised is based on a study published by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015. The study came to this conclusion based on “limited evidence” of cancer in humans and “sufficient evidence” in experimental animals. 

The study has been criticized for some of its conclusions due to several factors. 

First, the IARC focused primarily on limited data sources, which some experts argue did not encompass all relevant scientific studies, potentially leading to incomplete assessments of glyphosate’s safety. 

Additionally, critics have pointed out that the methods used to classify glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” relied heavily on animal studies and epidemiological data that were not uniformly robust. 

Furthermore, the IARC’s approach to risk assessment was seen as diverging from regulatory agencies, which often consider a broader range of data and the weight of evidence. 

As a result, the findings have led to significant debate and concern among scientists, health professionals, and industry stakeholders regarding the actual risks posed by glyphosate.

Despite the concerns over the accuracy of the study, the study opened the door to lawsuits against Bayer and the RoundUp product.

RoundUp has seen serious lawsuits brought against it for supposedly causing cancer. Bayer, the company that acquired Monsanto which is responsible for RoundUp, has committed to paying $10.9 billion to resolve thousands of Roundup-related lawsuits, with around 165,000 lawsuits already filed and more than 60,000 additional cases still pending. 

One case here in Cole County, Missouri saw a jury award each plaintiff $500 million in punitive damages as well as $5.6 million and $38 million in compensatory damages. The end of the trial led to Bayer paying a combined $1.56 billion to three individuals who claimed their cancer was caused by the weed killer Roundup. 

While the jury and others like them across the country may have sided with the plaintiffs, in the end juries don’t decide science. 

As concerns grow over potential restrictions on herbicides like glyphosate, many farmers are understandably worried that limiting its use could make weed management more challenging and adversely affect their yields. 

Farmers know all too well how difficult it can be to maintain productivity without the right tools. This proposed bill addresses those concerns directly, aiming not only to recognize glyphosate’s significant economic importance but also to highlight its role in protecting crops from diseases and supporting overall food sustainability. 

By securing access to glyphosate, Missouri farmers can mitigate risks related to crop loss and maintain a steady supply of food, which is vital for both state and national food security.

Additionally, there is a pressing national security angle to consider. The Chinese Communist Party has been making moves to gain a stronghold on the glyphosate market, which poses a potential threat to U.S. agriculture.

In 2015, China produced over 800,000 metric tons of glyphosate which accounted for nearly 70% of the world’s glyphosate production. Since then Chinese production of glyphosate has decreased, in 2021 it still managed to produce 760,000 metric tons which accounted for 60% of global glyphosate creation. 

Chinese domination of glyphosate production could create dependencies that would pose serious risks for American farmers and the food security of the entire nation. In this context, protecting glyphosate use in Missouri could be even more urgent, highlighting the need for the U.S. to maintain its independence in agriculture and to strengthen local farming practices. 

This is not just about ensuring that farmers have access to the chemicals they need; it’s about safeguarding the entire agricultural infrastructure of the country from foreign control.

Whether or not the legislation passes through the Missouri General Assembly, it’s clear that this bill will affect Missouri’s top industry and possibly national security. 

The post Roundup Resistance: Glyphosate’s Role in Missouri Ag and America’s Food Security appeared first on The Missouri Times.

The 30-second spot, “Stand Up,” is backed by a six-figure buy and is running on TV and digital beginning Friday in Missouri.

See the ad here.

The ad calls on Missouri Republicans to stand up to the trial lawyers and special interests by passing legislation to stop the threat of CCP influence, protect U.S. jobs, and keep our food supply made in America.

The ad follows Special Envoy and PAI Senior Advisor Richard Grenell’s comments this week on the importance of this issue in Missouri. Grenell posted on X: “We must end CCP influence and protect U.S. jobs. The voters are telling politicians in #Missouri (a state that holds a special place for me because I went to college there) to PASS SB14!”

SB14 is legislation currently being considered in Missouri that provides protections for U.S. agricultural manufacturers, which will counter Communist China’s influence over the nation’s food supply.

BACKGROUND:

• Just this week, the Protecting America Initiative unveiled new polling from Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio showing GOP voters expressing concern with lawmakers who would support bills which would “outsource key parts of our food supply to China.” 68% of GOP voters said they’d be less likely to vote for a candidate who would vote that way.

• The Protecting America Initiative recently released a multistate ad calling on Republican state legislators to support President Trump’s agenda by taking action against the urgent threat that Communist China poses to American agriculture.

• Richard Grenell, senior advisor to PAI, outlined the importance of protecting our food supply from China and calling on state legislators to step up to stop this CCP threat in a recent Fox News opinion article.

• PAI hosted President Donald J. Trump in September at a roundtable with Pennsylvania farmers on the need to combat the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on America’s agriculture industry and food supply.

The post Press Release: Anti-CCP Group Launches Six-Figure TV Ad Urging MO Republicans to Fight Back Against Trial Lawyers and Special Interests to Keep Food Supply Made in America appeared first on The Missouri Times.

We are all more than familiar with and rightly concerned with farmland being owned by the Chinese. Now, there is an urgent debate on Chinese manufacturers dominating the supply of inputs for Missouri farmers.

For years, trial lawyers and activist judges have waged war against the tools our farmers need to grow food efficiently. Glyphosate, better known as Roundup, has been used safely for decades, backed by science, and trusted by farmers. President Trump’s EPA says the product is safe. But thanks to massive legal campaigns fueled by misleading claims, we are seeing a dangerous shift. The result? American companies are being crushed under the weight of endless litigation, while Chinese manufacturers avoid this lawfare and step in to fill the void.

This isn’t speculation – it is happening right now. China already dominates global production of key agricultural inputs, from fertilizers to crop protection chemicals. If we allow these coordinated unfounded legal attacks to continue, we are putting our American based supply chain and farmers at the mercy of the Chinese Communist Party. Do we really want to be dependent on our greatest geopolitical rival for the very products that sustain our nation?

It is time for “We The People” to stand up. We must push back against lawsuits that undermine American agriculture. We must demand that our leaders prioritize domestic production of essential farm inputs. And we must ensure that Americans, not the Chinese, control our food security.

If we fail, the consequences will be clear: higher costs for farmers, higher prices at the grocery store, and more power in the hands of a foreign adversary. We cannot allow that to happen. Our farmers deserve better. Our country deserves better.

The time to act is now. Will our leaders step up, or will they let China tighten its grip on our agricultural future?

Rep. John Simmons

Rep. John Simmons (R) represents MO House District 109.

The post Opinion: We The People must protect our farmers from China’s growing grip appeared first on The Missouri Times.

The conference’s main focus was centered on the phrase “Determined to Thrive” and that the Missouri Farm Bureau, no matter what may come its way, will be determined to provide affordable and quality health insurance to Missouri’s rural community. 

“When I think about Farm Bureau and our storied history, several themes come to mind. Planted in Purpose, Rooted in Service, Guided by Tradition. These have been the themes of our three previous annual meetings… this year we chose Determined to Thrive,” said Missouri Farm Bureau’s president Garret Hawkins in his speech to a full conference room. 

Missouri’s Farm Bureau and Missouri farmers in general have faced a difficult year when it comes to the weather. 

In October this year, Governor Parson signed Executive Order 24-13, declaring a drought alert in Missouri until March 31, 2025, and the US Drought Monitor showed that 88 counties were affected in some way by moderate to severe drought. 

Flooding has also been a serious issue in parts of the state as well and saw the loss of five people on election day this year.

“It’s no secret that 2024 has been a difficult year. Some of us have dealt with drought, and floods, and all of us are trying to pencil out a profit,” Hawkins said in his speech. 

The weather hasn’t been the only thing to harm Missouri’s rural community though. The Federal Government has become intertwined in rural matters lately. 

One example is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempt to broaden the scope of the Clean Water Act’s definition of waters of the United States. 

The broadening of the language would’ve allowed the EPA and the Federal Government to have immense and wider-reaching powers over private lakes, ponds, and even creeks. 

Through these trials, however, the Missouri Farm Bureau has been “Determined to Thrive” 

“Taking care of those who take care of you is my priority as president. You deserve to be served by the best… I am proud to share that Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance was just given the honor of being included on the Forbes list of America’s best insurance companies, ” Hawkins said. 

The importance of the Missouri Farm Bureau’s focus on membership was also a prevalent theme with Hawkins stating “We are an organization that has been rooted in service since 1913.”

Missouri Farm Bureau’s membership has seen 37 consecutive years of growth and they are not planning on stopping. 

They are also planning on reinforcing and establishing organizations like the Impact Advanced Leadership Academy which is focused on younger Missouri Farm Bureau members. 

“I have been attending Farm Bureau’s annual meeting for over 30 years. It is amazing how many of my members got their start in Farm Bureau and many of them are still active today,” said Steve Hobbs, the president of the Missouri Association of Counties. 

Hawkins ended his speech by saying “Folks, these last few years have been tough, however, I believe now more than ever that brighter days are ahead for our country, our state, and for Farm Bureau… We will make it through the challenges of today and tomorrow because Missouri Farm Bureau is determined to thrive.”

Jake Kroesen

Jake Kroesen is a Jackson County native and a graduate of the University of Central Missouri. He holds a B.S. in Political Science.

themissouritimes.com

The post The Missouri Farm Bureau is determined to thrive appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Meagan Kaiser sat down with the Missouri Times to discuss the future of farming, including what the future may hold for farmers and what steps can be taken to ensure future generations will inherit those opportunities. 

Kaiser is a Missouri farmer and soil scientist. She’s a member of the United Soybean Board and served as their Chair last year. Currently, she is the Chief Operations Officer of Perry Agricultural Laboratory based in Bowling Green. Over the past few years, Kaiser has become a voice for farmers across the country, advocating for sustainable farming practices and increasing economic opportunities for farmers.

One of the future markets for many Missouri farmers is biofuel and it has already taken root over the past few years. Biodiesel in particular has a deep-rooted history in Missouri. The Show Me State was one of the first states to jump into the biodiesel market. Biodiesel is created from the byproduct of Missouri’s largest crop, soybeans, making production on a large scale relatively easy compared to other states. Biodiesel is also a drop-in replacement, meaning that it can be used on existing diesel engines. 

In the fall of 2022, Governor Mike Parson signed HB 3, which included a tax credit for biodiesel production. According to the Missouri Soybean Association, biodiesel production provides the state with $1.3 billion in economic impact. 

Kaiser also mentioned other uses for soybean-based biofuel, including in-home heating. Other biofuel markets, like ethanol, have also grown in recent years. The market continues to grow into new fields as newer demands, like sustainable aviation fuel, appear. 

“Could it be huge? Absolutely. Will it be huge? I really do think so,” Kaiser said.  

Missouri’s continuing development of infrastructure also plays a role in the future of farming. Roads and ports are the most common modes of transportation for Missouri agriculture products. Integral improvements, like the I-70 expansion, are underway to improve the state’s highway system. But ports remain relatively left behind.  An improvement of the state’s inland waterway system could lead to huge economic gains for Missouri farmers as MoDOT predicts that Missouri’s largest port export, coal, will soon be replaced by agricultural products. Kaiser mentioned inland waterway projects underway in other states, like a dredging operation in Louisana, that will help farmers transport more of their product. 

Improvements to infrastructure for rural communities could also benefit farmers in the future. Rural broadband expansion has been an important topic in recent years for Missourians. But farmers need broadband for more than just browsing the internet. As farming equipment and techniques have advanced, farmers have become more reliant on collecting data to become more efficient. Tractors record planting and fertilizer data, and combines record harvesting data. Farmers can even track fuel usage during planting and harvesting. But without rural broadband, tracking and accessing this data becomes more difficult. 

“It’s our ability to put all those tools together to make better data-driven decisions,” Kaiser said.   

One of the most important ideas for the future of farming is simply making sure that the farm is healthy and will continue to be healthy for future generations.

According to Kaiser, soil testing and analyzing is a tool farmers use to make their farms sustainable and profitable. Just like how people get blood tests to help diagnose health issues, soil tests can identify what a farm needs to increase crop efficiency and crop yield. The testing also allows for more specific treatments for the soil. If a field needs more fertilizer, soil testing can reveal which part of the field needs more fertilizer. That part of the field can be treated as needed instead of the entire field, which increases overall efficiency for the farmer. 

But soil health is more than just allowing a farm to grow more using less. Soil health is also about looking at water and air capacity to make the soil more resilient to drought. Soil health also includes looking at biological capacity as well, and making sure the soil is good for growing over time. To Kaiser, soil health is key for farmers who want to make a living and make sure their children can farm as well.   

“We think generationally in agriculture. We want to make sure our farms are available for [our children] to live on and work on if they choose to in the future,” Kaiser said. 

Agriculture is a central part of the Missouri economy and way of life, and it is only expected to grow in the coming years. With the development of new markets, improvements to infrastructure, and a focus on soil health, the future for the farmers in Missouri is teeming with new opportunities and growth.

Kelton Turner

Kelton is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. He is a native of mid-Missouri and likes to write politics at both the state and federal levels. Kelton joined the Missouri Times in April 2022

www.themissouritimes.com

The post The future of farming in Missouri  appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Keith Baxter is a cattleman in Rogersville, Mo. he’s dealt with the effects of the drought first-hand.

“It’s kinda been a one-two punch for us down here,” Baxter said of rising fertilizer and gas prices coinciding with the wet spring and summer drought. “We couldn’t lay as much fertilizer as we wanted, and then we ran out of pastures for grazing.”

Baxter, like many cattlemen in Missouri, has been forced to feed his winter food reserves to his cattle during the summer, meaning he will likely be forced to scrape by come the cold months.

Baxter even resorted to letting his nearly 200 cattle forage for food, letting them wander to find anything green.

“We had to keep close tabs on the herds … we had issues with cattle getting out,” he said. “Obviously they’re going to go look for something green to eat instead of hay.”

Logan Brittingham is a row crop and cattle farmer in Poplar Bluff, Mo.. He farms with his grandpa on their family-owned farm, something he’s done since he was 13.

“It was a real wet spring, all the crops were late getting in … about a month late,” he said. “It’s just been a rough year for farmers, we’ve seen the two extremes … it’s affected every farm around my area.”

Brittingham hasn’t culled his heard yet, though he plans to, depending on how hay cutting goes.

Brittingham owns about 100 cattle and farms rice and soybeans as well, for him, the financial impact of the drought has been twofold. Brittingham was forced to sell cattle recently as a result of the drought.

“My irrigated land has been fine,” he said. “But my dryland — it’s gonna be an insurance farm this year.”

The financial impacts have been felt by both producers and consumers, as high gas prices, fertilizer and a lacking, oversaturated market have put many farmers in a tight spot.

“Even when we make profit, it’s just moving dollars around,” Baxter said of the high overhead costs associated with farming this year. “They’re (the consumers) spending a lot more money too, but it ain’t going to me — trust me.”

“The cost of everything, across the board, has come up,” Brittingham said.

Thankfully, some rain has mercifully made its way to the southern part of the state. Although Rogersville is still considered to be dealing with a severe drought and Poplar Bluff is dealing with a moderate drought, according to the federal drought tracker. 

Even while still dealing with severe drought issues, Baxter thinks things are starting to look up in Rogersville.

“The pressure has backed off a bit,” he said.

Baxter attributes the improvement of conditions as much to the rain as he does to the support of his rural community.

“Our local co-op has supplied support,” Baxter said. “We’re lucky to be surrounded by other family farms, sharing hay and helping each other.”

Characteristic of a farmer, Baxter feels optimistic about how he and the farmers around him will handle the lasting impacts of the drought going forward.

“This ain’t the first drought we ever been through down here,” he said. “It don’t make it easier, but we know what to do … It’s a good time to find out that you have good neighbors.”

Featured Image Courtesy of The High Plains Journal (Reagan Bluel)

Matthew McFarland

I’m a journalist hailing from the Detroit area. I love to tell investigative stories with a focus on everyday people.

You can contact me by email at matthew@missouritimes.com

The post Southern Missouri cattlemen give their input on a “tough year for farmers” appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Recent rains have helped much of the state, but the overall amount of the state experiencing a form of drought has increased.

Areas around Joplin and Springfield, Mo. continue to battle extreme drought conditions. Drought has also started to impact Nothern Missouri, an occurrence not previously seen this summer. Areas around St. Joseph, Mo., Kansas City and the northern border of Missouri are currently experiencing moderate drought, according to the federal drought tracker.

Although rain has indeed helped much of the state when it comes to hay and crops, much of Missouri has still yet to experience the long and consistent rain needed to replenish soil conditions.

According to the report, the cattle market is beginning to see some normalcy, something cattlemen have sorely missed the past few months. The recent rains have given hope to those who have not culled their herds yet.

Crop reports are also optimistic for all three of Missouri’s largest crops.

Corn production is forecast at 525 million bushels, 4% below last year’s production. Corn bids continue to rise after taking a small dip at the beginning of the month.

Soybean production is forecast at 287 million bushels, up 4% from 2021. Soybean bids also rose in the middle of the month.

Except for the St. Louis area, which took a sharp dip compared to other areas.

Wheat production is forecast at 43.6 million bushels, up 37% from the previous year. Wheat bids have started to climb after a large plummet at the beginning of the month.

It seems with heavy rains in the past month and some more consistent ones in the near future, farmers may be able to breathe a small sigh of relief as both the cattle market and the crop market seem to be coming back to normal.

Featured Image Courtesy of Alisha Shurr

Kelton Turner

Kelton is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. He is a native of mid-Missouri and likes to write politics at both the state and federal levels. Kelton joined the Missouri Times in April 2022

www.themissouritimes.com

The post Agriculture industries start to stabilize, drought conditions still persist appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Despite boasting Missouri’s number one crop in both acreage and monetary value, Missouri Soybeans hasn’t had a major presence at the fair for several years. That will change this time around, MoSoy will have its own set-up in the “Mizzou building” at the state fair, continuing the close relationship between The University of Missouri and MoSoy.

“Soy touches our lives every day,” Baylee Asbury, director of outreach and education for Missouri Soybeans said. “We want to make sure consumers are realizing how much of an impact it has.”

Missouri Soybeans will be all over the fair, complete with revamped branding and a new approach to connecting with consumers. MoSoy will have activities designed to engage young fair-goers and farmers alike in their space at the Mizzou building. The soybean organization will also provide the bio-diesel fuel used to power tram cars that will transport fair-goers around the grounds.

The new branding and approach coincide with the recent launch of MoSoy’s new revamped website. For Missouri Soybeans, the fair will be a tremendous opportunity to increase traffic to its newest tool.

“Our farmers have really invested in our new website and approach,” Asbury said. “They’ve invested, so we need to make sure it’s being used.”

MoSoy’s stand at the fair will be equipped with I-pad stations and QR codes all designed to lead consumers back to the website. The website focuses on making Missouri Soybeans a resource rather than just a farmer organization.

With 1,000s of visitors on the horizon, the state fair will give Missouri Soybeans a massive opportunity to gain momentum with its new branding and increased online presence.

“The Missouri State Fair is a great place for consumers to ask questions face to face,” Matt Wright, president of the Missouri Soybean Association said. “It is also a tremendous opportunity for us to share more about how much we care not only about the products we produce, but also about the land on which we grow them.”

MoSoy overhauled its social media presence last year, well before unveiling the new website.

However, as an organization that primarily supports farmers, Missouri Soybeans is being careful not to abandon the “boots on the ground” approach that is necessary when working in agriculture.

“We will continue to push our online presence, but also our on-the-ground presence,” Asbury said. “Our eyes are set on innovation.”

Featured Image Courtesy of the Missouri State Fair

Matthew McFarland

I’m a journalist hailing from the Detroit area. I love to tell investigative stories with a focus on everyday people.

You can contact me by email at matthew@missouritimes.com

The post Missouri Soybeans increases state fair presence, focuses on online branding appeared first on The Missouri Times.