A Thanksgiving Blessing

To answer the question that many have been asking me over email and Facebook- Yes - My husband and I were blessed on Nov. 18 with a beautiful baby boy. When I hadn't updated my Facebook status, Twitter or blogs in 24 hours folks started wondering if a new baby had entered our lives.

Caston Ray McConnell was born on the 18th in Jefferson City, Mo at 4:51 am. He weighed 7.7 lbs, 20.5 inches long and even arrived on his due date.

We feel truly blessed this Thanksgiving season. Our best to you and your families this holiday!

Youth in Ag Scholarship Announced

Courtesy of a Missouri State Fair Press Release:
Applications for a Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarship are now available online at mostatefair.com for Missouri high school seniors graduating in 2010.

Applications submitted to the Missouri State Fair must be postmarked by February 1, 2010.
To be eligible for a scholarship, an applicant must be a high school senior and be an active 4-H or FFA member; have participated in the Missouri State Fair as a 4-H or FFA exhibitor; have plans to enroll in an accredited Missouri college or university with a major in agriculture; have not sold livestock in any past Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions.

For more information please call the Missouri State Fair at 1-800-422 FAIR (3247) or E-mail your questions to mostatefair@mda.mo.gov.

Time for a Food Fight

Have you heard the news? The Missouri Beef Industry Council is challenging Missouri farmers and ranchers to participate in a "food fight" – a five day fight for the future of the industry. The campaign kicks off Nov. 16-20, where the consumer message will focus on "Give Thanks."

From a MBIC release: As consumers are preparing for the holiday season, with much of the emphasis being around what food will be served, this is a great time to make that connection that those meals start on a farm. Over the next few days we’re going to mobilize several volunteers to do something small- as simple as writing a letter to the editor or changing the “signature” on their email.

Do you want to join the food fight or share a real story from the folks on the frontlines of food production, contact John Kleiboeker at john@mobeef.com or Dawn Thurnau at dawn@mobeef.com and they will supply you with the resources you need!

Resources include, but are not limited to:

• Template letter to the editor (you’ll need to personalize)
• “Signature” with Give Thanks logo for email
• Ideas and talking points for social networking updates (facebook, twitter)

Everyone enjoys a good food fight...so join in today!

Ways to Eat Local During Thanksgiving

Eating local doesn’t have to be a challenge this Thanksgiving for your family’s table, as there are many ways to incorporate the freshest farm ingredients in many of your holiday classic dishes. Just look for what's in season this Thanksgiving.

I’ve come up with my Top 10 Ways to Eat Local in Missouri this Thanksgiving holiday.

If you have your own suggestions, leave a comment- I would love to hear your feedback!

Lane's Top 10 Ways to Eat Local During Thanksgiving
1.) Try purchasing a turkey from a local farmer in your area or mix it up this holiday season. Instead try preparing a pork or beef loin, leg of lamb, fresh Missouri trout, or even venison this Thanksgiving. Your choices are endless!

2.) Is pumpkin pie the prized jewel of your Thanksgiving table? Then make that pie really stand out and use local Missouri pumpkins that your have processed yourself. I guarantee you will taste the difference in a real made from scratch pumpkin pie this year! Don’t know how to process pumpkins- take a look at this story.

3.) Tis' the apple season- so indulge and purchase some Missouri apple cider from a local orchard. The kids will love it and you will know you’re serving up the best for your family!

4.) Need a side dish to “kick up” the Thanksgiving menu- visit a winter farmers’ market, a local grocery store that purchases local produce or even an Amish or Mennonite farm and pick up a variety of winter squash. You could make butternut squash soup or even try roasting a variety of winter squash in the oven for a nice side compliment.

5.) Everything taste better paired next to a Missouri wine and with more than 90 wineries across Missouri, you will have your choice of variety.

6.) Do you always serve a cheese tray for an appetizer during the holidays? Will then try incorporating Missouri dairy products from Shatto or Heartland Dairy - to wonderful goat cheeses from Baetje or Goatsbeard Farms. Ask these farms about their own farm fresh recipes to use this Thanksgiving as well- you won’t be disappointed!

7.) Chestnuts, Pecans and Black Walnuts- oh my! Did you know that Missouri has a variety of nut choices for all your baking needs this season? Trust me that pumpkin bread will taste even better with some toasted pecans or black walnuts.

8.) Make sure your salad is accompanied with a Missouri made salad dressing.

9.) Fresh bread really brings together any holiday menu. Purchase rolls, croissants, ciabatta or any type of bread for your holiday table from a local bakery this year. You may also be able to find artisans breads from many of Missouri’s winter markets.

10.) Fresh herbs like Rosemary, Thyme and Chives dress up any recipe. As does local Missouri honey. Try locating some of these special ingredients this holiday to use in your kitchen.

Also, be sure and dress-up your holiday table with miniature baby boo pumpkins, Indian corn and mums- all can be purchased at many local farm stands around Missouri!

Rocking Z Ranch Offers Beef Products in SW MO and Beyond

Across Missouri we’ve seen an increase in the number of direct marketers of meat- from natural beef to humanly certified pork there’s a little something for everyone!

One beef operator is spreading the word of sustainable farming in my old neck of the woods- Mtn. Grove, Mo. Rocking Z Ranch, operated by Rolly and Megan Sauls, is an Angus based, all-natural beef farm that was built on the foundation that great beef could be both good for us and better for the environment. The beef is free from hormones, steroids, antibiotics and growth enhancers.

Rocking Z Ranch began more than five generations ago and has undergone changes throughout the years to build their brand and reputation for outstanding quality beef. The farm is striving to bring their family farm one step closer to the consumer - something that the family believes has been lost through commercial beef production.

Learn more about the family farm history.

Consumers can purchase a variety of beef products for home delivery, visit many of the local farmers’ markets around the Springfield area or even take in lunch at the Farmers’ Gastropub & Restaurant downtown Springfield and sample Rocking Z Beef. Shop online as well, if that’s more convenient for your lifestyle- whatever you choose- Rocking Z has it covered.

Log on to the Rocking Z website to learn more about the farm, products and even get inspired by some of the recipes and cooking tips offered on the website.

Find out more about direct marketing of meat here.

(PHOTO: from the Rocking Z Ranch website.)

Winemaking Workshop Dec. 2 in Springfield

A Home Winemaking Workshop will be held on Dec. 2 at 232 Karls Hall Missouri State University. The workshop is sponsored by Missouri State University Mountain Grove Cellars.

Registration deadline is November 27 and space is limited to 30 students, so please register early- $15 per person, including handouts and lunch. You must be 21 to attend this workshop.

Please download the Registration Form and submit payment to Missouri State University. For questions, please contact Pamela Mayer PMayer@missouristate.edu 417-547-7533.

Workshop Schedule
8:30 – 9:00 am – Registration and Introduction
9:00 – 9:30 – The Raw Materials – Todd Frye, The Home Brewery
9:30 – 9:45 – Introduction to Missouri Winegrapes – Marilyn Odneal, Horticulture Outreach Advisor
9:45 – 10:45 – Home Winemaking – Dr. Karl Wilker, Associate Research Professor of Enology/Winemaker
10:45 – 11:00 Walk over to Student Union
11:00 – 12 noon – Lunch at the Union Club
12:00 – 12:15 – Return to Karls Hall
12:15 – 12:30 – The Vesta Online Grape and Wine Program – Carrie Crews, Missouri VESTA Coordinator
12:30 – 1:30 – Home Winemaking – Dr. Karl Wilker
1:30 – 3:00 – Home Winemaking Demonstrations – Dr. Karl Wilker, Todd Frye, and C. J. Odneal, Cellar Technician
3:00 – 4:00 – Program Evaluations and Door Prizes

SW Food Policy Meeting Nov 16

FYI: Here is information about an upcoming food policy meeting in Springfield that many southwest producers might be interested in attending.

(From a Springfield News Leader story:)

A food policy coalition meeting being sponsored by the Well-Fed Neighbor Alliance will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 16 in the north room at the Farmers Gastropub, according to a news release from the University of Missouri Extension office.

The Farmers Gastropub is located at 431 S. Jefferson Ave, Suite 160 in the Wilhoit Plaza, Springfield.

Dr. Mary Hendrickson, a University of Missouri Extension specialist and director of the Food Circles Network, will facilitate the meeting. Hendrickson has been involved in facilitating a food policy coalition in Kansas City and is now beginning one in St Louis.

“A Food Circle is concerned with promoting the consumption of safe, regionally grown food that will encourage sustainable agriculture and help to maintain farmers, who will sustain rural areas. While the concept sounds simple, it means that we must radically change the way we participate in the act of growing and consuming food,” said Hendrickson.

Find more information about the Food Circles Network online.

USDA Awards $19 Million in Organic Research

(From to the Independent Online:)
Organic agricultural research in the United States is getting a boost from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a $19 million investment into the initiative "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" and that's to be awarded to research programs in universities around the country.
The move, announced Monday, comes in response to rapidly increasing demand for organic foods, according to the department.

"These grants are an important part of USDA's new ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, which will help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity by assisting organic producers with new production and marketing practices to meet rising consumer demand," Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan said in a statement.

According to USDA figures, organic food sales in the United States have increased more than fivefold since 1997 while organic acreage has only doubled in that same period.

The market research firm Mintel has said that organic food purchases now account for about three percent of total US food sales, and those figures are expected to rise steadily by 19 percent to 2013. More than two-thirds of US consumers buy organic products at least occasionally, and 28 percent buy organic products weekly, according to the firm.

Launched in September 2009, the ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' is aimed at supporting local farmers and community food groups; strengthening rural communities; enhancing direct marketing and farmers' promotion programs; promoting healthy eating; protecting natural resources; and helping schools connect with locally grown foods.

Grants to Assist Growers in Reducing Pesticide Use

(Courtesy of an EPA News Release:)
MU Extension Receives Grant to Help Amish, Mennonite Growers to Reduce Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 7 office has awarded the University of Missouri Extension a Strategic Agricultural Initiative grant totaling $51,158 to reduce the use of high-risk pesticides.

This project will build on the University of Missouri Extension’s previous work with Amish and Mennonite produce growers. These religious communities are locally known for fruit and vegetable production and participation in farmers markets and produce auctions. Last year, more than 200 growers in central and northern Missouri took part in the workshops, which covered the basics of soil quality, fresh produce storage, integrated pest management and weed control. University of Missouri and Iowa State extension agents will work to expand these opportunities to several communities throughout north-central Missouri and southern Iowa.

EPA’s Strategic Agricultural Initiative program awards grants for education, extension, demonstration and studies involving the use of sustainable pesticide practices in agriculture. This grant program is a prime example of a pesticide initiative that encompasses EPA’s core principles to improve environmental conditions and protect human health. Since 2001, Region 7 has awarded $461,394 to help farmers adopt better pest management practices.

Growers seeking more information about participating in the project should contact Heather Duncan, environmental scientist, 913-551-7640.

Learn more about the Strategic Agricultural Initiative here.

MU Ag. Education Programs 4th in the Nation

According to a recent story from the Columbia Daily Tribune, the University of Missouri’s Agricultural Education Program ranks fourth out of 82 universities offering similar degrees.

Congrats to the wonderful Ag. Ed. staff at Mizzou! I graduated in 2004 with a degree in Agriculture Education Leadership & Communication and can say that my college experience was enlightening and really helped prepare me for a future career in agriculture. The Ag. Ed. staff at Mizzou is some of the most top-notch folks around and deserve a huge amount of credit for their success!

From the article: “We’re really proud of that,” said Rob Terry, department chairman. “We were one of the smaller departments among the top 10, so we’re very pleased.”

In a follow-up ranking, Terry, along with Bryan Garton, now associate dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and Professor Robert Torres, were named among the 15 most distinguished agricultural education faculty members in the country.

Read more here.

Webinar to Focus on Food Safety

The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) will hold a webinar to Focus on Food Safety Consumer Research Data on Nov. 17 11 A.M. to 12 P.M. (Central Time). The webinar release says that new CFI consumer research offers insight on how the contemporary U.S. food system can establish a foundation of trust, confidence and shared values in order to change attitudes among the segment of the U.S. population most likely to influence others.

According to the CFI's website, the center was established in 2007 to increase consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system. The primary mission is to promote dialogue, model best practices, address issues that are important to consumers, and serve as a resource for accurate, balanced information about the U.S. food system.

Other webinars will also be held:
Sustainability (Nov 11th, 11 A.M.)
Food Animal Well-Being (Nov 13th, 11 A.M.)
Nutrition and Health (Nov 19th, A.M.)

For more information and to register for the webinar, please contact Terry Fleck at Terry.Fleck@Foodintegrity.org or Allyson Perry at Allyson.Perry@FoodIntegrity.org

The Missouri Organic Association Annual Conference will be February 5 & 6 at the Bradford Farm Conference Center in Columbia. Topics include:

• The Economics of Sustainable Organic Farming
• Improving Marketing Skills Using Social Networking Tools
• Busby Farm & Plans for Organic Research
• Organic Certification Cost Share, Beginning Farmer Loans, Etc.
• Mitigating the Risks of Organic Crops: Crop Insurance for Organic Production
• EQIP Organic Transitional Funds & CSP for Organic Production
• Creating Cooperatives - Local Food for Local People
• How to Get Funding for your Projects
• Integrated Pest Management Materials for Organic Production
• Improving Soil Fertility with Cover Crops
• Organic Certification Requirements
• Partnering Research & Advocacy for Organic Producers
• Bringing it into Focus: Why Organics?
• Managing Soil Fertility by Balancing Micro-Nutrients
• Farmer’s Forum: Let the Panel of Experienced Organic Farmers Talk: You Ask/They Tell
• In addition, there will be multiple breakout sessions on grain crops, horticultural crops, & livestock.

For more information, contact Sue Baird at 660-427-5555 or gbaird@iland.net.

Agriculture department asks to waive regulations

From a KRCG story posted on Oct. 30:
The Missouri Department of Agriculture asked the Missouri Department of Transportation to waive certain regulations to help farmers harvest crops faster.

After days of rain, farmers will be harvesting crops as soon as the grown dries. Missouri farmers have experienced compounded financial hardships, costing them millions of dollars, for being unable to harvest earlier.

With MoDOT’s declaration, participating farmers will be required to abide by the following:

• Loaded, gross weight can be no greater than 10 percent above the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle licensed weight.
• Limit transport of row crop commodities from the farm to a local storage facility and empty return trips to the farm.
• When crossing a bridge, the drive must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than 45 miles per hour and must center the truck between two lanes of the bridge.
• Travel on highways other than Missouri interstate highways – no interstate travel will be permitted.
• While transporting row crops from farm to storage, farmers are not required to abide by hours-of-service laws.
• Must carry a copy of the emergency declaration in each vehicle that operates in response to relief efforts.

Growers Program Expands

(Press release cortesy of University of Missouri:) A three-year, $730,000 USDA grant will enable the University of Missouri, Lincoln University and the Jefferson Agricultural Institute to expand a training program for beginning farmers.

Offered in various parts of the state in 2008-2009, MU Extension’s Grow Your Farm program was a series of eight weekly seminars and three farm tours designed for new and beginning farmers as well as established farmers interested in alternative methods.

The grant from the USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program will fund a second tier of courses and workshops focusing on producing fruits, vegetables, specialty grains and small livestock on limited acreage.

The aim is to help those who have been farming for less than 10 years as well as those farming with limited resources, said Rob Myers, MU adjunct associate professor of plant sciences and director of programs at the Jefferson Institute, a nonprofit agricultural research and education organization based in Columbia.

The expanded program will address three priorities: production and management strategies that enhance land stewardship; business management and financial viability; and marketing strategies to increase competitiveness.

Teams of faculty from MU Extension, Lincoln University and the Jefferson Institute will provide the education and training.

Faculty will develop training modules for use across the state. Families can receive help in transferring farm assets, acquiring farmland, developing credit and securing capital.

Online tools also will deliver information and provide networking opportunities for farmers.

Focus will be on 49 of Missouri’s 144 counties in four regions with the best opportunities for direct marketing into urban or small-city markets: West Central (Kansas City), Southwest (Joplin and Springfield), Central (Columbia and Jefferson City) and East Central (St. Louis).

Missouri has the second-highest number of farms of any state. More than a quarter of its 107,000 farms meet the USDA definition of a beginning farm, which is one run by operators with 10 years or less of experience operating a farm or ranch.

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program is administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (formerly known as the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service).

For more information, contact Rob Myers at 573-881-4718.

Cut Flower Workshop Nov. 12 in Mountain Grove

The cut flower industry in Missouri has really evolved over the past 5 years...with more and more producers entering the marketplace. We've seen many producers diversify and start to incorporate cut flowers in their direct marketing efforts.

But, when it comes to growing any new product the basics are essential to success.

The Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station understands this perfectly! On Nov. 12 the station will be holding a Cut Flower Workshop from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm at the Mtn. Grove facility.

The one day workshop is designed for individuals interested in cut flower production and marketing with an emphasis on commercial enterprises. $15 registration fee covers lunch and handouts, register by November 9. Participants can download a registration form online.

Cut Flower Workshop Schedule
8:30 - 9:00 am - Registration and Introduction

9:00 - 10:30 am - Introduction to Cut Flower Production
Dr. Alan Stevens is the Director of the K-State Horticulture Research Center in Olathe and leads the Extension Horticulture program for the State of Kansas.

10:30 - 10:45 am - Break

10:45 - 11:45 am Flower Farm on Wye Mountain
Beth Eggers is the owner and farmer who manages the Flower Farm on Wye Mountain along with her husband, Butch, and her daughters Chloe and Collin. She hires 2 - 3 additional people to harvest. Beth grows approximately 60 varieties of cut flowers and greenery on 3 producing acres. Flower Farm on Wye Mountain has been in operation for 12 years. The farm has 18 total acres. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries have been planted this year. She sells flowers at the River Market in Little Rock, Arkansas.

11:45 am - 12:45 pm - Lunch

12:45 pm - 1:45 pm Two Vegetable Farmers’ First Look at Flowers
Clint Elmore is a Missouri State Agriculture student who just completed a student internship at Lee Farms in Truxton Missouri evaluating cut flowers. Rusty Lee is the owner/operator of Lee Farms, a vegetable production operation. Clint and Rusty will discuss the cut flower project at Lee Farms.

1:45 - 2:00 Break

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Marketing Your Cut Flowers
Andy Read is the Horticulture Specialist for University of Missouri Extension. He has an undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University and a Masters from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He has been involved in horticulture for over 10 years and went into business growing and selling cut flowers before he accepted his current position.

3:00 - 4:00 pm Speaker Panel

SARE Grant Writing Workshops Set for November

Grant writing can be somewhat of a tricky business. Many hours of research to develop a well thought out project and budget takes quite a bit of time and effort that farmers don’t always have between tending to outdoor chores, educational conferences and workshops and the day to day farm activities that always seem to pop up out of no where. But, you’re in luck!

There will be two Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program Grant Writing Workshops held on Nov. 3 and Nov. 9.

The Nov. 3 workshop will be held at the August A. Busch Conservation Nature Center in St. Charles and the Nov. 9 workshop will be held at the Southwest Research Center in Mount Vernon. The workshops runs 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with registration starting at 9 a.m.

SARE awards grants for a wide range of ideas related to sustainable agriculture. Examples of 2009 projects include use of green manure crops, reducing parasites in yellow perch production, pasture management and vegetable production. Grants up to $6,000 for individuals or up to $18,000 for groups of three or more people from separate operations are available. SARE expects to fund about 50 projects in the region.

My friend Debi Kelly, University of Missouri Extension associate, Missouri SARE co-coordinator and workshop instructor says the workshop will take participants step-by-step through the application process. The goal is to have every participant walk out of the workshop with the backbone of the grant written.

For more information or to download a grant application, call Debi Kelly at 573-882-1905. Deadline for submitting proposals is Dec. 3.

So, get your thinking caps on and register for this grant writing opportunity today!

McDonald County B2B Farrmers' Market End of the Year News

Carol Klein shared with me good news from the McDonald County B2B Farmers’ Market the other day about some successes the market experienced in 2009. I know many farmers’ markets across the state had a great year…if you market has news to share drop me a line and let me know.

From Carol’s own words: McDonald County Back to Basics Farmers Market is coming to the close of their very first season. Following are a couple of emails being forwarded to share our recent events and the Halloween plans. Please do check on the YouTube demo from our farmers market. It was such a success that we repeated it.

We need your help! Please contact anyone with pets that you think might dress them up and bring them to the pet parade this Saturday for the Hallowhazit Parade. Kids and/or adults are welcome. Pets need to be on a leash.

We need several to make it a good parade. Then we need an audience as well, so come on out and root for your favorite!! See you Saturday at the market in Anderson across from Tatum Motors at 9:30. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded!

Don’t Miss Out on Oktoberfest in Hermann

Throughout the entire month of October the small little German town of Hermann comes alive with polka music, German food, beer gardens and local wines to celebrate Oktoberfest. It’s during this time each year that Hermann celebrates its German roots and thousands of visitors come to enjoy the pristine scenery, the food, the wine and fun times with friends and family.

If you’ve never experienced Oktoberfest in Hermann, you’re in luck! This coming weekend is the last of the month long celebration and what many call the blow-out weekend! So, indulge yourself and take part in this annual Missouri tradition and tour the local wineries in Hermann, visit some of the wonderful antique stores and don’t forget to look for grapes like Norton and Vignoles, as they are the local specialties you won’t want to miss.

If you can’t make Oktoberfest don’t fret there are many other activities planned in November and December that might peek your interests. Maybe the Holiday Fare Wine Trail, Nov 21-22 is what you are looking for or even the Children's Lantern Parade Nov. 28. Or you might even want to have a Hermanntime Christmas experience with Holiday House Tours, crafters, winery specials and much more!

Whether it’s October or December you are sure to make memories this holiday with a visit to Hermann.

Farm Made: A Guide to On-Farm Processing for Organic Producers

The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture has published a full-color guide to on-farm processing for organic producers.

Authored by George Kuepper, Holly Born and Anne Fanatico, the guide is specifically geared toward small and middle-sized organic family farm operations. It provides detailed information on producing sorghum syrup, salad mix, jams, jellies, and spreads, and table eggs. The project was funded by an Organic Farming Research Foundation educational grant.

Read it online or for a printed copy contact the Kerr Center by email, mailbox@kerrcenter.com, or by phone, 918-647-9123.

Another great resource offered from the Kerr Center for those organic producers that are not certified by the USDA National Organic Program is: Small Scale Organics A Guidebook for the Non-certified Organic Grower which includes guidelines and an organic system plan for producers to use.

Tough Times For Jefferson Farm & Garden

Missouri Farmer Today recently reported on the efforts of Jefferson Farm & Garden, located in Columbia, Mo. The educational center is facing tougher times then they hoped for their opening in 2009.

Funding shortfall hurts educational farm
By now, Jefferson Farm & Gardens should be bustling with visitors looking for an interactive agriculture experience. However, rough economic times are causing the farm to open only on a part-time basis.

“Right now, we are open to the public on a scheduled basis,” says Rob Myers, executive director of the Jefferson Institute. “If a group wants to come out to the farm, we will make the arrangements.”

The institute is a nonprofit agriculture education and research center. It started the Jefferson Farm & Gardens project in 2007. The 67-acre farm was scheduled to open to the public in 2009.

Read the entire story here.