Farm Help

Figuring out new ways to save is an important venture for any person, but especially for farmers who have large investments in cattle.

Agritourism is easily defined as any activity that brings visitors to farms or ranches. In 2009, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Missouri's Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Program (MU-PRT) developed a survey “to strengthen the understanding of agritourism in Missouri." Through three research reports the MDA and MU-PRT revealed that agritourism is beneficial to Missouri farms by attracting visitors which will increase profitability and interest, while also contributing by serving community members and creating employment.

Energy costs average about 10 percent of a farm’s budget – often wiping out profit margins. So looking for ways to be more energy efficient makes a lot of sense.

Roosters crowing, sun peaking up and chickens scratching in the yard. There is something about chickens that make them nice to relate to. Jesse Lyons, Poultry Specialist at the University of Missouri said “There is a fairly small cost to add chickens to a farm.”

A good breeding boar might be easy to pick. Just look for one with a good frame and straight legs. However, to maximize profit and achieve the desired results, a little more research can pay off. Dr. Tim Safranski with the University of Missouri Animal Sciences Division offers some tips.

Figuring out new ways to save is an important venture for any person, but especially for farmers who have large investments in cattle.

Conservation officials with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas have announced a plan to invest $38 million over 8 years in cost-share with producers to address water quality problems associated with farm run-off in the Illinois River Subbasin and Eucha-Spavinaw Lake watershed.

There are a variety of programs available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that address issues such as increased wildlife, water quality and other environmental stewardship practices.

Farmers in Arkansas have a variety of Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs that help landowners keep their productive farm and ranch land in agriculture. These programs aid in reduced soil erosion, enhanced water supplies and water quality, increased wildlife habitat and reduced damages caused by floods and other natural disasters. Listed are short descriptions of some of the programs that local farmers and ranchers might be eligible in applying for assistance.

It’s hard to get a handle on how extensive cattle theft has become. Few states keep statistics; in some cases, though, private organizations do. The Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) says 7,400 head were reported stolen in 2009, up from 6,400 the year before; a website maintained by Bayer Animal Health claims in Missouri in 2008, there were $500,000 worth of cattle stolen across 29 counties.