Farm Help

Many of you know exactly what the beef checkoff does; however, some may be less familiar with the checkoff program. Every time a beef or dairy animal is sold, with a couple of exceptions, a dollar is collected. That dollar goes to the Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) to do beef promotion, research and education work. Our overall mission is to protect and enhance beef demand.

For producers looking to turn a creative farming idea into reality or seeking assistance in developing a successful farm venture the University of Missouri Extension has the solution.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Soil and Water Conservation Program (SWCD) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural landowners for conservation practices, which are available through the state cost-share program. These cost-share programs are used to install soil and water conservation practices such as retaining topsoil, developing the best use of soil and water resources, installing a rotational grazing system to benefit livestock, irrigation management, recycle animal waste and protecting groundwater.

Protecting their hearing might be the furthest thing from the minds of most farmers as they drive tractors, operate chainsaws or check grain drying in their bins, but not being cautious around these loud noises produces irreparable damage.

Ranchers put trucks through a lot of torment throughout the year and winter is a great time for maintenance and repair.

As winter is quickly approaching it is vital to ensure that your animals remain healthy and productive by leaving out salt blocks, bags of minerals or lick tubs. Mineral and salt are an essential part of livestock's diets.

Arkansas ranchers may have run their equipment a little later than usual this fall, trying to get every last bit of hay out of their fields.

This year's theme for National Farm Safety and Health Week was: “ATV's- Work Smart, Ride Safe,” which seems to be an appropriate theme since, as Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri's Safety Specialist, described ATV accidents are more common than not. She cites this harrowing number:  “In the U.S. about 40,000 children under the age of 16 are treated in emergency departments for ATV-related injuries each year.” Also, “according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 2008 Annual Report for ATV-Related Deaths and injuries: Over 135,000 were injured, 28 percent under the age of 16; and 410 people were killed, 18 percent under the age of 16,” says Karen. With statistics like this, practicing ATV safety is imperative.

Ranchers put trucks through a lot of torment throughout the year and winter is a great time for maintenance repair.

It's the time of year when many ranchers are preparing their ATVs, side-by-sides and other off-road vehicles for the winter. Your owner's manual includes a complete maintenance schedule, but some owners don't follow it closely, and there are other tips that can help keep your riding experience pleasurable and safe for a long time to come.