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Missouri Agriculture Updates

April 1, 2022

Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest Launch

Today, the Missouri Department of Agriculture is launching the 13^th annual Focus on Missouri Agriculture photo contest. The Department is asking Missourians to share their agriculture story through photographs. The contest, which runs through June 10, is an opportunity for photographers across the state to submit their best images of Missouri agriculture. That image may take shape through a breathtaking farm landscape, an aerial shot of harvest, a farm tractor that has been in the family for years or a fun moment showcasing farm life.

"Our annual photo contest gives Missouri's farmers and ranchers a creative way to tell their stories," said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. "Being able to showcase the legacy and variety of Missouri agriculture, through pictures, is powerful. We're excited to kick off the contest once again."

The Focus on Missouri Agriculture Photo Contest is open to Missouri photographers of all ages. Participants may enter up to three photos in each of the five categories. The photo contest categories are: Beauty of the Farm, Faces of the Farm, The Farmer's Life and Pride of the Farm. Children's Barnyard, a special category for budding photographers ages 12 and under, is back again this year.

Entries will be judged on visual impact, creativity, memorable content and image quality.

The contest offers prizes to win, thanks to the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Missouri Grown program. The Best in Show winner, along with the first place winner in each category, will receive a prize and a high quality canvas print of their photo.

Winners will be announced in early July and winning images will be displayed during the Missouri State Fair in the Agriculture Building, Aug. 11-22, 2022.

To submit your photos, go to Agriculture.Mo.Gov/focus and complete the online form. A complete list of rules and guidelines can be found on the same page. Photos submitted to the contest will be showcased on the department's Flickr stream. Photos must be submitted by June 10.

More information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs is available online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

Corteva Agriscience Enlist Products Available in all Missouri Counties

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved the use of Corteva herbicide products Enlist One and Enlist Duo in all Missouri counties. A seven-year registration announced by EPA in January 2022 had restricted the use of Enlist One and Enlist Duo weed management options in five Missouri counties (Barton, Bates, Cedar, St. Clair and Vernon).

"Today's announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency is a win for corn and soybean growers in these Missouri counties," Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn said. "The registration announced in January changed rules for Missouri farmers in the middle of the game. As producers head to the field for spring planting, we are glad to see these important options available for their operations."

EPA initially restricted the Missouri counties because Enlist products were previously thought to put the American Burying Beetle, an endangered species, at risk. However, EPA has now determined the products will not likely jeopardize the insect, other listed species or their critical habitats with the existing label requirements in place.

Following the January announcement restricting use of Enlist products in Missouri counties, MDA officials conducted several discussions with EPA to explain the challenges those restrictions have on farmers who have already made purchasing decisions for the 2022 crop year. The Department appreciates the assistance of Missouri agriculture industry and member organizations for assisting with this issue.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

Covid-19 Impacts on Small Farms Survey

The Cooperative Research Program at Lincoln University of Missouri and the Division of Social Sciences at the University of Missouri are inviting producers to participate in a survey titled "Resilient and Sustainable Small Farms: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic."

The purpose of the study is to examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on small farmers in Missouri. The survey allows participants to self-determine the size of their operation. The goal is to learn how small farmers have been adapting to the pandemic to become more resilient and sustainable in the long run. A key objective is to inform policies and strategies for small farmers and relevant stakeholders to improve marketability, promote rural development and reduce future uncertainty.

If you are a small farmer, older than 18 and located in Missouri, please visit qualtrics.com to take the survey.

While voluntary, your participation in the survey is crucial. The estimated time of completion is 15-20 minutes. Your answers will be treated with complete confidentiality. You may decline to answer any question, and you have the right to withdraw from participation at any time without penalty. Upon completing the survey, you can enter information to receive a $30 Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation.

If you have any questions or comments about this questionnaire or the study in general, you can call 573-681-5370 or e-mail suy@lincolnu.edu.

Photo of the Week

Director Chinn spoke with Brownfield Ag News this week about the international trade mission she participated in with Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson. The group met with international agriculture partners in Ireland and the United Kingdom in March. She also touched on the avian influenza outbreak in Missouri, Enlist herbicide products and the upcoming planting season.

Questions? Contact us Stay Connected with the Missouri Department of Agriculture:

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2022/04/01