Missouri Agriculture Updates: Ag Week, Black Vulture Resources, Pollinator Steward Course

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Ag Market News MORE Initiative Economic Impact Missouri State Fair Missouri Grown Missouri Agriculture Updates March 24, 2023 Missouri Celebrates National Ag Week This week, the Missouri Department of Agriculture celebrates the state's position nationally in agriculture production. Missouri is home to 95,000 farms, employs nearly 460,000 people in agriculture, forestry and related industries, and has an estimated economic impact of $93.7 billion. Agriculture remains the state's number one economic driver, supporting both rural and urban communities from farm to fork. "Agriculture is the backbone of Missouri's economy, and we celebrate it year-round, especially during National Agriculture Week," Governor Mike Parson said. "As farmers ourselves, the First Lady and I are dedicated to paving a successful path forward for future generations of agriculturalists. Through our efforts on infrastructure, rural broadband and workforce development, we are making great strides toward a bright tomorrow for Missouri agriculture." Missouri agriculture continues to advance through the agriculture technology industry in our state. St. Louis is home to the world's largest concentration of plant scientists and the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor represents more than half of total worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales. Missouri also houses two of the largest river systems in the United States, which allow Missouri commodities to be distributed domestically and internationally. "National Agriculture Week is a great opportunity to highlight the work Missouri farmers and ranchers put in each day," Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. "Thanks to their efforts, agriculture remains the top economic driver in the state. I love to see agriculturalists build on the firm foundation we've established in this state." Missouri agriculture ranks in the top 10 nationally in the following categories: Number of farms – 2nd Hay production – 2nd Beef cow inventory – 3rd Rice production – 4th Goat inventory – 5th Turkey inventory – 6th Soybean production – 6th Hog inventory – 6th Cotton production – 6th Broiler chicken inventory – 9th Corn production – 9th Horse & pony inventory – 10th To learn more about Missouri's rankings nationwide and economic impact, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov. Find Black Vulture Resources Black vultures are increasing in population and their aggressive nature can cause problems for livestock producers in Missouri. Unlike the less-aggressive turkey vulture, black vultures are known to gang up and prey on newborn livestock. They sometimes attack cows that are ill or giving birth. While they feed on dead animals, they can kill small to medium sized animals. Black vultures leave characteristic evidence of their depredation. They can inflict damage to livestock by plucking out eyes, disemboweling, or eating tongues of newborn and sick animals. Find additional information on black vulture control at agriculture.mo.gov/blackvultures.   Sign Up for Missouri Master Pollinators Course University of Missouri Extension offers a virtual Master Pollinator Steward class April 6 to May 11 to help participants learn about pollinators. "Pollinators such as bees, birds, butterflies, bats and insects play a crucial role in the production of most fruits and vegetables," says MU Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall. Pollinators support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils and support wildlife. Reall says the class helps participants learn how to prevent the decline of pollinator populations due to loss of feeding and nesting habitats, pollution and the misuse of pesticides. The course will discuss how plants and insects have a unique dependence upon each other for survival and the vital role they play in the agricultural economy and food supply, she says. Zoom sessions are from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays, April 6 to May 11. Lecture sessions will be recorded. This course qualifies as Advanced Training for Extension Master Gardeners and Missouri Master Naturalists and is certified for several learning objectives for the Great Plains Master Beekeeping program. In addition to the Zoom sessions, extension faculty will hold in-person field trips and lab sessions in the county extension centers listed below. If your county isn't listed, register at https://bit.ly/MPS-2023. To register for the in-person sessions, see below: Adair and surrounding counties with specialist Jennifer Schutter, https://extension.missouri.edu/events/missouri-master-pollinator-steward-1677018320 Boone and Cole counties with specialist Dhruba Dhakal, https://extension.missouri.edu/events/master-pollinator-steward-cole-and-boone-counties Johnson County with specialist Kathi Mecham, https://extension.missouri.edu/events/missouri-master-pollinator-steward-johnson-county Kansas City area: Clay, Jackson, Platte counties with specialist Tamra Reall, https://extension.missouri.edu/events/master-pollinator-steward-jackson-clay-and-platte-counties For more information, contact Jennifer Schutter at schutterjl@missouri.edu or Tamra Reall at reallt@missouri.edu. Photo of the Week In honor of National Ag Week, Director Chinn joined Saline County producers and ag industry leaders for the KMMO Radio Ag Day event!

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