Missouri Agriculture Updates: Black Vultures, Drought Update, Forest Management Workshop

Be MORE. Do MORE. Join us.

Ag Market News MORE Initiative Economic Impact Missouri State Fair Missouri Grown Missouri Agriculture Updates June 2, 2023 Black Vultures are an Increasing Problem for Livestock Producers Black vultures are increasing in number across Missouri and their aggressive nature can cause problems for livestock producers. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has joined with several statewide groups to offer resources to help protect livestock. Federal Protection Black vultures are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This means the birds, their nests and eggs cannot be killed or destroyed unless a permit is obtained. Producers who have a black vulture problem on their farm can receive a permit from Missouri Farm Bureau to take up to five black vultures annually. Mitigation Options Producers should consider several options to protect their livestock from these nuisance vultures. Pen birthing livestock near human activity to enable closer observation and a quicker response to problem situations; Condense birthing time frame so animals can be closely monitored; Place black vulture effigies (replicas) to scare away live vultures; Harass and scare black vultures away from your animals. Examples: create loud noises or spray water; Use a guard dog to frighten and chase away black vultures Create a Customized Plan Producers can request a site visit or technical assistance from officials with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – Wildlife Services. Contact USDA-APHIS at (573) 449-3033 (ext. 10) to discuss options, evaluate the situation and schedule time to establish a customized damage management plan. Loss Coverage When livestock loss is proven from black vultures, producers can apply for reimbursement for both the cost of the animal and the necropsy. Apply for the Livestock Indemnity Program through your local USDA Farm Service Agency for the cost of the animal. Payment rates vary by species and age of the animal. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has funding for black vulture necropsy reimbursement. The necropsy must be performed by a licensed veterinarian (or a USDA-APHIS official) within 24 hours of finding the deceased animal. For more information about black vultures or other programs at the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.  Drought Alert Declared This week, Governor Mike Parson declared a Drought Alert in the State of Missouri in accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan.  "With the summer months fast approaching, we want to be proactive to help mitigate the impacts of drought conditions we are experiencing," Governor Parson said. "Missouri farmers and ranchers often bear the brunt of the consequences of drought, and we are already starting to see early effects on crops and livestock. While we cannot control the weather, we are committed to doing everything we can to alleviate the strain drought causes for our agricultural families and protect our food supply chains." The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a representative on the Drought Assessment Committee. The Committee will further assess drought conditions and make preliminary recommendations to Governor Parson by Friday, June 9. Recommendations could include actions similar to those taken in the past, including a hay lottery program, opening public waters for livestock, easing hay hauling restrictions, etc. Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of 60 Missouri counties are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The Executive Order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any other county that begins experiencing drought conditions.  In a fast-moving drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance. Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR). A variety of helpful resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities daily as it becomes available.  Forest Management Workshop Openings remain for a June 9 forest and woodland management workshop at the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area near Clark, Mo. During the workshop, which runs 9 a.m. to noon, forestry and wildlife professionals will talk about managing woodlands for wildlife, prescribed burns and sustainable harvesting. "If you are interested in healthy forests and providing wildlife with places to live and things to eat, this workshop is for you," says University of Missouri Extension natural resources specialist Brian Schweiss. The Missouri Department of Conservation is hosting the event in partnership with MU Extension, the Forest & Woodland Association of Missouri and the Missouri Woodland Steward Program. For more information, contact Kristen Williams with MDC at 660-236-4227 or Brian Schweiss with MU Extension at 573-882-4775. Register at www.mdc.mo.gov/forestwoodland-management-workshop. The Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area is several miles east of Highway 63 at the junction of Boone, Howard and Randolph counties. Photo of the Week MDA's plant industries team members are busy this spring placing pest traps around the state to ensure no traveling pests make their way into Missouri!

Questions? Contact us Stay Connected with the Missouri Department of Agriculture:
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions | Help

---

This email was sent to ignoble.experiment@arconati.us using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Missouri Department of Agriculture · 1616 Missouri Boulevard · Jefferson City, Missouri 65102