LCR Spring Ag Edition 2013 by Gina Langston

A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Page 2 - April 24, 2013

elcome to the 2013 edition of the Lawrence County Record’s annual special section saluting agriculture in Lawrence County. This is our opportunity to introduce you to some of your neighbors who are active in farming, ranching and promoting agriculture, which still is a primary source of income for the area. This edition highlights some of their projects and their plans for the future. We enjoyed meeting them, and hope you will, too.

Table of Contents Marilyn Calvin - the Dairy Queen.... 3 Miller FFA District Contest winners................. 4 A letter from Mike Moon................ 5 Local Farmer’s Market.....................7

Upcoming weather..........................8 Mt. Vernon FFA and 4-H.................. 9 Crops.............................................11 I am Lawrence County with Jared Andrews....................... 12

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

April 24, 2013 - Page 3

Dairy Queen

Calvin inducted into Hall of Fame

Photo submitted

Right, tending to bottle calves is now Calvin’s main chore on the family farm northwest of Mt. Vernon (photo by Ryan Squibb). Above, Steve Davis, area manager for Dairy Farmers of America, presents a plaque to Calvin. (photo courtesy of MFA Incorporated).

MU outlook for dairy is bullish From MU Extension

Despite neutral supply and demand in dairy markets, the outlook is bullish, said an economist at the University of Missouri Extension Spring Ag Marketing Outlook Conference. “As we look at futures margins, they are the best available in years, with falling feed prices and rising milk prices,” said MU agricultural economist Joe Horner. “2013 profitability will depend a little bit on the growing season, as we are particularly short of quality forages right now.” “We’ve been culling cows really heavily and that should have given us a jump in milk production per cow,” Horner said. “But we’ve got some coarse

feedstuffs out there, a lot of drought-damaged stuff and expensive feed, so people have cut back on rations. Our milk production on a per cow basis is following trend lines between where it was last year and the year before.” Cow slaughter has continued to ramp up. Horner says it used to be that 40,000 cows a week would be normal, but recently it has been above 60,000. “There are a lot of farmers looking at the price of cull cows, and if they have a fat cull cow that drops below break-even, she’s going to town,” Horner said. “Right now springer heifers are cheap, so it is almost an (“Dairy” continued from page 3)

alternative dairying system. The MIC states that Calvin’s advice was important in the early years of the dairy at the center, and that the pasture-based dairy at the Center has served as a model for such operations nationwide. Calvin first became aware of pasture-based dairying while serving on the MidAm Southwest board during the buildup of big dairies in Texas and eastern New Mexico, which were in that district at the time. “We started looking for ways to help our farmers compete, and hopefully to help keep family farms in business,” said Calvin. “There’s been more growth in grazing dairies than anything else.” Information provided by the MIC states that pasturebased dairies have created $100 million in new investments and 1,100 new jobs in Missouri since 2005. Marilyn and Kenneth Calvin began their own dairy with one cow and 10 acres, with Marilyn handling record-keeping and finances and working with

lenders in addition to the day-to-day dairy operations. Today, the dairy has 165 cows with 180 replacement heifers on 455 acres, and has had a DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) herd for 38 years. Following Kenneth’s death in 2010, Marilyn has continued to operate the farm with her son, Kenlee, and another full-time employee. In addition to DFA, Calvin is also a member of co-ops MFA, Inc., FCS Financial, and Ozark Electric Cooperative. She’s a member of the Mt. Vernon First Presbyterian Church and has in the past volunteered with the 4-H and FFA youth programs. For more information on the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives and the MIC Hall of Fame, visit www.mic. coop.

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Local dairy farmer Marilyn Calvin is this year being inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives. Calvin is the first woman, and one of only 49 people so far awarded the honor. According to the MIC, in addition to establishing a successful dairy, Calvin assumed leadership roles in the industry and was always willing to help when asked by fellow cooperative members. “I thought it was a great honor,” said Calvin. “There’s a lot of other people, I know, inducted before and have done so much for co-ops.” Calvin said the cooperative movement has been important and is still relevant today. “As the farm population gets smaller and smaller coops will become more important for them to get together to buy or market products,” said Calvin. “Life would be a lot different without co-ops: look at rural electric cooperative, for instance.” Calvin’s nomination is

largely based on her work with the Dairy Farmers of America co-op, and with its predecessor Mid-America Dairymen. A corporate board member from 19972000, she currently serves DFA on the Southeast Area Council and as Ozarks Region Secretary. She previously served on the Southwest area board for MidAm prior to the merger creating DFA, being elected to the then-Southern Division Board in 1994. Calvin also serves on the corporate boards of the Midwest Dairy and Southeast United Dairy associations, as the committee chair for the Lawrence County Farm Service Agency, and previously held a similar position at the University of Missouri Southwest Research Center. While working with the Southwest Center, Calvin encouraged the establishment of a seasonal pasture-based dairy after having observed trends in the industry. The dairy since established at the Center evaluates the profitability and sustainability of this

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Page 4 - April 24, 2013

Miller FFA District Teams Chicks with Chickens: Our Future in Agriculture Miller FFA Poultry Team reserves spot at state competition. By Kaitlin Johnson

Don’t let them fool you, these are not just some cute girls found wandering the halls of Miller High School. Instead, imagine them in a room full of poultry products; everything from live birds, to the eggs they lay, to raw turkey carcasses hanging, waiting to be graded according to USDA standards. Starting in February, these girls wake up before the sun, catch the bus and then travel to their next CDE contest. If you are not familiar with the FFA, “CDE” is just some technical jargon you don’t understand, you’re not alone. CDE stands for Career Development Events, which are more casually known as “contests” in the FFA. Ellen Jackson, Addison

Jackson, Emily Ellison and Ana Gradinariu make up the poultry contest team at Miller High School, coached by Lyle Whittaker. In addition to the numerous CDE contests they attend at various schools, these girls put in a lot of time for study and practice throughout the contest season. It may seem simple; wouldn’t they just look at a group of chickens and tell which ones are the best? No. On top of placing two classes of birds in order from most to least desirable, poultry contestants will also give a set of reasons to a contest judge that explain why they aligned the birds in that order. The teams must then judge classes of eggs, both interior and exterior, to determine the grades. When

you go to purchase your next carton of eggs at your grocery store, notice the grade that is printed on the package. These grades are determined by professionals in the agriculture industry, which is what the FFA is preparing students for every day. The poultry contest also requires contestants to identify chicken parts and grade them, as well as grade entire chicken or turkey carcasses. Next comes the further processed grading. Students look at processed poultry products, such as chicken nuggets and patties, to look for defects. This is Addison’s favorite segment of the competition. “It’s the only part of this contest that is even slightly easy for me to do,” Addison said. Finally, the portion of the contest that is dreaded by so many contestants: the test. The poultry test is derived from the poultry science manual. Any information inside is testable. Unlike most students, Ellen enjoys this part the most.

“We spend a lot of time studying our poultry science manuals, so when I start answering questions, I realize that all that time paid off and I actually learned something,” Ellen said. Following the competitions, each team waits to see the results. As for Miller, hard work paid off at the 2013 district contest, which was held at Missouri State University. The girls defeated all but one team, Wheaton, in the district, taking home second place and a spot at the state competition at the University of Missouri. The poultry contest is merely a portion of the career development events, and the career development events are only a fragment of the FFA organization as a whole. “Checking chickens” may not sound like the most glamorous event, but with the success coming from the younger generation in agriculture, who can complain. The future of agriculture seems to be in good hands.

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

April 24, 2013 - Page 5

A message from 157th District State Representative Mike Moon Missouri should be proud tial element to the state’s of its standing among the workforce. Lawrence is a states with regard to agri- leading county in the numculture. According to the ber of farm employees. Lawrence CounMissouri Economic ty has a rich farmResearch Brief, our ing heritage. What state ranks second can be done to in the Union in the protect this way of number of farms, life? With our popwith 107,825. ulation of young The variety of adults dwindling, products produced what can be done to range from cotton entice our children to cattle and hay to stay on the farm to hogs with a lot in between. In fact, to continue our Missouri’s poultry traditions? These Moon are questions that and dairy business has proven to be extreme- must be dealt with within ly beneficial to the state’s the coming years. With farming, there is economy as well. Employing nearly 300,000 workers, certainly a responsibility to Missouri farms provide not work hard to ensure suconly food, but add an essen- cess of the operation. This

responsibility seems to work best when coupled with freedom: freedom to make decisions that, according to the individual farmer, will best benefit the business. Farmers, like other business owners, should be encouraged to produce a product, sell the product and hire labor as needed without government interference. Additionally, the state of Missouri should resist the federal governments desire to tax estates, farms or otherwise. When families work their entire lives to build wealth, the government’s ability to tax the estate upon the death of the owner is no less than theft. And speaking of theft, cattle theft, is on the rise

in Lawrence County. We should all take measures to protect our property: be an active part of neighborhood watch groups, brand cattle and communicate with local authorities, especially when suspicious activity is suspected. We have been afforded the opportunity to live in a great area of the United States, specifically in southwest Missouri. Defending our way of life and our ability to work on the farm is important to many in Lawrence County. Protecting the individual rights, freedom and independence of farmers, and of all Missourians, will be a priority of this legislator.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources to host Earth Day 2013 From Department of Natural Resources

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will welcome more than 1,200 fifth graders from all over Missouri to Earth Day 2013, Friday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the South Lawn of the Capitol. Capitol Circle Drive and a portion of Broadway Street will close temporarily to ac-

commodate the event. The Department of Natural Resources sponsors the event and is being joined by 12 other local and state agencies with booths, exhibits, interactive displays and stage shows on the grounds. Stage shows will include Environmental Survivor, a game show based on the popular television series and hosted by KAT Country 94.3 morning show

hosts Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart; a presentation from the World Bird Sanctuary; and the Department of Natural Resources’ own Science Guys, Nick Newport and Chatchai Pinthuprapa, who will entertain students with feats of science. Nearly 1,200 students, representing 66 classes from 25 schools, have registered to attend Earth Day 2013. Registered classes

include schools from St. Louis and 11 counties: Boone, Callaway, Camden, Chariton, Cole, Gasconade, Lincoln, Maries, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Randolph and Scott. This year marks the department’s 19th annual recognition of Earth Day. Earth Day is targeted toward students, but the event is free and open to the public, as well.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack seeks nominations for Forestry Research Advisory Council From U.S. Department of Agriculture

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the re-establishment of the Forestry Research Advisory Council and is seeking nominations for new members. “This council will play a critical role as USDA continues to lead the way in

forest conservation efforts,” said Vilsack. “We base our forest conservation policies and decisions on the best available science, and this group will bring the expertise and experience to help us continue that practice.” The council’s many responsibilities include providing advice to Secretary Vilsack on national and regional research planning

projects and on coordination of forestry research within federal and state agencies, forestry schools and forest industries. In addition, the council will provide advice to the U.S. Forest Service’s Research and Development program—the world’s largest forestry-research organization. The Forestry Research Advisory Council has 10

current and upcoming vacancies. Nominations are sought to immediately fill six vacancies on the council and additional vacancies that will occur when current appointments expire in December 2013. Vacancies are open in the following categories: forestry schools; state and federal agencies; forest industries; and voluntary organizations.

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Page 6 - April 24, 2013

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Keeping it local Gardeners once again gear up for the farmer’s market By Meagan Ruffing

west side of the Courthouse Square. From 8 a.m. to noon, the market will supply goods such as fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafts, flowers, bedding

plants, jelly and eggs. Since its origin in 1999, Starting Saturday, April the Mt. Vernon Farmer’s 27, the Mt. Vernon FarmMarket has been a great er’s Market will open its place for local farmers to stands to the public on the sell their crops. Each vendor must locally and personally produce at least 80 percent of their products and the inspection of their farms and facilities is a requirement to be a part of the group. “We decided to stay on one side of the courthouse this year to avoid confusion,” chairman and vendor, — Photo by Meagan Ruffing Sheila GaThis year’s vendors include (from left) Krissy Garoutte, Lisa and Ray Corbitt, June Fritz, Sheila Garoutte, John Fritz, Norma Grunwald and Timothy Goodman. *Not shown, but one of the original members and still a routte, said. vendor is Linda Hawkins.

Harbinger of spring — the daffodil By Marilyn Odneal, Horticulture Adviser

Daffodils are a dependable and carefree spring flowering bulbs are easy to grow in Missouri. Also known as narcissus or jonquil, daffodil is used as a common name, particularly for the larger-flowered types. Jonquil is the common name for Narcissus jonquilla and related hybrids, which have several small, fragrant flowers on each stem and flat petals. Daffodils are long-lived perennials often found surviving around old homesteads long after the house is gone. They do well in full sun or partial shade and can even thrive under deciduous trees because they bloom before the trees leaf out. They aren’t bothered much by insects and diseases. Tulip bulbs are often eaten by critters over the winter, but daffodils are not usually bothered. Daffodils actually have

a chemical in their system that is toxic. This is why critters do not eat the bulbs. In fact, be careful when you pick daffodils because contact with the stems and bulbs causes the skin irritation known as daffodil itch or lily rash. Crystals of calcium oxalate in the sap, in conjunction with alkaloids, act as an irritant and also cause sores in the skin. The chemicals in the sap are also why you must rinse daffodils before arranging them in a vase with other flowers. When rinsing them for the vase, just put the daffodils in water by themselves, switch them to fresh water a few times so the toxic sap runs out, and then combine them with other cut flowers in a vase with fresh water. If you don’t rinse the daffodils, the other flowers – like tulips for example - will not last long in the vase with them. Care for these fall planted bulbs is easy, partly because of the toxins in their

April 24, 2013 - Page 7 In addition to the market being open every Saturday until its last day in October, it will now be open at the Missouri Rehabilitation Center (MRC) every Wednesday (starting May 1) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the southeast corner of the building. Many of the vendors have been a part of this homegrown business for several years now. Linda Hawkins, who has been a vendor

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sap that help to protect them. When the early blossoming daffodil flowers fade in the garden, let the foliage die back naturally. The nutrients in the foliage are moved into and stored in the bulb as the leaves die back. If you cut the leaves off, then the bulb won’t get the nutrition from the leaves that it needs to bloom next year. Unfortunately, when the foliage is dying back, the plants look unsightly. One trick is to plant daffodils in the back of the perennial border so when they begin to die back, other plants in the garden will grow and disguise them. The English poet, William Wordsworth wrote “I saw a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils; beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze” back in 1802. He must have been happy when spring finally arrived. Enjoy these lovely harbingers, but remember to wear gloves if you pick a bouquet.

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Vegetable planting calendar a must for all gardeners From MU Extension

Both first time gardeners and seasoned professionals can benefit from the “Vegetable Planting Calendar” guide available from University of Missouri Extension. The guide provides a complete list of planting dates and varieties that do well in southwest Missouri. “Everything from asparagus to zucchini that is listed in the planting calendar represents the varieties that provide the best yield, quality and disease resistance under Missouri conditions,” said Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension. The guide also deals with when to plant certain vegetables by giving planting dates for south, central and north Missouri. “If you live within the Ozarks plateau, you may want to follow the north Missouri planting dates due to the possibility of late spring frosts,” said Byers. “If you follow the south Missouri planting dates for spring plantings, be prepared to cover plants for frost protection.” The guide also provides information on the following: how much to plant per person; how much seed to purchase for a 100 foot row; row spacing; inches between plants in the row; depth of planting; days from planting to eating; and vitamin content of the vegetable. If you need additional gardening and horticultural advice, or want to obtain a copy of the Vegetable Planting Calendar (Guide sheet 6201), contact the Master Gardener Hotline at (417) 881-8909, download the file online at extension.missouri.edu or contact the nearest MU Extension center.

When visiting MU Extension online at http://extension.missouri.edu, use the search box to find either “vegetable planting calen-

those available for sale and takes special orders; Norma Grunwald who will have flowers, perennials and hypertufa pots available; and John and June Fritz will be there with their produce. For more information on any of these products or to inquire about how you can become a vendor, contact Sheila at 417-678-0152 or visit the Mt. Vernon Farmer’s Market on Facebook.

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Page 8 - April 24, 2013

Weather outlook for spring 2013 From National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Spring Flood Risk After a year of reprieve, the Red River of the North between eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, and the Souris River in North Dakota have the potential for moderate and major flooding. Devils and Stump Lakes in northeast North Dakota have a 50 percent chance of rising approximately two feet, which would flood 20,000 acres of farmland and roadways. The melting of late-season snow may cause minor to moderate flooding in the upper Mississippi River basin, including southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and northern Missouri. The tributaries in the plains of the upper Missouri River basin, specifically along the Milk River in eastern Montana, the Big Sioux River in South Dakota and the Little Sioux River in Iowa may also see minor to moderate flooding. With significant frozen groundcover in these areas, spring flood risk is highly dependent on rainfall and the speed of the snowmelt. Areas along the middle Mississippi, lower Missouri and Ohio River basins have

“Dairy”

(continued from page 3)

even trade between selling a cull cow or buying a replacement heifer.” Horner told the conference that exports are potentially strong and have grown to the point where 13.5 percent of milk on a solid basis is being exported. While China is talked about a lot as an export market, Horner says Mexico is still a more important export market right now. “China’s market potential has everyone very excited,” Horner said. “Whole milk powders have traditionally been where the U.S. has been a minor player, leaving that market to be filled by New Zealand. The U.S. is now starting to produce some whole milk powders in addition to skim milk powders. China’s market poten-

already experienced minor flooding this year and the threat of minor flooding will continue through the spring. These basins include portions of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, eastern Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Minor flooding also is possible for the lower Mississippi River basin and in the Southeast, including portions of Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia.

Temperature and Precipitation Outlook Above-normal temperatures this spring are most likely across most of the continental U.S. and northern Alaska. Below-normal temperatures are favored for the Pacific Northwest and extreme northern Great Plains. For precipitation, odds favor wetter-than-normal conditions in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions. Drier-than-normal conditions are most likely in much of the West, the Rockies, parts of the Southwest, much of Texas, along the Gulf Coast and Florida. Hawaii has an enhanced chance of being cooler and drier than normal.

Drought Outlook Fifty-one percent of the continental U.S.--primarily tial is huge and growing but it remains to be seen how much we can capture.” Horner says the outlook for milk prices in the second quarter will be slightly higher than the first quarter. He says the price of milk for all

in the central and western regions--is in moderate to exceptional drought. Drought conditions are expected to persist, with new drought development, in California, the Southwest, the southern Rockies, Texas, and Florida. The outlook favors some improvement in the Midwest, the northern and central Great Plains, Georgia, the Carolinas, and northern Alaska. “Weather can turn on a dime, so it’s important to stay tuned to the daily weather forecast. Spring weather, such as tornadoes and flash floods, develop quickly and require preparation and vigilance,” added Furgione. Get ready for spring weather threats - buy a NOAA Weather Radio, bookmark www. weather.gov to check your daily forecast, and visit FEMA’s ready.gov website for preparation and safety information. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.

of 2013 will be about $20 per hundredweight, which is a couple of dollars higher than last year. “All things considered, it is probably going to be the best margin year since 2008,” Horner said.

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

April 24, 2013 - Page 9

Books in poor condition may still contain usable illustrations of plants, birds, insects, flowers, landscapes or other outdoor favorites. Frame them for your own home or to give as gifts. Use in making cards, scrapbooks or other craft items.

HOWARD HODGSON — Photo Submitted Mount Vernon FFA members posing following district competition are (back row) Colter Sexton, Laynie Dake and Jason Thompson; (front) Gage Harmon, Hannah Cox, Jordan DeLaSalle and Kelsie Raucher.

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Mount Vernon FFA teams do well in district contest By Becca Owens

Mount Vernon FFA teams made their chapter very proud in the district contests this year. Agriculture Issues placed first, team members include Laynie Dake, Kelsie Raucher, Gage Harmon, Hannah Cox, Colter Sexton, Jason Thompson and Jordan DeLaSalle. The team will be moving on to the state competition. Nursery and Landscaping placed third with Sarah Atallah ranking as the second highest individual in the district and Brittany Bolin the 10th. Other members of the team include Riley Carnes and Taylor Bowling. Other teams qualifying for state include: Forestry with Jonathon Keplinger

as the fourth highest individual, Poultry, Floriculture and Horse Judging with Shelby Weaver as the eighth highest individual. Sidney Carnes will also be moving on to state, she

placed second in the Creed Speaking district contest. Other teams and members that participated in the district contest include: Agronomy - Matt Suver, Molli McDonald, Olivia Spencer and Jonathan Be-

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A meeting was held April 16 to gauge interest in starting a local 4-H club for Mt. Vernon. The meeting was organized by the Lawrence County University of Missouri Extension and held at the University Extension offices in the courthouse basement. Mt. Vernon hasn’t had a local 4-H club for about 20 years, said Karla Deaver, 4-H Youth Development Specialist. The nearest clubs meet in Miller, Freistatt and at Orange Church, north of Aurora. “We’ve had inquiries from several families and there seems to be enough interest,” said Deaver. “And if there’s enough interest a club could be started this fall.” Deaver said a local club could be started with even just two or three families and build from there. Critical to the success of a club are adult volunteers. Deaver said that the goal is to have one adult volunteer for every five club members. “We’re looking for adults to help mentor youth,” said Deaver. “A 4-H club is only as strong as its volunteer leadership.” There are many different volunteer roles available, from being club and project leaders, to something as simple as bringing snacks and refreshments to meetings, or even just making sure word gets out about activities. “We like to say ‘It’s their club – their program,’” said Deaver. “You don’t need to be an expert, just willing to share your time.” Deaver said starting a club depends on how discussions go, it will be up to the group to decide how they want to move forward. 4-H is now the world’s largest organization serving youth. The first clubs formed in rural and agricultural areas, and Deaver said that base is still very important.

The organization states clubs are a place where families can spend time together learning leadership, citizenship and life skills in a very hands-on way. Some ways they can do that are through projects: working with animals and livestock, entomology, arts and crafts, woodworking, photography, film-making and even projects in robotics and aerospace. All of these are in addition to the variety of camps, fairs, and

trips they can attend. Some projects and activities popular in local clubs include photography, gardening, foods, clothing and cake decorating. Those not able to attend the meeting, and anyone else interested in 4-H clubs can contact Youth Specialist Karla Deaver at the Lawrence County Extension office, via phone at 417-466-3102, or e-mail deaverk@missouri.edu.

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The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Page 10 - April 24, 2013

USDA program to facilitate export of further processed eggs and egg products Submitted

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has developed a program to certify processed eggs and egg products for export, providing new opportunities for U.S. food exporters. “This is one more step the Obama Administration has taken to expand exports of high quality U.S. agricultural products,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Today’s announcement will open new markets for U.S. egg products, generating additional economic benefits and more jobs across rural America. We are in the midst of the strongest period of agricultural exports in history, and I look forward to making even more progress in the years ahead.” The USDA’s Agricultural

Marketing Service (AMS) will certify a wide range of products containing eggs, including omelets, frozen egg patties, crepes, hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and food containing egg extracts. The total market for U.S. exports of further processed eggs and egg products worldwide is estimated to be $500 million. “This program was developed to help U.S. processors and shippers take advantage of the growing global demand for these products,” said AMS Administrator Dave Shipman. “This effort allows producers to obtain certification that some importing countries require and will provide new opportunities for them to market their products globally.” AMS worked with FDA, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), other government agencies, and

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representatives from processed egg and egg food organizations, including the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council and the United Egg Association, to develop the program. “A number of countries around the world have asked for certification for egg-containing products. This initiative provides a means for U.S. exporters to access previously untapped markets, creating jobs and supporting USDA’s export goals,” said FAS Administrator Suzanne Heinen. AMS has unique capabilities in working with stakeholders to develop export certification programs that meet the specific requirements of other countries. With years of experience certifying eggs for export, AMS will now expand its services to support the trade of egg-containing products.

Missouri State Fair seeks photos for Missouri Women in Agriculture display Submitted

The Missouri State Fair is collecting amateur photographs of women engaged in agricultural-related activities for a new Faces of Missouri Women in Agriculture Photo Tribute Display. Fair Director Mark Wolfe said the display will be showcased at the State Fair to be held Aug. 8-18 in Sedalia. “The display will be among one of the gestures offered at this year’s fair, in acknowledgement of the important contributions women have made to our state’s leading industry,” Wolfe said. The fair is seeking a diverse representation of

photographs from past to present, depicting Missouri women participating in agriculture. The photographs must follow all copyright laws, and may include children and men, though the focal point in the image should be of a woman or women. A brief description should also accompany each submission, and include the names of all those appearing in the image. The deadline for submitting photographs is April 26. Images may be emailed in jpg or tiff formats to mostatefair@mda.mo.gov, or mailed to 2503 W. 16, Sedalia, Mo. 65301; mailed photographs will not be returned. A request for more

information about the submission process may also be emailed, or the Fair may be called at 800-422-FAIR (3247). Other activities that may be of particular interest to women at the 111th Missouri State Fair include free gate admission for women Thursday, Aug. 15, and the First Lady’s Pie Contest. The fair will also host a trade show called A Celebration of Women, sponsored by the Missouri Travel Council, that day as well. The Missouri State Fair will be held Aug. 8-18 in Sedalia. Visit mostatefair. com for more information and follow the fair on Facebook and Twitter.

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Warts and ringworm on cattle surface in late winter From MU Extension

Area cattle owners have probably noticed some funny spots on the head or neck of their cattle from time to time. According to Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension, novice cattle producers may not recognize those mystery spots as either ringworm or warts. “Both of those conditions seem to surface in the late winter. That’s probably because during the winter, cattle are in close proximity to one another at feed bunks and hay racks. Adult animals seem to have fewer skin problems than calves and yearlings,” said Cole. RINGWORM Ringworm symptoms are caused by a fungus. The fungus is passed from animal to animal when they come in contact with one another or when they rub on feeders, posts and trees. “Cattle that are in poor nutritional condition or heavily parasitized are more often affected. A deficiency in certain vitamins can contribute to the skin problem,” said Cole. The ringworm lesions normally clear up in two or three months as warm weather arrives. “Treatment is not usually

necessary unless you have cattle going to a show or sale,” said Cole. Since ringworm is a condition that can be transmitted from animal to animal, veterinarians must complete a health paper. Cole says if the ringworm problem appears active the veterinarian would not be able to complete the health paper. WARTS Warts are caused by a variety of viruses. They can spread, like ringworm or humans can aid their spread, if proper sanitation isn’t followed. “A perfect example is placing a tattoo in the ear and when you go back a few weeks and try to read the number you find a cluster of warts in the ear. If the tattoo equipment isn’t disinfected several animals will

show warts in their ears,” said Cole. Bulls can get warts on their penis, but most warts are found around the head and neck. Some warts are not much bigger than a pea while some grow to fist size or greater. Animals have the ability to develop immunity to the wart virus after exposure to a new strain. As with ringworm, Cole says treatment is not advised unless the cattle are being moved and require a health paper. “If the cattle are easy to get hold of, individually removing a few warts can be done. It seems the removal of warts encourages the animal’s immune system to create antibodies that help speed the recovery. There are commercial wart vaccines that can be given, but their effectiveness varies,” said Cole.

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Farmers rediscover cover: old practice taking root with new pioneers From USDA

It’s something old and something new. It’s something borrowed and something, well, green. Cover cropping, a traditional conservation practice considered old-fashioned by many in modern agriculture, is being “borrowed” and used in new ways by innovative farmers to improve their soil’s health, and with it, the health of their businesses’ bottom lines. “Today’s agricultural pioneers have figured out how to make cover crops work on their farms with some impressive results,” says Jodie Reisner, state conservation agronomist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Columbia. “Innovation is the key to maximizing the effective use of covers. Everyone’s situation is different; cover crops aren’t a ‘one size fits all’ practice that can be done the same way on every farm.” Reisner says that while the basic principles of cover crops may stay the same, the best species mixes, establishment methods and termination methods for an agricultural operation can vary widely with respect to objectives, location, weather conditions, crops, soil

types, and more. “Before World War II, most farmers included forage legumes like alfalfa and red clover in crop rotations ahead of nitrogen-demanding crops like corn. Forage grasses and small grains were also commonly used to curb soil erosion,” she says. Over the last five years, interest in cover crops has begun to surge again, driven by many interacting factors, including increasing input costs, cover crop costshare programs, new GPSguidance technologies that facilitate new ways of using cover crops, and the arrival of oilseed (tillage) radishes as a novel cover crop with few residue management challenges. “It’s going to take some time and effort for cover crops to make a positive environmental impact beyond individual farms,” says Karen Brinkman, acting state conservationist in Missouri. “As more farmers figure out how to effectively plant and manage cover crops, the practice will become more mainstream. Once that happens, the positive impact that cover crops will have on soil health and the environment could be huge.” Through conservation programs like the Environ-

mental Quality Incentives Program, NRCS is working to help farmers adapt those practices to their farms. “We’re ramping up our efforts here in Missouri to ensure that we can assist producers who are interested in implementing systems that improve soil health,” Brinkman says. “Cover crop management today isn’t just a revisiting of old practices abandoned by the fathers and grandfathers of today’s farmers. Innovative, large-scale grain farmers have started integrating cover crops into their production systems in ways that were never even considered before.” Using cover crops in soil health management systems offers a variety of onfarm benefits, including building organic matter, increasing the soil’s waterholding capacity, and suppressing pests, diseases and weeds. And the benefits of improved soil health extend beyond the farm. “Soils that allow good infiltration and have good water-holding capacity reduce runoff that causes flooding. Improved infiltration also keeps nutrients and sediment from being carried offsite into nearby lakes, rivers, and streams,” Reisner says.

Cool soils delay early corn planting From MU News Service

Missouri farmers itching to plant corn find that soil temperatures are well below the 13-year average, according to University of Missouri Extension specialists. Soil temperature, not air temperature, controls seed germination, said Brent Myers, new MU Extension cereal crops specialist. Soil temperature nearing 50 degrees Fahrenheit at two inches is a good target to begin planting for corn. It takes about seven days for corn to germinate and emerge. Early emergence could result in exposure to late frost. Late emergence leaves the seed in the soil longer and increases risk of disease. At the end of March, soil temperatures in mid-Missouri inched up toward the 13-year average, according to Horizon Point, a custom weather-analysis service from the MU Commercial Agriculture Program. Air temperatures reached 67 degrees on the last day of the month, pushing soil temperatures above the 50-degree mark for the first time in 2013. Temperatures were average to five degrees below average, with nightly temperatures ranging from 30 to 42 degrees.

An April 8 USDA crop report showed that Missouri farmers had tilled only 25 percent of the ground, compared to 61 percent this time last year. The five-year average is 24 percent. The most recent report has four percent of the corn planting completed, four days behind normal. There is still plenty of time for planting, said MU Extension agronomy specialist Bill Wiebold. Thanks to technology, all of Missouri’s corn crop can be planted in one week when conditions are right, he said. The average date of the last spring frost in mid-Missouri is April 10, but northern Missouri remained vulnerable through April 20. According to USDA estimates, the corn yield in 2012 was 123.4 bushels per acre, down from 147.2 bushels per acre in 2011, a 13 percent drop. Missouri farmers plant 3.5 million acres of corn annually, Myers said. Those numbers likely will be down this year even though record snowfalls, as well as heavy rains in March and early April, increased soil moisture at depths below 3-4 feet. The March 28 report from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says

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U.S. corn growers intend to plant 97.3 million acres of corn in 2013, slightly more corn than last year and 6 percent more than 2011. According to the report, this would represent the highest planted acreage in the U.S. since 1936, when an estimated 102 million acres were planted. Myers noted that 2012 was the first year that drought-resistant seeds were sold. Yields showed the seeds had value in some situations, but more testing is needed. In addition to temperatures slowing planting, some farmers are taking a wait-and-see attitude on anhydrous application due to seasonably late snowfall and moisture.

About Horizon Point

Horizon Point is a custom weather-analysis system. Information comes either from the National Weather Service or the MU Commercial Agriculture automated weather station network. Site-specific reports and advisories are designed to make weather information useful. Horizon Point reports include precipitation, temperature and wind forecasts as well as historical data.

April 24, 2013 - Page 11

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LAWRENCE COUNTY AGRICULTURE - The Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Page 12 - April 24, 2013

m A ILawrence County If you weren’t farming, what would your career be: I would be an agronomist. I could not have done anything without my parents and grandparents help. Where did you graduate high school: Miller, class of ‘09. What do you do in the off season: Either drive a truck or play around on my dirt bike.

In 10 years I: Hope to have my dream farm built.

Favorite job on the tractor: Knifing down anhydrous ammonia.

Next big thing in crops: Droughttolerant grain.

Favorite crop: Corn, probably.

Best music to plant to: Red Dirt.

Favorite part of planting: When everything is done. Favorite place in Lawrence County: My parents’ pool.

Do you sing in the tractor:Um, yeah, pretty much.

Crop you’ve always wanted to plant: Hmm, peanuts! Family: Parents Lynn and Becky, sister Cassandra, brother Colby, Grandpa Glenn, Grandparents Jim and Kay.

Crop goals for this year: Just to beat my yields and get something in the ground on time. Something you can’t live without: My phone.