rumor mill

Teens from the Ozarks to lead ag challenge: Missouri 4-H teen leaders will teach others how to use their critical thinking skills to help solve a real-world agriculture challenge through the 2023 4-H Ag Innovators Experience Aerial Ag Challenge. The teen leaders will conduct 45-minute activities in the spring and summer at a variety of 4-H events and summer camps throughout the state, says Maria Calvert, University of Missouri Extension state 4-H agriculture educator. Teens from the Ozarks acting as leaders include Jackson Schuber of Polk County, Isabella Hamner of Camden County and Micah Huffman of Greene County.

Black vulture guide available: The University of Missouri-Extension has released a guide to help producers control black vultures. Black vultures, in particular, are increasing in population and their aggressive nature can cause problems for livestock producers. Black vultures are known to gang up and prey on calves, piglets, lambs and newborn goats. They sometimes attack cows that are ill or giving birth. Black vultures can also cause property damage and problems by damaging rubber seals and windshield wipers on parked vehicles, canvas awnings and seating on boats, and rubber or vinyl materials on rooftops, according to the extension. Legally, black vultures are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. It is illegal to harm or take (kill) black vultures without a permit. Visit go.ozarksfn.com/jd6 for more information.

Awards presented at expo: Gabriel Todd, a senior at Norwood High School, was selected as one of the 2023 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. His selection was announced during the 2023 Missouri Pork Expo. He is the son of Matthew and Cassie Todd of Mountain Grove. He and his grandfather operate a small hog operation in Alton, Mo., where they breed show hogs and provide pork to local customers. In other regional news from the 2023 Missouri Pork Expo, Abigayle Connor, a senior at Appleton City High School, was chosen as a recipient of a $250 Missouri Pork Industry Scholarship from the Missouri Pork Association. Abigayle is the daughter of David and Tabitha Connor from Rockville. Emma Robinson of the Republic FFA was a state finalist in the FFA Pork Speaking Contest.

Hiland announces leadership change: Gary Aggus, president of Hiland Dairy Foods Co. in Springfield, Mo., is exiting that role on April 1, but will continue to work for the company as a consultant. Hiland Dairy has promoted Rick Beaman to the president position. Beaman has also spent his career in dairy, working for other national dairy companies before coming to Hiland in 2012. He was elevated to vice president in 2014.

Just A Thought

3 Jerry Crownover –An old plowboy

4 Julie Turner-Crawford –Spring is a welcome sign

Meet Your Neighbors

7 Teacher helps bring agriculture into an urban classroom

8 Developing high-quality birds

10 Downtown Springfield, Mo., icon continues to entertain

12 Eye on Agribusiness features Ray’s Farrier Service

13 Couple builds on Beefmaster essentials for their herd

16 Town & Country - Stacey Ramsey

20 Wyatt Cox says he was born to farm

22 Family builds registered cattle operation in Webster County, Mo.

24 Youth in Agriculture features Kendrick Raybuck

Farm Help

25 Prepare for the inevitable

26 Thinking about replacing fescue?

27 A little spring cleaning

28 Eliminating pecking and cannibalism in poultry flocks

29 Tips to start your flock

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

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25 Getting fields and pastures ready for spring