The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director CED Karen Stillings in Polk and Dallas County reminds producers that FSA is now accepting applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2024 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2025. more

“Adding value to your cattle helps make your cattle operation profitable,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Therefore, MU Extension is partnering with Missouri State University to provide the SW MO Beef Cattle Conference, which will educate cattle producers on strategies that will add value to their beef cattle operation. more

The SW MO Spring Forage Conference will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Missouri. more

“Adding value to your cattle helps make your cattle operation profitable,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Therefore, MU Extension is partnering with Missouri State University to provide the SW MO Beef Cattle Conference, which will educate cattle producers on strategies that will add value to their beef cattle operation. more

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – When used in controlled, supervised conditions, fire can be a beneficial land management tool. However, it’s important to stress that prescribed fire involves planning and on-site management. more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director CED Karen Stillings in Polk and Dallas County reminds producers that FSA is now accepting applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2024 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2025. more

The SW MO Spring Forage Conference will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Missouri. more

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri soybean farmers should be on the lookout for several species of stink bugs in 2025, says University of Missouri Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. more

“Adding value to your cattle helps make your cattle operation profitable,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Therefore, MU Extension is partnering with Missouri State University to provide the SW MO Beef Cattle Conference, which will educate cattle producers on strategies that will add value to their beef cattle operation. more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director CED Karen Stillings in Polk and Dallas County reminds producers that FSA is now accepting applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2024 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2025. more

As the year draws to a close, Missouri Beef Days invites its community of supporters, partners, and friends to join in the end-of-year giving campaign. This special effort highlights the importance of preserving our local agricultural heritage and supporting programs that strengthen the region’s beef industry, youth engagement, and community involvement. more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive more

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is offering 30 high school students representing 4-H clubs and FFA chapters, as well as farm families, throughout Missouri the opportunity to explore careers in agriculture through the 2025 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA). MAbA is a competitive program for sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related degrees and careers. more

On Saturday evening, Nov. 2, Clover Kids and 4-H members from Polk County were recognized for their accomplishments during the 2024 4-H year. more

The 2025 class will visit Kansas City for a hands-on look at careers in agriculture. more

Forty-two Polk County students from the Bolivar Area Homeschoolers participated in hands-on lessons about agriculture during enrichment programming the past couple of months with Agriculture Education on the Move™ (Ag Moves). The group partnered with Ag Moves to provide elementary and middle school students with ten foundational lessons on the topics of agriculture. Local Ag Moves educator and University MU Extension 4-H Specialist, Velynda Cameron, facilitated the lessons for Polk County’s consumers of tomorrow, helping them make connections to agriculture in their daily lives. more

The Bolivar Herald-Free Press invites residents to send their engagement, wedding, baby, and other milestone announcements. more

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is accepting Building Our American Communities (BOAC) grant applications. The BOAC Program provides $12,000 annually to Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters for projects aimed at developing and advancing Missouri’s rural communities. more

Country music star Toby Keith passed away from stomach cancer this past February. I more

Some just-nippy mornings it wafts on the air as lightly as the fragrance of apple blossoms in spring. more

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters in Missouri harvested 68,312 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season Nov. 16 and 17. Of the 68,312 deer harvested, 42,283 were antlered bucks, 5,105 were button bucks, and 20,924 were does. more

The National FFA Milk Quality and Products CDE is a competitive event that allows students to prove their knowledge about the recognition, selection, and management necessary for quality milk and dairy products. Participants must complete a written exam on milk production and marketing, evaluate milk samples for flavor and quality, identify cheeses and characteristics, and complete milk acceptability tests in the team activity. more

 If a little is good, a lot must be better. more

Ellie Samek of the Bolivar FFA chapter in Bolivar, was named a national finalist this year in the Social Science category in the Division 3 of the competition. Ellie was a top 10 finalist with the results being announced on stage at the National FFA Convention. Ellie earned 3rd place in the Nation in her agriscience fair, earning a gold rating and $500. more

The annual Southwest Missouri Beef Conference and Trade Show will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 pm at McKenna Hall/Sacred Heart Church in Bolivar. more