Don’t ignore the warning signs. more

Winter storms create significant challenges and often result in catastrophic loss for agricultural producers, especially for those raising livestock, row crops and vulnerable crops like citrus. Despite every attempt to mitigate risk, your operation may suffer losses. As you prepare for the potential impacts of upcoming winter weather, know that USDA offers several programs to help with recovery. more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Karen Stillings in Polk/Dallas Counties reminds producers that FSA continues to accept applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2023 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2024. more

State legislators from across Missouri descended upon the state Capitol last Wednesday to kick off the 2024 state legislative session. From now through May 17, these elected leaders will debate and deliberate bills and topics important to them and their constituents. The hope each and every year is for priority issues to be passed by the General Assembly and ultimately land on the Governor’s desk for his signature. more

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data Feb. 13, 2024. more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Karen Stillings in Polk/Dallas Counties reminds producers that FSA continues to accept applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2023 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2024. more

The Polk County University of Missouri Extension Council will hold their annual election from Jan. 16 thru Jan. 19. Balloting may be done online or in person at the Polk County Extension Center, 110 E Jefferson, Bolivar, Mo. The online link may be found on the extension Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/www.polkcounty.edu . Ballots may be requested to be mailed by calling the office at 417-326-4916. more

The Water Protection Program received notice on Jan. 2, 2024, that Missouri Prime Beef Packers is withdrawing its permit application to use the innovative iLEAF technology for discharge to the Pomme de Terre watershed. This permit application was the subject of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Draft Notice of Intent to Deny Missouri State Operating Permit MO-0113204, Nov. 7, 2023, and a public meeting scheduled for Jan. 6, 2024. As the department no longer has a permit application to consider or deny, a public hearing is no longer necessary. By way of this announcement, the department is notifying the public and interested parties that the public hearing scheduled for Jan. 6, 2024, is hereby canceled. No future public meetings for this site are scheduled at this time. more

Missouri Farm Bureau wrapped up another great Annual Meeting in December, and this year’s theme focused on our organization being “Guided by Tradition.” One of those annual traditions is the Farmometer survey. more

Empowers Department of Agriculture with Greater Oversight and Enforcement Authority Regarding Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land Purchases more

The new 4-H year has gotten off to a fast start under the leadership of our newly elected Woodlawn Club officers: more

On Saturday evening, Nov. 4, thirty-four Polk County 4-H Clover Kids and 4-H members were recognized for their project work and other 4H accomplishments during the 2023 4-H year. Thirteen 4-H volunteers were recognized for their years of service as club and project leaders. The “Friends of Polk County 4-H” awards were given to Bolivar Tractor Supply and Midwest Archery. Recipients of this award are selected by the 4-H youth and are given to thank the person, group or business for their continued support of the Polk County 4-H program. more