Missouri Archives - Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/category/missouri/ America's #1 Ag News Source Fri, 27 Dec 2024 22:35:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.morningagclips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-MAc-Logo1-1-32x32.png Missouri Archives - Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/category/missouri/ 32 32 NCBA Warns Cattle Producers That Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements Will Return https://www.morningagclips.com/ncba-warns-cattle-producers-that-corporate-transparency-act-reporting-requirements-will-return/ Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:25:46 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657589 WASHINGTON — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) warned cattle producers that Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements are back in effect following a court decision that reverses the injunction that previously halted this mandate. “The Corporate Transparency Act requires millions of family farmers and ranchers to file complex paperwork and disclose beneficial ownership information with the […]

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WASHINGTON — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) warned cattle producers that Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements are back in effect following a court decision that reverses the injunction that previously halted this mandate.

“The Corporate Transparency Act requires millions of family farmers and ranchers to file complex paperwork and disclose beneficial ownership information with the federal government under penalty of severe fines and jailtime,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “FinCEN should do the right thing and provide a realistic delay to the Corporate Transparency Act until Congress has an opportunity to provide a permanent fix that protects family farmers and ranchers.”

On Monday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a nationwide preliminary injunction on the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, holding that the government is likely to prevail in a constitutional challenge. This decision places many small businesses in jeopardy that have not yet filed Beneficial Ownership Information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

In light of the Fifth Circuit’s decision, FinCEN announced it will delay enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act until January 13, 2025—just three weeks from now. This delay does not allow enough time for millions of small businesses to comply with the law, and it is deeply concerning that FinCEN will proceed with enforcing this law when it has failed to give adequate notice and instructions to law abiding family business owners.

NCBA will continue fighting for a permanent solution that protects cattle farmers and ranchers from this overreaching mandate. In the meantime, cattle producers are advised to consult their attorney and/or tax professional regarding this new development.


The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

–National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

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United States Hog Inventory Up 1 Percent https://www.morningagclips.com/united-states-hog-inventory-up-1-percent/ Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:17:11 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657585 WASHINGTON — As of Dec. 1, there were 75.8 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up 1% from December 2023, but down slightly from Sept. 1, 2024, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Other key findings in the report were: […]

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WASHINGTON — As of Dec. 1, there were 75.8 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up 1% from December 2023, but down slightly from Sept. 1, 2024, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Other key findings in the report were:

  • Of the 75.8 million hogs and pigs, 69.8 million were market hogs, while 6.00 million were kept for breeding.
  • Between September and November 2024, 35.2 million pigs were weaned on U.S. farms, up 2% from the same time period one year earlier.
  • From September through November 2024, U.S. hog and pig producers weaned an average of 11.92 pigs per litter.
  • U.S. hog producers intend to have 2.93 million sows farrow between December 2024 and February 2025, and 2.95 million sows farrow between March 2025 and May 2025.
  • Iowa hog producers accounted for the largest inventory among the states, at 24.6 million head. Minnesota had the second largest inventory at 9.50 million head. North Carolina was third with 8.20 million head.

To obtain an accurate measurement of the U.S. swine industry, NASS surveyed 6,046 operators across the nation during the first half of December. The data collected were received online through NASS’s Respondent Portal, by mail, telephone and through face-to-face interviews.

The Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report and all other NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

–USDA NASS

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! https://www.morningagclips.com/merry-christmas-happy-new-year/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:40:46 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657420 GREENWICH, N.Y. — Wow! 2024 is drawing to a close. Where did the year go? I hope all of you will be able to look back on the year’s greatness. Put your pencil to paper as you consider all you learned from 2024; some very important lessons were sprinkled in there. To give time for […]

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GREENWICH, N.Y. — Wow! 2024 is drawing to a close. Where did the year go?

I hope all of you will be able to look back on the year’s greatness. Put your pencil to paper as you consider all you learned from 2024; some very important lessons were sprinkled in there.

To give time for reflection and enjoyment this holiday season, we will not be sending out our daily emails the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The Morning Ag Clips’ daily email will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

There will still be news articles published on our site, so make sure to stay up-to-date by going to morningagclips.com. Every day there will be something new, and there will be an editor watching for breaking ag news every day. But like you, we all need a break, and the only way to get it is to be extremely intentional about it, so we are!

Here’s to you, your family, and a prosperous and healthy New Year! We will see you in 2025!

With love,
Kate

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Make 2025 the Year of Community https://www.morningagclips.com/make-2025-the-year-of-community/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 21:30:01 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657478 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – As the New Year approaches, many people are setting resolutions to improve their lives. This year, why not take a step beyond personal goals and focus on your community? The Engaged Neighbor Principles offer a meaningful way to connect with those around you, strengthen relationships, and create a positive impact in your […]

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – As the New Year approaches, many people are setting resolutions to improve their lives. This year, why not take a step beyond personal goals and focus on your community? The Engaged Neighbor Principles offer a meaningful way to connect with those around you, strengthen relationships, and create a positive impact in your neighborhood.

“As we step into 2025, let’s resolve to build stronger, more caring communities,” says David Burton, a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension, and author of the principles. “The Engaged Neighbor Principles remind us that even small actions can create meaningful change. Together, we can make our neighborhoods places where everyone feels welcome and supported.”

What Are the Engaged Neighbor Principles?

The Engaged Neighbor Principles encourage individual steps under five different principles that spell REACH: Relationships, Empathy, Action, Courage and Humility. Under the principle “relationship,” for example, the emphasis is on connecting and staying connected with these steps:

  • Learn and use my neighbor’s names.
  • Learn the gifts and talents of my neighbors.
  • Invite neighbors into my daily routine.
  • Practice hospitality (eat) with my neighbors.

Why Make This Your Resolution?

In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel disconnected from their communities and those around them. Research shows that strong neighborhood relationships can improve mental and physical health, reduce crime, and even increase property values. By resolving to be an engaged neighbor in 2025, you can make a lasting difference in your community while enriching your own life. “These simple steps promote kindness, trust, and collaboration, making neighborhoods cleaner, safer, friendlier, and more vibrant places to live,” said Burton.

How to Get Started

  • Learn Names: Make a list of the people who live closest to you and start learning their names.
  • Start Small: Look for ways to connect over shared interests and conversation.
  • Take Action: Host a block party, deliver baked goods, or offer to help a neighbor with a project. Even small gestures can build strong connections.
  • Be Inclusive: Reach out to neighbors who may feel overlooked, such as the elderly, new families, or those who live alone.

Join the Movement by Taking the Pledge

Take the Engaged Neighbor Pledge and commit to making 2025 a year of connection and community. Learn more about the Engaged Neighbor Principles and access helpful resources by visiting engagedneighbor.com or http://nomoregoodneighbors.com.

What is the Engaged Neighbor Program?

The Engaged Neighbor Program is a University of Missouri Extension program that teaches people how to be friendly, active, and connected neighbors. The program organizes and hosts fun events, provides helpful trainings, and offers easy-to-follow resources to show why being an engaged neighbor matters. Program goals are:

  1. To make being a kind, active and connected neighbor something everyone sees as healthy, normal and important.
  2. To build the “civic muscle” of  neighborhoods and communities by focusing on belonging, contribution, leadership, and vitality.
  3. To train block captains across the state and give people the chance to become an Engaged Neighbor.

Additional information is available online at engagedneighbor.com.

Share Your Story

“Let’s make 2025 the year we come together as neighbors and friends. Start your New Year’s resolution today—because a stronger community begins with you,” said Burton.

If you adopt the Engaged Neighbor Principles, we’d love to hear about your journey! Share your stories and photos on social media using the hashtag #EngagedNeighbor.

–University of Missouri Extension

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Stanton Brothers Sells Cage-Free, Brown Eggs https://www.morningagclips.com/stanton-brothers-sells-cage-free-brown-eggs/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:35:14 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657432 BOONE CO., Mo. — Brothers Dustin and Austin Stanton own Stanton Brothers, a cage-free, brown egg production business. The brothers manage their flock of 7,200 chickens that lay 500 dozen eggs daily on their family’s generational farm that was started by their great-great-grandfather in 1845 near Centralia in Boone County. In 1999, the Stantons didn’t […]

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BOONE CO., Mo. — Brothers Dustin and Austin Stanton own Stanton Brothers, a cage-free, brown egg production business. The brothers manage their flock of 7,200 chickens that lay 500 dozen eggs daily on their family’s generational farm that was started by their great-great-grandfather in 1845 near Centralia in Boone County. In 1999, the Stantons didn’t realize that their first six chickens would become a successful 4-H project, a prosperous FFA endeavor, or a thriving business. Dustin and Austin had no idea that poultry would become a sound investment in their family’s farming legacy.

The Beginning of a Business

“My first grade class hatched and raised six chicks. My name was not drawn to take the birds home,” recalls Dustin. “And when I got home, I cried.” Dustin’s elementary tears fell upon the ears of an amazing uncle who didn’t know that his purchase of six chicks each for Dustin and Austin would become part of the family’s farming legacy. Beginning in 1999, the brothers raised and managed birds as an entrepreneurial 4-H project that expanded into a prosperous FFA Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) in 2007. The brothers saw eggs as an avenue to return to the family farm. Upon adulthood, Dustin and Austin were in partnership with Stanton Brothers, a successful, cage-free, brown egg production business selling direct to consumers.

Processing Stanton Brothers eggs on Stanton Family Farms. (Courtesy photo)

The Next Generation of Stanton Farmers

“We couldn’t believe it when the boys started selling eggs for $2.50 a dozen at the Farmer’s Market and customers loved it,” shared Andrew Stanton, the brothers’ dad (who, ironically, is allergic to eggs). “Their profitable egg business is the reason Dustin and Austin have been able to return to work as part of the family farm.” Austin focuses on egg production and processing while Dustin focuses on sales, deliveries and customer relations, meeting the wholesale and retail needs for 60 outlets that change seasonally. Stanton Brothers sells eggs to school districts, golf courses, nursing homes, the University of Missouri, grocery stores, restaurants and individuals.

Dustin and Austin are proud that Stanton Brothers works in collaboration with the more traditional model of Stanton Farms, a cattle and row crop business owned by their parents, Andrew and Judy. Together, the two businesses comprise Stanton Family Farms. These family businesses were recently honored as the 2025 recipient of the Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award which recognizes the voluntary efforts of Missouri farmers to carefully and responsibly manage the land, natural resources, and animals entrusted to their care.

Stewardship on the Farm

“Stewardship and sustainability are very important to our family,” said Dustin. “We feed our chickens milo, or grain sorghum, that is grown here by Stanton Farms. When our poultry barn is cleaned out, the manure is spread here as natural fertilizer across crop fields and pastures. We are extra cognizant of our applications because we want to protect local water quality.” Nestled upon a rolling landscape, the Stanton Farm is in the watershed of several creeks and rivers that flow through suburban and urban communities of Boone County. Stanton Family Farms uses several other strategies to keep inputs and soil on their farm including ponds, cover crops, conservation tillage, and contour planting. Austin often deploys technologies for the family farms including use of GPS and drones as well as data collection and analysis. “Our family farm hasn’t been in existence for nearly 180 years by accident, but by looking to the future,” Dustin said. “It’s not about taking the most from our land so we get the most. It’s about what we can give to the land so that the next generation can live and work here as well.”

Building Customer Trust

Back in 1999, Dustin and Austin sold their eggs to neighbors, family, and members of their church congregation. When Dustin expanded the project to 500 birds for his FFA SAE, he began selling eggs at the Columbia Farmer’s Market. “I now have customers at the Farmer’s Market who have watched me grow up for the past 15 years. We have built trust with people who truly care about what is happening on our farms,” Dustin said. “No one knows the story of agriculture better than farmers. We are a trusted face and source for questions about everything from farm policy to pasta ingredients.” The Stantons share their farm story as often as possible, presenting at elementary schools, hosting field trips, and speaking to civic groups.

A Legacy Mindset

Dustin’s vision is to expand Stanton Brothers to offer more diversified product lines including liquid eggs, recognizing the desires and rising demands of customers. “I love agriculture. I love working with my family,” Dustin shared. “I love running a business and building something. When it is successful, it shows the work we did. If I mess up, I am responsible for fixing it. It’s not really about what I’m doing today for me. It’s about what I’m doing today to pass it on to the next generation.”
“Farming is my heritage and my legacy,” said Austin. “I have wanted to be a farmer my whole life. I hope to make our farm better than it is today so I can give my kids a shot at making a life on the farm.”

More About the Stantons

Dustin and Austin are graduates of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dustin is concluding a term of service on the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and representing the poultry industry on the Missouri Farm Bureau Commodity Advisory Committee. He is currently the president of the Boone County Extension Council. Austin has served as an officer for the Missouri Young Farmers/Young Farm Wives Association and the family is still active with the organization. The family volunteers for the Centralia FFA Alumni and are members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. Missouri Farm Bureau, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Young Farmers/Young Farm Wives Association, and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association are all partners of Missouri Farmers Care.

Agricultural Contributions of Boone County

Food processing is the top agricultural industry in Boone County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study. The county’s agriculture economy creates $686.5 million in value-added products, supports more than 9,500 jobs, and generates $629.4 million in household income. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture conducted by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 95% of Boone County farms are owned by families.

–Missouri Farmers Care

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In the Cattle Markets: Dec. Cattle on Feed Report & Cautionary Note on “Demand Destruction” https://www.morningagclips.com/in-the-cattle-markets-dec-cattle-on-feed-report-cautionary-note-on-demand-destruction/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:00:51 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657479 LAKEWOOD, Colo. — On Friday, December 20 USDA NASS released the latest Cattle on Feed report (https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/m326m174z?locale=en ). December 1st inventory was estimated at 11.98 million, on par with 2023. Placements in November were estimated at 1.80 million, down 4% from 2023 while marketings were estimated at 1.73 million, down 1% from 2023. Overall, this report […]

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LAKEWOOD, Colo. — On Friday, December 20 USDA NASS released the latest Cattle on Feed report (https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/m326m174z?locale=en ). December 1st inventory was estimated at 11.98 million, on par with 2023. Placements in November were estimated at 1.80 million, down 4% from 2023 while marketings were estimated at 1.73 million, down 1% from 2023. Overall, this report was in line with pre-report expectations and likely will not be a market-mover with interest transitioning to 2025 reports including the January Cattle Inventory report.

I expect the January Cattle Inventory report to show some additional liquidation has occurred leading to a smaller calf crop in 2025. It seems most likely that the summer of 2026 is the soonest substantial national heifer retention may begin. While there is recently elevated uncertainty around international trade that should not be overlooked, most anticipate domestic beef availability to decline perhaps by 2-3% per year (per person) in 2025 and 2026.

Given this setting and the opportunity for some extended armchair-pondering around the holidays, some context on economic concepts and an important historical reminder is prudent. Economists analyzing the beef industry use the term “demand” to refer to the willingness and ability to buy beef at a specific price. A change in beef demand is not triggered by changes in beef prices but rather by consumer income or wealth adjustments, changes in prices of other goods, or perceptions of beef quality evolving. To this later point, the clear improvement in overall beef quality (simple example is Prime or Upper Choice percentage versus past decades) has been core to beef demand growth (see K-State demand indices here: https://agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-domestic-meat-demand-indices-usdabls-data/monthly-domestic-0 ).

As we turn to 2025 it is important to pause and connect the dots around things such as current feedlot supplies, future breeding herd size and corresponding beef availability, and what one may expect at the retail and food service level. Yes, lower beef supplies are expected and with that, most anticipate higher end-user beef prices. In fact, the industry should be hoping for that! Research with Melissa McKendree, Ted Schroeder, and Nathan Hendricks (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1093/ajae/aaz034 ) shows that feeder cattle sellers stand to gain the most when beef demand grows, and lose the most when demand falters.

If alternatively, lower beef availability is observed in conjunction with flat or lower beef prices, then beef demand clearly declined. In that unfortunate situation, economic viability for most in the industry also declines. While some younger market participants may dismiss this scenario, recall the 1980s & 90s was a period largely characterized by a shrinking herd, weakening beef demand, and overall decline in industry vitality. Indeed, lower beef volumes alone do not guarantee higher beef nor cattle prices. This experience is worth periodic reflection as the industry has made massive improvements that should not be overlooked or taken for granted. To the extent that beef prices increase reflecting stable or growing beef demand that indeed is a market outcome that should not only “be allowed” but encouraged. While the term “demand destruction” is likely to appear more in coming months, industry stakeholders are encouraged to take pause and in fact hope that higher prices develop reflecting stable or growing beef demand.

Finally, and most importantly I wish all readers a Merry Christmas, the ability to see the true reason for the season, and a joyous New Year.

cattle feed livestock

— Glynn T. Tonsor, Ph.D., Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University

Livestock Marketing Information Center

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Winter Management Checklist https://www.morningagclips.com/winter-management-checklist/ Sun, 22 Dec 2024 17:02:13 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657317 SEDALIA, Mo. – The coming new year brings with it a new cycle of management items that need to be considered.  Below are a few things for beef cattle producers to be thinking about in the upcoming weeks. Feeding programs are an obvious consideration for the winter months.  Hay quality drives supplementation programs, and quality […]

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SEDALIA, Mo. – The coming new year brings with it a new cycle of management items that need to be considered.  Below are a few things for beef cattle producers to be thinking about in the upcoming weeks.

Feeding programs are an obvious consideration for the winter months.  Hay quality drives supplementation programs, and quality cannot be evaluated visually.  If the hay supply has not yet been tested, that is step one. Then take steps to develop feeding programs that fill nutritional holes in the most cost-effective manner.

Cow body condition, especially prior to calving, is the second puzzle piece to evaluate.  If possible, separate thinner cows from their better conditioned counterparts and feed each group accordingly, based on hay quality determined by the above mentioned hay test.  Be sure feeding spaces are adequate for the number of cattle in the management group.

Review production records from the 2024 calf crop.  Determine if weaning weights increased, decreased, or stayed steady and try to figure out why these changes occurred.  In addition to weaning weights, look at age at weaning.  Calves gain about 2.0 pounds per day.  If weaning weights are down, look at calf age and try to figure out if calves are simply younger at weaning, and if so, why did that happen.

If the calving season is strung out, try to figure out why.  Was there a nutritional or reproductive management issue?  Did a bull go bad during the breeding season?  Was there some weather-related event that reduced breeding activity?  If notes are made in record books about unusual occurrences throughout the year, they can serve as reminders of possible causes for changes or reductions in productivity in a particular year.

Production records don’t have to be complicated in order to be useful.  Calving records are the first step and there are a couple options: (1) record the total number of cows that calve each day of the calving season, or (2) individually identify each calf and record its’ date of birth and mother.

Calving date is a key component of herd weaning weight data, so look at calving records by 21-day calving intervals to determine what percentage of calves were born in the first 21-day period, the second 21-day period, etc.  The goal is to have most of the calves born in either the first or second 21-day calving period.  This indicates good nutritional and reproductive management of the cow herd.  

The usefulness of production records cannot be overemphasized.  However, simply collecting data is a worthless exercise.  Records do need to be studied and the information they contain needs to be used in order for the effort to be worthwhile.

If you are looking for a method of keeping production records, many county extension offices have the “Red Books” available for purchase.  These books contain places to record most of the annual activities that occur on a beef operation.  Contact me at the extension center in Sedalia at 660-827-0591 or by e-mail at schmitze@missouri.edu if you have additional questions.  

–Gene Schmitz, University of Missouri Extension

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USDA Connects Rural Areas to Reliable High-Speed Internet in 18 States https://www.morningagclips.com/usda-connects-rural-areas-to-reliable-high-speed-internet-in-18-states/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 01:58:41 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657154 BRAINERD, Minn. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced more than $313 million in funding to connect rural residents, farmers and business owners in 18 states to reliable high-speed internet. Projects are being financed by the fifth round of the ReConnect Program and are a central part of President Biden’s Investing […]

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BRAINERD, Minn. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced more than $313 million in funding to connect rural residents, farmers and business owners in 18 states to reliable high-speed internet.

Projects are being financed by the fifth round of the ReConnect Program and are a central part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild the economy.

“Keeping the people of rural America connected with good, reliable high-speed internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country and creates good-paying jobs,” Secretary Vilsack said. “That’s why USDA’s ReConnect Program is an important part of our partnership with rural communities. Through these investments, we are connecting the most rural and remote communities to a global marketplace and bringing new opportunities within reach.”

USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke made today’s announcement during a visit to Consolidated Telephone Company in Brainerd, Minnesota, which is receiving a $5,510,933 million loan and a $5,510,933 grant to connect 2,831 people, 67 businesses and 78 farms in Crow Wing and Morrison counties.

The ReConnect Program is specifically designed to fund the most difficult high-speed internet projects in the nation, which are in the most rural, remote and unserved communities.

Many residents and businesses in rural areas would not have high-speed internet service without the ReConnect Program. The program is a key part of the Administration’s Internet for All initiative to connect everyone in America to high-speed internet by 2030.

Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department has invested approximately $4.4 billion for 360 ReConnect awards that will bring high-speed internet access to more than 680,000 people in the most rural and remote areas of America. More than $2.2 billion of this funding, which will benefit an estimated 341,000 people, was made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Today’s investments will connect people to high-speed internet in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

For example:

  • In Michigan, Waldron Communication Co. is receiving a $3 million loan and a $3 million grant to provide high-speed internet that will connect 599 people, 18 businesses and 32 farms in Hillsdale and Lenawee counties.
  • In Arizona, CoxCom LLC is receiving a $14.7 million grant to connect 6,579 people, 88 businesses, two farms and nine educational facilities in Cochise, Pima and Pinal counties.
  • In Washington, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is receiving a $19.1 million grant to connect 165 people, six businesses and 20 farms across the Colville Reservation in Okanogan County.

Today’s announcement also includes a Broadband Technical Assistance pilot project in Nevada. Valley Electric Association Inc. is receiving a $542,281 Cooperative Agreement to promote the deployment of high-speed fiber networks to the rural areas of Clark, Esmerelda, Lyon, Mineral and Nye counties.

The project will use innovative partnerships with local internet service providers and energy providers to promote the development of mid-mile and last-mile fiber in these remote areas of Nevada. The project will provide solutions for the delivery of products and services that include design, engineering, procurement, permitting, construction, operations, maintenance and repair and regulatory compliance.

The Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program supports technical assistance projects such as conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs and developing broadband financial assistance applications. Funding is also available to help organizations access federal resources, and to conduct data collection and reporting.

Since the launch of the BTA program in April 2023, the Department has provided more than $16.29 million to support 42 technical assistance projects across 24 states.

A full list of projects from today’s announcement is available online.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

— USDA Rural Development

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Santa Claus Cleared to Spread Christmas Cheer https://www.morningagclips.com/santa-claus-cleared-to-spread-christmas-cheer-2/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:58:01 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657164 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg have approved livestock movement papers for nine reindeer. Mr. Santa Claus from The North Pole applied for the permit this week, providing proof of the healthy herd through a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection signed by licensed veterinarian Dr. Hermey […]

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg have approved livestock movement papers for nine reindeer. Mr. Santa Claus from The North Pole applied for the permit this week, providing proof of the healthy herd through a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection signed by licensed veterinarian Dr. Hermey Elf.

Team leader, Rudolph, underwent additional testing to prove he’s the most famous reindeer of all.

“We’re proud of our team for ensuring Santa’s team of reindeer are healthy each year,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “We know Santa and his elves have been working hard to provide Christmas cheer across Missouri and they are ready to take flight and deliver gifts near and far!”

The permit approves Mr. Claus, his sleigh and nine reindeer for flight starting the night before Christmas, with a few exceptions for early deliveries.

“Making sure animals are approved for movement is a priority for MDA’s veterinary staff,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg. “We ensure the reindeer are ready for a healthy flight, and recommend each reindeer consume a feed ration including Missouri grass hay. We encourage Missourians to make hay available for Santa’s reindeer, in addition to milk and cookies for Santa.”

Reindeer approved for flight:

  • Dasher
  • Dancer
  • Prancer
  • Vixen
  • Comet
  • Cupid
  • Donner
  • Blitzen
  • Rudolph

Missouri agriculture is a $93.7 billion industry and remains the top economic driver in the Show Me State. To learn more, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

–Christi Miller, Missouri Department of Agriculture

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Exclusive Offerings From the Angus Foundation Available in January https://www.morningagclips.com/exclusive-offerings-from-the-angus-foundation-available-in-january/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:45:03 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657111 OKLAHOMA CITY — The month of January kicks off an exciting new year full of opportunities to support the Angus Foundation’s mission of advancing education, youth and research. With numerous offerings available in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, the upcoming month is set to inspire generous support for the Angus Foundation in […]

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OKLAHOMA CITY — The month of January kicks off an exciting new year full of opportunities to support the Angus Foundation’s mission of advancing education, youth and research. With numerous offerings available in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, the upcoming month is set to inspire generous support for the Angus Foundation in 2025.  another year of generous support for the Angus Foundation.

Angus Foundation Heifer Package

Each year the Angus Foundation Heifer Package leads off the National Angus Bull Sale. The 2025 heifer package is donated by Pollard Farms of Waukomis, Oklahoma.

The heifer, POLLARD Rita 4012 (AAA* 20875621), is a daughter of EXAR Cover the Bases 0819B and out of a productive, young two-year-old that is “on her way to the donor pen,” said Dr. Barry Pollard of Pollard Farms. She stems from the PF W34 Rita 4139, a long-time donor in the Pollard Farms program.

Rita is an elite donor prospect. She exemplifies the phenotypic and numerical balance that Dr. Pollard and his crew strive to produce, ranking in the top 1% for $C, Marb, $G, $AxH and $AxJ; top 2% for $B and $W; top 5% for RADG; top 10% for WW, YW, and HP; top 15% for CED, BW, PAP, and $M; top 20% for RE; and top 25% for CW and $F.

The heifer package also includes an Advanced Reproductive Technology Package from Trans Ova Genetics; trucking to the buyer donated by Lathrop Livestock Transportation; and 30 days of mortality insurance donated by Jeanne Conover, Livestock Insurance Agent with Conover Auction Service.

The sale starts at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City.

To learn more about the Angus Foundation Heifer Package visit bit.ly/2025HeiferPackage.

Fund the Future Offerings

A special feature to the January events is the Angus Foundation “Fund the Future” donation lot that will sell. The Bases Loaded Sale, held January 7 at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City, will feature a heifer pregnancy donated by Riverbend Ranch with complimentary trucking included by Lathrop Livestock Transportation.

This headlining female of the Riverbed and Vintage Angus programs, sells as Lot A with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s mission. The Fund the Future program allows breeders to donate proceeds from a designated sale lot to the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted dollars to support the breed.

This Fund the Future donation lot features a heifer pregnancy from the $194,000 valued second-generation Riverbed Ranch donor, Miss Belle 9209 and sired by the American Angus Association’s Sire of the Year, Connealy Craftsman. The anticipated due date is February 24, 2025.

Angus Herdsman Social

The Foundation and Association will again host a celebration for the Angus family at the 2025 Cattlemen’s Congress. The Angus Herdsman Social serves as an evening of fellowship in Oklahoma City, Friday, January 10.

The doors of the Cattlemen’s Bar in Barn 3 will open at 3:45 p.m. following the National Angus Bull Sale. The social will feature the announcement of the 2025 Angus Herdsman of the Year, food, refreshments and a group of auction and raffle items to benefit the Foundation’s mission.

Auction highlights include a men’s and/or women’s custom-made cowboy hat from Greeley Hat Works, a set of whiskey barrel chairs and a custom cowhide bag from Holy Cow Couture. A 2025 National Finals Rodeo ticket package, among other exciting items and experiences, is available for bidding.

Those interested in any of the January events and offerings supporting the Angus Foundation are encouraged to contact Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director, at JBoester@Angus.org, or their regional manager. To learn more about the Angus Foundation and its mission, visit angus.org/foundation.

–Molly Biggs, Communications Specialist
American Angus Association

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