Celebrating Christmas Tree Month in Missouri
Governor Mike Parson hosted a ceremony proclaiming December as Christmas Tree Month in Missouri this week. The proclamation was presented to winners of the Missouri Christmas Tree Association’s annual wreath and tree contests, held earlier this year at the association’s annual convention.
Pea Ridge Forest in Hermann, Mo., won the tree contest, and has provided an 8-foot tree to the Missouri Capitol. Located outside Governor Parson’s office, the Canaan fir tree has been growing at Pea Ridge Forest for eight years. Pea Ridge Forest offers choose and cut Christmas trees in addition to being a wholesale nursery. The farm offers a variety of activities during the holiday season, including a gift shop, hay rides and complimentary hot chocolate. LeRoy and Mary Rood established Pea Ridge Forest in 1972 and the farm is currently owned by their sons, Mike and Scott. Pea Ridge Forest is truly a family business with three generations working on the farm.
The 2023 winning wreath comes from Meert Tree Farm in Festus, Mo. Meert Tree Farm offers Cut Your Own Christmas Trees, a Sunflower Maze and a Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch throughout the seasons. During the holiday season, the farm has a Christmas shop and children’s train rides. Domien and Eileen Meert established Meert Tree Farm in 1963 and the farm is now operated by their daughter, Jennifer, with the help of their other children and grandchildren.
To plan your family’s visit to a Christmas tree farm in your area, visit MissouriGrownUSA.com or MissouriChristmasTrees.org.
Organic Certification Cost-Share Program Open
The Missouri Department of Agriculture has funds available for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program through United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
To be eligible for reimbursement in the current fiscal year, applicants must have successfully received their organic certification between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023.
The program provides cost share assistance to organic producers and handlers receiving certification, or continuation of certification, by a USDA accredited certifying agency. To find a certifying entity, refer to the USDA Directory of Authorized Organic Certifying Agents by State of Operation.
The National Organic Program (NOP) currently recognizes four categories of certification: crops, wild crops, livestock and processing/handling. Cost share assistance payments are limited to 75 percent of an individual’s certification costs, with a maximum of $750 per classification per year. Each certification will be reimbursed separately.
Deadline for submission has been extended to Dec. 15, 2023.
MU Farm Tax Workshops
Farmers and ranchers should plan now to avoid unexpected surprises during tax season.
Join Mary Sobba and the MU Extension team at an in-person or online farm tax workshop.
These workshops are designed for farmers and ranchers and will include timely tax issues:
Employee vs. Independent Contractor
Legislative & Regulatory Update (sunset of increased estate & gift tax exemption)
Form 1099 Requirements
Tax Issues related to Drought Sales
Tax Issues Arising from the Death of a Farmer
Depreciating & Expensing Farm Assets
Sale & Exchange of Farm property
The workshops are meant to help in your preparation to visit with your tax professional. This workshop is for educational purposes only.
Workshops are held December 12 and 13 among several locations across the state. If you have questions, call (573) 581-3231.
Find details and registration for Dec. 12 here.
Find details and registration for Dec. 13 here.
Photo of the Week
Director Chinn joined Governor Mike Parson and the Missouri Wines team for the Grand Opening of Mathany Family Vineyards in Lake Ozark, Mo. This family-owned winery will be a great addition to the valuable Missouri wine and grape industry.