JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Agriculture has released its latest update.
Youth in Ag Scholarships Available
The Missouri State Fair and the Youth in Agriculture Committee are accepting applications for Youth in Agriculture scholarships for Missouri high school seniors graduating in 2024. The application form can be found on the Fair’s website.
Applications should be submitted to the Missouri State Fair and must be postmarked by January 16, 2024. Applicants must submit an original copy of their application and three additional copies.
These scholarships are possible thanks to the gracious contributions of many individuals and companies supporting Youth in Agriculture. A total of 55 scholarships amounting to $93,000, the largest amount ever, were awarded in 2023.
The following scholarships will be awarded in 2024:
one $5,000 S. Wayne Yokley Platinum Scholarship sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters,
one $3,500 Sharon Topliff Scholarship sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters,
one $2,500 supreme scholarship sponsored by Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners/Sydenstricker Genetics,
four $2,500 supreme scholarships sponsored by the Missouri State Fair Foundation,
and numerous $1,500 scholarships sponsored by Youth in Agriculture supporters.
Applicants must be high school seniors, active members of Missouri 4-H or FFA, and have participated at least once as a 4-H or FFA exhibitor at the Missouri State Fair. Selected students must enroll (fall and/or spring semester immediately following graduation from high school) in an accredited community college, college or university.
Missouri State Fair scholarships are funded through the generosity of Youth in Agriculture sponsors, hometown supporters and buyers of the livestock sold during the annual Sale of Champions. A portion of each animal’s sale price is allocated to the scholarship program. Sponsors and buyers are listed at www.mostatefair.com.
Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey Results
Buyers paid more for Missouri farmland in 2023, according to the annual Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey from University of Missouri Extension.
More than 300 responses were collected from Missouri lenders, farmers, rural appraisers and others familiar with Missouri land values in October 2023. Survey respondents gave estimates of land values for three classes of cropland and pastureland (good, average, poor), irrigated cropland, timberland and hunting/recreational land.
Values for cropland, pasture, timber and hunting/recreational land all increased from 2022 to 2023, according to survey results. Hunting/recreation land had the largest statewide increase of value at 14%, followed by “average” and “poor” pastureland, both with 11% increases from 2022.
This year’s respondents reported the statewide average of “good” nonirrigated cropland at $8,631 per acre, a $313 (4%) increase from 2022. The statewide average of irrigated cropland was estimated at $9,678 per acre, a $534 (6%) increase from 2022.
“Survey results from 2023 suggest that land values tend to be highest in the state’s urban areas and lowest in the south-central region,” said Juo-Han Tsay, MU Extension assistant professor and survey organizer. “Our results also indicate that, although cropland values increased in 2023, the percentage change was less pronounced than the 31% increase reported in our 2021-2022 survey.”
Respondents indicated rising interest rates applied downward pressure to farmland values; limited land available for sale and strong investor demand were indicated as factors pushing up the price of land in Missouri.
“Looking ahead, our survey respondents forecast land prices to increase in 2024,” said Tsay. “Interestingly, urban land prices are expected to increase the least, while land values in the west region of Missouri are estimated to increase anywhere from 11% to 14% next year.”
The Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey offers insights to landowners, potential buyers and others involved in the agricultural industry. Because no government or public agencies in Missouri require the reporting of land sale transactions, it can be challenging to understand current prices and forward-looking projections for the state’s farmland values.
“The insights from our annual Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey are critical for a variety of programs and stakeholders, and we are excited to keep collecting responses each year,” said Ryan Milhollin, MU Extension agricultural economist. “Data from the annual Missouri Farmland Values Opinion Survey supplements state-level estimates published by USDA and can give stakeholders more clarity into the uniqueness of land value trends across Missouri.”
For more Missouri Farmland Value Opinion Survey results, including regional breakdowns and results from previous years, visit muext.us/LandValues.
Practice Biosecurity to Protect Your Flock
Both commercial and backyard poultry flock owners are encouraged to review and tighten biosecurity protocols in light of the avian influenza virus confirmation in U.S. flocks this fall.
Know the symptoms:
*Decrease in water and feed consumption
*Quietness among the flock
*Decrease in egg production
*Sudden increase in death in the flock
Prevention Measures:
*Prevent contact with wild birds, especially wild waterfowl
*Restrict visitor access to your birds
*Limit food and water sources that would attract wild birds
*Clean and disinfect all wheels on vehicles, wagons and trailers visiting an area or a farm where poultry is located
*Clean and disinfect any equipment, including cages/coops, that was borrowed from or loaned to another producer
If you notice any symptoms in your flock, you are encouraged to contact your local veterinarian or the Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division at (573) 751-3377.
Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk. Poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. Though extremely rare, avian influenza can be transmitted to humans. However, no human cases of H5N1 have been detected in the United States. Poultry producers should practice good hygiene and handwashing after contact with their birds.
For more information about Avian Influenza, visit agriculture.mo.gov.
Photo of the Week
The 50th Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture was recently held in Osage Beach. Attendees heard from national and state ag leaders about pressing issues within the agriculture industry. Thank you to all who helped make the event a success.
