Meat Processing Facility Investment Tax Credit Program now accepting applications

On Jan. 1, the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) will begin accepting applications for the Meat Processing Facility Investment Tax Credit Program. This new program will accept applications from any meat processing facility that has had an expansion or modernization since Jan. 1, 2017. This includes construction, improvements, building or facility acquisition, or meat processing equipment acquisition. The tax credit will be available through Dec. 31, 2021. 

The Meat Processing Facility Investment Tax Credit allows owner/operators to receive a Missouri state tax credit of up to 25 percent of the amount the taxpayer paid in the tax year for meat processing modernization or expansion. The total amount of tax credits that any taxpayer may claim shall not exceed $75,000 per facility per year. Tax credits must be claimed in the tax year in which the approved project occurred. Any amount that cannot be used may be carried forward to any taxpayer’s four subsequent tax years, assigned, transferred or sold. 

There is an $80 application fee and, upon approval, MASBDA will calculate the appropriate application issuance fee of 2.5% of the tax credit amount. This fee is required to be paid by the meat processing facility and received by MASBDA prior to the issuance of the tax credit. 

For more information on the program and complete guidelines, click here or contact MASBDA directly at masbda@mda.mo.gov or (573)751-2129.

Discover Norton: Missouri's standout wine grape

Whether you cozy up to a warm, crackling fire or plan to explore Missouri wine country this winter, now is a great time to discover Norton, Missouri's standout wine grape. The Missouri Wine and Grape Board invites you to celebrate Norton during the month of January.

Norton, sometimes called Cynthiana, is one of the oldest grape varieties grown in the United States. A doctor, Daniel Norton, discovered the varietal near Richmond, Va., in 1835. In the 1800s, Germans who settled in Missouri found the varietal to be extremely hardy and able to endure the state's cold winters and humid summers. Norton is also one of the most disease-resistant grape varieties. That may be why the grape is the most popular varietal grown in Missouri. Norton grows on more than 350 acres and accounts for 20.7 percent of all the grapes grown in the state. For these reasons and more, Norton has become the standout grape of Missouri wine country. 

Norton was named Missouri's official state grape in 2003. The varietal's grape clusters are small to medium-sized with small blue-black berries. Wineries harvest Norton late during the season, then ferment the varietal on its skins. The dry, full-bodied red wine has rich, supple tannins and spicy aromas with fruity overtones. Food-friendly Norton is the perfect wine to complement smoked meat, wild game, lamb, steak, barbecue and bold cheeses.

Usher in the excitement of the new year by discovering Missouri's standout wine. Visit missouriwine.org and start planning your journey to Missouri wine country.

Registration opens for Dicamba training

According to a recent release, University of Missouri Extension weed scientist Kevin Bradley says registration is open for in-person training on synthetic auxin herbicides (Dicamba and 2,4-D products).

Registration for online training will be available Jan. 4.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture requires certified applicators to complete online or in-person training before buying or using Dicamba. The Department designated MU Extension as the sole source for Dicamba training. Only certified applicators may purchase or apply Dicamba. 

In-person sessions are at Springfield, Blue Springs, Columbia, Hannibal and Sikeston. All sessions run 9-11:30 a.m. The cost is $30 and advance registration is required. Seating is limited.

Dates and locations for in-person training:

• Jan. 10 - Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone, Springfield.

• Jan. 22 - Adams Pointe Conference Center at the Marriott Courtyard, 1400 NE Coronado Drive, Blue Springs.

• Feb. 9 - Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, 2601 S. Providence Road, Columbia.

• Feb. 12 - Quality Inn & Suites, 120 Lindsey Drive, Hannibal.

• Feb. 13 - City of Miner Convention Center, 2610 E. Malone Ave., Sikeston.

To register for in-person training or for more information, go to extension.missouri.edu/main/spotlight/dicamba.aspx. For questions, call the MU Conference Office at 573-882-4349.