Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) assistance available in some Missouri counties

A lack of moisture over an extended period of time has caused producers in certain Missouri counties to suffer from the effects of severe drought conditions. Farms and ranches in Bollinger, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Oregon, Phelps Pulaski, Polk, Ripley and Texas counties experiencing severe drought conditions may be eligible for cost-share assistance under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). 

ECP provides cost-share assistance if damage is so severe that water available for livestock or orchards and vineyards has been reduced to below normal levels to the extent that neither can survive without additional water. 

A producer qualifying for ECP assistance may receive cost share funds not to exceed 50 percent of the cost of installing eligible temporary measures. Cost sharing for permanent measures is based on 75 percent of the total eligible cost. Cost-share assistance is limited to $200,000 per person or legal entity per natural disaster. Approved practices and measures may include the following:

• Installing pipelines or other facilities for livestock water or existing irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards
• Constructing and deepening wells for livestock water
• Developing springs or seeps for livestock water

Producers who have experienced severe drought conditions requiring outside assistance to provide supplemental emergency livestock water may contact their local FSA County Office. 

To be eligible for cost share, practices shall not be started until a request has first been filed at the FSA County Office and an onsite inspection of the problem area has been made by the county committee or its representative. The county committee will review the inspection findings when considering the request for cost share.

For more information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov. Click here to find your local FSA office contact information. 

Bridging the gap through Missouri Grown magazine

At the Missouri Department of Agriculture, one of our main initiatives is to reach MORE Missourians with the real story of Missouri farm families. In 2018, the content and distribution for our annual Missouri Grown magazine will continue to be targeted toward consumers. Published in print and online, the magazine aims to rebuild the trust between those who eat and those who produce food. For five years, we’ve been working closely with our publishing partner, Farm Flavor Media/Journal Communications, to focus on reaching a broad consumer audience to help reinforce the importance of agriculture in every citizen's life.

The content will focus on things like the use of technology in agriculture, shared values between farm families and consumers’ families, the importance of rural broadband and the work it takes for youth to raise show animals.

We’ll be distributing the print magazine to consumers across the state through doctors’ offices and waiting rooms, public libraries, key influencer groups like dietitians and medical professionals, and other public places. We’ll more than double that distribution online through the Missouri’s section of www.FarmFlavor.com. 

Through our partners at Farm Flavor Media, advertising sponsorships are now available for the 2018 edition of the magazine. These sponsorships are an essential part of making this concept a reality. If you're interested in a sponsorship, email Sarah Alsager and she'll get you connected with the right people at Farm Flavor.

The Department is looking forward to producing another outstanding publication this year. Take a look at the current edition online: www.MO-Agriculture.com. 

Chris Chinn named as one of 50 Missourians you should know

What makes Missouri stand out? It starts with its people. One of those outstanding people is Chris Chinn, Missouri Director of Agriculture. 

Director Chinn was recognized in Ingram's magazine's "50 Missourians You Should Know" this year. She is among a group of other high achievers who are known for things like hard work, self-reliance, character, integrity, commitment, sacrifice and determination. From the leaders of business conglomerates to small-town entrepreneurs, from health-care professionals to lawyers and clergymen and women, from farmers and ranchers to the makers of very big things, this year’s 50 Missourians, like the 350 who preceded them since 2011, reflect the very best of what makes the Show-Me State.

Here's an excerpt from Director Chinn's interview:

"Our family farm is not only a business but it’s also my way of life. When I took on the role of Director of Agriculture I had to step back from my day-to-day involvement on our family farm, giving up some of my responsibilities to other family members while I serve Missouri citizens. However, I am still very connected to the farm. Conversations with my husband revolve around our kids and our farm. It’s our life. I’m in Jefferson City and he’s in Shelby County, and when we talk, we talk about his day and what’s going on at the farm—challenges, opportunities and everything else that goes into a business. We decide as a team how to move forward.

I also still take care of paying all of our bills. As Director of Agriculture, I think it’s essential to be in tune with farmers and ranchers, and what better way do that than to be the one sitting at the desk paying the bills each week. Farmers are faced with that tough job every day, and I don’t want to lose touch with reality, so I make it a priority to pay our bills on our family farm. "

Click here to learn more.