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The Missouri Department of Agriculture is seeking grant applications from organizations or groups of individuals interested in solely enhancing the competitiveness of the state's specialty crop industry. Grant applications are due on March 31, 2010. Applications will be considered on a competitive basis and ranked by a peer review panel. Selected applications will be included in the Missouri specialty crop state plan and reviewed and approved by the USDA.
Applications for grant funds should show how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. Single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners. Grant funds may not be used for administrative overhead.
Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract. Applicants also are strongly encouraged to provide a cash match for their projects.
Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops, including floriculture. Some examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops are research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, food safety and security, plant health, education, "buy local" programs, addressing environmental concerns and developing cooperatives. For more information about the specialty crop block grant program, including a current list of eligible crops, visit USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.
For additional program information, please contact:
Tony Anderson (573) 751-2969 or Tony.Anderson@mda.mo.gov
Bart Hawcroft (573)-526-6666 or Bart.Hawcroft@mda.mo.gov
Sarah Gehring (573)522-9213 or Sarah.Gehring@mda.mo.gov
MDA Grant Application Information
FY 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Application Manual and sample grant.
Application due March 31, 2010
Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients for Fiscal Year 2009
Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients for Fiscal Year 2010
Additional Resources
As a guide for unallowable and allowable costs, the MDA provides the following link to the USDA, AMS Specialty Crop Unallowable and Allowable Costs for State Governments. The MDA disallows specialty crop funds used for administrative overhead.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Allowable Costs
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Logic Model
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Green Hills Farm Project Winter Seminar
The Green Hills Farm Project’s (GHFP) annual winter seminar is just this Saturday, Jan 30th. The GHFP is a lose knit group of like minded producers in north central Missouri who all focus on grass-based farming practices. They hold one winter seminar and about 6-8 farm walks throughout the season once the weather warms up. The farm walks take place at members' farm, are very informal and family oriented. What is great about the GHFP group is that all their activities are open to all and they share their information freely.
The theme of this year’s seminar is marketing of grass fed and “natural” farm products. Attendees need not be members of the Green Hills Farm Project — everybody is welcome. Cost will be real cheap, like $20 per family. It’s a family atmosphere. Bring a covered dish, and enjoy the day. Drinks are provided.
Kim Barker is a rancher in Northwest Oklahoma (http://www.walnutcreekfarms.com/index.htm ); he has been associated with the Oklahoma Food Cooperative .
Blaine Hitzfield is with Seven Sons Meat Company in Roanoke, IN. Blaine’s family raises and markets grass-fed meat and eggs.
Date: January 30th
Location: Linneus Community Center, 103 W. Park Street, Linneus MO
Time: 9-10am – registration and coffee, 10 am – 3 pm - program
For more information call Doug at 660-425-4894.
The theme of this year’s seminar is marketing of grass fed and “natural” farm products. Attendees need not be members of the Green Hills Farm Project — everybody is welcome. Cost will be real cheap, like $20 per family. It’s a family atmosphere. Bring a covered dish, and enjoy the day. Drinks are provided.
Kim Barker is a rancher in Northwest Oklahoma (http://www.walnutcreekfarms.com/index.htm ); he has been associated with the Oklahoma Food Cooperative .
Blaine Hitzfield is with Seven Sons Meat Company in Roanoke, IN. Blaine’s family raises and markets grass-fed meat and eggs.
Date: January 30th
Location: Linneus Community Center, 103 W. Park Street, Linneus MO
Time: 9-10am – registration and coffee, 10 am – 3 pm - program
For more information call Doug at 660-425-4894.
Energize Missouri Agriculture Cost-Share Program
The Energize Missouri Agriculture Cost-Share Program is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center. It is offering up to $3 million in cost-share grants to agricultural operations statewide for agricultural energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy equipment. Funding is provided by the Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The grants will fund up to 75 percent of the cost of an energy saving project with a cap of $5,000. Some of the eligible projects include solar powered water systems such as pumps, panels, pipe, tanks or solar powered fencers; Global Positioning System (GPS) Guidance System for tractors, combines and sprayers and Irrigation improvements. To apply or receive more information, go to http://dnr.mo.gov/transform/energizemissouriagriculture.htm or contact your local Soil and Water District office. Information is also being delivered to many local farm supply stores. Applications can be sent to the Energy Center until April 20, 2010. All forms will be reviewed by a Technical Review Committee, and farm operators will be notified after April 20, 2010 if their projects are selected for funding. Contracts will be offered at that time.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tools for Marketing and Pricing Your Ag Products
The DeSoto Farmers’ Market in collaboration with the University of Missouri Extension office in Hillsboro, Missouri & the Missouri Foundation for Health are sponsoring four Grower Workshops. We have two left to present. All workshops are free.
All workshops are held at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church located at 1004 Rock Road in DeSoto. Time is 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments are served.
Workshop #3 February 2, 2010
Tools for Marketing and Pricing Your Ag Products
Presented by Greg Tucker, SBTDC Director, University of Missouri Extension
For additional information contact Dean Willson at 636-797-5391
Workshop #4 March 2, 2010
Soil Testing and Plant Disease-Bring your Soil!
Presented by Dean Wilson, Agriculture & Rural Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
For additional information contact Dean Wilson at 636-797-5391
ALSO
The DeSoto Farmers’ Market and the Jefferson County Health Department is sponsoring a Market Master Safe Serve Certification Class
February 4, 2010
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 1004 Rock Road, DeSoto, Mo.
Please contact Debby at 636-586-4570 to register for this free class.
All workshops are held at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church located at 1004 Rock Road in DeSoto. Time is 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments are served.
Workshop #3 February 2, 2010
Tools for Marketing and Pricing Your Ag Products
Presented by Greg Tucker, SBTDC Director, University of Missouri Extension
For additional information contact Dean Willson at 636-797-5391
Workshop #4 March 2, 2010
Soil Testing and Plant Disease-Bring your Soil!
Presented by Dean Wilson, Agriculture & Rural Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
For additional information contact Dean Wilson at 636-797-5391
ALSO
The DeSoto Farmers’ Market and the Jefferson County Health Department is sponsoring a Market Master Safe Serve Certification Class
February 4, 2010
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 1004 Rock Road, DeSoto, Mo.
Please contact Debby at 636-586-4570 to register for this free class.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Workshop Exams Ways to Make High Tunnel Use Profitable
Feb. 8 Workshop Near Lamar …
High tunnels are low-cost, passive, solar greenhouses that typically do not use fossil fuels for heating or venting. But best of all, a high tunnel can be used to extend the crop production season for many fruit and vegetable crops.
A program designed to exam the profitable use of high tunnels will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Feb. 8 at the farm of Melvin and Emma Hershberger at 585 NW 45th Lane, near Lamar. The program is sponsored by University of Missouri Extension and the Webb City Farmers’ Market.
“Tomatoes are often the crop of choice in high tunnels,” said Jay Chism, an agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “Early tomatoes will usually command a higher price in the spring. Many times, one crop of tomatoes can pay for a high tunnel.”
During the program, the Hershberger’s will describe their operation and provide information about high tunnel construction and operation. Tomato production will also be discussed.
Sanjun Gu, a State Vegetable Specialist from Lincoln University, will give a presentation covering the basics of high tunnel production.
University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist, Patrick Byers, will be on hand to demonstrate how to use a backpack sprayer for vegetable production.
“It is critical that producers understand how to correctly apply pesticide, in vegetable production,” said Chism. “One calibration error could have a negative impact to a large portion of the fresh produce industry.”
Representatives from the Natural Resource Conservation Service will provide information about a federally funded program targeted at high tunnel certified organic producers.
To get to the Hershberger farm take Hwy. V west of 71, turn left (south) on 45th lane and go about 1.2 miles, the farm is on right (west).
For more information call the Barton County Extension office at (417) 682-3579.
High tunnels are low-cost, passive, solar greenhouses that typically do not use fossil fuels for heating or venting. But best of all, a high tunnel can be used to extend the crop production season for many fruit and vegetable crops.
A program designed to exam the profitable use of high tunnels will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Feb. 8 at the farm of Melvin and Emma Hershberger at 585 NW 45th Lane, near Lamar. The program is sponsored by University of Missouri Extension and the Webb City Farmers’ Market.
“Tomatoes are often the crop of choice in high tunnels,” said Jay Chism, an agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “Early tomatoes will usually command a higher price in the spring. Many times, one crop of tomatoes can pay for a high tunnel.”
During the program, the Hershberger’s will describe their operation and provide information about high tunnel construction and operation. Tomato production will also be discussed.
Sanjun Gu, a State Vegetable Specialist from Lincoln University, will give a presentation covering the basics of high tunnel production.
University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist, Patrick Byers, will be on hand to demonstrate how to use a backpack sprayer for vegetable production.
“It is critical that producers understand how to correctly apply pesticide, in vegetable production,” said Chism. “One calibration error could have a negative impact to a large portion of the fresh produce industry.”
Representatives from the Natural Resource Conservation Service will provide information about a federally funded program targeted at high tunnel certified organic producers.
To get to the Hershberger farm take Hwy. V west of 71, turn left (south) on 45th lane and go about 1.2 miles, the farm is on right (west).
For more information call the Barton County Extension office at (417) 682-3579.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Introduction to Poultry Workshop
Have you been thinking about having chickens on your land or a few guinea fowl or maybe even a duck or two and aren't really sure about it? Well the timing is just right, the Innovative Small Farm Outreach Program from Lincoln University is offering a one day workshop on the "Introduction to Poultry."
Topics to be included during the workshop include:
How do I know what is best for my poultry?
What in the heck is a chicken tractor?
How much feed should I give my birds?
Can I Sell meat and eggs?
Where will I find more information and resources about poultry?
Can poultry live in the city?
What is Heifer International?
The workshop will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm at the Lafayette County Extension Center, 14 E. 19th St., Higginsville, MO. Registration is $10 per person or $15 per couple. Fee includes lunch. Space is limited. To register or for more information contact: Susan Jaster @ 816-589-4725 or jasters@lincolnu.edu
Topics to be included during the workshop include:
How do I know what is best for my poultry?
What in the heck is a chicken tractor?
How much feed should I give my birds?
Can I Sell meat and eggs?
Where will I find more information and resources about poultry?
Can poultry live in the city?
What is Heifer International?
The workshop will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm at the Lafayette County Extension Center, 14 E. 19th St., Higginsville, MO. Registration is $10 per person or $15 per couple. Fee includes lunch. Space is limited. To register or for more information contact: Susan Jaster @ 816-589-4725 or jasters@lincolnu.edu
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Now is a good time to plan
Mid-winter and the wrapping up of year-end books is a good time for farm families to take time for business planning. We generally characterize farm management as having three big questions:
1. Where are we?
2. Where do we want to be?
3. How can we best get there?
Question 1. Where are we?, is aimed at determining the current position of the farm, from a business competitiveness standpoint. What is the financial position of the business? Is it profitable? What about solvency, liquidity and financial efficiency? Are the financial, business and personal goals that have been set out being met? Financial analysis using balance sheets and income statements is necessary here. SWOT analysis – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats can help visualize where the business now stands.
Answering question 2 is all about goal setting. Farm families are encouraged to write down business/financial and personal/family goals and revisit them annually to see how well they are being met. The process of setting goals and prioritizing them is not trivial, and helps to illustrate the trade-offs that exist between many of the aspirations that people have. Examining how a farm can move towards and reach its’ goals is the last question to be answered. This process can be aided by long-term and transitional farm planning, which fortunately is now made simpler with various computer software programs available to farmers and offered through many Extension offices.
Planning is not always easy or fun to do. But it is an important task for the farm manager and others involved in the operation to undertake. Remember – if you don’t know where you are headed, how will you know when you get there?
Posted by Kevin Moore
1. Where are we?
2. Where do we want to be?
3. How can we best get there?
Question 1. Where are we?, is aimed at determining the current position of the farm, from a business competitiveness standpoint. What is the financial position of the business? Is it profitable? What about solvency, liquidity and financial efficiency? Are the financial, business and personal goals that have been set out being met? Financial analysis using balance sheets and income statements is necessary here. SWOT analysis – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats can help visualize where the business now stands.
Answering question 2 is all about goal setting. Farm families are encouraged to write down business/financial and personal/family goals and revisit them annually to see how well they are being met. The process of setting goals and prioritizing them is not trivial, and helps to illustrate the trade-offs that exist between many of the aspirations that people have. Examining how a farm can move towards and reach its’ goals is the last question to be answered. This process can be aided by long-term and transitional farm planning, which fortunately is now made simpler with various computer software programs available to farmers and offered through many Extension offices.
Planning is not always easy or fun to do. But it is an important task for the farm manager and others involved in the operation to undertake. Remember – if you don’t know where you are headed, how will you know when you get there?
Posted by Kevin Moore
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