farming

Small Farmers Aren't Cashing In With Wal-Mart

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:35:09 +0000

When Wal-Mart calls, Herman Farris always finds whatever the retailer wants, even if it's yucca root in the dead of winter. Farris is a produce broker in Columbia, Mo., who has been buying for Wal-Mart from auctions and farms since the company began carrying fruits and vegetables in the early 1990s.

During the summer and fall, nearly everything Farris delivers is grown in Missouri. That's Wal-Mart's definition of "local" — produce grown and sold in the same state.

Understanding The 'Milk Cliff'

Caitlin Kenney — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:27:44 +0000

You've heard of the "fiscal cliff," but have you heard of the milk cliff"?

If Congress doesn't take action in the next four days, milk prices could shoot up dramatically.

Here's why:

The farm bill contains something called the Dairy Product Price Support Program.

Three 'Vital' Bills McCaskill Says Are Being Ignored

Julie Bierach — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:40:42 +0000

Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill says she's frustrated with the House of Representatives for not taking up three pieces of legislation that she calls "bipartisan" and "vitally important."

The Democratic Senator says she doesn't understand why members of the House won't take up legislation on:

Despite Record Drought, Farmers Expect Banner Year

Frank Morris — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:17:59 +0000

After one of the driest summers on record, recent rains have helped in some parts of the country. But overall, the drought has still intensified. The latest tracking classifies more than a fifth of the contiguous United States in "extreme or exceptional" drought, the worst ratings.

In some parts of the Lower Midwest, water-starved crops have collapsed, but the farmers have not. Farmers across the country are surviving, and many are even thriving. This year, despite the dismal season, farmers stand to make exceptionally good money, according to the U.S.

Nixon extends state of emergency for drought

Kelsey Proud — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:06:05 +0000

Will be updated.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has extended the state of emergency related to the drought that has gripped the state for most of the summer.