Heroes in the heartland

With heartbreak, we have watched our friends and neighbors across the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska suffer from the impacts of historic Missouri River flooding. This flooding was caused by severe winter weather, which included the infamous “bomb cyclone” pattern, leaving behind record river stages, a dam failure and scores of levee breaches with little warning for residents to move personal property, equipment and stored crops.

Much has been said about this event, including criticisms directed toward the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While there will be plenty of time to analyze if anything could’ve been done better, we are thankful for the Corps’ efforts on several fronts, including positioning flood control gates at Gavins Point Dam to allow it to hold over 2 feet of extra water and stopping releases from Fort Randall Dam. These extraordinary measures undoubtedly prevented further damage.

While some are angry about misplaced priorities of the Corps, angst might be better directed at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which dictates much of the Corps’ actions. We are not implying the Service’s directives contributed to this extraordinary flooding but believe it’s worth pointing out its history of mandates to the Corps. These include implementation of artificial spring rises, construction of shallow water habitat chutes and notching of rock dikes that control the river’s channel—all unproven experiments to aid endangered pallid sturgeon.

The Service views the Missouri River as a pallid sturgeon laboratory, and its forced experiments have led to severe riverbank erosion, undercutting of levees and destruction of private property, resulting in a changed river for people who live and work alongside it. While we support science-based species recovery efforts, any planned habitat construction projects that increase flood risk should be discontinued immediately.

Going forward, government agencies and stakeholders should engage in renewed discussion on how to enhance flood control throughout the system. While virtually all the discussion has centered on the mainstem Missouri River regulated by dams, it’s worth noting this event primarily originated in the “unregulated” portion of the basin, which produces just less than half of the average runoff into the Missouri River. Any discussion that ignores this important fact misses the mark.

It’s time to redouble our efforts on providing lower Missouri River residents with an improved flood control system that can better withstand events of the magnitude we’re seeing in 2019. Flood control and protection of human life and property must be paramount in any decisions regarding Missouri River management. Serious consideration must be given to increased upstream flood control storage, whether that be in the mainstem dams or on tributary projects. Any proposed change in flood control storage must also keep an eye toward times of drought, which the Missouri River system is just as prone to. In addition, policy makers should take into account navigation, which is the other congressionally directed primary purpose of the system, as well as water supply needs for drinking water and utilities that we often take for granted but have an enormous impact in our everyday lives.

We are encouraged by the recent meeting between the governors of Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska and Corps leadership, focusing on solutions to protect against future floods. The governors stated they want to become more active in Missouri River management, and it’s high time they have a prominent seat at the table.

While large floods often create huge amounts of destruction and personal suffering, they also create the chance to be more resilient to future floods. For the benefit of regional economic development and opportunities for future generations, we cannot delay these crucial conversations.
Deployment of both broadband internet and next-generation precision agriculture technology on farms and ranches throughout the U.S. could result in at least $47 billion in national economic benefits every year, according to USDA’s rural broadband report released in early May.

If broadband infrastructure and digital technologies were available at a level that meets estimated producer demand, the U.S. economy could realize benefits equivalent to nearly 18 percent of total agriculture production. Of that 18 percent, more than one-third is dependent on broadband access, equivalent to at least $18 billion in annual economic benefits that only high-speed, reliable internet can provide.

For years, USDA and the American agriculture industry have been actively researching the feasibility, usage and potential upside of next-generation precision agriculture technologies, which include data collection and analysis. Until now though, the interdependency of these technologies and broadband internet has not been evaluated. The new report explores this relationship and quantifies the potential economic benefit of broadband buildout and the complementary adoption of connected agriculture technologies.

The analysis opens the next chapter in USDA’s response to expand rural broadband and effectively use federal tax dollars in those efforts. Going forward, USDA will be engaged in multiple facets of infrastructure and technology deployment, including financing rural capital investments and supporting producers who are exploring which precision technologies are best suited to improve their operations and serve their customers.

The entire report, A Case for Rural Broadband: Insights on Rural Broadband Infrastructure and Next Generation Precision Agriculture Technologies, is available online at www.usda.gov/broadband. You can find other infographics like the one below in the report PDF. In addition to row crops, infographics for livestock and specialty crops are there.
In today’s high-tech world of agriculture, training in proper techniques has never been more important. That’s why MFA has partnered with State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, Mo., to offer a new Custom Applicator, General Technology program.

The MFA-sponsored program is the only one of its kind in Missouri and provides interested students with hands-on education, two internship experiences and the opportunity for full-time employment with MFA Incorporated after graduation.

“Through this program, students will be equipped with the advanced knowledge, training and confidence they need to succeed as skilled custom applicators,” said Jessica Kueffer, MFA Incorporated recruitment and employee development manager. “There is a limited window to apply, so students shouldn’t delay if they’re interested in being part of this program.”

The Custom Applicator program starts during the summer between a student’s high school graduation and his or her first semester at State Tech and continues through a two-year academic program. Students will be taught by State Tech elite educators and MFA industry professionals as they shape their knowledge of sprayers, spreaders, agronomy, stewardship and true customer partnering.

“The program may be a good fit for young people who want to further their knowledge of agriculture, work in a high-demand field and operate heavy equipment,” Kueffer said. “It allows them to earn a degree while getting hands-on job experience and a fast track to employment.”

Applications are still being accepted for this year. For more information, contact Kueffer at 573-876-5212 or jkueffer@ mfa-inc.com or visit www.statetechmo.edu.
With the 2019 Drive to Feed Kids campaign now under way, Missouri agriculture is banding together once again to provide food for hungry children and stand in the gap for those who face food insecurity.

According to recent data from Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap,” more than 240,000 children in Missouri do not know where their next meal will come from. One in five children in our state regularly face hunger, and rural Missouri counties have the highest rates of food insecurity, affecting one out of every three children.

“We continue to see food insecurity grow in rural areas,” said Gary Marshall, Missouri Farmers Care chairman. “Through Drive to Feed Kids, we have the opportunity to raise awareness, while showcasing the tremendous work of farmers and ranchers who leverage science, technology, their expertise and natural resources to provide food for the world.”

In 2018, farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, FFA members and legislators supplied more than 100,000 meals, donated 18,932 pounds of canned food and packed 2,000 backpack meals for Missouri children. In addition, the drive raised more than $160,000 for Missouri’s six regional food banks to purchase child-friendly meals.

“Kids Feeding Kids” is the focus of this year’s campaign, reflecting the role of youth volunteers such as FFA members who contribute to the cause. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, hundreds of FFA members from across Missouri will again work side-by-side during their “Food Insecurity Service Day” to pack more than 100,000 meals for Drive to Feed Kids at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.

That day is also Missouri Farmers Care Food Drive $2 Tuesday. Fairgoers can enter the Missouri State Fair for $2 with a minimum donation of two canned food items. MFC will present a check from this year’s campaign to Feeding Missouri during the Brothers Osborne/Ashley McBryde concert at the fair on Saturday, Aug. 17.

Companies, farms, individuals and civic groups can participate in the Drive to Feed Kids by becoming a sponsor. If you would like to partner with MFC to benefit the Drive to Feed Kids, contact Ashley McCarty, MFC executive director, at ashley@ mofarmerscare.com. Individual donations can be directed to http://mofarmerscare.com/drive or text Drive2 to 44321. All donations will be dedicated to Feeding Missouri’s network food banks that work daily to alleviate childhood hunger.

To learn more about Drive to Feed Kids, visit online at www.mofarmerscare.com.
Recipients of the 2018 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award were John and Sandy Scherder along with their daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Curtis Delgman, of Frankford, Mo. Also pictured are the Delgmans’ children, Wyatt, Roxie and Bailey. Together they accomplish major conservation practices utilizing innovative seeding methods, cover crops and crop rotation.Missouri farmers, ranchers and other private landowners who voluntarily demonstrate outstanding stewardship and management of natural resources will have an opportunity to win a $10,000 award for their efforts.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award Program, recognizing those who make extraordinary achievements in voluntary conservation. Nominees will be evaluated on such criteria as conservation ethic, innovation, adaptability, resilience, leadership and communications.

The Sand County Foundation, a nonprofit conservation organization, presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 14 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Missouri, the award was presented for the first time in 2017 in conjunction with Missouri Farmers Care and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. Previous winners of the Missouri Leopold Award are the Scherder family of Frankford in 2018 and the Lambert family of Laclede in 2017.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“The Leopold Conservation Award highlights the great work of Missouri farmers, ranchers and foresters,” said Gary Marshall, chairman of Missouri Farmers Care. “These efforts are firmly rooted in enhancing the stewardship of farming and ranching operations. This program highlights farmers’ best practices and purpose to meet an ultimate goal: leaving the land in better shape for the next generation.”

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. All applications must be submitted or postmarked by Friday, July 12. The application can be found online at mofarmerscare.com/leopold-conservation-award/. Email applications to MFC Outreach Coordinator, Kari Asbury, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail to Missouri Farmers Care, 4481 Brown Station Road, Columbia, MO 65202. Finalists will be announced in November with the award presented in December 2019 or January 2020.
Tribute Kalm ‘N EZ is among the new line of premium horse feeds offered through MFA locations. This pelleted feed has low levels of non-structural carbohydrates and is formulated for all classes of mature horses. MFA will also be carrying three other Tribute equine products.Horse owners looking for premium equine feeds now have more choices from MFA.

Nationally recognized Tribute® Equine Nutrition has been added to the product lines at MFA Agri Services, AGChoice and local affiliates. Tribute Equine Nutrition products are manufactured by Kalmbach Feeds, a family-owned business based in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

Although well known among professional equestrians, Tribute has only been widely sold east of the Mississippi River until now, said Mike Spidle, MFA Incorporated strategic feed specialist. This partnership will be Kalmbach’s first big push into MFA territory.

“We’re always looking for ways to add value for our customers, and Tribute is a name that’s recognized in the industry for top-of-the-line nutrition and outstanding results,” Spidle said. “Kalmbach’s ionophore-free manufacturing facility is impressive, and their feeds include prebiotics, probiotics and optimum levels of antioxidants—similar to what we’re doing with Shield Technology.”

MFA will carry Tribute Kalm ‘N EZ® Pellets for all classes of mature horses, Kalm Ultra® high-fat pelleted feed for mature horses, Seniority® complete feed for mature and senior horses and Essential K® supplement to balance rations for all horses including idle, breeding, growing and performance horses.

Tribute products have low levels of starch, sugar and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Low NSC levels are beneficial for hyperactive or excitable horses or those that suffer from metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease or laminitis.

Additionally, for customers who want Non-GMO Project Verified chicken feeds, MFA is now offering the Healthy Harvest® brand, also manufactured by Kalmbach. Included in the Healthy Harvest lineup are Starter Grower, Layer Crumbles and Layer Pellets. Spidle said these products are targeted to meet the needs of the discerning backyard poultry enthusiast.

“We’re excited to work with MFA because we share so many of the same values,” said Kalmbach Feeds’ Chief Learning Officer, Paul Kalmbach Jr., during an introductory presentation to MFA employees on March 28. “We believe in quality products that produce visible results for the animal and exceptional customer service for their owners. We work hard and do the right thing. We feel like there’s a good foundation for this relationship to be successful.”

His grandfather, Milton, a poultry nutritionist, established Kalmbach Feeds in 1963 with a small grind-and-mix mill that sold bulk feed by the truckload. Since then, the company has grown to be a regional leader in animal nutrition with six feed mills and 600 employees.

The Tribute Equine Nutrition brand was launched in 2007, and the Healthy Harvest brand debuted in 2017.

“Just like MFA, we’re working every day to deliver value to our customers by investing in research, technology and quality products that will help our customers succeed,” Kalmbach Jr. said. “We believe that people are the most important part of what we do; we have a great team, and I think it shows in what our company has been able to build.”

For more information on Tribute or Healthy Harvest products, talk with your local MFA feed experts or visit online at www.mfa-inc.com/Feed.