Think Outside the Barn

The Roasterie, a Different Kind of Cup

AgriMissouri member “The Roasterie” is another one of those "overnight" success stories, about 35 years in the making. Their story began in 1978 when Danny O’Neill picked his first batch of coffee beans while studying abroad in Costa Rica. About fifteen years later “The Roasterie” was founded in his basement.

Today the company partners with farmers in 31 different countries and participates in direct trade relationships that benefit the growers by offering higher prices for their hand-picked beans.

And their roasting methods are just as exceptional as their business practices. The Roasterie takes beans purchased at a fair price and roasts them using a convection air-roasting method. This process ensures product consistency and smoother coffee.

All this careful attention to detail has resulted in accolades for nine of their coffees on CoffeReview.com. Additionally The Roasterie Cafés were voted “City’s Best Coffehouse” in Kansas City, Mo., for five years in  a row. Try a cup at 6223 Brookside Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., or order online at www.theroasterie.com.

Dept. of Ag, USDA-NRCS to Launch New High Tunnel Program Tuesday Morning in Ashland

Missouri farmers interested in growing fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and other produce during winter months may receive support from the new High Tunnel Loan Program. The program, a partnership between federal and state agencies, assists producers in expanding their produce-growing season through high tunnels. Missouri Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler and State Conservationist J.R. Flores from the Columbia, Mo. Natural Resource Conservation Service will join Dan Keubler, Leslie Touzeau and Liberty Hunter of The Salad Garden in Ashland Tuesday morning for the program announcement.

Through the new High Tunnel Loan Program, the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority provides loans for the initial purchase of high tunnels, which typically range from $4,000 to $6,000. Producers may combine the loan with participation in an existing Natural Resource Conservation Service program that reimburses them for the purchase and construction of a high tunnel that replaces or expands an existing plot.

High tunnels are unheated greenhouses that can increase production as much as three times by increasing the growing season for fruit and vegetables. The Salad Garden in Ashland currently uses high tunnels to grow more than 80 different varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs which are sold to Columbia-area restaurants and at the Columbia Farmers' Market.

WHO:
Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler, State Conservationist J.R. Flores from the Natural Resource Conservation Service and Dan Kuebler of The Salad Garden

WHAT:
Program announcement, tour of existing high tunnel operation serving area restaurants and Columbia Farmers' Market

WHEN:
Tue., Jan. 31, 2012
10 a.m.

WHERE:
The Salad Garden
16303 South Hawkins Rd.
Ashland, Mo., 65010

For planning purposes, please e-mail Christine.Tew@mda.mo.gov if you intend to cover this event.

Missouri Ag Disaster Relief Fund Supporters Recognized at Governor's Conference on Ag

Missouri’s agriculture community has donated generously to the newly-created Missouri Agriculture Disaster Relief Fund, and during the 2012 Governor’s Conference on Agriculture Governor Nixon and Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized some of those supporters for their partnership.  Monsanto, The People’s Republic of China (Taiwan), Dow AgroSciences, the Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Farmers’ Care were all honored for their contributions to the Fund.

 

The donors, whom also include school children from Bronx, N.Y., have helped address the immediate needs of farm families following disaster, extended grants to non-profit organizations for infrastructure repair and clean up and supported individuals and organizations with exceptional need through major disaster grants. 

Eighteen community organizations throughout Missouri have received a hand with repairs following this year’s severe weather, courtesy of the agricultural community thus far.  The community organizations that received funding include some of the state’s most-affected rural areas in the bootheel and northwest Missouri.

Several individuals in affected areas have also received smaller Immediate Needs Grants of up to $500.

The Fund was established by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, with support from Gov. Jay Nixon and agriculture industry representatives, and is administered by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA).

Those interested in donating to the fund can do so by electronic check or credit card by visiting http://agrimissouri.com/growandgive/disasterrelief/.  Donations qualify as a charitable contribution under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Applications for disaster relief funds can be accessed on http:/wwww.mda.mo.gov as well as by contacting the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov

Photo: Gov. Jay Nixon presents Duane Simpson of Monsanto with a plaque recognizing the company's support of the Missouri Agriculture Disaster Relief Fund.  Missouri State Fair Queen Meredith Jones assisted with the presentation.

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

Although most weight classes did not see near the numbers seen over the last few weeks demand remains good to very good.  Some local auctions saw much lighter receipts this week, which resulted in buyers at a few auctions having to buy and put together several small drafts or singles to make loads. Record high prices continue to be recorded each week. A group of light five weight steers sold for a once unthinkable $2.04 per lb and some light six weight steers which sold at $1.80 now have some wondering if the $2.00 mark for six weights might be possible. 

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Friday's Fixin's - Mom's Delicious Chicken

With winter finally upon us, and an occasional chill in the air, there is nothing like filling the house with the smelling of a good meal simmering to linger around all night.  The problem is, most dishes that will do that linger around your waist too.  This dish is extremely low in fat and calories, but packs a flavor and aroma that you will crave year-round.  It has a traditional Italian sauce, but all of the main ingredients can be grown right here in Missouri.

In a large skillet with a lid, brown both sides of the chicken in about 3 tbs. of oil and set aside:

• 8 chicken thighs 

Add a little more oil and saute until caramelized:

• One whole onion diced
• One green pepper diced
• 2-3 cups mushrooms thinly sliced
• 1 cup whole olives

Stir in and bring to a boil:

• 1 tbs. capers
• 3 cups petite diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Once the mixture begins to develop into a sauce, lay the chicken on top (skin side up).  Cover it and let simmer until the chicken is tender and wants to fall off the bone.  If you need a little more liquid add a little wine or water.  Just remember not to use a wine you wouldn't be willing to drink.

Once it is finished, we like to serve ours on a bed of couscous or Missouri rice.  Whichever you prefer, I am sure this will become as big of a favorite in your house as it is in ours.

*Photo by Nightwol on Flickr.

Gov. Nixon and Director of Ag Honor RIBUS, Inc. as 2011 Ag Exporter of the Year

RIBUS, Inc received some high honors in front of hundreds of Missouri producers and agribusiness leaders during the 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. During the awards banquet Saturday evening, Missouri's Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized the company with Missouri's Agricultural Exporter of the Year honors.

RIBUS, Inc. of Clayton, Mo. was honored with Missouri's 2011 Agricultural Exporter of the Year award. The company, whose name serves as an acronym for Rice Business United States, produces rice-based food ingredients. Company founder and president Steve Peirce accepted the award Saturday evening.

The company, which was founded in 1992, has grown from one employee - Steve - working in the basement of his home, to more than 85 employees and more than 120 distributors worldwide. The company holds five product patents within the U.S. and 17 internationally, and has averaged 20 percent growth each of the last 10 years. RIBUS, Inc. has established markets on five continents, including more than 40 countries.

Missouri began recognizing business' international efforts with the Missouri Agricultural Exporter of the Year award in 1991.

Food Safety Workshop for Farmers' Markets - Register Now

Food Safety - From Field to Market

1:00 to 4:00pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012

Missouri State University Fruit Experiment Station Mountain Grove, Mo.

Faurot Hall Room 102

Topics to be covered:

• What is Food Safety
• Importance of Food Safety
• State Regulations for Selling to the public
• Food Safety Concerns in the Field: Field preparation & planting, manure usage & crop cultural guidelines
• Irrigation Methods and Associated Issues
• Harvest and Post Harvest Safety
• Food Safety- Field to Market
• GAP- Good Agriculture Practices on the farm

Presenters:

• Russell Lilly, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
• Patrick Byers, Horticulturist, University of Missouri Extension, Greene County
• Tony Bratsch, Horticulturist, University of Missouri Extension, Phelps County 
• John Avery, Fruit Grower Advisor, Missouri State University

Participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate of completion and a laminated sign for display at their market stand.  Hosted by Missouri State University Fruit Experiment Station Mountain Grove, Missouri.  There is no fee, but please call 417 547-7533 or e-mail PMayer@Missouristate.edu to register if possible. Walk-ins are welcome. Directions: From Hwy 60, take second Mountain. Grove exit (Hwy 95). Turn north, go past Wal-Mart. Take next right (Red Spring Rd). 9740 Red Spring Rd. Mountain Grove, Mo.

Brian Sowers Honored during Governor's Conference on Agriculture

Brian Sowers received some high honors in front of hundreds of Missouri producers and agribusiness leaders during the 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. During the awards banquet Saturday evening, Missouri's Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized him with Missouri's Farm Broadcaster of the Year honors.

Sowers was suprised by the recognition - he attended the Governor's Conference on Agriculture to cover the event for KMMO.

In addition to his outstanding reporting on issues affecting the agriculture community, from flooding and drought to the Missouri State Fair to state and federal programs, in his listening area, Sowers supports and mentors youth in agriculture and young professionals pursuing careers in agricultural journalism. He has also shown great dedication to growing the annual KMMO Ag Day event highlighting Missouri agriculture.

As Missouri's 2011 Farm Broadcaster of the Year, Brian Sowers of KMMO radio in Marshall, was recognized for his outstanding coverage of agricultural issues, as well as for his community involvement and engagement within Missouri's agriculture industry.

Benefit Auction at Governor's Conference on Agriculture Raises Over $12,000

The Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture benefit auction supporting the future of Missouri agriculture raised more than $12,000 Friday evening. The auction proceeds benefit programs for youth and young professionals in agriculture including 4-H, FFA, Agriculture Future of America (AFA) and the Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT).

Popular items included a Taurus "Judge" and a guided duck hunt for two in northwest Missouri. The revolver, which featured a National Rifle Association engraving, was donated by the Missouri Pork Association to benefit FFA. The hunt was donated by Rob Bolin of Bolin Auto and Truck Parts in St. Joseph to benefit AFA.

The top-selling item, the 2011 Missouri State Fair Grand Champion and Champion Youth Country Cured Ham benefitted 4-H. The ham was purchased by Orschelen Farm and Home for $2,000. The ham was donated by Murphy Brothers Exposition, Ditzfeld Transfer and Kathy & Tony Ross. The ham was exhibited by Logan Cary of Houston, Mo. during the Missouri State Fair in August.

Members of the Missouri State 4-H Council and the Missouri State FFA Officer Team as well as representatives from many of the 14 ALOT classes and alumni of the AFA leadership program joined Conference participants for the meal and auction.

Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler, USDA Acting Under Secretary Michael Scuse, Wyoming Director of Agriculture Jason Fearneyhough and Missouri Pork Association Executive Director Don Nikodim served as celebrity auctioneers for the live auction.

The evening was sponsored by the Missouri Corn Programs, the Missouri Soybean Programs and Missouri's farmer-owned ethanol plants.

Mom's Originals of St. Louis receives AgriMissouri Member of the Year Award

Mom's Originals and owner Taran Hensley received some high honors in front of hundreds of Missouri producers and agribusiness leaders during the 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. During the awards banquet Saturday evening, Missouri's Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized the company with Missouri's AgriMissouri Member of the Year honors.

Mom's Originals founder Taran Hensley accepted the AgriMissouri Member of the Year Award for her business' outstanding marketing, branding, commitment to their community and overall excellence as a role model for Missouri-based businesses Saturday evening in Kansas City.

Mom's Originals is a gourmet pretzel and treat company based in St. Louis. Hensley founded the company in 2008 in her home, and has since grown into a commercial kitchen she runs with the help of her mom, Jody. The business' signature caramel and chocolate-covered pretzel rods were featured in gift bags at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy awards in 2010.

The gourmet pretzels have also become a staff favorite among the Missouri Department of Agriculture team. :)