Think Outside the Barn

Gearing up for Pie Time with Missouri's First Lady

It is time to uncover that secret pie recipe of your grandmother's, or start discovering your inner baking skills to create a new peach pie recipe of your own.  The 2012 Missouri State Fair and the annual "First Lady's Pie Contest" is quickly approaching, and we are looking for a taste of your special and favorite pie! 

All pies are welcome, fruit or non-fruit, although there are a few rules to keep in mind. 

1.  Registration for the contest must be done prior to August 2, 2012, and only one entry or recipe is allowed per person.

2.  All pies must be baked and delivered to the Home Economics Building by 9:45 a.m. on August 16, 2012.  The judging process will begin at 10:00 a.m.

3.  Amateur bakers of any age may participate in the contest, meaning that any individual whose primary income is a result of their baking skills is not elligible to enter.  This includes professional bakers, caterers, or any certified chefs.

4.  An official Missouri State Fair Recipe Form must be submitted with the Home Economics Exhibitor's Entry Form.  This must include preparation time, exact measurements of ingredients, temperature and length of baking, and any other details.  The pie must be baked in a 9 inch, round aluminum pie pan.

5.  The pie recipe must be original and not previously published, and the pie crust and filling must be completely homemade.  No pre-made pie crusts or fillings of any sort is permitted.

6.  Any pie containing eggs, such as a soft pie, must be brought to the Home Economics Building in an iced cooler.  The pie will be left in the cooler until it is time to start judging.

7.  Soft pies and fruit pies will be judged seperately.  The first place winner of each category will compete to win "Best of Show".

8.  Each pie will be judged on crust, appearance, filling, and flavor/ taste appeal.  Take a look at the score sheets for fruit pies and non fruit pies for more details.

So grab a mixer, your oven mitts and even some local produce and start gearing up for pie time at the Missouri State Fair!

Houston's Home Grown

Fresh veggies, free range chickens, eggs, turkeys, pastured lamb and hogs - who knew you could get all of that in one spot? Houston's Home Grown, LLC located in Hermann, Mo. focuses on quality food while farming in a sustainable way.

Paul and Amy Houston moved to the Hermann area from Minnesota to try their hand in farming, which is when Houston's Home Grown, LLC was born. They both had an agriculture background and decided to make it their livelihood. Paul and Amy like to focus on what is good for the consumer, the environment, the soil, and the animals. They refrain from using pesticides as much as possible by hand picking bugs and weeds; however, when the need arises they will use organic approved sprays. The couple's farm animals are given a lot of area to roam and graze on grass, if they are provided any feed it is in addition to hay and grass and is always antibiotic free.

If you are interested in purchasing fresh vegetables, meat, eggs, or even flowers you can find them at the Hermann Farmers Market on Wednesday's from 3-6 p.m.and Saturday's 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or you can call the Houston's at (573) 294-6040.

In the News - Hauling Oversized Hay Loads

As the extreme heat and drought continue throughout Missouri and the midwest, many people are teaming up to assist each other in the agricultural industry.  One great example of this cooperation is Missouri Department of Transportation's recent decision to wave all fees for hauling oversized loads of hay. 

Check out more information from MODot and the article from Springfield News-Leader.

Fees waived to haul oversize loads of hay

Fees to haul oversize loads of hay across Missouri have been waved by the Missouri Department of Transportation due to dry weather and feed demands for livestock.

The fees have been waived through Dec. 31, creating a savings of up to $64, a release from MoDOT said Friday. Restrictions on hauling hay on holidays and at night have also been lifted.

"Missouri farmers are facing challenges as a result of the extremely dry conditions our state is experiencing," said Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler in the release. "Waiving the permit fee for our state's farmers and haulers transporting hay will certainly help livestock and crop producers continue doing what they do best.”

The load must be legal and adhere to all other permit requirements including signage and lighting.

The release says farmers should call MoDOT's Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499 for the permits.

 If you are looking for even more details, take a look at the release on MDA's website.

Friday Fixin's - Pan-Fried Okra, Onion, and Tomatoes

We're getting okra in the Growing Together Garden right now and we have onions saved back from earlier this year. Once the tomatoes get ripe or after a visit to the local Missouri Farmers' Market to purchase a few heirloom varieties, this recipe will be a great way to use all three. Whether you make a colorful barbecue side dish or serve it up for Sunday dinner, this is and new way to enjoy okra which is just pretty enough that even the kids might try it.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh okra
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 medium-size red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, seeded and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules


Preparation

1. Cut okra in half lengthwise.

2. Pour 1/4 cup oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook okra in hot oil, in batches, 6 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally. Remove from skillet, and drain well on paper towels. Repeat with remaining okra, adding remaining 1/4 cup oil as needed. Cool.

3. Stir together onion and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl; Add okra, tossing to coat. Serve at room temperature.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Southern Living

In the News - Grazing, Haying and Silage Options for Herbicide-treated Corn and Soybean

The drought has taken its toll on Missouri's pastures and hay.  Many farmers are considering using corn and soybeans to feed their livestock. However, many of these crops have been treated with herbicides. Farmers need to consider the waiting period between herbicide application and using the crop for livestock feed. The Hannibal Courier Post published a chart to help farmers determine when it is safe to use their herbicide-treated crop for feed.

Considering Your Grazing, Haying, and Silage Options for Herbicide-treated Corn and Soybean

One of the most important considerations is the forage and feeding restrictions of the herbicides that have already been sprayed for weed control in these fields. In other words, it will be critical to know the waiting period that must be followed between application of a given herbicide and the grazing or harvesting of that crop for use as a forage.

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

Demand is moderate to light. As typical even in non-drought situations, light weight bawling, unweaned calves have a more difficult time generating excitement in the auction ring and once current drought factors are added in this lack of excitement has become multiplied. Yearlings which require less days on feed and fewer bushels of the current record high 8.00 plus corn are finding more moderate demand but still are far from the levels just a few months ago when buyers were only concerned with ownership and willing to buy at about any price. 550 lbs steers are now averaging 46.00 per cwt less than the first week of June when the downward slide began and 750 lbs steers are currently 27.00 per cwt lower. 

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 Fixin's - Tomato, Watermelon and Strawberry Salad

This is a recipe that Lorin Fahrmeier of Fahrmeier Farms shared with us last year. It's a great twist on a cool, refreshing salad. Local strawberries can be found in the everbearing variety or from a high tunnel. Tomatoes and watermelon are in season and are plentiful at Missouri farmers' markets or possibly from your own back yard. With balsamic vinegar and feta cheese, this salad will would be great to serve at a dinner party or picnic with your family. It's a great way to use three local fruits, a culinary herb and even some local goat cheese.

Ingredients:
2 beefsteak (or other large variety) tomatoes, stemmed, washed and dried. (I like to use colorful heirloom varieties or yellow tomatoes to add a pop of color and keep the tomatoes at room temperature to ensure the best flavor)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, stemmed, washed and dried
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves (lemon basil is also a good substitute)
1 pint local strawberries, hulled, washed and cut into very small pieces
2 cups cold watermelon, rind removed, seeded and cut into bite-size cubes
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons superfine (or granulated) sugar
1 small container feta cheese

Dressing:
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (Use a good quality balsamic. I’ve also used a strawberry balsamic before.)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Taste for seasoning. Set aside.

Place the tomatoes on a flat surface. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and the larger ones into slices. Arrange all of them in a single layer, flesh side up on a serving platter. Season them with salt, black pepper and sugar. Next arrange the strawberries over the top of the tomatoes. Add watermelon cubes as the top layer. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Finally, sprinkle the tarragon and feta over the top to finish the salad. Serve Immediately.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Steffens Hobick Everyday Occasions Blog

Gov. Nixon, Director of Ag Survey Missouri's Drought Conditions

This week, Governor Jay Nixon and Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler have been visiting farms throughout the state to learn more about the impact of the ongoing extremely dry conditions.  In Ewing and Tarkio, Mo., they met with corn and soybean producers who, in many cases, are watching their crops wither in the fields.  In Bolivar, Mo. Gov. Nixon and Dr. Hagler met with livestock producers raising beef and dairy cattle, who shared their struggles to provide hay for livestock now and through the winter as pastures are unable to meet the animals' nutritional needs.

“My administration will continue to work with Missouri farmers as they endure a drought that is severely affecting our crops and livestock.” --Gov. Nixon

During their time with farmers this week, Gov. Nixon and Dr. Hagler have learned more about the conditions livestock and crop producers are facing, and shared information on available resources, including the Missouri Hay Directory and federal loans. 

All 114 of Missouri’s counties have received disaster designations resulting from drought, providing farmers there with access to low interest loans and other assistance to help them recover from losses. A disaster designation allows eligible farmers to be considered for assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), including FSA emergency loans.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has also created a section within mda.mo.gov dedicated to providing helpful links and information related to the ongoing extremely dry conditions and drought throughout the state.  Check it out at http://mda.mo.gov/drought/.

Heat Takes a Toll on Missouri Livestock

Many of Missouri's cattle and livestock are being put to the test in this extreme heat that the Midwest. And as livestock owners and producers work to keep their animals cool and healthy, we want to share some tips that might come in handy.

You can help your animals avoid heat stress by providing adequate shade for livestock, approximately 20-40 square feet depending on their size.  You can also spray your livestock with cool water to lower their body temperature - focus most of the water on their feet and legs. You might also try using a mister, depending on conditions in your area.  If possible, avoid feeding or exercising them during the middle of the day and try to plan any necessary transportation for cooler early morning hours.

Most importantly, monitor your livestock for heat stress.  Some indicators to look for are excessive salivation, open mouth breathing or prolonged elevation of the  animal's head.  If you notice any of these signs, or any other abnormal behavior from your animals, it is time to contact your veterinarian.

Westphalia Trading Co., LLC

Have you ever heard of a Chicken Tractor? Neither had I until we brought one in for the front lawn at the Missouri Department of Agriculture! Westphalia Trading Co. specializes in chicken tractors and coops. For people like me, who don't know the difference between a coop and a tractor, a coop is a stationary chicken house with a fenced in area for the chickens to graze. A chicken tractor is designed to be moved around your lawn 2-3 times a week, to provide new grass for your chickens. Backyard chickens are becoming the new way to live sustainably in an urban setting. Many large cities are now allowing backyard chickens including: Columbia, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, and St. Louis County. Many other cities allow chickens, and all cities have restrictions.

Westphalia Chicken Coops and Tractors are built to last. They offer a variety of options including size, color, and style. The coops provide protection from both predators and outdoor elements. Each coop is hand built with real pressure treated lumber and screws vs. nails, so you can count on your chicken coop or tractor lasting you for years.

If you are not familiar with chickens or don't know where to begin your project, there are a lot of websites with helpful advice. http://www.backyardchickens.com/ offers information on local ordinance, breeds of chickens, and much more. You can always contact your county extension office or visit their website if you have further questions about raising your very own chickens.  Be sure to check your local ordinance before beginning your back yard chicken operation, and don't forget to check out Westphalia Trading Co.'s website to start deciding what you want your future chicken tractor to look like!