Farming

Times are tough for many. That's as evident as ever in a notice that Smithfield Foods is closing 35 Missouri hog production sites which will mean 92 jobs will be lost by October.

Parts of Missouri especially in the central parts of the state were already suffering from extreme drought conditions, but now that's expanded to the northeast officially according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service in St. Louis.

We live in an era of extremes. While parts of Missouri and Illinois are flooding, others remain parched. It's so bad in the middle of Missouri that a new forecast now says the middle of the Show Me State can expect "extreme drought".

If the words of a sow farm employee are accurate, there could be devastating closings in the Missouri pork industry. Multiple reports claim that the world's largest pork producer may be closing as many as 37 Missouri farms.

While I think the concern isn't really relevant, I understand that there are some Missouri ranchers who are increasingly becoming concerned about wolves returning to Missouri. If that is even a fleeting thought in your head, you really should consider getting attack donkeys and I'm being serious.

Current and prospective vendors are invited to the Sedalia Area Farmers’ Market vendor interest and food safety training to be held online at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 8.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I know there are a lot of people who would love to have my job right now.

Farmer Matt and I had a nice talk!

From helping with the crops to getting on her horse to wrangle in the cattle, Sara Evans really lived the rural life.

The Sedalia Area Farmers' Market has become a tradition in our area.  We're surrounded by people and places that thrive in agricultural subjects, and our local growers are some of the best. If you want the best in fresh, local food and produce, you can't beat the Farmers' Market.