The Sullivan Independent News

Volunteers, including parents who “just help out,” must complete the Making the Best Better Volunteer Orientation by Jan. 1, 2012.
New 4-H parents are also encouraged to attend to learn more about what 4-H is all about. This is a one-time requirement. Volunteer who attend a face-to-face orientation do not have to take a test. Those who have completed the orientation before do not need to attend again.
A face-to-face session is scheduled for Mon., Dec. 12 [...]

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon recognized members of Thiel Farms recently for their longstanding advocacy on behalf of the state’s corn producers. Located near Malta Bend, MO, the Thiel family was presented with the Governor’s Award for Agricultural Achievement during a press conference held at their farm.
“It is an honor for our family to be recognized by a governor who knows how important agriculture is to the state of Missouri,” noted Billy Thiel, a recipient of [...]

Janie Hipp, senior adviser to Secretary Vilsack for Tribal Relations, recently reminded Native American farmers and ranchers that the period to file a claim in the Keepseagle class action settlement remains open through Dec. 27, 2011.
“Native American farmers and ranchers who believe they are entitled to funds under the Keepseagle settlement must file a claim on or before Dec. 27 in order to file a claim,” said Ms. Hipp. “Tribal leaders should consider advising Tribal [...]

By Tom Vilsack,
Agriculture Secretary
We are approaching Veterans’ Day, a time to honor the men and women who have served this nation in uniform.  Whether they are soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen or coast guardsmen—our veterans were part of the finest military the world has ever known. Their selfless and courageous contributions over generations have helped Americans enjoy the freedom and liberty our founders imagined.
And USDA—through our work in rural America and on a host of other [...]

Up to $5,000 in grant funding available through Department of Ag’s Local Foods Matching Grant Program.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced recently that funding is available for urban and rural organizations to help underserved populations increase access to fresh foods.
Through the development of production infrastructures, direct distribution venues, education programs, workforce development and expanding the understanding of the importance of agriculture and where food comes from, more Missourians will be able to enjoy locally-grown fresh [...]

Franklin County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director, Sheria Yancey, reminds foreign persons with an interest in agricultural lands in the United States that they are required to report their holdings and any transactions to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
“Any foreign person who acquires, transfers or holds any interest, other than a security interest, in agricultural land in the United States is required by law to report the transaction no later than 90 days [...]

Union FFA of Union has been voted as a top chapter in its state by area farmers in the FFA Chapter Challenge pilot program, sponsored by Monsanto Company. FFA members in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Georgia and Alabama took this opportunity to make meaningful connections with area farmers, and farmers then voted for their favorite FFA chapter.
“Monsanto is proud to be a partner with the National FFA and help these local chapters generate new [...]

Feeding hay will come sooner than normal for some cattle farmers this fall.
The hot, dry conditions across much of cattle country this summer left cattle with thin pastures and not much to chew this fall.
While not opportune, these conditions give farmers a chance to look at their cattle herds with a critical eye and evaluate their feeding options.
“It’s an excellent time to take inventory of your feed supply and think about culling your herd,” said [...]

The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) is teaming up with corn mazes across the state to expand education efforts beyond the classroom and showcase the importance of Missouri’s corn production.
Entering its second season, the Missouri Corn fall promotion builds on last year’s successful campaign in which weatherproof stop signs were featured in 25 corn mazes across the state. The 2011 maze materials continue the theme with yield signs answering some of the most common questions [...]

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce that Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, donated $3,000 to the Missouri 4-H Community Service Grant program. Missouri 4-H is the youth volunteer education program of University of Missouri Extension, University of Missouri and Lincoln University.
The funds will support Missouri 4-H groups in completing community service projects across the state.
“The Missouri 4-H Foundation is very pleased to have the support of Pioneer Hi-Bred. Community service projects are an [...]