In a 2024 study of agricultural youth (Rudolphi JM, Berg RL. Stress, Mental Health, and Risk-Taking: Associations among a Sample of Agricultural Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 June), it was found that about 70% of the youth surveyed had at least mild symptoms of depression, while 63% had anxiety symptoms. more

In the Ozark Mountains and plateau, south central Missouri farmers are known as livestock production professionals. Dusty Collins has made his own path as an expert at growing the forages and grains to feed the region’s livestock. He grows corn, soybeans, corn silage and winter grain near West Plains in Agri-Ready Designated Howell County. more

The Missouri Pork Association is now accepting applications for its 2025 Internship Program. Up to two college students will be selected for the summer period and work full time in the Columbia office from mid-May through mid-August. An additional part time internship is available from January through mid-May, and another part-time internship from mid-August through December, said association officials. more

Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) has awarded its 2024 Friends of Agriculture award to 87 members of the Missouri House of Representatives, including six representing south central Missouri. The award has been given to Missouri state representatives every two years since 1996. more

Officials with the Ozarks Heritage Research Center (OHRC) at Missouri State University-West Plains will host a presentation about beekeeping at 6 p.m. Sept. 10, at the OHRC. more

The Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Annual Dinner, this year held on August 17, is a celebration of Missouri’s prairie legacy. During the 2024 event, the 58-year-old prairie conservation organization and land trust paid tribute to three awardees, including a Texas County couple. more

The Texas County office of the University of Missouri Extension will host an invasive plant workshop and field day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 at the extension office, 114 W. Main St. in Houston. more

The Howell County office of the University of Missouri Extension in West Plains is partnering with the Missouri Department of Conservation to hold a free nuisance wildlife management class from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 29 at the extension office, 1376 Bill Virdon Blvd. in West Plains. more

Ozark County has been granted Agri-Ready County Designation by Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), a coalition of more than 40 leading agricultural groups and businesses. The county’s recognition rounds out the south-central region comprised of likewise dedicated neighbors Howell, Douglas, Oregon, Texas, Shannon and Wright counties. more

On Sept. 13, the University of Missouri Extension in Howell County will offer an opportunity to tour fields of big bluestem, little bluestem and Indian grasses at the Uminn Farm. more

An abundance of flies in cow herds is being reported to University of Missouri Extension specialists this summer, increasing the likelihood of cattle health issues, including pinkeye. more

Missouri Farm Bureau is accepting applications for the 2025 Farm Dog of the Year contest, supported by Nestlé Purina PetCare. more

Three area organizations have been awarded grant funds through the Missouri Department of Agriculture Animal Care Facilities Act for spaying and neutering. more

Battling Japanese beetles in the garden more

The Missouri Department of Agriculture and Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg announce updated biosecurity protocols for dairy cattle exhibiting at the 2024 Missouri State Fair, scheduled for Aug. 8 through 18 in Sedalia. more

Heritage Tractor, a local John Deere dealership with 21 locations in eastern Kansas, western Missouri and northern Arkansas, plans to donate to 21 different charitable organizations during its summer Traveling Tractor Tour. more

Fulton County Fair officials in Salem, Ark., have announced a new time for their Junior Livestock Auction. more

Grayson Hale, a member of the West Plains FFA Chapter, and Connor Clay, Alton FFA, were selected to be among 100 high school sophomores from across Missouri to complete the 12th annual Helping Youth Maximize their agriculture experience (HYMAX) FFA Academy June 14 through 16 at Camp Rising Sun in Kaiser, Miller County. more