Lists of organizations and programs for small farms

Missouri Alternatives Center
Description: University of Missouri Extension Program that provides information and resources on alternative agriculture.
Debi Kelly, Project Manager, University of Missouri-Columbia, 3 Whitten Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 882-1905; 1-800-433-3704 (MO only), e-mail: kellyd@umsystem.edu, website: agebb.missouri.edu/mac

Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Program
The Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Program of the University of Missouri and Lincoln University 's goal is to sustain a desirable quality of life for people through agricultural systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. Through our state partnerships, and the North Central Region, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, we conduct educational programs and conferences, assist the Sustaining People through Agriculture Network and other Missouri farm organizations, serve on the leadership council for the Sustainable Food and Farming Systems Focus Team, and administer the Missouri Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Awards Program. We believe strongly in serving the needs of the farmers of Missouri, and involve farmers at every level of planning and programming as trainers and guides.
Jose Garcia, Program Coordinator, Community Food Systems and Sustainable Ag Program, University of Missouri-Columbia, Department of Rural Sociology, 204 Gentry Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 884-3794, fax: 573-882-5127, e-mail: GarciaJL@missouri.edu, website: agebb.missouri.edu/sustain/index.htm

Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute
Description: The Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute is a non-profit agricultural education and research center based in Columbia, MO. The Institute staff conducts a variety of agriculture education programs. To help support family farmers, the Institute has a primary emphasis on crop diversification.
Rob Myers, Executive Director, 601 West Nifong Blvd, Suite 1D, Columbia, MO 65203, (573) 449-3518, e-mail: rmyers@tranquility.net, website: jeffersoninstitute.org

Small Farm Technical Outreach Program
Description: Lincoln University entered into an agreement with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to conduct the Small Farm Technical Outreach Program (SFTOP). This project serves limited resource SFTOP farmers and rural residents located in Southeast Missouri. Project staff work with rural families who want to maintain their farm family lifestyle and increase their income with agriculture. The staff also assists large farmers, as well as very small farmers engaged in vegetable and livestock enterprises. Counties Served in Southeast Missouri: Bollinger County, Butler County, Cape Girardeau County, Dunklin County, Mississippi County, New Madrid County, Pemiscot County, Perry County, Scott County, and Stoddard County
Lincoln University, PO Box 101-A, Highway 61, Howardville, MO 63869, (573) 688-2319, e-mail: minnerrm@missouri.edu

Food Circles Networking Project
Description: A Food Circle is a new way of conceiving of and organizing our agricultural and food systems. It links the many people involved in food production together in interdependent, holistic ways. When we conceive of our food system as a circle, we acknowledge that we are connected with every other person in that circle through the act of food production. Practically, a Food Circle is concerned with promoting the consumption of safe, regionally grown food that will encourage sustainable agriculture and help to maintain farmers, who will sustain rural areas. While the concept sounds simple, it means that we must radically change the way we participate in the act of growing and consuming food.
* Encourage families leaving public assistance to produce food for themselves and local markets.
* Increase consumption of locally produced food by educating consumers about their food choices.
* Provide alternatives for small farm families by helping them to grow and market food locally.
* Develop community based value-added opportunities.
Mary Hendrickson, Project Coordinator, University of Missouri-Columbia, Department of Rural Sociology, 204 Gentry Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 882-3776, fax: 573-882-5127, e-mail: HendricksonM@missouri.edu, website: www.foodcircles.missouri.edu

Missouri Center for Agroforestry
Description: The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry is an interdisciplinary research, teaching and technology transfer program that draws on the expertise of MU faculty in forestry, fisheries and wildlife, entomology, plant pathology, agronomy, animal science, agricultural economics, rural sociology and horticulture. The Center coordinates agroforestry activities for use in Missouri and adjacent areas of the Midwest.
University of Missouri-Columbia, 203 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Bldg , Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 884-2874, e-mail: umca@missouri.edu, website: agebb.missouri.edu/umca/index.htm

Missouri Department of Conservation
Private Land Use Conservationists, PO Box 180, 2901 W Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109, (573) 751-4115, fax: (573) 751-4467, website: www.conservation.state.mo.us/landown/contacts.html

University of Missouri Research Farms/Centers (with small farm and sustainable ag research)

• The Forage Systems Research Center is a 1,200-acre farm. The primary research objective is the development and evaluation of forage systems for all classes of beef cattle. Researchers conduct grazing studies with cow-calf pairs, weanlings and yearling steers and heifers. The interactions of cattle, plants and soil are necessary in understanding cause/effect relationships in beef/forage systems. Reproductive efficiency, milk production and live weight gains are indicators of animal performance ; while forage establishment, productivity patterns and use and persistence are of agronomic interest. FSRC's international reputation as one of the outstanding forage-livestock system research centers attracts visitors from around the globe each year. Pioneering research on forage beef systems ecology has received significant recognition from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the USDA and the National Center, for Appropriate Technology. David Davis, 21262 Genoa Road , Linneus, MO 64653 (660) 895-5121, e-mail: DavisDK@missouri.edu, website: aes.missouri.edu/fsrc/index.stm
• The Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center (HARC) is an interdisciplinary plant science center that conducts research and education programs for the study of plant systems used in agricultural, urban and natural environments. Research programs and plantings are designed and managed for the long-term study of plant growth characteristics, plant systems interactions and sustainability, pest management and environmental monitoring. Extensive plant collections are also maintained for germplasm repositories and regional and national testing programs and plant donations. Particular emphasis is placed on the flood plain and the loess hills areas of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers bioregions. The center integrates research and teaching in agroforestry, horticulture, pest management and natural resource conservation for the general public, the university and the scientific community. Work conducted at the center is designed to provide Missourians with science-based information and programs that will contribute to a stronger agricultural economy and sustainable use of human and natural resources. Nancy Bishop, 10 Research Center Rd, New Franklin, MO 65274, (660) 848-2268, website: aes.missouri.edu/harc/index.stm
• Southwest Missouri Center was established in 1959 through the purchase of an 898-acre site that represented soil types in this region. Alternative strategies for overcoming fescue toxicosis and the investigation of positive environmental techniques for land application of agricultural and processing wastes such as pasture fertilizers highlight current research. Forage grass breeding conducted at the Southwest Center has been instrumental in the development of three new "endophyte-free" tall fescue varieties - "Missouri 96," "Mozark" and "Martin," - as well as an orchardgrass variety, "Justus." Small grains research focuses on variety testing and development, proper fertilization practices and harvest management alternatives. Horticultural research provides information on viable production alternatives for both commercial producers and home gardeners interested in small fruits and vegetables. Dr. Richard Crawford, 14548 Highway H, Mt Vernon, MO 65712-9523, (417) 466-2148, e-mail: crawfordr@missouri.edu, website: aes.missouri.edu/swcenter/index.stm

Missouri Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Business Development Division
Description: The Agriculture Business Development Division helps Missouri farmers and agribusinesses by increasing their profitability, growing the demand for Missouri products, linking buyers with sellers, and growing the value of the agricultural sector. The division has five teams providing targeted assistance to Missouri's farmers and agribusinesses: (1) Crops & Timber Team; (2) Livestock Team; (3) Horticulture & Agritourism Team; (4) Food Products Team; and (5) Grape & Wine Team. Each team provides business counseling, domestic marketing assistance, international marketing assistance, and industry facilitation. The division also administers eleven financial programs through the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), which is governed by an independent board. Additionally, the division administers the AgriMissouri program to promote products grown, raised and processed in Missouri through a variety of marketing channels, including retail, foodservice, restaurants, and direct-to-consumer sales.
Missouri Department of Agriculture, PO Box 611, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4211, e-mail: AgInnovationCenter@mail.mda.state.mo.us, website: www.mda.mo.gov/

Missouri Department of Agriculture Organic Program
Description: The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Organic Program protects consumers and supports the organic food industry by ensuring the integrity of organic products, by providing technical information about organic food production, and by assisting with development of markets for Missouri's organic industry. The Missouri Organic Program has adopted by statute the National Organic Program standards as their state standards for certification. It is in the process (accreditation update) of becoming accredited as a certifying agent by the USDA's National Organic Program (USDA-NOP). In addition, the state offers voluntary registration for organic entities, both those requiring certification, as well as those that exempted from certification requirements. Missouri's Rules and Regulations also state that any certifying agent certifying organic entities located within the state must register with MDA's Organic Program.
Sue Baird, Organic Program Coordinator, Missouri Department of Agriculture, PO Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-2148, e-mail: Sue_Baird@mail.mda.state.mo.us, website: www.mda.state.mo.us/Market/c7.htm

MO-WIN (Missouri Watershed Information Network)
The Missouri Watershed Information Network, or MoWIN, provides assistance in locating and accessing information relative to Missouri watersheds. Our intent is to make it easier for you to find the information you need.
University of Missouri-Columbia, 205 Agricultural Engineering, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 882-0085, fax: (573) 884-5650, Toll Free: 1-877-H20-shed (426-7433) (MO only), e-mail: mowin1@missouri.edu, website: outreach.missouri.edu/mowin/

State Fruit Experiment Station
Description: The State Fruit Experiment Station is a horticultural research station designated by a legislative mandate to support and expand the productivity and profitability of the Missouri fruit industry. The State Fruit Experiment Station is staffed and operated by the Department of Fruit Science and resides on the Southwest Missouri State University Campus at Mountain Grove. Areas of active research are pomology/viticulture/ plant physiology, enology, plant pathology, integrated pest management, molecular plant virology and biotechnology/molecular genetics. This research is disseminated by advisory programs to fruit growers and processors. The State Fruit Experiment Station is committed to the support of the Missouri fruit industry and to serve the public through popular articles and education programs.
Southwest Missouri State University, 9740 Red Spring Rd, Mountain Grove, MO 65711, (417) 926-4105, website: mtngrv.smsu.edu

Funding Resources

Missouri Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Award Program
Description: This competitive grant program provides grants to Missouri farmers to help them test, evaluate, and adopt sustainable agriculture practices on their own farms. The grants encourage producers to reduce their dependence on non renewable resources such as petroleum and minerals, and promote the preservation of natural resources such as soil, water, and air. They help farmers experiment with techniques that will make their farms ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible.
Missouri Department of Agriculture, Market Information and Outreach Division, Joan Benjamin, Sustainable Agriculture Program Coordinator, PO Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 522-8616, e-mail: Joan.Benjamin@mda.mo.gov , website: www.mda.mo.gov/Financial/a1c.htm

Missouri Beginning Farmer Loan Program
Description: The Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority administers a program that enables lenders to receive federally tax-exempt interest on loans made to beginning farmers. The tax savings are passed on to beginning farmers in the form of lower interest rates. A qualified borrower can borrow up to $250,000 to buy: agricultural land, farm buildings, farm equipment, and breeding livestock. The entire $250,000 may be used for new equipment or breeding stock, and up to $62,500 can fund used equipment or breeding stock.
Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, PO Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-2129, fax: (573) 522-2416, e-mail: masbda@mail.mda.state.mo.us, website: www.mda.mo.gov/Financial/a2f.htm

Missouri Value Added Grants Program
Description: The Missouri Value-Added Grant Program provides grants for projects that add value to Missouri agricultural products and aid the economy of a rural community. Grant applications will be considered for value-added agricultural business concepts that: Lead to and result in development, processing and marketing of new or expanded uses or technologies for agricultural products; and Foster agricultural economic development in Missouri's rural communities. Applications will be considered for expenses related to the creation, development and operation of a value-added agricultural business including: Feasibility studies, Marketing studies, Legal assistance, Marketing plans, Business plans, Prospectus development for cooperatives, Operational consulting.
Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, PO Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0630, (573) 751-2129, Fax: 573-522-2416, e-mail: masbda@mail.mda.state.mo.us, website: www.mda.mo.gov/Financial/a1a.htm

Missouri Alternative Loan Program
Description: The Missouri Department of Agriculture offers direct loans through the Agriculture Development Fund to finance the production, processing and marketing needs of an alternative agricultural enterprise. Criteria: Maximum loan - $20,000 with Interest Rate - 7.5% and Maximum term of loan - 5 years with semi-annual payments. An agricultural alternative project is doing something different from what traditional rural operations are currently doing. It may be taking a traditional enterprise and adding a new twist such as butchering your own livestock and selling the meat or milling your own wheat and making baked goods.
Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, PO Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-2129, fax: (573) 522-2416, e-mail: masbda@mail.mda.state.mo.us, website: www.mda.mo.gov/Financial/a2b.htm

Missouri Value Added Loan Guarantee Program
Description: The Missouri Value-Added Loan Guarantee Program provides a 25% first-loss guarantee to lenders who make agricultural business development loans for the acquisition, construction, improvement, or rehabilitation of agricultural property used for the purpose of processing, manufacturing, marketing, exporting, and adding value to an agricultural product. Agricultural property includes: Land, Buildings, Structures, Improvements, Equipment. Guarantees may also be made on loans to buy stock in a start-up cooperative that processes an agricultural product. Plant stock for grapes which will be processed into wine.
Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, PO Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573) 751-2129, fax: (573) 522-2416, e-mail: masbda@mail.mda.state.mo.us, website: www.mda.mo.gov/Financial/a2a.htm

Missouri Department of Economic Development
Description: Helps vineyards and wine producers buy needed equipment and materials through its Wine and Grape Production Tax Credit program. Missouri Department of Economic Development, PO Box 118, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-0295

Missouri Linked Deposit
Description: To be eligible for a farm operating expense (general agriculture) linked deposit, the borrower must have its headquarters in Missouri; maintain operations and transact business in Missouri; have fewer than 10 employees, be organized for profit; and have equity equal to no more than 60 percent of total assets. Farmers are eligible if they use or cultivate land for the production of agricultural crops, livestock or livestock products; forest products, poultry or poultry products; milk or dairy products; or fruit or other horticultural products. A linked deposit for the farm operating expense category is limited to $100,000. Deposits can be renewed for up to five years. Loan funds can be used for production expenses or refinancing an existing loan for production expenses. In this category, the purchase or refinancing of real property (land and buildings) is not allowed. Loan approval is made by the financial institution subject to the institution's normal credit policy.
Missouri State Treasurer's Office, Treasurer Nancy Farmer, PO Box 210, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-2372, website: www.sto.state.mo.us/link/agri/linkagri.htm

Web Sites

Agriculture Electronic Bulletin Board - agebb.missouri.edu

Missouri Alternatives Center - agebb.missouri.edu/mac

Food Circles Networking Project - www.foodcircles.missouri.edu

Community Food Systems and Sustainable Ag Program - agebb.missouri.edu/sustain/index.htm

Missouri Value Added Development Center - valueadded.missouri.edu/index.htm

State Fruit Experiment Station - mtngrv.smsu.edu

Ag Innovation Center - www.aginnovationcenter.org

Missouri Watershed Information Network - outreach.missouri.edu/mowin/

Missouri Center for Agroforestry - agebb.missouri.edu/umca/index.htm

MO Sustainable Ag Demonstration Awards - agebb.missouri.edu/sustain/sagdemo/index.htm

Publications

University of Missouri Extension Publications - muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/

Missouri Alternatives Center - agebb.missouri.edu/mac/links

Missouri Center for Agroforestry - agebb.missouri.edu/umca/pubs/index.asp

Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute - www.jeffersoninstitute.org/pubs/index.shtml

Food Circles Networking Project - foodcircles.missouri.edu/pub.htm

Missouri Watershed Information Network - outreach.missouri.edu/mowin/Acronym2/acity.html

Newsletters

Ag Opportunities - bimonthly newsletter of the Missouri Alternatives Center - agebb.missouri.edu/mac/agopp/index.htm

Jefferson Institute News & Views - quarterly newsletter, subscribe on-line at www.jeffersoninstitute.org/subscribe/index.shtml

Quarterly Almanac, MO Organic Association newsletter - www.missouriorganic.org/quarterly.htm

Many different newsletters from University of Missouri - agebb.missouri.edu

Regular Events

Missouri Organic Association farm walks

Green Hills Farm Project farm walks

University of Missouri Grazing Schools

National Small Farm Today Trade Show and Conference - first full weekend in November each year

Livestock Symposium - early December each year

Other Resources

Small Business Development Centers
Description: Each year, Missouri Small Business Development Center (MO SBDC) consultants successfully assist more than 3,000 businesses-enhancing Missouri's economic viability. Our staff are uniquely qualified to help small businesses or those wanting to start a small business in a variety of ways. Missouri's SBDCs provide consulting and training in such areas as: getting started in business, business plan development, financial analysis and management, cash flow analysis, taxes, market feasibility, customer service, international trade, franchising and licensing, inventory, computer software, marketing and more. Information and technology resources include: computerized patent, trademark and copyright searches; computerized exporting leads; product design, testing and quality control; manufacturing studies; and plant layout.
1205 University Ave, Suite 300, Columbia, MO 65211, (573) 882-0344, For a listing of the center closest to you: www.missouribusiness.net/sbdc/centers.asp

Small Farm Today®
Description: Small Farm Toda® was founded by a small farmer in central Missouri in 1984, and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of small farming, rural living, community, sustainability, and agripreneurship. It is published on a farm, by a farmer, for farmers. Most of our readers are full- or part-time small family farmers, and many are using alternatives, such as growing high-value crops, raising unusual livestock, and direct marketing their products to bring in more income. Readers are extremely loyal-most read the magazine from cover to cover, including advertising, and pass the magazine along to neighbors, friends, and relatives.
Small Farm Today®, 3903 W Ridge Trail Rd, Clark MO 65243-9525, (573) 687 -3525 or (800) 633-2535, e-mail: smallfarm@socket.net,website www.smallfarmtoday.com

Truman State University
Description: A four year University with sustainable agriculture classes that are doing research on pastured poultry.
Michael Seipel, Division of Science, Truman State University, 100 East Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501-4221, 660-785-4316, e-mail: mseipel@truman.edu, website: www2.truman.edu/~mseipel/

Missouri Organic Association
Description: Our goal is to bring together Missouri organic growers, gardeners, consumers and all advocates of organic methods in a united effort to spread an understanding of the importance of a healthy food supply system, and to promote the growing and eating of organic foods.
Rick Hopkins, President, PO Box 190, Marionville, MO 65705, (417) 258-2394, Email: rdhopkins@americanpasturage.com, website: www.missouriorganic.org/

Green Hills Farm Project
Description: Green Hills Farm Project is a Farmer to Farmer networking group in North Central Missouri. We are primarily a grass-based farm group learning to improve our land and animal management using an environmentally healthy system. We educate and encourage others by offering Farm walks to demonstrate our success and failures. We encourage our youth to be involved in agriculture and teach sustainable methods that will leave future generations with a farm and family lifestyle that will be attractive and profitable. Come join us as we walk the fields of dreams our farms are becoming!
Jordan Bentley, (660) 695-3482, e-mail: jbentley@cvalley.net, website: agebb.missouri.edu/sustain/ghfp.htm

Missouri Farmers Union
Description: Missouri Farmers Union was founded March 24, 1999, by Missouri family farmers concerned with the lack of profitability in production agriculture, dwindling market opportunities and deteriorating conditions in rural Missouri. Our mission statement is To protect and enhance the economic interests and way of life of family farmers and ranchers and the rural communities they represent.
Russ Kramer, President, 325 Jefferson St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, 573-659-4787, e-mail: rkremer@missourifarmersunion.org, website: www.missourifarmersunion.org/

Missouri Rural Crisis Center
Description: The Missouri Rural Crisis Center is a nonprofit organization founded in 1985. It is a progressive, statewide membership organization that works to empower farmers and other rural people. The mission of MRCC is to preserve family farms, promote stewardship of the land and environmental integrity, and strive for economic and social justice by building unity and mutual understanding among diverse groups, both rural and urban.
Missouri Rural Crisis Center, 108 Rangeline St, Columbia, MO 65202, (573) 449-1336, e-mail: info@morural.org, website: www.inmotionmagazine.com/staffra.html

Sustainable Alternative Farming Institute
Description: The Sustainable Alternative Farming Institute™ (SAFI) supports farmers, consumers, lenders, and institutions (e.g., universities, government agencies, businesses) through education and research. Services provided through SAFI membership include research plots, individual and group training, and a general store on the farm, carrying sustainable agricultural information in the form of books, seeds, farm equipment, and appropriate technology for sustainable alternative agriculture.
* sustainable agriculture training for individuals and institutions
* sustainable alternative agriculture "knowledge packets"
* research plots
* research hotline, providing research data to farmers and consumers
Sustainable Alternative Farming Institute™ (SAFI), 3903 W Ridge Trail Rd, Clark MO 65243-9525, 800-633-2535, e-mail: info@safi-usa.com, website: www.esafi.com/

Kansas City Food Circle
KC Food Circle Hotline: (816) 374-5899
website: www.KCFoodCircle.org

Kingdom of Callaway Food Circle
Lisa Weil, PO Box 179, (573) 642-5589

Columbia Area Food Circle
Ed and Judith Chmielewski, (573) 446-3700, Dan Kuebler, (573) 443-4038, website: agebb.missouri.edu/sustain/cafc.htm