Agriculture is currently characterized by stagnate prices and
continuing concentrations within the industry. The focus of most agricultural
development strategies center on efforts to help farmers capture more added
value from their products and explore new products or technologies.
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Assist farmers to add value to their crops through the formation of new-generation farmer owned cooperatives for corn and soybeans examples being soy diesel, ethanol, bagging facilities, and soybean crushing. |
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Promote the development of a diverse aquaculture industry in the Bootheel to capitalize on local advantages in water availability and suitable soils. |
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Help farmers to evaluate new agribusiness opportunities and technologies by sponsoring an annual Delta Enterprise conference in cooperation with University of Missouri/ Lincoln University Outreach and Extension. |
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Research the establishment of a specialty melon industry in Southeastern Missouri. |
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Help local rice farmers to identify new specialty markets both domestic and international. |
Right: Ribbon Cutting at new Distribution Center in New Madrid, Missouri for SE MO/Southern Illinois Small Farmer Vegetable Cooperative. Cooperative President Roy Cooper is shown performing the honors.
Abundant, cheap water is a major competitive advantage of the Bootheel area. Conservation and protection of this resource continues to be a major focus of the Bootheel RC&D. A past project of the RC&D was the formation of the Southeast Missouri Regional Water District, a grass roots effort to manage ground water supply in the Bootheel.
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Work with Southeast Missouri Regional Water District to develop and implement a geographic information system tracking of all irrigation wells in the Bootheel. |
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Monitor ground water quality and quantity by annual testing to establish basis line data and monitor changes in water quality or quantity. |
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Expand winter flooding of rice fields to recharge ground water, control erosion, and improve habitat for waterfowl. |
The agriculture community frequently tends to be reactive to environmental problems and concerns of the general public. The Bootheel RC&D seeks to be proactive in addressing these concerns by developing strategies that are realistic and achievable for the agriculture.
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Reduce the amount of crop residues burned in the Bootheel by researching funding opportunities for demonstrations and cost sharing projects. |
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Secure funding for feasibility study, marketing study and implementation of reclamation and recycling for agricultural solid waste. |
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Provide funding for study and implementation of improved wetland management techniques |
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Improve the Geographic Information Systems computer capability
of all USDA offices to more accurately monitor the condition of natural
resources in the area. |
USDA has frequently under served minority and limited resource farmers in the past. These farmers have special needs frequently relating to small size of their operations that limit income potential. The Bootheel RC&D seeks to address these problems by assisting these farmers to move into higher value crops and exploring niche markets supported by cooperatives.
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Explore new niche markets for local vegetable producers, such as the Asian markets in St. Louis. |
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Assist with the formation of new specialty cooperatives such as oriental vegetables, organic vegetables, specialty melons, aquaculture, etc. |
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Promote and support development of Women in Ag organizations in all six counties. |
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Provide direction and leadership in development of Regional Women in Ag |
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Promote participation in the Conservation Security Program to minority, limited resource and beginning farmers |
Area Women in Ag groups provided refreshments and hospitality to visiting dignitaries and members of the Cooperative at the Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the new Distribution Center.
Below: Acorn squash and eggplant are being packed for shipment at the Cooperative's Distribution Center.
Long term population decline, poverty, and job deterioration economically characterize the Bootheel region of Missouri. Many organizations are working in the area to address these concerns. The RC&D has identified several areas for their focus based on the strengths of our organization.
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Assist with the program development and utilization of the Telecommunications Center at the Delta Center. |
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Provide planning and administrative assistance to Southeast Missouri Economic Development Alliance as requested. |
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Provide assistance and support to area Chamber of Commerce groups |
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Continue partnership with Stoddard County Industrial Development Authority |
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Support the St. John’s - New Madrid Floodway Project. |
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Continue assistance and support to formation of cooperatives in the area |
