Value Added Agriculture

Agriculture especially row crop and beef cattle production is the major land use in the Prairie Rose RC&D area.  Various farming practices and uncertain markets greatly affect income.  The average net farm income, based on 1989 data, was $6,088, while the average non-farming income was $15,791.

A more diverse agriculture with increased crop rotations, specially crops, alternative agriculture, rotational grazing, expanded forage choices, and timber stand improvement would benefit the soil and the agriculture economy of the area.

RC&D Goal:

To increase agricultural income for all aspects of the area's resource base.

Strategies: 
bullet Assist local soil and water conservation districts to provide soil information to land users for environmentally sound decisions. 
bullet Make resource inventories more accessible to agencies to facilitate comprehensive planning and land use. 
bullet Present alternative farming information to area residents through public meetings and local agricultural offices, and follow up with interested landowners and producers.
bullet Develop agricultural industries to process locally grown products. 
bullet Develop regional farmers' markets, wholesale grocery outlets (etc.) within the area.
bulletAssist in determining which agricultural products have the best potential for utilizing value added marketing, target one product or crop, and develop its value added, component market as an example to follow for other products. 
bulletDevelop a marketing plan for the targeted product. 

Links:

Central Missouri Pecan Project

Latest Revision: Wednesday September 23, 2009 09:56:09 AM