Governor Parson Proclaims October as Pork Month in Missouri

Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed October as Pork Month in the state of Missouri, in recognition of the high-quality pork produced by Missouri pig farmers and their families. Missouri’s pork industry ranks sixth in the nation and contributes nearly $800 million to the state’s economy annually.

“We are proud to highlight the success of Missouri’s pork industry,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Swine producers continue to make great strides in both sustainability and quality. We recognize Missouri pig farmers not only during Pork Month, but every day. Thanks to their hard work, we have better and healthier pork products than ever before.”

Tremendous progress has been made in the pork industry through research in genetics, resulting in an economical and nutritious product for today’s consumers. Pork producers across the country continue to make progress in overall sustainability by being more efficient every day.

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, members of the Missouri Pork Association and industry leaders joined for the Pork Month proclamation ceremony at the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

“We are honored to host the Pork Month proclamation ceremony at the Department each year,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “My Husband, Kevin, and I are hog producers ourselves. We value and understand the work Missouri pork producers put in each day. This group is always working to provide the most nutritious, affordable pork possible.”

To learn more about Pork Month and the Missouri pork industry, visit https://www.mopork.com/.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov. 

Food Insecure Urban Ag Matching Grants Announced

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced today that 16 projects will receive funding through the Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Matching Grant. The competitive grant program will provide up to $50,000 per project to address food insecurity in urban areas.

“With the increase in urban agriculture operations throughout the state, these funds are incredibly valuable in addressing food insecurity,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “Partnerships like this allow urban citizens the opportunity to consume healthy, safe agriculture products.”

Grant funds may be used to increase food production and availability within an urban area; demonstrate growth of local economic communities; increase local economic impact; increase availability of food to local residents; or enhance already established areas within a community and provide assistance to the community.

The following projects were awarded grant funding in 2022:

• A Red Circle, St. Louis
• Better Family Life, Inc. (BFL), St. Louis
• Community Grocers, Kansas City
• Global One KC - Staroyce N. Nealy, Kansas City
• Green Acres Urban Farm & Research Project, Kansas City
• Joplin Empire Market, Joplin
• KC Community Gardens, Kansas City
• Linwood Property Inc. (LPI), Kansas City
• Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association, Kansas City
• Propel Kitchens, St. Louis
• Ramsey Garden at Quinn Chapel A.M.E., Jefferson City
• Springfield Community Gardens, Springfield
• Joseph Community Garden, St. Joseph
• Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church, Kansas City
• The Fit & Food Connection, St. Louis
• Urban Harvest STL, St. Louis

More information about the Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Matching Grant can be found at Agriculture.Mo.Gov. To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and other financial assistance, please visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

Black Walnut Harvest Begins in October

The fall season brings many different things for Missourians, including black walnuts beginning to fall all over the area. Missouri is a national leader in black walnut production, and many Missourians will continue a time-honored tradition of picking them up for delivery to a hulling station.

Every year, thousands of people participate in the harvest with friends and family, picking up wild black walnuts on their land and the land of their neighbors (with permission). They sell the nuts to a nearby hulling station to earn extra money, to clean up their yard, or because it’s a fall tradition.

Harvesters are encouraged to pick up black walnuts within the first few weeks of October when the nuts have recently fallen and their hulls are mostly green. Harvesters should bring the nuts to a hulling station within three days of harvesting. Buying will continue into mid-November, but harvesters should check with buying stations for times of operation.

Harvesters can find a hulling station by visiting black-walnuts.com/harvest. Find instructions and more information at black-walnuts.com/discover-harvesting-and-hulling. Stay up to date on all things harvest by visiting “Hammons Black Walnuts” on Facebook.