Governor Proclaims May as Beef Month

On behalf of Missouri cattlemen and cattlewomen throughout the state, Governor Mike Parson proclaimed May to be Beef Month in Missouri. Governor Parson presented the proclamation at Hertzog Meat Co. in Butler. Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and members of Missouri Cattleman’s Association and Missouri Beef Industry Council joined the Governor and the Hertzog family for the proclamation.

“We’re always excited to proclaim May as Beef Month in Missouri and celebrate Missouri farmers and ranchers,” Governor Mike Parson said. “As a third-generation cattleman, I appreciate the opportunity to promote the beef industry and all the hard-working producers across our state. Missouri cattlemen are second to none when it comes to raising quality, nutritious beef for consumers here in Missouri and across the nation.”

“Missouri is consistently a national leader in beef production,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “Our abundant grass and water allow Missouri cattlemen and women to feed the world. Many operations are multi-generation, which shows the commitment and the dedication our producers have to being good stewards of the land to raise a quality product.”

Hertzog meat Co. is a multi-generational, USDA-inspected processing facility in Butler, Mo. Founded by Jim and Kathy Hertzog. Hertzog Meat Co. expanded to its current size in 2021. Consumers can purchase beef and pork cuts from the retail counter to enjoy for supper that same evening. Hertzog Meat Co. also provides beef to several restaurants in multiple states.

“This is our passion,” Todd Hertzog said. “We truly take pride in this operation. It is so nice to share the same passion and pride for the industry as Governor Mike Parson. Hertzog Meat Co. is focused on local production and telling the family story.”

Missouri ranks third nationally in the number of beef cows with more than two million head and is consistently among the leading states for total cattle production. The meat processing industry contributes nearly $6 million to the state’s economy, according to a recent study showing the economic contribution of Missouri agriculture.

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

To learn more about the beef industry in Missouri, visit MoCattle.org or MoBeef.org.

New ARPA Website Launched

Governor Mike Parson recently announced the launch of a public website to help guide access to Missouri's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The website, moarpa.mo.gov, enables visitors to learn about how ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds are being spent in Missouri. The website will also provide information on how Missouri organizations, non-profits, municipalities, businesses, communities, and other entities can apply for the State’s ARPA funds.

“We want to use this historic funding to make responsible investments that best serve Missourians," Governor Parson said. "This website provides a one-stop shop to see how these funds are being spent and also how to apply for funding. We owe it to the people of Missouri to be transparent in our spending efforts and ensure these funds are used in the most effective ways possible.”

There are certain categories of allowable spending under federal regulations for the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The eligible categories of spending include projects or programs that support public health expenditures; address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19; replace lost public sector revenue; or invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.  

While some funding has been appropriated for fiscal year 2022, the Missouri General Assembly truly agreed upon and finally passed HB 3020 on May 6, 2022, which allocates a majority of Missouri’s State Fiscal Recovery Funds for specific purposes. Governor Parson has until July 1, 2022, to take action on the bill. Once the budget is finalized and implementation of the funding begins, additional information will be added and maintained on the website. Until that time, the information on the website will be somewhat limited.  

As of May 27th, the only grant programs accepting applications are the water, wastewater, stormwater, and lead service line inventory grant programs. The remaining grant programs will begin accepting applications after July 1 and into the fall.  

Signed into federal law on March 11, 2021, ARPA includes funding for states and local governments to mitigate the negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic (State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds).  Missouri was allocated approximately $2.7 billion in State Fiscal Recovery Funds under ARPA.

Per federal law, all ARPA funded programs and grants must be allocated by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026.

To view the state's new website for ARPA funding information and opportunities, click here. 

"You Are Worth the Battle" Campaign Provides Resources for Veterans

Missouri is home to more than 400,000 Veterans and more than 35,500 military members. You yourself may even be a service member, veteran, or family member. It can almost be guaranteed that you have had some kind of interaction with this group of individuals. We also realize that veterans, like many others, may be experiencing their own mental health challenge. In recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we would like to provide you with resources and training opportunities to help you learn more about mental health for this population.

Missouri Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Veterans Commission, Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri National Guard, Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the Office of the Military Advocate have created the “You Are Worth the Battle" Campaign (YAWTB). The campaign is designed as a way to educate and train Missourians on how to identify and help service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF) during a mental health crisis. YAWTB provides resources, training opportunities, and practical steps to take before, during, and after a suicidal crisis. By educating the public, SMVF stand a better chance of getting the help they need. You are Worth the Battle aims to help give every member of the community resources and practical advice on how to handle someone in crisis and what to do if you need help.

The U.S. Department of Defense has recently reported that suicide rates among active-duty military members in 2021 have been at the highest level since the Great Depression. There were 176 confirmed or pending suicide deaths for active-duty military in 2021, and 174 the year prior. According to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention annual report, veterans accounted for 6,261 of 45,861 U.S. adult suicide deaths in 2019. There were also 202 military family members’ deaths in 2019 linked to suicide.

To find mental health resources aimed at active duty, veterans, and their family members, please visit the Missouri Benefits and Resource Portal. The Portal is a service guide meant to help SMVF find local resources for everything from mental health to employment and more. If you are a veteran or know a veteran in crisis, please call the Veteran Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 PRESS 1 or text 838255.

PsychArmor, which is a national nonprofit organization that provides education and training to improve health and life outcomes of military-connected individuals, teamed up with the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) to provide free suicide prevention training. “Helping Others Hold On” will give tools and tips to recognize, understand, and combat suicidal feelings in Veterans. Visit learn.psycharmor.org/courses/helping-others-hold-on to take the training on May 27th. PsychArmor offers several free classes concerning topics critical to the military community, including hiring Veterans, Veteran spouses, suicide prevention, and education. These courses count towards your continuing education and can be entered in the ESS portal under training.

Simple steps like knowing how to start a mental health conversation and how to identify common signs of a mental health crisis can help save a life.

The State of Missouri is committed to doing its part in ending suicide among SMVF. We know that one suicide is one too many. A mental health crisis can happen at any time to anyone. Join us on our mission to help educate and train our communities on suicide prevention techniques. Remember, You Are Worth the Battle.