Farm fresh products help keep local farms alive

Sara Brown, Corner Post Special Contributor 

Dec. 12, 2002 - As the holiday season comes upon us, more consumers are looking for safer and better quality food for their family dinners. Others are looking for quality ornamental produce or specialty gifts for the holiday season.

Many farmers around Columbia and central Missouri are marketing their products toward individual consumers to compensate for low farm prices the last few years.

According to the USDA's Economic Research Service, net cash income from farm businesses is forecast to decline by an average of 16 percent in 2002. Therefore, farmers are looking for other ways to make a profit.

Don Mayse, owner of Sho-Me Farms in Columbia, is one example. He raises purebred Shorthorn cattle and markets individual cuts of meat through Hy-Vee grocery stores, farmers' markets and through a store at his farm, located south of Columbia, off of U.S. Highway 63.

The animals raised on Sho-Me Farms are not exposed to hormones, which some consumers believe affect the quality of meat. They say cattle raised on small farms, rather than in large feedlots, often results in more tender and flavorful meat because of handling and feeding methods.

"We try our best to provide the very best beef product," Mayse said. "Every step of production is a step of quality."

In the past, Sho-Me Farms offered sides or whole beef to consumers, but by processing the meat at a local locker, they could offer consumers a more diversified selection, without having to buy a whole animal. This also gives them more economic profitability when compared with selling to a sale barn.

Mayse and Sho-Me Farms became part of the Agri-Missouri Program about three years ago. This program, funded by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, focuses on research, promotion and labeling Missouri products. By identifying these products as made in Missouri, producers involved in the Agri-Missouri Program hope consumers will choose those products rather than foreign products.
"The program's goal is to increase recognition for the Agri-Missouri brand and to increase purchase of Missouri products," Agri-Missouri promotions specialist Carolyn Mullins said.

Mayse emphasized that the main benefit to his business was the encouragement from the program that he was doing something positive, not only for his farm and for other Missouri producers, but also for the consumer.

The program works with farmers and small businesses across the state to increase the sale of Missouri-made products. It provides information for the business owner and consumers about agriculture; allows the Agri-Missouri brand to be used; and promotes Agri-Missouri products at several governmental and agricultural functions throughout the year.

Although a majority of the participants in the program are traditional farmers and producers, products also include candles, candy, Christmas trees, flowers and plants. A complete list of products and retailers can be found in the Agri-Missouri Buyer's Guide, available from the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Other local farmers are also starting their own business ventures, apart from traditional farming practices.

Roger Allen of Centralia, a 14-year farmer, has included about 10 acres of pumpkins to his row crop farm. Allen sold his pumpkins to grocery stores, such as Darby's Country Mart in Mexico, Mo. and Megamarket in Columbia. Because he is a local grower, the pumpkins were fresher and often delivered before another distributor could ship them.

Allen said he predicts that more farmers will go to direct marketing and specialty crops because of apprehension about the economy and the new federal farm program, as well as consolidation in the farm sector. Next year, Allen plans to expand his pumpkin patch to include other ornamental gourds and U-pick produce.

Although Allen is not involved in the Agri-Missouri program, he is one of many Missouri farmers who have looked for ways to add value to products and to increase farm income. Value-added products, which are the result of taking raw agricultural products and changing them into more useful products by manufacturing, processing or marketing, are becoming another way for farmers to continue their lifestyles.

"By vertically integrating and going direct from farm to consumers, we cut out the middleman," Mayse said.

That means more money in the farmer's pocket.

In the midst of low commodity prices, farmers face several options. Some quit the business, some fall deeper in debt, others change production practices and some find off-farm jobs.

When these hard times come, most farmers will find any way to keep their farms.
Mayse and Allen have added to their individual operations by providing products that are fresher and of higher quality than the competition.

This holiday season, farmers are hoping consumers will take advantage of their premium farm products. Mayse and Allen are just two examples of local farmers who, through creative marketing, are trying to keep their operations financially secure.

Visit these Web sites for more information about Agri-Missouri products:
Sho-Me Farms: www.shomefarms.com
Missouri Department of Agriculture: www.mda.state.mo.us

Story posted 12/14/02

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