Missouri Agriculture

In 2025, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank faced unique challenges, including tornadoes and a government shutdown affecting SNAP. They distributed over 14 million pounds of food, equating to 12.3 million meals, and served an average of 80,000 individuals monthly. Despite a 30% increase in their food budget for 2026, they received 664,000 fewer pounds from the USDA's TEFAP program. The food bank operates 300 mobile food pantries annually, each serving 200 families, and relies heavily on 4,500 volunteers. They also source produce from local farmers and retail rescue programs. The food bank encourages volunteering, donations, and social media sharing to support their efforts.

In 2025, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank faced unique challenges, including tornadoes and a government shutdown affecting SNAP. They distributed over 14 million pounds of food, equating to 12.3 million meals, and served an average of 80,000 individuals monthly. Despite a 30% increase in their food budget for 2026, they received 664,000 fewer pounds from the USDA's TEFAP program. The food bank operates 300 mobile food pantries annually, each serving 200 families, and relies heavily on 4,500 volunteers. They also source produce from local farmers and retail rescue programs. The food bank encourages volunteering, donations, and social media sharing to support their efforts.

Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the sale of lab-grown – or cell-cultured – meat in the state. They say the legislation is meant to address concerns about the health effects of lab-grown meat and protect farmers and the livestock industry, which contributes about $93 billion a year to Missouri’s economy.

Missouri farmers are feeling the strain after the U.S. Department of Agriculture abruptly pulled funding for the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, a program that helped small producers access markets and upgrade equipment. Local farm leaders warn the loss could stall growth and weaken Missouri’s local food networks.

In this episode of 'SEMO Spotlight', we speak with Lainey Canning, a senior at Southeast Missouri State University studying Agri-Business: Animal Science and Agricultural Communication. Lainey is also a member of the Marching Band, up for election as "Woman of the Year" for the 2025 Homecoming season.

In this episode of 'SEMO Spotlight', we speak with Lainey Canning, a senior at Southeast Missouri State University studying Agri-Business: Animal Science and Agricultural Communication. Lainey is also a member of the Marching Band, up for election as "Woman of the Year" for the 2025 Homecoming season.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released funds for farmer-driven agriculture research in Missouri and nationwide after a months-long delay. Farmers across the country launched a campaign to insist the government release the money, which it did in mid-September. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program grants funds to farmers and ranchers for on-farm studies and helps distribute the results.

Missouri hog farmers are stepping into the national spotlight as Congress considers Prop 12, California’s crate-free pork law. They say losing the law would wipe out a fair market that rewards crate-free pork.

Southeast Missouri State University’s Sikeston campus welcomes Saluna, a St. Louis-based agricultural technology startup focused on advancing hemp as a competitive and sustainable alternative for farmers.

As national debates heat up over SNAP and school meal cuts, Missouri leaders are stepping in. Born out of the Ferguson movement, A Red Circle has been working since 2017 to fight racial and economic gaps in North St. Louis County, using food, education, wellness, and the arts to uplift the community.