http://www.feaststl.com/this-months-feast/feature-articles/article_537b5bd2-07f9-11e2-816c-0019bb30f31a.html

A first in the United States, the exhibit is a longstanding tradition in China. The exhibit celebrates Chinese culture and tradition through bold color and design.

This extraordinary exhibit will feature more than two dozen lanterns, many larger in size than the average house or barn. The bright colors, magnificent artistry and skilled silk and steel craftsmanship make them impressive by day. But the exhibit takes on an almost indescribable beauty as the sun sets and the lanterns are set aglow. Watch this video for a sneak peek of this amazing display of color and light.

Tickets are limited and available for purchase in advance online or in person at Missouri Botanical Garden. The event has been featured in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, on the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s blog ThinkOutsidetheBarn.com and even in AgriMissouri’s own Shopping Guide!

In a recent article in the Sikeston Standard Democrat, member Jolene Felter talked about the event. “We want the children to learn how agriculture affects the daily lives of everyone. A lot of them don’t know corn is used in everything from crayons and chalk to medicines and toothpaste.”

The event, which runs until 2 p.m., also connects the young attendees with local 4-H and FFA groups, as the local FFA chapter from Thomas W. Kelly High School hosts a puppet show on farm safety, including how to act around equipment like augers and tractors, and joins Monsanto in leading a session on ATVs. 4-H representatives will teach students about raising their own chickens, including what to feed the animals and how to care for them. The local electric cooperative and Farm Bureau group will also be on hand to share information about energy conservation and safety, and how agriculture makes some popular foods possible.

The Farm Day is one of many ways the Scott County Women in Agriculture connect with their southeast Missouri communities. The group also provides college scholarships for area high school seniors each year – so far nearly $10,000 in scholarships has been awarded to area seniors!

Formed in October of 2000, the group came together as a way to provide fellowship and support in the community, and to educate others about agriculture. Members don’t have to own a farm or be involved in agriculture, but they do share common interests in family, gardening, women’s safety and health issues and cooking.

For more information about the annual Farm Day or the Scott County Women in Agriculture, call Jolene Felter at (573) 545-3772.

When producers buy a glass of organic milk, they often don’t realize the cow the milk came from has been organically raised, with no antibiotics or hormones and is certified organic. The hay the cow eats is certified organic and has never been sprayed with chemical fertilzers or herbicides. The seeds that are spread on the pasture where the hay is grown have been harvested from other certified organic fields. Even the chemicals that clean the bottling plant are certified organic.

Missouri’s certified organic producers are diversified and have been creative in finding the niche markets that fill the organic product pipeline. They are also diversified in how they farm. Very few organic producers are also conventional growers. A fifteen acre certified organic vegetable farm may also have a herd of uncertified cattle on adjacent land. Organic grain handlers typically have conventional grain in adjacent elevators as well.

This diversification strengthens the farms ability to get the best possible price for both their conventional and organic crops by giving them a broader network of buyers and sources of revenue. Most organic products are not sold at auction or commoditized but rather sold direct to a consumer or a processor needing and organic input for a final product. This brings a higher return to the farmer, and can provide a recurring source of income throughout the year. For those selling traditional crops or livestock which are usually sold once per year at auction or on speculation, that extra income can give them more leverage and security when determining the best time to sell conventionally.

Very few growers can make the transition to organic “cold turkey.” Whether it is by converting a little land each year, or if the land they want to certify requires a waiting period, an investment of time and money is often required to make the transition. To help with that, the Missouri Department of Agriculture participates in the Organic Cost Share Program. Through a grant from the USDA, producers, handlers and processors can be reimbursed for 75 percent, up to $750, for each certification, classification of certification or renewal fee. The number of reimbursements has also increased dramatically, doubling since 2010.

To find certified organic producers in Missouri, select “certified organic” under MO Made or MO Grown. To learn more about the Organic Cost Share Program or if you are interested in growing organically contact the Department at (573) 522-4170 . You can also learn more by visiting the Department online at mda.mo.gov.

In the first Morsel, check out the reactions from Lincoln University students and staff when we gave them the opportunity to try Mom’s Mix, a salty-sweet treat from AgriMissouri member Mom’s Originals, Inc. of St. Louis (and the 2011 AgriMissouri Member of the Year!). For week two, the AgriMissouri team shared some zesty, sweet and tangy snack food from Lake of the Ozark’s Black Angus Saloon. The company’s Sweet & Spicy and Sweet & Tangy salsas were a hit with the lunchtime crowd near the Capitol in Jefferson City.

Black Angus Saloon’s Veggie Salsa – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKnJZYxaQ68
Mom’s Originals Mom’s Mix – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZf3afrANUQ

Each week we’ll feature a new company and its products. Check out all of the video features from AgriMissouri and the Missouri Department of Agriculture on our YouTube channel – http://www.youtube.com/user/MoAgriculture – and if you see the AgriMissouri car or team in your area, come say hi!

The 10,000th garden was registered this fall, fulfilling the goal of registering 10,000 gardens throughout the state this year. The gardens registered represent more than 3.6 million square feet, nearly 85 acres of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and native plants.

“Registering 10,000 gardens is a great milestone for our state and an outstanding opportunity for all Missourians to share what they have learned working in the garden, sharing with their neighbors and getting to know others in their communities,” said Dr. Hagler. “The 10,000 Garden Challenge was a great way to connect people to the land, to their churches, schools, communities and their own backyards. This challenge highlights our ability to produce our food and the importance of those who do it, and we thank Gov. Nixon and First Lady Nixon for their continued support.”

“Our gardeners and all of agriculture have shown great generosity this year, donating hundreds of thousands of pounds of produce to food banks, pantries and charitable organizations, making fresh, local produce available to those who might not otherwise have it to enjoy,” said Dr. Hagler.

The Department kicked off the food drive with a donation this morning, including non-perishable items and a cash donation of over $1,000, benefitting food banks across the state. The Department of Agriculture has also challenged other state agencies and the agriculture community to follow in making the choice to give back to those in need.

Through the Harvest for Hunger Food Drive, the Department is accepting donations at their offices in Jefferson City and encouraging all Missourians to donate both fresh and nonperishable food items. The Harvest for Hunger Food Drive will continue through the winter months, concluding in March. All donations and proceeds will go to the Missouri Food Bank Association and be distributed statewide to food banks.

Registering the 10,000th garden also allowed the Department to award a gift certificate to Tractor Supply Company to another lucky gardener. Sandy Perley of Columbia, garden entry number 9,277, was selected randomly and received the tenth $500 gift card to Tractor Supply Company. Perley is a master gardener who volunteers with the Heart of Missouri Master Gardeners at a demonstration garden in Columbia. At the ceremony today, the Heart of Missouri Master Gardeners accepted the gift card, on Sandy’s behalf, to put toward their gardening efforts.

Throughout the garden challenge, participants continuously showed a spirit of giving, donating produce to local food banks, pantries and other charitable organizations as well as to neighbors, friends and family. In carrying on their tradition and as a part of closing out this year’s garden challenge, the Department launched the winter Harvest for Hunger Food Drive today.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge is doing an outstanding job highlighting the efforts of Missourians to provide fresh, nutritious food for themselves and their neighbors,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “The First Lady and I continue to see the momentum build as we approach our 10,000-garden goal with more gardeners getting on board to grow local produce, give a boost to the economy and support Missouri agriculture.”

Kilgore grows and maintains multiple plots in Manheim Park Community Garden, an affiliate of Kansas City Community Gardens, the KC Healthy Kids Initiative and Lincoln University Cooperative Extension’s Kansas City Urban Impact Center.

Kilgore moved to Manheim Park four years ago from Springfield, Mo., and through the garden has connected with everyone and everything going on in the neighborhood, she said. “Growing in a community garden is like having someone come to your table to break bread. It’s about families touching and nourishing families, the essence of community.”

Kay admits she bit off more than she could chew in the beginning, but that with the help of her neighbors and in the environment of a community garden, “the garden trains you as much as you train your garden.”

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge encourages Missourians to get their hands in the dirt and to connect with agriculture, local foods, the outdoors and healthy eating,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “Kay, along with the gardening partners she has found in her neighborhood and Kansas City Community Gardens, is a great example of the benefits of Missourians connecting with others and with agriculture through their food.”

Kansas City Community Gardens is a not-for-profit organization that works with over 1,500 gardens throughout the Kansas City Metro Area, including over 200 school and community plots. The organization is focused on helping children, community groups and individuals living on low or fixed incomes grow their own food in garden plots located in their own backyards and at vacant lots, community centers and schools throughout their neighborhoods.

The 10,000 Garden Challenge kicked off this spring in St. Louis with an announcement by Gov. Jay Nixon, First Lady Georganne Nixon and Dr. Jon Hagler encouraging Missourians to connect to agriculture by growing fresh produce, native plants and ornamental flowers in their backyards and communities. Since that time, over 9,000 Missouri gardeners have registered their plots in the 10,000 Garden Challenge. After every 1,000th garden is registered, a drawing is held for a $500 gift certificate from Tractor Supply Company.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge is doing an outstanding job highlighting the efforts of Missourians to provide fresh, nutritious food for themselves and their neighbors,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “The First Lady and I continue to see the momentum build with more gardeners getting on board to grow local produce, give a boost to the economy and support Missouri agriculture.”

Eisenbruan is one of two garden leaders at the Maple Place Community Garden, where she maintains two plots and donates the produce to people in the community who might not otherwise have regular access to produce or be able to garden themselves.

Her involvement in the community garden is about forming relationships and deepening existing ones with members of her community, she said. “The most rewarding part for me is delivering the produce I have grown.”

In the spirit of the community garden, she plans to work with the group to decide how to best use her $500 prize from their participation in the 10,000 Garden Challenge to benefit everyone involved in the garden.

The Maple Place Community Garden began two years ago, with Eisenbruan’s help, through a grant from Gateway Greening. The community garden is home to 16 plots cared for by individuals and families, as well as ornamental plantings cared for by the group.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge encourages Missourians to get their hands in the dirt and to connect with agriculture, local foods, the outdoors and healthy eating,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “Holly and the entire team at the Maple Place Community Garden are a great example of the benefits of Missourians connecting with their neighbors and agriculture through their food.”

The 10,000 Garden Challenge kicked off this spring in St. Louis with an announcement by Gov. Jay Nixon, First Lady Georganne Nixon and Dr. Jon Hagler encouraging Missourians to connect to agriculture by growing fresh produce, native plants and ornamental flowers in their backyards and communities. Since that time, over 8,000 Missouri gardeners have registered their plots in the 10,000 Garden Challenge. After every 1,000th garden is registered, a drawing is held for a $500 gift certificate from Tractor Supply Company.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge is doing an outstanding job of highlighting the efforts of Missourians to provide fresh, nutritious food for themselves and their neighbors,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “The First Lady and I continue to see the momentum build with more gardeners getting on board to grow local produce, give a boost to the economy and support Missouri agriculture.”

Teri currently grows three gardens totaling over 1,000 square feet of flowers and vegetables. She grows “lots of everything” and says, “what we don’t eat or put away for ourselves goes to our six children and nine grandchildren.”

Teri has been gardening her entire life, including growing up on a truck farm in Lafayette County. One of her favorite things to do is wrap all of her green tomatoes in newspaper and store them in a cool dark space at the end of the season so that she always has ripe tomatoes to share with her entire family at Christmas.

Ron and Teri are AgriMissouri members and the owners of McBee Cattle Company. Their company specializes in breeding Braunvieh Angus Hybrids that they market as “McBeef Builder Hybrids”. They also process and sell their own grass-fed beef. Ron is the president of the Braunvieh Cattleman’s Association and plants numerous Missouri native plants as part of his rotational grazing program. Their farm has 1600 acres in conservation management through the USDA/NRCS EQIP Program and is a model of land stewardship.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge encourages Missourians to get their hands in the dirt and to connect with agriculture, local foods, the outdoors and healthy eating,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “The McBee’s are a great example of Missouri’s agricultural spirit.”

The 10,000 Garden Challenge kicked off this spring with an announcement by Gov. Jay Nixon, First Lady Georganne Nixon and Dr. Jon Hagler encouraging Missourians to connect to agriculture by growing fresh produce, native plants and ornamental flowers in their backyards and communities. Since that time, over 7,000 Missouri gardeners have registered their plots in the 10,000 Garden Challenge. After every 1,000th garden is registered, a drawing is held for a $500 gift certificate from Tractor Supply Company.

Missourians can register their gardens as individuals or as groups at http://AgriMissouri.com. The 10,000 Garden Challenge website offers helpful gardening resources, including tips on vegetable planting, calendars and health and nutrition facts.

To learn more about the 10,000 Garden Challenge, visit http://AgriMissouri.com. For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit http://mda.mo.gov.

Note: A videoclip highlighting the McBees and their farm is available online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6EC8zTbXM.

“Programs like the Organic Certification Cost Share Program are outstanding tools for our producers, and one of the many ways the Department of Agriculture works to move Missouri agriculture forward,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Hagler. “Missouri is currently home to more than 200 USDA Certified Organic producers, many of whom have found opportunities for their businesses through the program.”

As a result of recent growth, Missouri received a 40 percent increase in available funding for the 2012 program from the USDA. Funds will be used to reimburse producers and handlers for 75 percent of their certification costs, up to $750.

Through its Ag Business Development Division, the Department has participated in the Organic Certification Cost Share Program since the USDA launched this program three years ago.

To participate in the program, businesses must obtain or renew their organic certification, complete an application and document their certification costs through Sept. 30, 2012. Applications for cost share funds will be reimbursed in the order applications are received until funds are exhausted or the eligibility period ends, whichever comes first.

To find certified organic producers in Missouri and their products, visit AgriMisouri.com. To learn more about the organic cost-share program or the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit mda.mo.gov.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge is doing an outstanding job of highlighting the efforts of Missourians to provide fresh, nutritious food for themselves and their neighbors,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “The First Lady and I continue to see the momentum build with more gardeners getting on board to grow local produce, give a boost to the economy and support Missouri agriculture.”

Addison currently grows over 500 square feet of vegetables in her garden, which includes “a little bit of everything,” she said. She credits her grandparents with developing her love of gardening.

She preserves much of her produce – an activity she finds very rewarding. This year, Addison has canned over 70 quarts of salsa from five tomato varieties she purchased from Shirk’s Country Market in Centertown, Mo.

Addison learned about the Challenge during her visit to the Missouri State Fair, and was the 5,399th gardener to register at AgriMissouri.com. She received a $500 gift certificate from Tractor Supply Company through her participation in the Challenge and will be featured on the 10,000 Garden Challenge website at http://agrimissouri.com.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge connects Missourians with agriculture, local foods, the outdoors and healthy eating and Addison serves as an excellent example of the opportunities found in growing your own produce and being involved in the local farmers’ markets,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler.

The 10,000 Garden Challenge kicked off this spring with an announcement by Gov. Jay Nixon, First Lady Georganne Nixon and Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler encouraging Missourians to connect to agriculture by growing fresh produce, native plants and ornamental flowers in their backyards and communities. Since that time, over 6,000 Missouri gardeners have registered their plots in the 10,000 Garden Challenge. After every 1,000th garden is registered, a drawing is held for a $500 gift certificate from Tractor Supply Company.

Missourians can register their gardens as individuals or as groups at AgriMissouri.com. The 10,000 Garden Challenge website offers helpful gardening resources, including tips on vegetable planting, calendars and health and nutrition facts.

To learn more about the 10,000 Garden Challenge, visit AgriMissouri.com. For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit mda.mo.gov.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge is doing an outstanding job of highlighting the efforts of Missourians to provide fresh, nutritious food for themselves and their neighbors,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “The First Lady and I continue to see the momentum build with more gardeners getting on board to grow local produce, give a boost to the economy and support Missouri agriculture.”

Sassman lives and gardens on Share-Life Farm near Marshall. She registered her garden during an event at the Columbia Farmers’ Market, where she often sells organic produce she and her brother grow on Share-Life Farm.

Share-Life Farm is a USDA-certified organic operation and AgriMissouri member. Their produce is available at the Columbia and Blue Springs farmers’ markets and through a community supported agriculture (CSA) program at the farm.

Sassman will receive a $500 gift certificate from Tractor Supply Company and will be featured on the 10,000 Garden Challenge website.

“The 10,000 Garden Challenge is intended to connect Missourians with agriculture, local foods, the outdoors and healthy eating and Ms. Sassman serves as an excellent example of the opportunities found in growing your own produce and being involved in the local farmers’ markets,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler.

The 10,000 Garden Challenge kicked off this spring with an announcement by Gov. Jay Nixon, First Lady Georganne Nixon and Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler encouraging Missourians to connect to agriculture by growing fresh produce, native plants and ornamental flowers in their backyards and communities. Since that time, over 5,000 Missouri gardeners have registered their plots in the 10,000 Garden Challenge. After every 1,000th garden is registered, a drawing is held for a $500 gift certificate from Tractor Supply Company.

Missourians can register their gardens as individuals or as groups at AgriMissouri.com. The 10,000 Garden Challenge website offers helpful gardening resources, including tips on vegetable planting, calendars and health and nutrition facts.

To learn more about the 10,000 Garden Challenge, visit AgriMissouri.com. For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit mda.mo.gov.

“The overall winning photograph perfectly captures the very essence of farm life,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “The talent and hard work shown in each of these photos is a testament to the people of Missouri’s agriculture industry. These images are exactly what we were hoping to see when we announced this contest. The pride, hard work and indelible spirit of farm families comes through in every shot.”

Photographers submitted photos into four main categories, which included The Beauty of the Farm, The Farmer’s Life, The Faces of the Farm and The Pride of the Farm. A fifth category, called The Children’s Barnyard was exclusively for photographers age 12 and under. In total, 31 winners were selected by a panel of expert judges consisting of Missouri Department of Conservation Art Director Cliff White, USDA Rural Development Public Information Coordinator George Thomas, University of Missouri Extension Service Senior Information Specialist Curt Wohleber and Brooke Kempker, Missouri Department of Agriculture Marketing and Graphics Specialist.

The winning photos were displayed in the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair and are now available online. A list of winners is below:

BEST OF SHOW:
“Getting the Job Done” by Colene McWilliams of Ray County, Mo.

THE BEAUTY OF THE FARM:
First Place: “Sunset from a Barn Loft” by Heather Aulgur of Marshall, Mo.
First Runner Up: “On My Way To Work” by Tammi Elbert of Washington, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Beautiful Little Goat” by Colene McWilliams of Ray County, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Evening in the Field” by Courtney Jones of Stockton, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Missouri Grain Bins” by Jeff Faller of Mayview, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Winter Wagon” by Jenny Holt of Mayview, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Field with Red Barn” by Larry Braun of Scott County, Mo.

FACES OF THE FARM:
First Place: “Just like Pops” by Karen Kinsler of Elsberry, Mo.
First Runner Up: “Chicks Dig Me!” by Chris Mattson of Stanberry, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Country Boys” by Dawn Stone of Eolia, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Devotion” by Connie Smiley of Ozark, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Touch and Kiss of a Farm Family” by Elishah Watson of Branson, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Curiosity” by Jamie Patton of Maryville, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Will and Dusty” by Danelle Engel of Worth, Mo.

THE FARMER’S LIFE:
First Place: “Preparing a Meal” by Alex Snyder of Green Castle, Mo.
First Runner Up: “Tractor Trouble” by Danelle Engel of Worth County, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Koby’s Elbow Grease” by Brenda Linder of Green Castle, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Old School” by Jean Rissover of Ste. Genevieve County, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Perfect Silhouette” by Tammi Elbert of Washington, Mo.

THE PRIDE OF THE FARM:
First Place: “Wheat Harvest” by Trinnade Hughes of Nevada, Mo.
First Runner Up: “Lily” by Charmian Petal Stanley of Carrollton, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “My Pigs” by Clara Jungermann, Lincoln County, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Farm Hands Gathering” by Elishah Watson of Branson, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Ford Tough” by Michelle Pearson
Honorable Mention: “Rusty” by Marcy Mason of Princeton, Mo.

CHILDREN’S BARNYARD:
First Place: “Old Red Barn” by Cody Jedlicka, age 5, Rover, Mo.
First Runner Up: “Baby Blue Jays” by Simeon Yemm, age 10, of Marquand, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “The Winding Road” by Brianna Baker of Troy, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Chicken Talk” by Hannah Willis, age 9, of Troy, Mo.
Honorable Mention: “Working in the Corn” by James Lober, age 9, of Moscow Mills, Mo.

For more information on the 2011 Focus on Missouri Agriculture photo contest or other Missouri Department of Agriculture programs, visit mda.mo.gov.

“Last year’s competition brought many great bakers together to share their favorite pie recipes. We are continuing this tradition of an American pie by encouraging Missourians to enter their favorite recipe,” said First Lady Georganne Nixon. “One of my fondest memories is the smell of a hot apple pie coming from my mother’s kitchen. We hope this pie contest will help Missouri families make some memories of their own at this year’s State Fair.”

The contest is divided into two categories – soft pies (custard/cream) and fruit pies. Winners in each of those categories will be awarded cash prizes. The Best of Show will receive $150.

The First Lady’s Pie Contest is open to all amateur bakers and will be held at 10 a.m., Thurs., Aug. 18 in the Home Economics Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. This year during the First Lady’s Pie Contest judging, a pie baking seminar will be held on the Consumer Showcase stage led by Mrs. Faye Hutton, one of the Missouri State Fair’s most decorated home economics competitors.

The First Lady’s Pie Contest is being sponsored by AgriMissouri.com and Starline Brass of Sedalia.

For more information on the First Lady’s Pie Contest, contest rules and the official entry form, visit MO.gov.

The Champion of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Missouri’s farmers’ markets. The award is given annually by AgriMissouri and the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association.

“We are proud of the great contributions Tim has made toward teaching youth and his community the importance of growing fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “His commitment to sharing his love of gardening with others is inspiring and Tim’s recognition as 2011 Champions of the Year is well deserved.”

Tim is a long-time grower who has shown a commitment to teaching others. In 2004, he connected with other growers in the Webb City area through a University of Missouri Extension workshop on selling produce at farmers’ markets, including then 12-year-old Josh. With Tim’s guidance, the young man began growing and selling tomatoes and blackberries. And in less than six years, Josh’s operation had grown to include more than 1,000 tomato plants and had paid for his pickup truck.

Tim now works through the Webb City Farmers’ Market to teach others, including individuals within his native Hmong community, basic and advanced skills for growing and selling produce. He leads a well-received series of workshops on the use of high tunnels for growing vegetables, and most recently, he has shared knowledge gained on his farm about the impact of heavy irrigation on water pH and the effects of lowered pH on production.

Tim also serves as president of the Webb City Farmers’ Market Board and led the effort to require all produce growers at the market complete a food safety course. Further, Tim serves as a mentor to other farmers’ market growers, including market manager Eileen Nichols.

“Tim and his family are considered market treasures,” said Eileen Nichols, market manager of the Webb City Farmers’ Market and secretary of the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association. “We are delighted to see him recognized as the champion he is for our market and for growers throughout the state.”

Tim and his wife Violet volunteer with the local Kids Community Garden, growing the plants and securing donations for necessary materials and donating their time and plants to the annual “Let’s Plant a Garden” day.

For more information about AgriMissouri, visit AgriMissouri.com.