AgriMissouri

Looking for Missouri Apples?

Apples are falling from the trees but orchards don't have as many as normal. The late spring freeze really took a bite out of this year's apple crop but several farms are still open selling apples, pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, mums and a variety of other fall products.

I visited Peters Market recently and purchased Missouri Jonathan apples. Paul said they aren't offering u-pick this year due to the freeze but the Market is still open. In addition to apples, I purchased pumpkins and gourds for decoration and Missouri popcorn, grown in Trenton, Mo. Other goodies available for purchase include apple cider, apple cider slushy, Oh So Good jam, cheese ball mixes and many other tasty treats.

Peters Market is located right off Highway 65 outside of Waverly, Mo. Visit their web site for directions and hours of operation.

To find information on other orchards, visit the following web sites.
AgriMissouri Buyer's Guide

University of Missouri - Horticulture

Oklahoma Agritourism Conference

On November 6-7, 2007 the Oklahoma Agritourism Program will be offering an Agritourism and Alternative Agriculture Conference at the Ardmore Convention Center. The program topics include Diversifying the Family Farm, Turning Traditional Farming/Ranching Land into Alternative Uses, Reducing Insurance Premiums and Financing.

Early registration ends October 20, after that the fees are increased. To register for the conference visit Oklahoma Agritourism.

AgriMissouri Visible at the Tour of Missouri

Greetings! I apologize I haven't posted anything for two weeks. Time really flies!

The reason I haven't posted anything is myself and my fellow Department of Agriculture colleagues were getting ready and then exhibiting at the Tour of Missouri bike race. Professional cyclists from across the world participated in the Tour of Missouri. To give you an idea of the caliber of riders, Alberto Contador, the Tour de France winner rode in the Tour of Missouri. The tour lasted six days and the cyclists pedaled over 600 miles of scenic Missouri roads. I was amazed at all the cycling fans that showed up to support the riders.

You may be wondering what AgriMissouri was doing at a bike race? AgriMissouri participated in the Health & Wellness Expos in the six finish cities: Kansas City, Springfield, Branson, Columbia, St. Charles and St. Louis. We promoted the AgriMissouri web site and brand to the spectators who gathered to cheer the riders to the finish line. We distributed the farmers' market and agritourism brochures, sampled apple cider, from Peter's Market, and we provided thunderstix so the fans could cheer loudly. These noise makers were very visible across the state. In the posted pictures, the thunderstix are the yellow sticks the fans are banging together. Each stick has the AgriMissouri logo and web site printed on it.

The Tour of Missouri captured the target audience for AgriMissouri products. This group of people were interested in healthy, local products and want to know where to find these products in their area. I was very happy with the reception AgriMissouri received from the crowd.

Next year, I'd like to involve members in the Health & Wellness Expos. Look for more information on this opportunity next Spring.