MoFRW Farm Report
February 6, 2010
Reported by Kathy L.Chinn

In December 2009, the Missouri State Tax Commission approved a 29% increase in the productivity values of farmland grades 1 thru 4, consisting primarily of cropland. This increase equates to approximately 90 cents per acre. Grades 5 thru 7, consisting of pasture land, would decrease about 24% of value, or about 20 cents per acre. Total value of farmland would net at an increase of 11.5%.

The tax assessment increases would cause higher costs for farmers in a time of reduced values of products sold. Farmers, agriculture commodity organizations, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture objected to the tax increases. Republican legislators, Representative Brian Munzlinger and Senator Bill Stouffer, brought about a Resolution (HCR-7) to demonstrate disapproval for raising the tax rates. The 95th General Assembly passed HCR-7 by an overwhelming majority, during session the week of January 25. Final approval must take place within the next 30 days and submit to the Tax Commission.

The Missouri Tax Commission consists of three, Governor appointees. They are:

Bruce E. Davis, Rep.
Jennifer Tidwell, Dem.
Bill L. Ransdall, Dem.

More information can be found on the Missouri Government website: www.mo.gov.

“Thank a Farmer Week”
February 7 thru 13 – 2010.

U.S. farmers are the food producers for Americans and people around the world. The average American farmer feeds an average of 146 people. Missouri farmers produce nearly $5.6 billion worth of farm products a year on an average size farm of 287 acres. Missouri livestock production accounts for 53% of the state’s agricultural receipts and 47% is from a wide range of crops. Check out other information about Missouri agriculture from the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture website: www.mda.mo.gov.
Just can’t live without a Farmer i.e., food grower!