Magazine Issue: Summer 2017

What’s in a name? Well, in our case it describes our business and why we are here. For decades, MFA Oil has been known as a dependable supplier of fuels and propane with a deep appreciation of our farmer-owners. But what about oil? While we do sell a significant volume […]

For four generations, the family-owned Independent Stave Company has produced high-quality oak barrels and other cooperage products for the wine and spirits industries. What began as one Missouri man’s business has grown into an industry leader with an international presence. In 1912, T.W. Boswell founded a stave milling business to […]

The only thing tougher than rice is the farmer who grows it. What would be the worst conditions for other crops makes the best environment for rice production. Rice thrives in heavy clay soils that retain water—the type of fields most growers try to avoid. “An old farmer once told […]

Agriculture Embraces EPA Administrator Ask farmers for their views on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and you may hear a few choice words. Generally speaking, farmers fear and mistrust the EPA, an agency they say doesn’t understand agriculture and too often oversteps its authority when it comes to regulating […]

Traditionally, wholesale suppliers of fertilizer, grain and feed rely on two modes of freight transportation: rail and truck. However, suppliers like AGRIServices of Brunswick (ASB) in north central Missouri have found a third option is highly valuable: river barges. The Mississippi River watershed, which comprises the Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi and […]

First Generation Rancher Blazes His Own Trail Lincoln Hough was a seventh-grade student when he made the fateful purchase that would help shape his future. A $450 loan from his parents bought Hough three Hereford heifers, which he bred to a neighbor’s bull. Three calves later, he had $1,000 in […]

The agricultural input supply landscape could see some big changes in 2017. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently issued a report assessing the potential impacts of pending mergers and acquisitions involving the world’s “Big Six” agricultural chemical and seed companies. Though the deals are all still awaiting regulatory approval, the […]

A Kansas State University swine scientist says advances in how pigs are raised have led to enormous improvements in pork production over the last 20 years. Mike Tokach, professor of animal science, says research has allowed the swine industry to safely increase litter sizes and growth rates of finishing pigs. […]

Beware Phishing Scams Think twice before clicking suspicious emails that land in your inbox. Phishing scams have grown in popularity and continue to trick people into a host of problems. As cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated scams, it has never been more important to protect yourself. Phishing scams aim to collect […]

When the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced on Nov. 30, 2016, it would cut crude oil production in an effort to drain record global inventories, the oil market quickly responded. Crude prices immediately shot up 9 percent from $45.24 to a high of $49.44. The agreement, which notably […]

When a tractor or combine breaks down during planting or harvest, farmers lose valuable time in the field, which can end up costing them hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. As a farmer-owned cooperative, MFA Oil is keenly aware of the importance of avoiding equipment downtime. That’s why providing excellent […]

The University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) has named Christopher R. Daubert its new vice chancellor and dean. Daubert is currently a professor and department head of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences and system co-chair of Food, Biochemical & Engineered Systems at North Carolina State […]