Aug 28, 2017

Missouri Extension specialty crop survey under way

University of Missouri Extension specialists recently began a survey to learn how many specialty crop growers there are in the state and determine their economic impact.

MU Extension commercial agriculture economists Joe Horner and Ryan Milhollin said the survey helps MU and the Missouri Department of Agriculture decide how to best help these growers through education and research.

Specialty crops include fruits, berries, tree nuts, vegetables, flowers, nursery stock crops, sod, mushrooms, cut Christmas trees, maple syrup and honey.

The survey assesses the number of acres of specialty crops in each county.

It also measures revenue, where and how crops are sold and how long producers have grown their crops.

Horner said the surveys will be anonymous.

The MU Assessment Resource Center will analyze the results.

MDA funded the project to measure the scope of the specialty crop industry in Missouri.

Surveys are due Sept. 1.

They may be completed online here.