As we move into fall, cooler temperatures trigger a time for farmers to get out into the fields and collect their springtime investments. It's harvest time in most counties across Missouri. Many crops in our state have seen an increase in production this year, including crops planted in the 28th Senatorial District.

According to the Federal Agricultural Statistics Office, corn, soybeans, rice, cotton, and hay all have estimated abundant yields this year. The Missouri Field Office of the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS-MO) is a joint federal/state field office of the USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. This office regularly surveys thousands of farm operators, ranchers, and agri-businesses who voluntarily provide information on a confidential basis.

This information is important to farmers and those studying our state's number one industry. Reports begin with projections of the acreage that farmers intend to plant, and continue with reports of acreage planted, acreage intended for harvest, probable yields, and potential production. Final reports recounting acreage harvested, actual yields, and production are made at the end of the crop production season.

The nine counties that make up the 28th Senatorial District are divided into three agricultural districts — West Central (Henry, St. Clair, and Cedar counties), Central (Pettis, Benton, Hickory, Polk, and Dallas counties), and Southwest (Barton County).

Several districts (West Central and Central) that planted soybeans saw an increase in acres harvested this year compared to 2008. In addition, all three agricultural districts in our region saw an increase in corn production. However, wheat in the West Central, Central, and Southwest districts saw a decline.

To see a complete list of current estimates regarding crops in our state, please visit www.nass.usda.gov. This site also provides visitors with a link to subscribe to receive Missouri agricultural statistics reports by e-mail.

And if you have any additional questions or comments regarding issues in your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-8793 or by e-mail at: delbertscott@senate.mo.gov.