Farm group plans several events

The regular summer meeting of the River Hills family farmers alliance drew farmers, growers, and poultrymen from throughout eastern Missouri. Paul Harter of Mexico, president, led the meeting.
A number of issues were decided, including setting a permanent date for the group’s annual Family Farm gathering (the fourth Saturday in April) and authorizing the market’s board of directors to seek tax status and grant guidance for market expansion and acquiring a direct marketing facility.
Elected interim vice president for market operations was Robert Supinski of Williamsburg. Added to the group’s board of directors to serve along with the regular officers were Pam Hamilton of Troy and Ernie Meyer of Foley.
Next on the River Hill’s agenda is a return of its Country Folks’ Auction at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26, in Silex. It revives an auction format for farmers and country folk to disperse poultry flocks, un-needed farm equipment and supplies, and farm goods. It is an old tradition dating back to when hatchery breeding flocks would be dispersed at the conclusion of each year’s hatching season.
The Saturday, Aug. 9, market at Silex will be the annual Youth Appreciation Day. All 4-H and FFA members from across Missouri can participate at no charge and market the production of their projects and any no longer needed supplies and equipment.
Contact numbers for the River Hills farmers are (573) 384-5859 or (573) 721-6223. The group began nearly two decades ago with help from Bud Reber and other Extension staff from all across the River Hills region. Its efforts to build and restore farm markets and improve family farm income are beginning to bear fruit.