The entire state of Missouri is in need of blood donors as the blood supply level has reached severely low levels of 35%. 

Executive Director of the American Red Cross northwest Missouri and Greater Kansas City chapter JoAnn Woody says its typical around this time to see donations low 

"It happens every year around the holidays, people get busy traveling, a lot of family plans, donating blood is about the last thing on their list, add to that flu season, just all the things,” Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “But the winter storm just made it even more pronounced, between people not being able to get to blood drives, between schools and businesses being closed and not being able to use their facilities for blood drives, it just compounded the issues completely.” 

Woody says the winter storms made it harder to get to blood drives but also forced around seven to be canceled around the Kansas City area. 

"Now if you figure each blood drive might have the ability to bring in about 15 to 25 blood donors, that’s 15 to 25 per drive, and if you lose seven drives you’re looking at close to 100 units of blood that went uncollected,” Woody explains  “So that’s 100, potentially lives, that were put maybe at risk somewhere down the road because blood supply may have been less or may not have been as readily available.”  

Woody says already people are beginning to recognize the need for blood and are getting back out and donating as February begins 

“Our team here at the Red Cross has been extremely aggressive in connecting with other businesses, connecting with other organizations, and doing what we can to shift people to other blood drives, maybe a blood drive in this part of the city was canceled but another one was able to stay, so trying to see if people can go to that blood drive instead ” Woody says.  “Or trying to bring on new potential blood drive hosts, so that we can maybe mitigate some of that, and they’ve been very successful so far.” 

All types of blood are needed, but the most requested are O negative and positive, as well as A and B negative.  

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Blood donors needed as Missouri blood supply dips to severly low levels

While Missourians typically focus on shoveling snow in February, state emergency officials are urging residents to turn their attention toward a less predictable threat: the ground beneath their feet.

February marks Missouri Earthquake Awareness Month, a period dedicated to preparing for "high-impact, low-frequency" seismic events.

"These types of natural disasters are unpredictable but carry the potential for catastrophic consequences," said Jim Remillard, director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). "They require training, planning, and building resilience across the emergency management, business, and transportation sectors."

The primary concern is the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeast Missouri. In the winter of 1811-12, the zone produced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. The tremors were so intense they destroyed buildings, rang church bells hundreds of miles away, and caused the Mississippi River to briefly flow backward.

The zone remains active today, averaging more than 200 small, imperceptible earthquakes annually. Experts estimate there is a 25% to 40% chance of a major earthquake occurring within the next 50 years.

Emergency officials recommend several immediate actions for residents, especially those in the state’s southeast corner:

State officials are also highlighting a significant decline in earthquake insurance coverage. According to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, coverage in the seven highest-risk counties has plummeted. In 2000, 60% of homes in those areas were covered; by 2024, that number dropped to 10%. Most standard homeowners policies do not include earthquake damage.

For more information, including interactive maps and safety videos, residents can visit the earthquake preparedness section of the <a href="https://sema.dps.mo.gov/">SEMA website</a>.

Missouri’s ‘Sleeping Giant’: Why February is the month to prepare for earthquakes

It may still be cold and frigid, even with temperatures set to warm up this weekend, but the St. Joseph Sports Commission is already looking ahead to September as registration is now open for the fourth annual St. Joseph Marathon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The St. Joseph Marathon offers five different options, with the full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, 5K, and a relay team.&nbsp; A virtual marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K is also offered for people to sign up for.

As an added incentive to sign up early and as a thank you for running in previous years, all previous St. Joseph Marathon runners can save 10% percent off their registration by entering the code EARLYBIRD2026 with their registration. The code is only valid until February 8th.&nbsp; You can register for the marathon by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/marathon/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHre8Gvwawi-6gnHjBkEHVmV3k38lJIcVqpod0SRa3WzjzT_D_5zLuaIvq_wS_aem_nPdwqTOXdyc-Pq3xinruIg">HERE</a>.

The St. Joseph Sports Commission is continuing to work on some additional incentives for the 2026 marathon, including enhancing the race swag for each participant.&nbsp; There are also hopes that remain to partner with another race around the region to form a series, which could create additional registration options.&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Registration open for fourth St. Joseph Marathon

Big bubbles and big fun will be the theme during the Circus of Bubbles show coming to Maryville this weekend.

The show is open to all ages, filled with giant bubbles from two performers, Kirk Marsh and Jackie Weinstock.

Information on Circus of Bubbles website says Marsh brings years of clowning and comedy experience with him from Ringling Bros. circus where he trained and worked. Blossoming from there, he now performs his shows all over the world. He has played in over 55 countries and loves making people laugh everywhere he can. His love of bubbles brought him to where he is today. He is thankful for the journey he has taken and the people he has met from all of his journeys. He has helped Jack with the props and has designed many of the wands and apparatus you'll see in the show with 3D printed parts and his "interesting" brain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weinstock spent six months in China learning how to foot juggle from the masters of their craft. She brings that ancient knowledge to Circus of Bubbles. She also designed and built the set and the puppy puppet in the show.

There will be giant bubbles filling the stage, along with bubble creations and a bit of physical comedy thrown in.

Two shows will be held at the Rose Theatre in Maryville on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Tickets and more information can be found <a href="https://www.circusofbubbles.com/tour">here</a>.

Circus of Bubbles show coming to Maryville this weekend

Authorities in Cameron, MO have released additional details about a structure fire that occurred Tuesday. Feb 3.

A massive structure fire destroyed multiple businesses and apartments in downtown Cameron prompting a coordinated response from seven regional fire departments in what officials described as likely the largest blaze the city has seen in two decades.

The Cameron Fire Department was dispatched at 2 p.m. to the 100 block of West 3rd Street. Responders arrived within two minutes, with fire crews on the scene by 2:04 p.m. to find several buildings engulfed.

No injuries or fatalities were reported. Emergency crews worked to evacuate residents and their pets from the affected apartments.

The scale of the fire required an extensive mutual aid response. Firefighting teams from St. Joseph, Central DeKalb, Union Star, Clarksdale, Stewartsville, Osborn, and the KAW Fire District joined Cameron crews to contain the flames and prevent further spread through the block.

"Incidents of this magnitude cannot be managed by one department alone," officials said in a statement, noting that the response highlighted the "critical importance of regional partnerships."

While firefighters battled the blaze, Cameron utility and street crews managed infrastructure needs, and local law enforcement agencies established perimeters and directed traffic. The American Red Cross is currently assisting those displaced by the fire.

Local businesses, including Walmart, Casey’s General Store, Wood Shed, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s, provided food, water, and supplies to first responders throughout the afternoon.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

UPDATE: Seven departments battle largest Cameron structure fire in decades

The Joseph Company will host one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of college athletics in St. Joseph next week at Word of Life Church to speak to local leaders. 

Anson Dorrance the longtime head coach of North Carolina Women's Soccer will speak as part of the 3D Institute on February 10th.  Dorrance led the Tar Heels program for more than four decades, leading his teams to 22 NCAA Division I national championships, the most by any head coach in any NCAA Division I team sport. 

While his record is unmatched, his broader influence comes from the way he shaped standards, accountability, and sustained excellence within his teams.

“This is a rare opportunity to learn in person from a coach whose influence reaches far beyond soccer,” said Wes Simmons, President and CEO of 3D Institute and Founder of The Joseph Company Initiative in a news release. “Coach Dorrance’s perspective on competition, culture, and daily habits translates to any environment where people are being coached or led.”

In addition to coaching legendary players such as Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly, Dorrance is widely respected for his belief that competition, when designed well, is a powerful developmental tool. His ideas continue to shape how leaders think about performance, confidence, and long-term growth across sport, education, business, and community life.

The February 10 event will also serve as the kickoff to the Spring session of the 3D Master’s Class, part of the broader initiative known as Becoming St. Joseph: The City of Coaches, which seeks to equip leaders across all sectors of the community to coach and lead with clarity and purpose.

The event will take place from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Event Center at Word of Life Church. The event is free and open to the public, with advance RSVP requested. More information and event registration are available at <a href="http://www.thejosephcompany.com">www.thejosephcompany.com</a>

Joseph Company welcomes legendary college soccer coach to speak to local leaders

The St. Joseph Police Department says at this time, there are several active warrants in the St. Joseph Municipal Court system. 

Issued warrants can range from an unpaid parking ticket to code violations. You can view the most current active warrant <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17458/Active-Warrants-PDF?fbclid=IwY2xjawPwL-BleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJanNHZDFXaE9MSmhGbkZuc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuLATUL4iLoB0euaPUDFdQwyVUk2dtXupNJfJrwmsaaOrJJOC0vTr1VeDa86_aem_B2Nn676kbxY-s3OwDKuwqg">list at this link</a>.

For questions or more information, call the Municipal Court office directly at 271-4686.

Reminder: Check to see if you have a warrant in St. Joseph

A multi-structure fire in Cameron is under investigation after several buildings, including apartments, were destroyed.

The fire occurred on West Third Street next to McKorckles around 2 p.m. on February 3. Firefighters from seven agencies, including St. Joseph Rescue 1, along with Quint 6 and 25, battled the blaze until after 8:30 p.m.

Multi-structure fire under investigation in Cameron

KFEQ Morning Sports

Krug Park will be closed to traffic Wednesday, Feb. 4 due to tree trimming over the roadway. 

According to a post on the St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Facebook page, the project is scheduled to only take one day to complete. Additionally, the building at Noyes Tennis courts is closed to visitors due to broken water pipes and water damage.

Krug Park closed to traffic Wednesday

The latest data show enrollment fell about 12% in Missouri and 3.5% in Kansas for 2026. But experts say that doesn’t tell the full story

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">Meg Cunningham</a>

As small-business owners, Sonya Andrews and her husband are used to uncertainty.

Sonya runs a business offering graphic and web design services, while her husband is a commercial photographer. They also own a studio in Kansas City’s West Bottoms and have one employee who works remotely from Florida.

Every month is different for them when it comes to business. But this year, they’re feeling more pressure, thanks to the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits available for Americans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Andrews and her husband also have a daughter with autism and need higher levels of coverage. Previously, they carried Aetna insurance through the marketplace, but Aetna is no longer an option for them. For 2026, as their daughter gets older and with enhanced subsidies expiring, they made the tough decision to downgrade their&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/11/10/aca-premiums-set-to-soar-out-of-reach-for-many-kansas-citians/" target="_blank">ACA coverage</a>&nbsp;rather than pay a much higher premium.

But arriving at that decision wasn’t easy. Sonya spent weeks researching and comparing plans with marketplace navigators and her husband. They’re planning to closely monitor their income to make sure they don’t make too much and lose their subsidies entirely, adding more pressure to the realities of owning a small business.

“I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to make this decision,” Andrews said. “You’re making choices like, ‘Well, we’re in our mid-40s. Our daughter is young and has already had most of the expensive things done. Can we roll the dice for a few years?’”

But, unlike Andrews, tens of thousands of Missourians have opted out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace altogether after the enhanced subsidies expired.

Enhanced subsidies came into Obamacare in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, in an effort to ease the cost of the Affordable Care Act for Americans. The enhanced subsidies were extended again through the end of 2025, but were allowed to expire ahead of open enrollment in 2026.

Without the enhanced subsidies, which offered tax credits to Americans enrolled in Obamacare, people were told they could expect an average 114% increase in their premium costs for 2026.

For someone with a household income of $55,000 (about 351% of the federal poverty line), premium costs shot up nearly $1,500 annually heading into 2026, KFF estimates.

Experts like the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that hundreds of thousands of Americans would move away from Obamacare in 2026 as a result.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/quick-take/aca-signups-are-down-but-still-an-incomplete-picture/" target="_blank">Nationwide</a>, enrollment so far has dropped by about 1.2 million people.

In Missouri, nearly 51,000 people dropped off the Affordable Care Act rolls from January 2025 through the end of the 2026 open enrollment period, the latest data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show. Nearly 366,000 people enrolled this year, compared to 417,000 enrollees in January 2025.

Kansas had a smaller drop. Nearly 193,000 people enrolled, compared to about 200,000 who were enrolled in January of last year, the data show.

More people are enrolled in both states than in 2024, data shows.

Still, in Missouri, 50,000 people potentially without insurance is a large number when the state’s uninsured population is already around 457,000, said Timothy McBride, a health care economist and professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

“That’s over a 10% increase in that number,” McBride said.

Plus, McBride said, the numbers don’t reflect those who may have downgraded their plans to lower premiums, like the Andrews family did, or those who may disenroll or let their plans lapse by not paying their now-higher premiums.

Data&nbsp;<a href="https://chir.georgetown.edu/clues-in-state-data-suggest-declines-in-early-marketplace-enrollment-data-may-be-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/" target="_blank">compiled</a>&nbsp;by Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms found that several state-based marketplaces were reporting that Americans were canceling their plans at higher rates than in the past. In Idaho and Pennsylvania, disenrollments have so far quadrupled compared to last year, with more people citing affordability concerns.

In December, Pennsylvania’s state-based marketplace reported that only 77% of enrollees had paid their initial premium for the year, compared to 88% the year before.

Without data from the federal government on what plans people chose, it’s too early to say what the impact of more bronze than silver plans will be, McBride said.

But people are generally choosing to trade lower premiums for higher deductibles, based on what Kevin Wehner, a marketplace navigator at Missouri Connections for Health, saw throughout the open enrollment period.

“The silver plan premiums were just out of reach for a lot of people,” Wehner said. “They ended up switching to bronze or gold plans.”

Others opted for the higher monthly premiums — up to&nbsp; $1,000 in some cases — or chose to become part of a health-sharing community, where a group of people all pay into a shared pot to split the cost of care.

It’s a consideration Craig Heimericks and his husband have had for years, amid rising health care costs. The pair co-own rental properties around Rolla, Missouri, and the variable costs of the business constantly keep them on their toes, especially when it comes to health insurance.

“My husband and I had a plan on the exchange last year. It was great coverage, but was getting more and more expensive every year, to the point where we had been discussing ways to drop coverage and self insure,” Heimericks said in an email.

“But as a business owner, the risk is just too high that one big medical event would bankrupt everything we’ve worked for the last 20 years. Honestly, sometimes it feels like we’re being held hostage by the health care industry as a whole, and there doesn’t seem to be a way out,” he said.

Heimericks ended up downgrading his plan for 2026, with deductibles just under $5,000 per person and their maximum out-of-pocket costs capped at $20,300. Still, Heimericks and his husband are planning on over $1,655 a month in premiums, and they don’t yet have a grasp on what the cost of their prescriptions will be under their new plan.

In 2025, they paid about $1,630 a month, but had lower deductibles and caps on out-of-pocket costs.

“The big difference was people who would normally qualify for the cost-sharing reduction would enroll in the silver plan in previous years,” Wehner said. “Hardly anyone did that this year.”

So far, California’s state-based marketplace is seeing more people enroll in bronze plans, at 37% in 2026 compared to 23% in 2025. Other states like Maine, New Jersey and Rhode Island are reporting a higher share of customers switching to bronze plans for 2026, the Georgetown data shows.

What the data doesn’t show, McBride said, was the higher deductible cost that those in Missouri and Kansas will take on.

People may have a costly health event and not expect to have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs before meeting their deductible, McBride said, which ultimately can pass the cost onto other health care customers.

“One of the things we saw early on, because the premiums were so low for bronze plans … younger people, especially healthy people, would pick that plan and have a $7,000 or $8,000 deductible,” McBride said. “They’d get bad luck … and then they’d show up to the hospital and get a bill for $8,000 and they’d be like, ‘Wait a minute, I thought I had Obamacare.’”

Ultimately, many aren’t prepared to take on that higher cost and end up unable to pay their bills, McBride said, and that is then passed onto the consumer.

“The hospital or health system can try to get the money from them but usually can only get a fraction of it,” McBride said. “Then the hospital just has to bury that cost, or shift it to the rest of us. It has a short or long-term effect on someone’s health status, and it also ends up rippling to all the rest of us.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/02/02/affordable-care-act-enrollment-missouri-kansas-2026-enhanced-subsidies/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

As ACA subsidies expire, thousands of Missourians drop coverage or downgrade plans

March corn closed up 1 cent and May corn was up 1 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 26 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 27 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 4 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 2 1/4 cents.

What began as a fairly mundane session at midweek quickly became volatile following a midmorning social media post from President Trump, stating he had spoken with China's President Xi and hailed the conversation and general relationship with China as great, while pointing to increased soybean trade as a result. This obviously tripped headline driven algorithms to go on a buying spree across all soybean product markets, while providing positive influence on corn and wheat markets as well, though the latter would not sustain a move higher.

It's been another prosperous morning for the livestock complex as all three of the markets are trading fully higher into Wednesday's noon hour. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, but it's assumed prices will be higher again this week as the board's been incredibly supportive and market's fundamentals point to higher prices as market-ready supplies of cattle are thin.

The live cattle complex continued to rally aggressively into Wednesday's noon hour as the market is robustly supported by strong fundamentals. Aside from last week's bullish Cattle Inventory report, and the rally seen in last week's fed cash cattle market, the market knows market-ready supplies of cattle are thin right now and fed cash cattle prices are likely to continue to scale higher through at the least the first quarter of the year.&nbsp;

It's a full-fledged break-out day for the lean hog complex as the spot April contract scales to new contract highs as demand has been plentiful and the market isn't fearful of grinding higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/19211542/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

USDA says it will release glow-in-the-dark sterile flies along the U.S.–Mexico border to prevent the New World screwworm from spreading north and threatening American livestock. The flesh-eating parasite has recently been detected in northern Mexico, prompting renewed concern among cattle producers and animal health officials. 

USDA officials said the sterile insect technique, which was used successfully to eradicate the pest from the U.S. decades ago, disrupts reproduction and limits population growth. Ranchers have been urged to monitor herds closely and report suspected cases immediately. Reuters reported that limited production capacity for sterile flies could complicate containment efforts if infestations expand. Livestock groups warn that an outbreak could severely impact cattle supplies and drive beef prices higher.

USDA Moves to Block Screwworm Threat near Southern Border

The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed a proposed rule implementing the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, calling it a key step toward providing long-awaited clarity for ethanol and other biofuel producers. In a statement, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said the proposal from the U.S. Treasury Department reflects progress in aligning the credit with congressional intent by rewarding low-carbon fuel production based on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. He said regulatory certainty is critical for producers making long-term investment decisions. 

The 45Z credit, created under the Inflation Reduction Act, replaces earlier biofuel tax incentives and is designed to encourage domestic production of cleaner transportation fuels beginning in 2025. Industry groups have urged Treasury to clearly define eligibility, emissions modeling and reporting requirements. RFA said the proposed regulation would help strengthen rural economies, support U.S. energy security and accelerate innovation across the renewable fuels sector as producers work to lower carbon intensity and expand clean fuel markets.

RFA Applauds Proposed 45Z Clean Fuel Tax Credit Rule

A new federal clarification has added momentum to the right-to-repair debate, with the Environmental Protection Agency confirming that farmers and independent mechanics can temporarily override emissions controls while repairing agricultural equipment. In guidance issued this week, the EPA said tools and software used to take equipment out of its certified configuration for diagnostics or repairs do not violate the Clean Air Act, as long as emissions systems are restored afterward. 

Supporters say the move removes a major legal gray area that has limited farmers’ ability to fix modern tractors and combines without manufacturer-authorized dealers. The issue has been central to years of disputes between farm groups and equipment makers over access to repair tools, software and manuals. Industry groups have warned that broader repair access could lead to emissions tampering or safety risks. The EPA action comes as Congress weighs bipartisan right-to-repair legislation and several states move to expand repair access, signaling growing federal engagement in a long-running fight over equipment ownership and control.

EPA Clarification Gives Farmers New Leverage in Right-to-Repair

March corn closed up 2 3/4 cents and May corn was up 2 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 5 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 4 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 1 cent, March Minneapolis wheat was down 3 1/4 cents.

It was a generally positive session for ag markets Tuesday with soybean futures recovering from three consecutive lower sessions and building off bullish momentum which showed glimpses through Monday's rally off daily lows. Wheat markets, on the other hand, remain sluggish with bullish traders thus far lacking the confidence to extend the recent bounce beyond two-month highs which were hit last week. Corn was caught between the soybean rally and heavy wheat prices. Meanwhile, a recovery in energy prices following Monday's risk-off session provided a base of support Tuesday. In early afternoon Tuesday, it was reported that the U.S. had shot down an Iranian drone in the Persian Gulf, a swift ratcheting of tensions which had seemed to be cooling to begin the week, with nuclear negotiations set for Friday in Turkey. It is unclear at this point if those talks will move forward as planned.

The live cattle complex continued to move higher as traders have gained another level of confidence following last Friday's bullish Cattle Inventory report. The market is pressuring its technical barriers as this is currently the highest price point traded at since last October. As long as fundamental support continues to remain robust, traders will likely remain supportive and push the contracts higher. But it's undeniable traders will need to see continued fundamental support. Following last week's strong trade in the fed cash cattle market, there's been no new business develop yet and it's most likely trade will be delayed until Thursday or Friday of this week. It is assumed prices will be higher again this week as supplies of market-ready cattle remain thin. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $2.66 ($370.87) and select up $2.85 ($367.76) with a movement of 56 loads (40.98 loads of choice, 3.08 loads of select, 4.94 loads of trim and 6.53 loads of ground beef).

With encouragement from last week's bullish Cattle Inventory report, the stronger trade in the fed cash cattle market last week, and the live cattle contracts trading higher, the feeder cattle complex traded higher thanks to these support factors. If the live cattle contracts happen to weaken, there's a strong chance the feeder cattle contracts will too.

The lean hog complex started moderately higher and went into the closing bell the same way the day started. Hog prices average $86.27 on the Daily Direct Morning Hog Report, with prices ranging from $80.00 to $88.00 on 2,461 head and a five-day rolling average of $85.12. Pork cutouts total 191.65 loads with 176.52 loads of pork cuts and 15.13 loads of trim. Pork cutout values: up $0.35, $96.05.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/03143532/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to reapprove Dicamba for over-the-top use on tolerant soybeans and cotton for the 2026 season. Reports say the decision is aimed at addressing weed control challenges and will likely include stricter regulations like buffering agents and a possible ban on applying Dicamba when the temperatures are high. In a draft statement from the EPA, the agency called the pending decision the most “protective” Dicamba registration in agency history. 

Producers were prohibited from using the herbicide last year because of a 2024 court decision vacating previous registrations. It would be the third time that the EPA approved the pesticide. On both previous occasions, federal courts blocked the approvals, citing the underestimation of the risks of chemical drift that could harm other farms.

EPA is expected to reapprove Dicamba

The cattle inventory was 86.2 million head on January 1, 2026, which continued a long-standing downward trend. Despite a year of strong prices, the USDA Cattle Inventory Report showed the overall U.S. cattle herd shrank by another 0.35 percent, and it’s now at the smallest level in 75 years. The beef cow herd total was 27.6 million head, down by one percent. The 2025 calf crop was 32.9 million head, the smallest total since 1941. 

Beef replacement heifers rose one percent to 4.71 million head. All cattle on feed totaled 13.8 million head, a three percent reduction from 2025. The number of milk cows in the U.S. increased to 9.57 million. Dr. Derrell Peel, a livestock market analyst for Oklahoma State University, said the market is likely still trying to find a bottom. “We’re probably stabilizing, but it’s a very slow process,” Peel said. “We’re likely not going to rebuild very fast.” 

Cattle inventory hits a 75-year low

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced this week that 17 Missouri youth groups have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Building Our American Communities grant program.

The awards provide $500 each to seven National FFA Organization chapters and 10 Missouri 4-H clubs to fund local community service initiatives. Projects range from physical upgrades to fairgrounds and parks to the improvement of community centers.

“Year after year we see terrific projects and community impact from FFA chapters and 4-H clubs across Missouri,” Director Chinn said. “This year is no different, and we are proud to support efforts that will make a difference in these communities for years to come.”

Established in the 1970s, the BOAC program is funded through the Missouri Agriculture Development Fund via an agreement with the USDA. All selected projects must be completed by Aug. 1, 2026.

FFA and 4-H groups receive state grants

March corn closed down 2 1/2 cents and May corn was down 2 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed down 4 cents and May soybeans were down 4 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 9 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 10 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 6 3/4 cents.

U.S. row-crop futures were lower to begin the new week and month with wheat prices leading the way on a combination of technical pressure as well as outside market pressure from a firm U.S. dollar and sharply lower energy prices as U.S. and Iranian officials are set to hold nuclear talks in Turkey this upcoming Friday in a path of de-escalation of tensions which had driven crude oil prices to their highest level in four months. Direct fundamental news for corn, soy, and wheat markets was limited on Monday, but a quick start to soybean harvesting and safrinha corn planting in Brazil over the latter half of January is likely at least part of the cause of bearishness in the markets to begin February.

Live cattle futures surged higher Monday following the bullish news from last week's cattle inventory report. The focus on overall reduction in all cattle numbers and 2025 calvings decreasing by 2% has continued to spark renewed buying support through early trade. Although contracts backed away from initial highs, the focus on strong early week gains is likely to keep buyers active through the rest of the early week trade. Cash cattle markets look to be a typically quiet Monday with both buyers and sellers busy taking inventory and preparing for the week ahead. Bids and asking prices have yet to be established, and if the trend of the last couple of weeks continues, significant trade volume will be delayed until much later in the week. Boxed beef prices are Higher: choice up $2.14 ($367.70) and select up $2.35 ($364.29) with a movement of 32.80 loads (20.27 loads of choice, 4.93 loads of select, 3.40 loads of trim and 4.20 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market higher Monday, as renewed focus on tight supplies continues to be seen through the entire cattle complex. The announcement in Friday's cattle inventory report of a 2% drop in calves born during 2025 continues to not only leave current buyers actively looking for cattle to fill yards, but it indicates that the trend will not be changing any time soon. It will be interesting to see how active buyer support remains over the next couple of days and weeks following this bullish report. Although the report gives actual numbers to the market supply tightness, the fact is that the market has already factored in much of the tightness, and this will not change the overall expectations of the beef market over the upcoming months.

Lean hog futures moved actively higher Monday as well. Although the same dynamics seen in the cattle market are not seen in the hog complex, the spill-over bullish support from surging cattle markets and active outside market buying activity has helped to push nearby contracts to triple-digit gains during morning trade. Spot month February futures are holding 80 to 90 cent gains through most of the morning, but the rest of nearby contracts held strong triple-digit gains near $2 per cwt into the closing bell. Traders continue to not only gain spill-over support from any beef market support during the year, but continued gains in financial markets are helping to keep hog market traders actively buying in initial February trade.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/02142452/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

GT Thompson, the chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has tentatively set a farm bill markup for the week of February 23. That’s according to three sources familiar with Thompson’s plans. While the formal text of his farm bill has yet to be introduced, it will likely have the same priorities as the version that advanced out of committee in 2024 but never became law. “Committee staff is still waiting for the cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, which could delay the markup in February.” 

Two people who were granted anonymity to discuss private details said that House Ag Republicans want to get a floor vote on the farm bill before the Easter recess. The ‘Farm Bill 2.0,’ as Thompson refers to it, will address multiple industry priorities like rural development, research plans, and could be a vehicle for year-round E15. 

House ag chair wants 'Farm Bill 2.0' in February

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — An ongoing battle between the attorney general and Kansas governor about releasing Kansans’ personal data to the federal government made its way to a Tuesday committee hearing on a bill intended to force the governor’s hand.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb428/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 428</a>&nbsp;requires the secretary of the Department for Children and Families to respond to federal data requests from the U.S. Department of Agriculture of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and release the data within 90 days.&nbsp;

The bill results from the Department for Children and Family’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/22/kansas-governors-office-disputes-accuracy-of-kobachs-claims-about-snap-funding/">refusal to share private data&nbsp;</a>of food program applicants and recipients with the USDA, Attorney General Kris Kobach told the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE.

“They don’t want the USDA to share the names of (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients with other federal agencies,” Kobach said. “Now, why would they not want that? I’m almost certain they don’t want it to be shared with the Justice Department so that a SNAP recipient who is fraudulently getting this money could be prosecuted.”

Kobach also said the governor didn’t want the data shared because the Department of Homeland Security could use it to identify people in the country illegally who receive food assistance.&nbsp;

People who are legal permanent residents can qualify for SNAP.

Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman, Olivia Taylor-Puckett, said DCF has concerns about whether USDA’s stated intent on using the data is legal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Governor’s administration has been repeatedly raising concerns about the legality of the USDA’s data request as it pertains to the ‘Routine Use 8′ provision, which includes sharing Kansans’ personal private data, including full Social Security numbers, with foreign entities,” she said in an emailed statement. “It is both disappointing and disturbing that the Attorney General still doesn’t know the basic issues with the USDA’s request.”

Taylor-Puckett’s statement referred to a USDA notice published in the Federal Register that detailed how the data would be used. One section allowed the information to be shared with foreign entities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas is one of 21 states, all of which are participants in a Massachusetts lawsuit, that question whether the USDA’s intended use of the data is allowed in their data sharing contract. The case is still being decided.&nbsp;

Kobach told the committee the state will lose $20.8 million as part of its SNAP program because DCF did not release the data. DCF appealed the penalty so no money has been withheld from state SNAP administrative funds.&nbsp;

A hearing on the state’s appeal will be held Feb. 17, a governor’s office spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Travis Couture-Lovelady, a lobbyist with FGA Action, testified in favor of the bill, citing concerns with the integrity of the SNAP program.&nbsp;

“The goal is simple — reserve benefits for truly needy families and hold the fraudsters accountable,” he said.

Couture-Lovelady said the food assistance program has been “plagued” with improper payments, eligibility errors and fraud, as well as large-scale losses to benefit card theft and hacking schemes.&nbsp;

“In 2024, as the attorney general said, that’s the most recent data we have, Kansas’ SNAP error rate was nearly 10%, meaning roughly one out of every $10 in benefits was issued improperly, and that level of error is completely unacceptable,” he said.&nbsp;

The state’s SNAP error rate is not tied to fraud but instead tracks data entry errors, incomplete or inaccurate applicant information and other problems,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">according to DCF secretary Laura Howard</a>. Fraud cases are handled through a separate department and aren’t included in the SNAP error rate.&nbsp;

DCF is working to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/22/kansas-agency-working-to-improve-accuracy-of-snap-payments-to-avoid-costly-federal-sanction/">drop the error rate</a>, which was under the 6% federally set threshold in August, at 5.5%.&nbsp;

Haley Kottler, an anti-hunger campaign director with Kansas Appleseed, submitted written testimony opposing the bill.&nbsp;

“This most recent conflict between 21 states and the federal government illustrates the extreme risk Kansas would be taking by enacting SB 428,” she said. “The provisions of this bill would not allow DCF and KDHE to contest federal data requests, despite the potential for serious concerns regarding privacy protection, the burden imposed on state resources and administrators, the misuse of data, liability, and compliance with eventual court decisions.”

She also raised concerns that threats to privacy would deter eligible households from seeking food assistance.&nbsp;

Proposed bill would require Kansas gov. to submit personal food assistance data to feds

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect charged in connection with a violent abduction shown on a doorbell video in Wichita is due back in court.

 Daniel T. Espitia Guevara, 22, will appear Judge Tyler Roush's courtroom for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Espitia Guevara was charged with&nbsp;aggravated domestic battery and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and&nbsp; criminal restraint, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He is also on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.

The Wichita Police Department asked for the community’s help in identifying and locating a woman in a doorbell video who was seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Just after 3p.m. October 14, Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview. Police confirmed the identity of the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. Police determined the incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman did not have any significant injuries.

Just after 7 p.m. October 14, officers with the Wichita Police Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction team (DIVRT) located and arrested Guevara and booked him into jail.

He remains in custody on a $75,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Preliminary hearing for suspect in Kan. doorbell camera abduction video 

WASHINGTON&nbsp;— Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dDqAJHbAEkzQ&amp;redir_log=23625287223293" target="_blank">grilled</a>&nbsp;Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos on Netflix’s promotion of transgender ideology in its streaming content. He also&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f2018790238689349965&amp;redir_log=974998919758289" target="_blank">secured</a>&nbsp;a commitment from Netflix to protect American jobs in its proposed merger with Warner Bros., according to a statement from the Senator's office.

Relating to LGBTQ material on Netflix’s platform, Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f2018790698917793890&amp;redir_log=157715731489290" target="_blank">asked</a>,

“Why does almost half of your children’s program feature this highly controversial, highly sexualized material? That just seems strange to me. That can’t possibly reflect the population.”

Sarandos answered,&nbsp;“I don’t have any idea where that number would come from or what that would be. I don’t believe that’s been your personal experience, but I can’t speak to that.

”Senator Hawley cut him off, saying,&nbsp;“What do you mean you don’t think it’s been my personal experience? You don’t think I monitor what my children watch? I’ll tell you what my personal experience is since you bring it up: my personal experience is that my three children, I can’t let them watch anything on Netflix. I can’t let them watch anything on Netflix unless I preview it because I don’t have confidence in what is on your platform. I don’t know what they’re going to encounter. I don’t want my kids being pushed an agenda about their sexuality or gender identity when I have not had the opportunity first to discuss it with them and to form them in that.”&nbsp;

He continued,&nbsp;“On behalf of parents around the country, it offends me that Netflix is pushing this content at parents in what seems to be a very coordinated, thought-through, planned out agenda in a way that frankly I think undermines parents… It just seems to me that it’s a disservice to the parents in this country.”

“My concern is that you don’t share my values or those of many other American parents and you want the United States government to allow you to become one of the largest, if not the largest, streaming monopolist in the world – I think we ought to be concerned about what content you’re promoting,”&nbsp;Senator Hawley concluded.

“If this merger goes through, what’s your projection about the amount of domestic production, say, two years from now? Is it going to be static? Is it going to decline?”Senator Hawley&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fHawleyMO%2fstatus%2f201879023868934996&amp;redir_log=461906387641285" target="_blank">asked</a>&nbsp;Sarandos.&nbsp;

Sarandos replied, “Most of our production is domestic, and it will continue to increase. We’ve recently forecast our content, independent of this deal, to grow to $20 billion.”

Senator Hawley continued, “Will you commit to increasing domestic United States production and domestic United States production jobs?”

“Senator Hawley,&nbsp;absolutely. It’s in our business plan, it’s in our longterm operating DNA,”&nbsp;answered Sarandos.

“Will you commit to using union labor for all domestic shoots?”&nbsp;asked Senator Hawley. “Will you commit to using it in the future for all domestic shoots if this deal does go through?

“This is the most unionized industry in America, and we use union labor in all our production…You have my commitment,”&nbsp;Sarandos said.

Watch the full exchange&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15380.11407663.9105168.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fwatch%3fv%3dDqAJHbAEkzQ&amp;redir_log=23625287223293" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;

🎥Mo. U.S. Senator grills Netflix CEO for promoting transgender ideology

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;with total tax collections at $988.2 million. That is $12.2&nbsp;million, or&nbsp;1.2%,&nbsp;above&nbsp;the estimate. Total tax collections were&nbsp;up 4.8% from&nbsp;January&nbsp;2025, according to a media release from the governor's office.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2026%2F02%2F02%2Ffile_attachments%2F3541384%2F07_January_Revenue_FY2026_02-02-2026_Final.pdf/1/0101019c1ff67759-7b28bc96-2b6d-42b3-9937-5470eadc1fd4-000000/tt-ZnPoShuodwKNXEvex61mrWyyUsblaSF7hhM5zd0M=442">here</a>&nbsp;to view the&nbsp;January&nbsp;2026&nbsp;revenue numbers.&nbsp;

“Over the past few years, the Legislature has spent more than Kansas has been taking in, creating a structural imbalance of&nbsp;hundreds of millions of dollars,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“My final budget puts Kansas on a&nbsp;path to rectify that unsustainable balance over time.”&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were $542.3 million. That is $7.3 million, or 1.4% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 8.4% from January 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $86.2 million. That is $16.2 million, or 23.2% above the estimate, and up 18.1% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $337.8&nbsp;million, which is&nbsp;$12.2 million,&nbsp;or 3.5%&nbsp;below&nbsp;the estimate, and down 3.2% from January 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas total tax collections above the estimate for January

Deandre Pointer lost his challenge to the way the Missouri Department of Corrections calculated his time-served credit. His attorney says he will appeal

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Missouri man fighting a calculation that could keep him in state prison for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/08/missouri-math-how-a-23-year-sentence-adds-up-to-more-than-40-years-in-prison/">more than 40 years</a>&nbsp;on a 23-year sentence lost the first round of a court battle seeking to be released.

On Friday, Cole County Circuit Judge Brian Stumpe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/MEMORANDUM,%20ORDER%20AND%20JUDGMENT.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3793908" target="_blank">refused to order</a>&nbsp;the Missouri Department of Corrections to change how it calculated the time-served credit for Deandre Pointer, resentenced in 2023 for his part in two 2003 Kansas City murders.

Because his initial sentence was four terms to be served consecutively, Stumpe wrote, the department was correct to apply his time in state custody to only one of the terms imposed at resentencing, even if the new sentence called for the time to be served as a single, concurrent term.

“Put simply, Pointer has received all the jail time credit to which he is entitled…,” Stumpe wrote.

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