MoDOT Streamlines Hay Movement for Drought Relief Good ol' Days? Yeah, Right!

guided us to a groundsource heat pump, which provides our heating and cooling.

The folks at the Environmental Protection Agency must really enjoy camping, too. They just proposed some new rules for electricity production with the goal of a carbonfree power sector by 2035. If finalized, these rules would shut down the majority, if not all, of your electric cooperative's natural gas and coal plants.

Don't get me wrong, I applaud their good intentions, but this is about as smart as putting an ejection seat in a helicopter.

Here in Missouri, our electricity is generated by a host of different sources. This mix of coal, natural gas, wind and hydro all play a role in working together to keep your lights on every time you flip that switch.

We have watched other states shut down coal and natural gas plants without having an alternative and reliable baseload of electricity. As you can imagine, say you have two different lots of hay and they differ in quality, one being high and the other being low. The higher quality hay could be used to feed groups of cattle with higher nutritional needs such as first-calf heifers, lactating cows, growing calves, etc. and the lower quality hay could be used on dry, pregnant cows. when the sun isn't shining and the wind isn't blowing their electricity isn't flowing. Last December nine of our neighboring states faced rolling blackouts because the demand for electricity outpaced what they could provide. That's unacceptable and downright dangerous.

Every MU Extension office in the northwest region should have forage sampling equipment that producers can check out and use. Depending on the laboratory used and the exact type of test selected, the cost of a forage test is generally in the $25 to $30 range. The extension offices can also assist by instructing producers on how to take a proper sample, by sending the samples into the lab and MU Field Specialists in Livestock can help producers interpret forage test results and develop feeding strategies based on the quality of your hay crop.

Our electric co-ops aren't against using renewable resources. In fact, 25 percent of the electricity you already use comes from renewable resources like wind and water. Because we added these sources when they made economic sense, we are able to do this without blackouts and skyhigh electric bills for our members.

Someday, there will be technology available for electric co-ops to generate 100 percent renewable, reliable and affordable electricity for you. Until that time, let's avoid a future of cold showers and lights we can't turn on. I only want to camp on the back 40.

Caleb Jones is the executive vice president and CEO of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and a member of Boone Electric Cooperative.

Light Riders Chapter of CMA Reach “Run for the Son” Goal

The Light Riders chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association met its goal, plus some, for their annual “Run for the Son”. “Run for the Son” refers to an annual ride which culminates the year's fundraising efforts for CMA's mission projects. The monies raised are used to spread the gospel in the United States and around the world. This year, the group raised enough money to be able to present a motorcycle to a pastor in their chapter's name. Motorcycles, ATV's, bicycles and even camels are donated to pastors in areas of the world where transportation to outlying areas is difficult.

The Light Riders are involved in community and county events in both Grundy and Livingston County. The chapter members are very visible at their traffic control and parking service during Trenton's Missouri Days.

The Light Riders also hold a pancake breakfast at Applebee's in Chillicothe that often includes a parade around town touring the nursing homes and other housing areas. The members of the Light Rider's Chapter likes to do Biker Sundays in area churches which includes a visit to the church service, a video explaining the organization's mission, special music and an opportunity to view and sit on the bikes after church. Bike blessings are always offered by CMA members where the group prays for safe travels and presents the rider with a "blessing" sticker and a special cleaning cloth for their bikes.