𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐔𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 – 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐃
Mid America Live has been advised that repairs have been made and the boil advisory has been lifted for the city of Rockville.
The 2026 class will visit St. Louis for an in-depth look at careers in agriculture.
(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture is offering 30 high school students representing 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and farm families throughout Missouri the opportunity to explore careers in agriculture through the 2026 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA). MAbA is a competitive program for sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related degrees and careers.
“For nearly 40 years the Missouri Department of Agriculture has connected students to career opportunities across the entire agriculture industry,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “We are excited in 2026 to introduce students to many opportunities in the St. Louis region. Appropriately called the Plant Science Corridor, St. Louis is a powerhouse for agriculture technology and innovation.”
The students selected will participate in a yearlong program to learn about agriculture career opportunities, tour agribusinesses in the St. Louis area, visit the Missouri State Fair and learn more about the agriculture industry in Jefferson City. The 2026 schedule will include visits with industry and agribusiness leaders, as well as tours of their facilities.
Since 1988, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy has graduated 1,140 students through a competitive application and interview process. The first portion of the 2026 MAbA program will be held June 1-5 and marks the program’s 39th year. Students interested in participating must apply by Jan. 15, 2026.
For more information on the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, including application and guidelines, visit the MAbA webpage. For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department Missouri agriculture.mo.gov.
Horses at recent events in Texas and Oklahoma should be closely monitored.
(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Multiple cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EVH-1), have been confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma following equine events in these states. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Missouri.
The first cases were confirmed in horses that attended an equine event in Waco, Tx., Nov. 5 - 9. Two additional cases were confirmed in horses that attended a barrel racing event in Guthrie, Ok., earlier this week. Owners of horses at either event should consult with their veterinarian as well as isolate and quarantine the horses for at least 14 days.
“Missouri owners or trainers of horses at either of these events should closely monitor their horses for at least 14 days from last exposure, monitor temperature twice daily and isolate them from other horses” said Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg. “EHV-1 is highly contagious in equine and can spread very quickly.”
EHV-1 is spread directly through nose-to-nose contact and infected animals can release particles when they cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is also possible through shared water or feed buckets, tack and travel in the same trailer.
Horse owners should increase biosecurity measures and monitor their horses for symptoms, including fever, nasal discharge and cough, stumbling, hind end weakness or any neurological issues. If you notice any symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Cases that show neurological issues are considered a medical emergency.
There is no risk to humans from EVH-1 or EHM.
For more information about Equine Herpesvirus Type 1, visit the USDA equine herpesvirus website.
For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.