The intent, the sponsor says, is to move property tax questions to higher turnout elections. As written, it could also put school board and city council races on ballots with partisan candidates

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&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/11/missouri-house-moves-ahead-on-bill-to-silo-property-tax-rates-move-tax-elections-to-november/">property tax overhaul</a>&nbsp;moving through the Missouri House includes provisions that would potentially push all elections to August and November. The bill’s sponsor, however, said that’s not his intent and will make any changes necessary to prevent it.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&amp;bill=HB2780&amp;code=R%20&amp;cal=1" target="_blank">measure</a>&nbsp;that would require taxing districts to set separate rates for each type of property also requires all property tax elections to be on an August or November ballot. But the language that would accomplish the change in election dates, critics warn, is far broader than necessary.

“It is just rife with drafting errors,” said Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon. “This is what concerns me.”

Under&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=115.121&amp;bid=5978&amp;hl=" target="_blank">current law</a>, partisan primary and general elections are held in August and November of even numbered years. The first Tuesday after the first Monday of April every year is set aside as the general municipal election day, when mostly non-partisan local offices are filled and measures such as tax and bond elections are held.

The bill given first-round approval last week, however, states that all primaries “for local, state and national offices” would be in August and “all general elections for local, state and national offices and issues” would be in November.

“I don’t see how they are reading that April is not gone,” Lennon said.

The 165-page bill sponsored by state Rep. Tim Taylor, a Republican from Bunceton, moved forward on a voice vote and is scheduled for a committee hearing Monday afternoon on its fiscal impact. If the bill is approved in the committee, Taylor said he expects a final House vote later in the afternoon.

In an interview Friday with The Independent, Taylor said he only wants to move property tax elections from April to November.

“The intent is absolutely not to move all elections from April,” Taylor said.

The benefit of moving property tax elections to November is the greater voter turnout, Taylor said. There were 160 property tax ballot proposals before voters in 2024 from 2,811 taxing districts, Taylor said.

“It does not seem insurmountable to move that to November,” he said.

Lennon’s concerns echo those of state Rep. Peggy McGaugh, a Republican from Carrollton who was Carroll County Clerk for nearly 24 years. During debate, McGaugh said she was certain the bill, if passed unchanged, would end April elections.

The November ballot would become longer, she said, and major national and statewide races and issues in November elections would make it more difficult to educate voters on local questions and candidates.

“If you shift all elections to November, your ballot is going to be so long that voter fatigue is an issue, and the very taxes that you may want to have passed or failed are going to get lost in all the issues before it or behind it,” McGaugh said.

Taylor said he’s not convinced voters will tire before they get to local issues and leave the ballot for those issues blank.

“I am not going to insinuate they don’t have the stamina and the strength and the fortitude to read the whole ballot,” Taylor said.

In Boone County, turnout in the past five April elections ranged from 14% to 25% of registered voters. Approximately 70% of voters cast ballots in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, while 50% came to the polls for the 2022 off-year election.

The money spent to energize voters for a November election is one reason turnout is so high, Lennon said.

Local governments trying to get voters’ attention would have to “break through the noise” of a November election where candidates and issue campaigns are spending millions, Lennon said.

Local taxing districts can distribute material describing how money from a tax levy would be used but are barred by state law from using that material to advocate for a favorable vote. Organized spending for a local ballot measure is often less than $10,000.

“Which, again, is why we see lower turnout in April, because that amount of money is not being spent on issues in the April elections,” Lennon said.

There would be some cost savings associated with moving all elections from April to November, Lennon said. It would reduce outlays to rent locations for polling stations and payroll for election judges, she said.

But the savings, she said, would come at the cost of potentially using two-page ballots. The equipment she uses can accommodate a ballot of up to 19 inches long, she said.&nbsp;

The November 2024 ballot was 17 inches long and covered two sides of the paper, she said.

Two-page ballots bring extra challenges for verifying results, Lennon said.

“Reconciliation of the number of voters who check in to the number of ballots received gets really difficult,” Lennon said. “It is after the fact difficult to match up if voters choose not to cast both ballots.”

The changes Taylor wants to enact for property tax elections is not limited to the date when votes are cast. The ballot would also include an estimate of how much a proposed tax would cost property owners for every $100,000 of the base value used for assessments.&nbsp;

And every ballot question would state the percentage increase in taxes from an increased levy, the reason the taxing district needs the money and the length of time the tax would be in place.

The uncertainty about the way the bill is drafted is not enough to back up and revise it, Taylor said.

The election provision will be studied, Taylor said, and if necessary, he would recommend changes as the bill is revised in the state Senate. It’s already too late for the bill to be revised any further in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He wants to work with local election authorities to refine the bill, he said.

“I want to make this right,” Taylor said. “This bill is just getting off the ground and there is going to be a lot of massaging along the way.”

The tax bill was moved too quickly, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, said last week at a news conference. Most of the time used during debate was on an amendment that standardized the ballot questions for property tax measures. Other important issues in the bill were not discussed, she said.

“Democrats are on board with providing Missourians much needed property tax relief, but details matter, and we barely scratched the surface of how this bill impacts local governments and their ability to serve residents,” Aune said.

To move to the Senate, the bill needs 82 votes. The bill has supporters and critics in both parties, Taylor said.

His appeal to colleagues will be to keep the bill moving, Taylor said. The bill is certain to be revised in the Senate, and if it clears that chamber the House will have another vote later.

“My job is to convince them this process is far from over,” Taylor said, “and we are going to have ample opportunity to get something across the finish line.”

Missouri property tax overhaul bill may inadvertently move municipal elections to November

Northwest Missouri State University continues to see steady enrollment numbers this spring, bolstered by a significant rise in undergraduate students and strong retention figures, according to recently released census data.

The university’s total spring enrollment reached 7,674 students. This figure includes 4,315 undergraduates, marking a 4% increase in that demographic compared to the previous year. While spring totals are traditionally lower than fall numbers, Northwest has consistently surpassed the 7,000-student threshold since 2022, following a record high of 8,817 students in 2024.

Student retention remains a high point for the institution, with a fall-to-spring retention rate of 88%. The university also reported a 94% persistence rate, which tracks students who either remain enrolled or have successfully completed their degree programs.

“The entire Northwest campus community is focused on recruiting, enrolling, retaining and graduating students,” said Dr. Allison Hoffmann, associate provost of enrollment management and student success. Hoffmann noted that the university is particularly pleased with the undergraduate growth and the marginal increases in retention and persistence.

The university’s geographic footprint remains largely regional, with 5,183 students originating from Missouri. However, the student body includes domestic representatives from 49 states—with strong draws from Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas—and international students from 46 different countries.

International students account for 3% of the total population. The university reported that the majority of its international enrollment comes from India, France, and Nepal.

Spring enrollment at Northwest crosses 7,000 mark for fifth consecutive year

The Western Farm Show will take place in Kansas City this week at the American Royal Complex.

This is the 64th annual Western Farm Show, which is the Midwest’s largest indoor agricultural event. The show features over 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in farm equipment, technology, and a wide array of agricultural products and services across more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space.&nbsp;

A highlight of the event is the Women’s Event, themed “Empower, Connect, Thrive!” This gathering aims to inspire and connect women in agriculture, offering insights and strategies to enhance their impact in the industry. 

The Western Farm Show also hosts educational seminars, interactive demonstrations, and networking opportunities, making it a unique experience for farmers, ranchers, and agriculture enthusiasts.&nbsp;

FFA Day is another significant feature, attracting over 4,500 students from Missouri and Kansas who participate in seminars, competitions, and explore career opportunities in agriculture. 

Overall, the Western Farm Show serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing agricultural advancements, fostering community engagement, and providing educational resources to support the growth and development of the farming and ranching sectors in the Midwest.

Tickets are $10 daily for adults. Children age 12 and under get in free.&nbsp;

The American Royal Complex is located at&nbsp;1701 American Royal Ct, Kansas City, MO. 680 KFEQ will have a booth on site.

Find more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westernfarmshow.com/">westernfarmshow.com</a>.

Western Farm Show in KC begins Thursday

A bill that would create a state-run video lottery system to replace the current slot machine games received initial approval Monday in the Missouri House

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A federal judge on Friday ruled that slot machines that have operated for years in bars, restaurants and convenience stores across Missouri are illegal gambling devices under state law.

The decision by U.S. District Judge John Ross lands as lawmakers debate whether to legalize the machines — and as Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/09/missouri-may-finally-be-done-looking-the-other-way-on-gray-market-slot-machines/">vowed to shut them down</a>.

Ross’s 25-page ruling also follows an October federal jury verdict ordering one of the most prominent operators, Wildwood-based Torch Electronics, to pay&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/torch-lured-business-in-missouri-with-illegal-video-games-federal-jury-finds/">$500,000 to a competitor</a>&nbsp;that said it lost business after Torch repeatedly claimed its games were not gambling devices and therefore were lawful.

Ross pointed to that jury’s conclusions, writing that Torch’s machines “meet the statutory definition of ‘gambling device’ and are therefore illegal under Missouri law when played outside a licensed casino.”

A spokesman for Torch said the company remains convinced its machines are legal.

“Once the court decides the remaining issues before it and enters a final judgment, Torch will appeal, as we’re confident our games adhere to the letter and the spirit of Missouri law,” said Gregg Keller, Torch’s spokesman.

Torch has relied on high-profile lobbyists, political donations, relationships with prosecutors and litigation against enforcement agencies to protect its market. Over the past year, Torch donated $650,000 to political action committees run by its lobbyist, former House Speaker Steve Tilley. Warrenton Oil — whose convenience stores host many Torch machines — contributed another $135,000 to those PACs.

In 2023, then-Attorney General Andrew Bailey withdrew from defending the Missouri State Highway Patrol in a lawsuit brought by Torch after receiving campaign contributions from committees funded by the company.

Hanaway, who took office last year after Bailey stepped down for a job with the FBI, has argued there is no gray area: the machines are illegal. Last week, her office<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-ag-files-first-lawsuits-in-promised-crackdown-on-unregulated-slot-machines/">&nbsp;filed lawsuits against retail shops in Dunklin County</a>&nbsp;alleging the businesses were operating illegal gambling machines on their premises.

In testimony before the Missouri House Budget Committee earlier this month, Hanaway said her office is also assisting with a federal investigation into illegal slot machines in Missouri, involving what she described as “money laundering and banking” questions.

Ross noted that he initially declined to issue a broader declaration on the machines’ legality after the October verdict. But he said he changed course after concluding that the question had remained unresolved at the state level, citing “ongoing delay, inconsistent outcomes and resulting uncertainty in the state system.”

The Missouri House on Monday gave initial approval to legislation that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/video-lottery-bill-would-allow-2-years-to-remove-missouris-gray-market-slot-machines/">would create a state-run video lottery system</a>&nbsp;to replace the current games. Companies profiting from unregulated convenience store slot machines would have one year to pull their games off the market.

The Missouri Lottery would have authority to license video games for installation in retail locations across the state. The licensed machines would have to pay out at least 80% of the money wagered as prizes and about one-third of the profits would be dedicated to state education programs.

The bill would also impose a 3% tax on video lottery profits to aid local governments and would increase the fee casinos pay for each patron who enters the gaming floor from $2 to $4.

On Monday, the House adopted several amendments to the bill, including one adding an&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/amendpdf/6459H03.18H.pdf" target="_blank">annual $250 fee per machine</a>&nbsp;to go towards disability services. The money was pitched as an effort to help roll back&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/13/families-caregivers-plead-with-missouri-lawmakers-to-reverse-governors-disability-cuts/">Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed $80.7 million cuts</a>&nbsp;to services that help people with disabilities live safely in their homes and participate actively in their communities.

“This amendment is about fiscal responsibility and moral responsibility,” said state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican from Springfield.

State Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, a Republican from Savannah, pointed to the judge’s ruling involving Torch in decrying the legalization bill during Monday’s debate. He said these slot machines are “already illegal” and Missouri should find a better way to pay its bills than “stealing” from its citizens with gambling devices.

The goal of the bill is ultimately about providing clarity in Missouri law, said state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon sponsoring the legislation.

“There are illegal games out there. There are games of different varieties,” he said. “We owe it to business owners to clarify the law.”

Federal judge rules Missouri’s gas station slot machines are illegal gambling devices

Northwest Missouri State University’s premier instrumental ensembles, the Wind Symphony and the Symphonic Band, will kick off their spring concert season with a performance featuring a wide array of musical eras and styles. 

The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Mary Linn Auditorium at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. The event is free and open to the public.

The Wind Symphony, conducted by Professor of Music Dr. Katy Strickland, will anchor the evening with a program ranging from classical staples to modern, experimental works. Highlights include Gustav Holst’s "Second Suite in F," a cornerstone of concert band literature, and G.H. Huffine’s 1924 march "Them Basses," which highlights the lower voices of the ensemble. The program also features "Capriccio" by Rodney Newton—showcasing faculty soloist Dr. Max Gerhart—and Alex Shapiro’s "Soundscape," a contemporary piece noted for its techno-inspired aesthetic.

Recognized as the University’s top wind ensemble, the Wind Symphony frequently tackles challenging repertoire from various historical periods. Their reputation for excellence recently earned them a prestigious performance slot at the Nebraska Music Education Association Conference and In-Service Clinic. Beyond the technical demands, Dr. Strickland emphasizes the community aspect of the group, noting that the "fantastic culture" and supportive environment encourage students to remain involved throughout their collegiate careers.

The Symphonic Band, led by lecturer of music Dr. Max Gerhart, will also take the stage to perform four distinct works. While three of the selections were written specifically for wind instruments, the ensemble will also perform a notable adaptation of Hector Berlioz’s orchestral masterpiece, "Symphonie Fantastique."

Operating primarily during the spring semester, the Symphonic Band provides an inclusive space for students of all majors to explore a broad spectrum of music, from modern compositions to light pop. "It is exciting to be able to expose people to great music of the past through the medium of the Symphonic Band," Gerhart said, highlighting the ensemble's role in bringing historical works to a modern audience.

Northwest Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band to Launch Spring Season

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2026 P eterbilt semi driven by&nbsp; 40-year-old Columbia man was southbound on RT. Y at 403rd Road five miles south of Graham. The vehicle veered off the west side of the road, returned to the road and overturned.

Nodaway County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic in Maryville. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after semi overturns

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Monday in Clinton County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Trax driven by a 22-year-old Lathop woman was eastbound on 272 Street at Breckenridge Road two miles north of Lathrop. The SUV collided with a northbound 2000 GMC Sierra driven by 41-year-old Mississippi man at the intersection.

Tri-County ambulance transported the SUV driver to Liberty Hospital. The&nbsp; pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized after SUV, pickup crash

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's entire Congressional delegation is sponsoring legislation to name two Veterans Administration facilities after the two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in Syria.

 Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the V-A facility in Des Moines would be named after Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar and the V-A outpatient clinic in Marshalltown would be named after Staff Sergeant William Howard. 

The facilities are located in the home towns of those soldiers. Grassley says we're forever indebted to them for their dedication and service to Iowa and protecting our country. The two soldiers were killed in a terror attack while deployed in Syria.

Iowa Delegation Wants To Rename V-A Facilities After Fallen National Guard Soldiers

Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the northwest region for the week of Feb. 16 - 22.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The project was awarded to Clarkson Construction Company.&nbsp;

Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through February 2026.&nbsp;

U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Traffic signal upgrade project at Messanie Street, Feb. 16 - March 8.

Route D – Bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.

Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route A –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Station Lane to Witt Road, Feb. 17, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Smith Road to Frost Road, Feb. 18, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 267th Street to 255th Street, Feb. 20, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

I-29 – Tree cutting northbound from the 76.0 mile marker to the 77.4 mile marker, Feb. 18

I-29 – Tree cutting southbound at the on ramp from U.S. Route 159 (exit 79), Feb. 19.

Route 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement 1-mile north of Route C, Feb. 17-20.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a deck replacement project Feb. 16 through early April.

U.S. Route 71 – Pothole patching from Route AB to Route FF, Feb. 17 - 18.

Route EE – Roadside work at 190th Street, Feb. 18 - 19, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

Route 46 – Pothole patching from Route HH to Route 113, Feb. 19.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge through June 2026, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.

Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through mid-February 2026.

MoDOT says there may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, Feb. 16 - 22

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Sunday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Jeep Compass driven by&nbsp; a 78-year-old Cosby woman was northbound on Route W one mile southeast of Avenue City. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign, crossed Route O, traveled off the north side of the road, struck a traffic sign, an electric fence and came to rest in a pasture.

A private vehicle transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman injured after Jeep crash into traffic sign, fence

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sawyerbess/">Sawyer Bess</a>

Local officials pushed back this week against a Missouri Senate bill that would end both state and local sales tax on food and grocery items.

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican, said the bill is an attempt to increase affordability for Missourians as prices rise.

“Missourians are paying more and more for necessities,” Coleman said. “Most of us agree fundamentally that essential services should not be funded on the backs of the poor.”

Coleman said a family of four would save $54 per month with the removal of grocery sales tax.

In support of Coleman’s bill, Amanda Berry, food security policy manager at Empower Missouri, said that families in the lowest income quantile spend 25% of their income on food, whereas families in the highest quantile spend only 5%.

Numerous mayors, county commissioners and other local representatives testified against this bill, emphasizing local reliance on sales taxes.

“Sales taxes, including taxes on the sale of food, is the lifeblood of many Missouri local governments,” said David Dimmitt, mayor of Brentwood. “Local governments do not have income taxes and must survive instead on property taxes and sales taxes.”

Dimmitt also said that because the bulk of property taxes go to schools and other jurisdictions, local governments rely on sales taxes to fund police and fire departments, road repairs, trash and recycling, among many other services.

Leaders from small towns also voiced their reliance on sales tax to fund services. Tara Strain, city administrator of Centralia, said she would also like to decrease food costs for Missourians but warns about unintended consequences of removing local tax on grocery items.

“The elimination of these revenues statewide is estimated to result in over $1 billion in lost local funding,” Strain said. “For cities like mine, that loss would not be abstract, it would directly affect our ability to maintain infrastructure, to respond to emergencies and provide safe and livable communities.”

Strain and other local leaders only spoke against local tax removal, not necessarily the state tax. Missouri’s sales tax on retail sales of food is currently 1%.

“I fundamentally agree with not taxing food, however, I would like to see how the state deals with a hole in their budget first,” said Ike Skelton, Camden County presiding commissioner. “If you want to change the Constitution and allow each county to decide this sort of thing on their own, that might be a great idea.”

A similar bill, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Patty Lewis of Kansas City, would only remove the state sales tax for groceries. Lewis said 33 other states do not have a sales tax on food.

Various Missouri leaders also supported looking for ways to decrease initial costs of groceries rather than removing the sales tax.

Coleman has spent about seven years working to pass this legislation, which has never been approved by the Senate. In 2026, the Missouri General Assembly is also considering Gov. Mike Kehoe’s plan to remove Missouri’s income tax.

“In the broader fiscal context … with Gov. Kehoe prioritizing the elimination of state income tax, we need to consider ways to restructure state revenue that doesn’t make buying basic necessities nearly impossible,” Berry said.

If passed, Coleman’s bill would remove local sales tax on food over the course of four years, coming to an end in 2031.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/bill-aims-to-end-sales-tax-on-food/article_c436cf47-f175-4921-8507-194719dd7a3c.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Push to eliminate sales tax on food and groceries in Missouri runs into resistance

March corn closed up 3/4 cent and May corn was up 1 cent. March soybeans closed down 1/2 cent and May soybeans were up 1/4 cent. March KC wheat closed up 12 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 9 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 5 3/4 cents.

U.S. crop markets traded almost uniformly higher overnight before turning mixed through the day session Wednesday. Two-sided trade was especially prevalent in the soybean market with futures technically overbought and feeling top heavy ahead of the USDA Ag Outlook Forum (with balance sheets unveiled early Thursday), which is expected to show higher soybean area to be planted in 2026. Wheat futures held to a nice recovery after an ugly session on Tuesday, while corn futures were stagnant and caught between influences from wheat and soybean markets. Outside markets for Wednesday were mixed with the U.S. Dollar Index moving higher for the third straight session and five of the past six. Crude oil futures have surged higher at midweek, back among the highest levels of 2026 thus far amid risk with negotiations between the U.S. and Iran ongoing but thus far reportedly yielding little in the way of a clear nuclear deal.

After rallying to highs not seen since October, the live cattle complex ended the session trading mixed to mostly lower as traders look for reassurance from the market's fundamentals. The cash cattle market remains absolutely silent, with no bids or asking prices having been noted yet. It's most likely that trade will be delayed until Friday again this week, and it is assumed that fed cash cattle prices will be higher again this week. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $1.26 ($363.50) and select up $0.99 ($361.21) with a movement of 58 loads (43.87 loads of choice, 6.35 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 8.12 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex traded slightly more optimistically into midday Wednesday than the live cattle complex, and its contracts end the session mixed. Helping keep the feeder cattle contracts elevated is the strong demand in the countryside, as buyers know that supplies are going to remain thin and that if they want to fill their orders, they have to buy aggressively.

The lean hog complex was trading fully higher into Wednesday's closing bell as the market is pleased to have found some technical support after its straining downturn over the last week. Fundamental support remains lagging, and traders will eventually desire to see more support in pork demand.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/18142504/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The National FFA Organization said it will cooperate with a congressional inquiry examining one of its corporate sponsors, while emphasizing its nonpartisan mission and independence from donor influence. 

At question is FFA’s alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party through a partnership with Chinese-owned Syngenta Group. FFA declined to provide additional details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The inquiry comes amid heightened scrutiny from some members of Congress over partnerships between U.S.-based nonprofits and companies with foreign ownership ties.

The youth agricultural education group released a statement exclusively to the NAFB News Service that included: "While FFA accepts support from generous donors and sponsors throughout the agricultural and agri-business community, it does not and cannot advocate the views for any donor or sponsor. FFA has received a Congressional inquiry about one of our sponsors, and it intends to cooperate fully."

FFA says it will cooperate with congressional inquiry

The number of farms in the United States fell by 15,000 in 2025, continuing a long-term decline in the nation’s agricultural landscape, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. According to USDA’s annual Land in Farms report, the total number of farms dropped to about 1.865 million last year, down from roughly 1.88 million in 2024. The decline spanned nearly all size and sales categories, with smaller operations — particularly those reporting $1,000 to $9,999 in annual sales — posting the largest losses, USDA data showed. 

Only operations with annual sales above $1 million saw a slight increase of about 50 farms. Total land in farms also edged lower, decreasing about 0.3% to 873.9 million acres, even as average farm size ticked upward, reflecting a consolidation trend. Analysts said economic pressures, including slim profit margins, rising costs and generational turnover, continue to challenge smaller producers and reshape the structure of U.S. agriculture.

U.S. farm numbers decline for second straight year

March corn closed down 5 1/2 cents and May corn was down 6 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 1 cents and May soybeans were up 1/4 cent. March KC wheat closed down 3 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 11 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 3 1/2 cents.

It was a day of mostly lower price action for row-crop futures with soybeans standing alone on the positive side of the fence. Corn futures were lower and posted a poor close from a technical standpoint despite relatively little in the way of news Tuesday. Most of the bearish pressure for corn came via wheat, with Chicago futures falling sharply just two sessions removed from hitting three-month highs on upward revisions to forecasts for Russia's 2026 crop. Outside markets leaned bearish to ag futures on Tuesday, with a firm U.S. dollar trading counter to continued selling pressure in precious metals. Crude oil (and other energy futures) was lower as well Tuesday, despite early reports of Iran's "partial and temporary" closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for world oil trade. Risks in this regard were seemingly offset in the eyes of traders by positive feedback following the latest round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Switzerland on Tuesday.

It's was a solidly successful day for the live cattle complex as the market is seeing immense support from traders, which is helped the contracts scale well over $1.00 higher into Tuesday's closing bell. More than anything, the robust fundamental support from last week's cash cattle market, mixed with the bullish long-term trajectory, seemed to have traders' full attention this morning. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Nebraska/Colorado, about steady in Kansas, and lower in Texas. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice up $0.86 ($366.91) and select up $0.14 ($361.37) with a movement of 62 loads (45.85 loads of choice, 5.50 loads of select, 3.48 loads of trim and 6.86 loads of ground beef).

Upon noting the strength of last week's fed cash cattle trade and seeing how traders are energetically supporting the live cattle contracts, it's been an easy decision for traders to push the feeder cattle contracts higher. So long as the live cattle complex continues to trade higher, the feeder cattle contracts will likely follow in the same direction.

After a tumultuous downturn over the last seven trading days, the lean hog complex finally found some technical support as traders potentially believe that the contracts have created enough space from the contract highs scored in early February. Pork cutout values were a tick lower this morning, but that did not seem to be affecting traders through today's session.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/17135609/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The National FFA Organization is proud to announce a new way for people to support the next generation for this year’s Give FFA Day. It’s called ChapterBoost. The ChapterBoost program showcases local FFA chapters and their goals for hands-on learning, leadership development, and agricultural education, giving donors the opportunity to make an immediate impact by selecting a project to support directly through crowdfunding for an individual chapter. 

The annual Give FFA Day will be held on Thursday, February 26, during National FFA Week. “We’re setting our most ambitious goal yet to raise $1.75 million on Give FFA Day,” said Kimberly Coveney, senior manager of individual giving for the National FFA Foundation. “Every dollar donated helps open doors for our more than one million members by funding programs, leadership development, and experiences that prepare them for careers in agriculture and beyond.” 

A new way to give back on 'National Give FFA Day'

The USDA announced the enrollment periods for agricultural producers and landowners to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program. The Farm Service Agency is accepting offers for Continuous CRP starting this Thursday, February 12, through March 20, 2026. Enrollment for the General CRP will run from March 9, 2026, through April 17, 2026. FSA will announce the dates for the Grassland CRP signup in the near future. 

“We’re still very close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap, with 1.9 million acres available for all CRP enrollments this fiscal year, so enrollment is likely to be competitive,” said Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Programs and Conservation. “It’s not about the total number of enrolled acres, it’s about producers and landowners offering the acres that can best deliver real and lasting benefits to soil, water, and wildlife.” Producers and landowners interested in participating in CRP should contact their local FSA county office. 

USDA announces enrollment periods for 2026 continuous and general CRP 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday launched the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework — a policy initiative designed to shield producers from what the department calls politically motivated legal actions and regulatory overreach. Secretary Brooke Rollins described the four-pillar plan as a cornerstone for defending agricultural heritage and providing fairness in rural America. The framework formalizes existing USDA efforts to streamline regulations, reduce compliance burdens and enhance protections for farmers and ranchers facing litigation or enforcement actions. 

Agricultural stakeholders welcomed the announcement, though critics argue it could weaken environmental and consumer safeguards. The policy echoes recent USDA moves to end “agricultural lawfare,” which has been discussed by advocacy groups and within USDA strategy briefings. The initiative also comes amid broader debates over farm profitability, market pressures and federal intervention in agriculture.

USDA unveils plan to cut red tape, legal pressures on Farmers

Agricultural and conservation groups said they are cautiously optimistic after House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson introduced a new Farm Bill proposal Friday afternoon aimed at restarting stalled negotiations in Congress. Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican,  unveiled the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” which is scheduled for consideration by the House Agriculture Committee beginning Feb. 23. If advanced, the legislation could reach the House floor later this spring. 

Agriculture-aligned conservation groups welcomed the move as a signal of progress after months of uncertainty. Several farm-related matters were previously addressed in last year's "One, Big, Beautiful Bill."  Aaron Field, director of private lands conservation for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said the Farm Bill plays a critical role in supporting working lands, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation tied to agriculture. Groups emphasized that bipartisan support will be required for passage and said they plan to closely review the bill’s conservation and forestry provisions as the legislative process moves forward.

Thompson unveils ‘Farm Bill 2.0’ to Ag Groups 

March corn closed up 1/2 cent and May corn was up 1/4 cent. March soybeans closed down 4 1/4 cents and May soybeans were down 3 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 11 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 3 3/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 5 3/4 cents.

It was an overall mixed to lower session in row-crop futures to close the week, with corn showing resilience to trade marginally higher, while soybeans and wheat futures fell as traders looked to square positions ahead of a long weekend, with markets closed on Monday for Presidents Day. Overall, for the week it was positive price action for U.S. grain markets as prices made technical strides as well in holding chart support. Outside markets for Friday traded primarily in reaction to a cooler than expected inflation reading via the Consumer Price Index, which declined to 2.4% annual price growth, the lowest since early 2021. This was a source of pressure to commodities early on Friday, while also fueling recovery efforts in equities after a two-day selloff through the middle of the week. The U.S. Dollar Index was lower on perceived lower interest rates (as a result of lower inflation), while crude oil and other energy markets recovered from daily lows in an otherwise narrow session to close the week.

The live cattle complex drifted only slightly lower as traders try to remain patient, waiting for cash cattle to trade. It's fully assumed prices will be higher late on Friday when trade develops, but the real question is: How much higher? A single bid was on the table in Nebraska at $238, but otherwise no news has developed as of this writing. Asking prices remain firm in Texas at $245 to $247, but aren't clearly established elsewhere. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $0.45 ($364.39) and select up $0.26 ($363.29) with a movement of 30 loads (24.05 loads of choice, 2.18 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 3.48 loads of ground beef).

Keeping in alignment with the live cattle contracts, the feeder cattle complex traded mixed to slightly lower as well. Demand has mostly higher this week in the countryside for both feeders and calves, but there has been notable interest in the heavier weight feeders that will make grass cattle in a few months.

In keeping with its lower trend, the lean hog complex continued to lose position as the market anticipates more supply to be working its way into the system, which causes traders some fear that pork cutout values could weaken. Not to mention, just a little over a week ago the market did reach new all-time highs in the futures complex which put heavy pressure on the market's technical side.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/13145333/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The first Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor of 2026 shows the U.S. ag economy entered the year in a clear crop-sector recession. However, the survey also finds a deeper crisis of confidence. Economists say the downturn is cyclical and manageable through optimization, but farmers are experiencing it as a structural stress test on their operations and livelihoods. The first survey points to a continuing split in the ag economy, which is strength in livestock, particularly beef cattle, versus persistent financial stress across most of the row-crop sector. 

The Monthly Monitor asks respondents to compare the ag economy right now with the same time a year ago, and most retailers, producers, and economists report being somewhat worse off. “Across nearly all responses, margin pressure emerged as a dominant concern,” said Tyne Morgan of AgWeb. “While several producers talk about diversifying as a key, others responded with cutting costs to the bone, especially around capital spending.” 

Survey shows producers “fighting for survival”

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A silver Nissan Altima was eastbound on Interstate 70 approaching Stadium Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver failed to stop for congested traffic ahead. The Nissan Altima rear-ended a black Nissan full-size van, resulting in a four-vehicle collision. 

Two individuals were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. EMS pronounced one passenger deceased at the scene. This is fatality #9 in KCMO in 2026, according to Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

KCPD: One dead after 4-vehicle I-70 crash

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/"></a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Cellphones are one step closer to disappearing from Kansas classrooms after the House passed a bill that would require a daytime device ban to public and private schools.

Social connection, phone addiction and parental choice came into play in an hours-long debate Monday that involved Republicans and Democrats crossing the aisle to ultimately support a bill that would apply to public and private schools.

The bipartisan ban proposes a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use, requiring schools to craft detailed policies to ensure devices are turned off and stored away during the school day and to enact disciplinary measures for students who violate a ban.

A cascade of changes as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb281/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 281</a>&nbsp;made its way through committee resulted in a bill that only mandated a ban in public schools and merely suggested one for private schools.

Republican Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita added a provision Monday to apply the mandate to both public and nonpublic schools. The bill itself drew mixed reactions from each party, and so did Ward’s amendment.

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