Naturally Meramec

06/24/2024

Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools Grant

The Missouri Grown program is providing up to $1,000 in reimbursement to school food services and Early Childcare Education Centers (ECEs) to cover the purchase of specialty crops from a Missouri farmer. This project aims to increase the consumption and knowledge of specialty crops in children and adults in schools/ECEs. Each school/ECE is required to complete one educational activity about specialty crop production. It is highly encouraged that this activity include the farmer, and can be either in-person or virtual. The specialty crops can be served before or after the educational lesson. The specialty crop can be for taste testing, educational activities or served in the school meals or snacks.

Another component of this project is to encourage and build relationships between schools/ECEs and Missouri farmers. A school district and ECE can only receive the reimbursement four times (once per semester) and funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
Click here for more information:

The Missouri Grown program is providing up to $1,000 reimbursement to Missouri school districts and Early Childcare Education Centers (registered) to cover the purchase of specialty crops from a Missouri farmer between April 1, 2022 and November 1, 2022. This project aims to increase the consumption...

06/04/2024

Fresh grown tomatoes are always a sign of summer. We expect to start seeing a few at farms markets around the region! So yummy!

06/04/2024

06/04/2024

05/25/2024

Agritourism is rising in Missouri, as the number of farms and revenue increased roughly 22% between 2017 and 2022. With an average agritourism income of nearly $24,000 per operation, Missouri ranked 5th among its border states.

Find more information in the latest Missouri Economy Indicators brief: https://brnw.ch/21wJX4e

05/25/2024

Send a message to learn more

04/26/2024

Two of these are right here in our region! Make sure to check them out this summer for a delicious sweet treat!

𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬

Ices Plain & Fancy in St. Louis. Their ice cream is flash-churned to order. It’s super cool (literally!) to watch. You can’t go wrong with their classic flavors like rocky road and mint chip, but they also have boozy ice creams that have as much alcohol as one cocktail.

Odessa Creamery in Odessa. Come for their savory options and stay for the sweets. Their Philly cheesesteak, burgers, and wraps are perfect for a filling meal with the fam. After you’re finished, they have some of the best shakes, sundaes, and scoops around. Make sure to add a brownie or cookie to whatever ice cream you select!

Ruby's Ice Cream in St. James. A Missouri staple since the 1970s, Ruby’s has all the ice cream options you’ve loved since you were a kid, as well as some unique flavors. Their watermelon jalapeno ice cream is made with fresh jalapenos, and the creamy spirulina with matcha cake ice cream is also amazing. While you’re in town, make plans to stop by Maramec Spring Park as well.

Gelato Di Riso in St. Louis. Rich, velvety Italian gelato. It has less air than American ice cream, which makes it even more decadent. Pro tip: Try the tiramisu gelato. As you eat it, you will almost feel guilty because of how good it tastes – but don’t! No one should feel sad when eating gelato. Ever. It’s a rule.

Bob's Frozen Custard in Belle. There’s just something magical about how Bob’s custard is made. It has a much richer flavor and more luxurious mouthfeel than standard ice cream, and Bob’s has about every mix-in imaginable. The vanilla custard with cheesecake in a waffle cone is difficult to beat, but everything here is great.

04/06/2024

Kicking the Rolla Downtown Farmers Market season off right into the frying pan!

04/06/2024

04/06/2024

The Farmers Market season is starting!

Come Visit the Sunday Farmer's market at the Tourist Information Center opening weekend April 7th from 10 am to 2 pm. Over 10 vendors with artesian & sourdough breads, milk, eggs beef, pork chicken, spring produce, microgreens and much more!

04/02/2024

Lots fun events to celebrate spring at Edg-Clif Winery and Brewery, located in Washington County!

Edg-Clif Vineyard/Winery/Brew Vineyards, Estate Bottled Wine, Weddings, Craft Beer in Ozark Mountains, just 65 miles southwest of St. Louis. Open Fri, Sat, Sun 11-5pm, holiday Mon

04/01/2024

Still time to register for this small business writing workshop! Limited scholarships are available for Naturally Meramec Consortium members and Agri-Businesses in Phelps, Crawford, Washington and Dent Counties.

Professional Writing Instruction Fix-It Grammar The Hero's Journey Multisensory Creative Writing Institute for Excellence in Writing (Private Lessons Available) Especially for Authors and Entrepreneurs: Brainstorming Methods and Practice The Christian Writer's Workshop

03/26/2024

https://www.homegrownfarmtour.com/

Upcoming Washington County Home Grown Farm Tour and Taste of County Event on August 24, 2024 -Save the date, more details to come!

Explore Farm Country and Celebrate the growing season in Historic Washington County by attending the Annual Home Grown Farm Tour.

03/26/2024

“The one easy way to become worth 50 percent more than you are now — at least — is to hone your communication skills — both written and verbal.” - Warren Buffett In partnership with the Bourbon Economic Development Group, Crescenza Studio is pleased to offer a six-week workshop series: Wri...

03/08/2024

Request for Proposals: Naturally Meramec Website

MRPC is requesting bids on updates and additions to the Naturally Meramec Consortium Website . The Request for Proposal and Scope of Work are attached. Please use the SOW when submitting your bid because it contains all the information we will consider in order to review and compare bids. Bid deadline is March 22, 2023, by 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.meramecregion.org/career-and-business-opportunities/bid-opportunities/ or call 573-265-2993.

23-24 SURPLUS SALE MRPC has several items available for purchase through our 2024 Surplus Sale. Please find them on the list below. For those interested in purchasing items, they can be viewed at the MRPC Office, #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, Mo. For additional information, contact Fredd Burton at...

02/23/2024

Congrats to Cold Creek Mushrooms! Great article on locally grown Dixon, MO, mushrooms that are served up in local eateries in Rolla and St. James and beyond…truly farm-to-table!

The process repeats itself every week for Ron Selfors and his son, Eric Robinson. It’s part chemistry project, part farming operation and part hard work. But one thing is for sure: The earthy final product is 100% delicious.

02/23/2024

🎉Chicken Season is almost here!!🎉
Pre-Order your Cornish Rock meat Chicks 🐥

We’re now accepting Cornish Rock orders with delivery dates starting March 12th.
Our prices are better than ever!
Grow your chicken with our top quality NON-GMO broiler feed for the best results and saving!
The Cornish Rock’s adaptability to diverse environments and robust health profile make it perfectly suited to our wild Mid-Missouri weather and has exceptional meat quality😋, and efficient feed conversion.
For more information and to order visit:
https://feed.goodlandnatural.farm/broilerchickens/

02/23/2024

Bourbon, Missouri: Uncork Your Potential!

Tired of the same old, same old? Bourbon, Missouri, offers a refreshing blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and boundless opportunities. Our vibrant community welcomes you with open arms, whether you're seeking a getaway, a booming business haven, or a place to put down roots and grow.

Bourbon Economic Development Group (BEDG): Your Partner in Progress

The BEDG is a dedicated non-profit organization fueled by passionate residents and visionary leaders. We work tirelessly to cultivate a thriving community where tourism flourishes, businesses prosper, and residents enjoy a rich quality of life.

Here's what sets Bourbon apart:

History whispers around every corner: Immerse yourself in our Route 66 heritage, explore historical landmarks, and discover captivating stories preserved within our charming town.

Nature's playground awaits: Hike scenic trails, paddle down shimmering rivers, and breathe in the fresh air of the Ozark Mountains. Find adventure and recharge your spirit right in our backyard.

Businesses bloom with support: BEDG champions entrepreneurship and innovation, providing resources, connections, and encouragement to help businesses of all sizes thrive. Invest in your future – we're here to help it bloom!

Education matters: We partner with exceptional schools and foster a culture of lifelong learning to create a skilled and vibrant workforce for the future.

Home is where the heart is: Find your perfect haven in our welcoming community. Choose from affordable housing options, friendly neighbors, and a strong sense of belonging.

Join us in writing the next chapter of Bourbon's success story:

Tourism enthusiasts: Share your passion by supporting local businesses, participating in events, and spreading the word about our hidden gem.

Entrepreneurs and investors: Discover the fertile ground for your business dreams with our robust support network and growing market.

Future residents: Experience the warmth and charm of Bourbon and see yourself thriving in our close-knit community.

Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about:

Upcoming events and festivals

Business resources and incentives

Educational opportunities

Available housing options

Invest in yourself, invest in your future, invest in Bourbon!

02/17/2024

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Blatchford. Benjamin Blatchford Hi Benjamin, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? In 2010, Tom Blatchford and his wife Martha purchased neglected farm property with good bones in the heart of central Missou...

02/15/2024

02/09/2024

There is still time to register for this online series!

Selling at the Farmers Market Online Series
Producers selling local foods at the farmers market can learn more about marketing strategies, state regulations, value added products, business planning, and how to boost their sales through fruit and vegetable incentive programs in this five-part online series presented by University of Missouri Extension.

This weeklong webinar will be held Feb. 12-16 from 12 to 1 p.m. each day. Cost is $10.

Participants will hear from farmers, extension faculty, representatives from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as well as representatives for MarketLink and the Mid-America Regional Council. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas. .

Contact Manita Ale at [email protected] or (314) 200-2705 with questions.