Business notebook: Rain, floods may hurt crop yields

Less than half of Missouri's farm acres predicted to grow soybeans this year have been planted, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported last week.

Planting progress in several areas of the state, most notably northeast and Southeast Missouri, is behind because of excessive rainfall and flooding in some areas.

Unfortunately for farmers, said Anthony Ohmes, a regional agronomist for the University of Missouri Extension in the southeast region, the wet weather pattern hasn't let up to allow ground to dry, meaning some soybean yields could be down come harvest time because the plants need a full growing season.

June planting of soybeans versus May planting can decrease yield by 25 percent or more, according to experiments by the University of Missouri Extension.

As of June 14, the USDA reported, only 42 percent of soybean planting in Missouri was complete, up from 23 percent through May 31, though lagging far behind the acreage planted on the same date in 2014, at 85 percent.

Corn and milo plants also can become stressed in standing water, and Ohmes said Thursday some area corn producers were expecting their plants to go under soon from flooding. The extent to which crops are damaged depends on how long plants stay under water.

The Mississippi River is expected to crest at 43 1/2 feet Tuesday afternoon. Historically, thousands of acres of farmland in Southeast Missouri are flooded when the river crest reaches that level.

Missouri jobless rate see slight increase

The Missouri Department of Economic Development reported Tuesday that May's unemployment rate rose to 5.8 percent, one-tenth of a point higher than the rate in April.

The seasonally adjusted data showed the state's nonfarm payroll employment grew by 6,600 jobs during May. Increases in employment were seen in the industry areas of leisure and hospitality; trade, transportation and utilities; professional and business services; and construction, according to a news release.

Jackson has reminder of license deadline

Most business owners and contractors operating within Jackson city limits must file for a business license by June 30, the deadline for a 2015-2016 license, according to a recent news release from the city.

Renewal notices and updated application forms were mailed to all licensed businesses and contractors.

Forms also are online at jacksonmo.org. More information on contractor licensing requirements is available by calling 243-2300; information on merchant and other business licensing requirements is available by calling 243-3568.

Auffenberg buys Hyundai dealership

Cape Girardeau Hyundai at 368 Siemers Drive recently was bought by Chris Auffenberg, who owns a group of dealerships in Missouri and Illinois.

Auffenberg, according to a news release, named Mike Skelton as the store's general manager.

The Auffenberg group also owns and operates Auffenberg Kia in Cape Girardeau. The new Hyundai dealership will be called Auffenberg Hyundai. Sales hours will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and extended service hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Plaza Tire opens Columbia location

Plaza Tire Service, a Cape Girardeau-founded and based tire and automotive service, recently opened a new store in Columbia, Missouri, and is celebrating 52 years in business.

Mid-Missouri now has seven store locations, including four in Columbia, and the company has 56 total stores in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas.

Plaza Tire Service was established as a Cape Girardeau car wash in 1963 by Vernon "Pee Wee" Rhodes and gradually expanded to provide tire services, according to a news release.

Downtown florist marks first year

Muriel's Garden, a florist in downtown Cape Girardeau, celebrated its first anniversary with a ribbon cutting and reception Friday.

Sally Suchman owns the full-service florist at 202 Independence St.

eragan@semissourian.com

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