Food shortages are being reported across the nation. With rising costs and backed-up production, farmers are struggling to meet consumer needs. In the state of Missouri alone, beef production is up nineteen percent from last year, poultry is up two percent from last year, and egg production alone is up three percent. Despite this, small family farms are finding it difficult to meet these growing needs. The Epoch Times was able to speak with the owner of Twisted Ash Farm in Foristell, Missouri, and he had plenty to say on the subject. “Processing or butcher appointments are backlogged for 6 months or more, limiting the ability for small farms to get their products to market. I used to be able to schedule processing dates with four weeks notice or less and now I have to make those appointments six months in advance or more with exception to some butchers we …