Hi Bus! Glad to see another "Show-Me-Stater"! Welcome to the forum!
Where in the ozarks is your pond? Mine is in Texas county.
I too stocked at the state recommended 50% rate almost 4 years ago. After starting to feed, aerate, clear turbidity, and fertilize(not enough), the spawns of BG have exploded.
It probably won't matter whether you go with the lower numbers or not, your pond will hit it's carrying capacity in a short time either way. Just keep your stocking #'s balanced for your goals and you'll be fine. Contact the great folks at Country Fish Farm in Salem, they will help you reach the goals for your pond---Assuming you did NOT let the state provide the stock. If you did, then fathead minnows will be the only fish you can add legally because the pond is now "Waters of the State" and will remain that way unless you drain the pond and kill all the fish and restart.
