December 20, 2014

Benefit Auction at Governor's Conference on Agriculture Raises more than $11,000

Proceeds support programs for 4-H and FFA youth, young professionals in ALOT

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture benefit auction, supporting the future of Missouri agriculture, raised more than $11,000 Friday evening. The auction proceeds benefit programs for youth and young professionals in agriculture including Missouri 4-H, Missouri FFA and Agriculture Leadership of Tomorrow (ALOT). 

“Investing in the young people of Missouri agriculture is investing in the future of the industry,” said Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. “We place great importance on the impact youth can and will have on Missouri agriculture. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the 4-H, FFA and ALOT programs, helping to ensure opportunities are available for the next generation of Missouri ag leaders.”

The top-selling items, the Crappie Masters Fishing Excursion, benefiting Missouri FFA and donated by Missouri FFA Leadership Foundation, and a VIP Wine Tour and Tasting at Les Bourgeois, benefiting Missouri 4-H and donated by Les Bourgeois Vineyards, brought in $650 each. 

Attendees enjoyed a BBQ buffet, sponsored by FCS Financial, and musical entertainment by the famous St. Louis dueling pianos of Spanky Entertainment. Tony Clayton, of Clayton Agri-Marketing served as the auctioneer, and Missouri State 4-H Council members, Missouri State FFA Officer Team members, ALOT classes and commodity leaders assisted the conference emcee, Tom Brand, and Clayton with hosting the benefit auction.

The Conference at Tan-Tar-A Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks will conclude Saturday evening with a special performance by country music band Sawyer Brown. The three-day event includes nationally-recognized speakers, in-depth discussions about current issues and an agriculture tradeshow. Special events during the conference included the Taste of AgriMissouri reception and the Saturday evening awards ceremony.

For more information on the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at http://agriculture.mo.gov.

###