News Release

Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler, with Missouri Beef Industry Council Executive Director John Kleiboeker, recognized the daily contributions of all of Missouri's farmers with a Thank A Farmer Day proclamation.

"As families gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is important to recognize the farm families, and recognizing the contributions and sacrifices our producers make to ensure that we all have ample and affordable quality food to enjoy at the dinner table for Thanksgiving and throughout the year," said Director Hagler. "Missouri farm families are among the most productive, most innovative, most environmentally friendly producers in the world, and Governor Nixon and I are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions to our state."

Thank A Farmer Day is an annual event, intended to serve as a reminder of the great impact agriculture has on everyone's lives. In Missouri, the state's nearly 108,000 farmers contribute more than $12 billion to Missouri's economy and each feed, on average, 150 people.

"Missouri farmers care about producing safe, nutritious, abundant and affordable food," said Executive Director Kleiboeker. "We are committed to increasing crop yields and production from our livestock, and we are capable as shown by the advancements we've made over the last sixty years."

In addition to the Thank A Farmer day recognition, the event also touted Missouri farmers' efforts to connect with the nearly 350,000 Missourians experiencing hunger. Missouri farm families, youth organizations and agriculture commodity groups have collected fresh and non-perishable food items, including vegetables, meat and dairy products for local food banks and pantries.

"Missouri farmers and ranchers are dedicated to putting food on our tables, which is why they are willing to care for their land and animals all day, every day. In the same way farmers and ranchers care for their animals, land and families, they are dedicated for caring for their neighbors," said Whitney Wallace, director of consumer outreach for the Missouri Beef Industry Council. "These hunger-relief agencies can use this significant donation to help serve the thousands of families facing hunger in our state."

The announcement was made at Lawman Farm east of Columbia, Mo. on Thursday, November 18. Director Hagler and Executive Director Kleiboeker recognized the Miller and Lawman families for their contributions to Missouri agriculture.

The families maintain herds of Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle, as well as Simmental and SimAngus cattle. The farm consists of 400 acres - 80 acres of crop ground along the creek bottom and the rest in pasture and hay production. Nearly 200 females are expected to calve on the farm in 2011.

Away from the farm, Chuck and Christi serve as 4-H club leaders in Boone County and Chuck is a 22nd year vocational agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. The Millers also have two children, Abby and Ethan.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture or visit mda.mo.gov.