News Release
March 19, 2013
National Ag Week is a Time for Highlighting Missouri's Agricultural Accomplishments, Bright Future
National Ag Week celebrated March 17-23
The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is celebrating National Agriculture Day today, March 19, and National Agriculture Week alongside agricultural organizations nationwide March 17-23. Throughout the week, the Department of Agriculture will highlight advancements in technology, agricultural achievements and growth through partnerships, as well as the many other ways agriculture is moving forward in Missouri.
"Agriculture impacts every constituents' life every day," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "From meat, vegetables and grains to medical and fuel products to the cotton fibers in our clothing, agriculture is working harder than ever to meet the needs of Missourians and others around the world.
National Agriculture Week events at the Missouri Department of Agriculture include a farm equipment display alongside Missouri Boulevard in Jefferson City. The display includes late model tractors and other implements provided by local businesses Crown Power & Equipment, Lauf Equipment, Schaeperkoetter Sales & Service and Sydenstricker Equipment. The display runs through March 22 and is open to the public.
During the week, the Department will also announce the recipients of grants through the 2013 Building Our American Communities program. Grants will be awarded to 4-H and FFA groups throughout the state to support their community service projects. A grant opportunity for Missouri agricultural producers and processors to grow their operations will be announced this week as well.
National Agriculture Week will also bring the launch of a new AgriMissouri Gift Guide, a popular offering from the Department's AgriMissouri program. AgriMissouri works to connect producers to consumers and consumers to agriculture, and the newest version of the Gift Guide will do just that with options for connecting with Missouri agriculture throughout the state in person and online with options to fit any budget.
The week will also include special announcements on other Missouri Department of Agriculture programs, on the Department's blog, ThinkOutsidetheBarn.com.
With more than 100,000 farms located throughout the state, Missouri's agriculture industry is a national leader. Missouri producers farm roughly 29 million acres of land, and consistently set records for production, connect with consumers and embrace new technology.
For more information on the Department and its programs, visit mda.mo.gov.