News Release

If you haven't registered for the 42^nd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, it is not too late.  The Jan. 7-9, 2010 agriculture event at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch is shaping up to be one of the most interesting and exciting events in recent history.  Governor Jay Nixon will join Missouri farmers and industry leaders in a critically important dialogue on the future of agriculture in Missouri and across the U.S.

"The future of Missouri agriculture relies on our ability to think outside the barn and envision new opportunities particularly through innovation and technology.  Whether you are a farmer, an agribusiness, an industry leader or someone interested in agriculture, the Governor's Conference on Agriculture will set the stage for addressing challenges and solutions as we look to the future of agriculture," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler.  "Agriculture is the lynchpin to our state's economy.  As we look ahead, we must link common sense solutions to our ability to envision new opportunities in the agriculture industry."

In addition to Governor Nixon's message, an outstanding lineup is being assembled featuring speakers on many of today's relevant issues and topics including animal welfare issues facing agriculture, a debate on national animal identification, the future of renewable energy, agritourism opportunities, agricultural science discussion from national leaders, a roundtable discussion from the Midwest's ag directors, commissioners and secretaries and many other important current topics facing Missouri producers.  Other special entertainment will include Cowboy Poet Baxter Black, seven-time Female Vocalist of the Year and Missourian Rhonda Vincent and Missouri's own Lofton Creek Recording Artist Chris Filer.  The Conference will also host A Salute to U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond, sponsored by Monsanto, to honor his accomplishments and longstanding commitment to agriculture. 

The Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture is open to the public.  Registration materials are available now online at mda.mo.gov.  The Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture is funded through sponsorships and registration dues.