News Release

Livestock producers in the Lafayette County area are encouraged to attend a free training seminar, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, focused on preparing for agricultural emergencies. The Animal Agriculture Emergency Planning & Response Session, one of a series of training seminars, will educate producers about local and state efforts as they relate to livestock disease outbreaks and other potential emergencies that could occur.  

"These planning and response sessions are critical in preparing Missouri producers in the event of an ag emergency," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "We want Missouri farmers and others to have all the information they might need to prepare for a bioemergency."   

All livestock producers and others involved with Missouri agriculture are encouraged to attend. The presentation will include roles and responsibilities of state officials during an emergency and the role that each producer plays, education on reportable disease symptoms, biosecurity and the possible impacts and recovery-related scenarios in response to agricultural emergencies. 

Lafayette County will be hosting the next event on Wed., Feb. 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lafayette County Extension Center at 14 East 19^th St. in Higginsville.

The educational sessions are free and open to the public and meals are served at each meeting. To RSVP for the Lafayette County event, contact (800) 897-1163, ext. 35 or moagproducers@ses-corp.com. For more information about the program and upcoming meetings, contact Amy Luecke, Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division, at (573) 526-2090.