News Release
December 22, 2011
International Livestock Trade to be Highlighted during Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture
Saturday afternoon panel devoted to accomplishments and challenges in growing export market
Missouri's growing agricultural exports and international marketing efforts will be a focus area for discussion during the 2012 Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler announced today. The Conference, held Jan. 19-21, 2012, is coming to Kansas City for the first time in its history and will host more than 40 state and national speakers addressing current issues that impact the agriculture industry. Registration is now open at http://mda.mo.gov.
Missouri's agricultural exports are as diverse as the state's producers and processors and have seen continued growth, increasing to $1.93 billion in 2010 from $1.46 billion in 2009.
The Sat., Jan. 21st afternoon panel discussion will explore the impact and intricacies of international livestock trade, including marketing practices as well as animal health and disease control. The panel will also accept questions from attendees.
Panel members for the ‘Great Exportations' discussion include:
- Tony Clayton, President of Clayton Agri-Marketing, Inc. and President of the Livestock Exporters Association of the USA
- Dr. John Clifford, Deputy Administrator and Chief Veterinary Office, APHIS Veterinary Services
- Dr. Robert Williams, Director of Breed Improvement & Foreign Marketing, American-International Charolais Association
- Everett Forkner, President of the National Pork Board and Truline Genetics
The 2012 Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture will be held at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City. The Conference is open to the public and registration is required for most events. In addition to the panel discussion on rivers systems and the environmental impacts, the Conference will highlight topics including the future of agriculture research and education, the impact of international trade and marketing, animal health issues in the heartland and the co-existence of conventional, organic and genetic food production. The 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture will kick off with the Taste of AgriMissouri welcome reception featuring some of Missouri's greatest foods and beverages.
Conference registration forms are now available online at http://mda.mo.gov. The conference registration includes all sessions, meals, speakers and entertainment. The registration fee is $200 if you register by Dec. 31, 2011. The event is funded through sponsorships and registrations.
For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit mda.mo.gov.