News Release

A recently completed study revealed that agriculture’s economic contribution to Missouri totals $88.4 billion. That number incorporates crops, livestock, forestry and fishery production; agriculture inputs and services; food and related products manufacturing and forestry products manufacturing.

The study, commissioned by Missouri Farm Bureau and funded by the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, details the economic contribution of agriculture in each county and each Congressional district as well. It can be viewed in its entirety at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

“The results of this study confirm what we’ve always known, that agriculture is the state’s number one industry and second place isn’t even close,” said Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. “This data will serve as a powerful testimony to the importance of agriculture and will be used when communicating with policymakers and consumers.”

The Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture attracted 825 of Missouri’s farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and agriculture enthusiasts. The conference took place Dec. 14-16, 2016, at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Mo. This year’s theme was ‘One Agriculture.’ 

Throughout the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture, attendees heard from Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce, Lt. Gov.-elect Mike Parson, commodity organization leaders and countless other experts in the field of agriculture.

On Thursday night, a benefit auction, supporting the future of Missouri agriculture, raised more than $16,200. The auction proceeds benefit programs for youth and young professionals in agriculture including Missouri 4-H, Missouri FFA and Agriculture Leadership of Tomorrow (ALOT).  

Attendees enjoyed a BBQ buffet, sponsored by FCS Financial, and musical entertainment by the famous St. Louis dueling pianos of Spanky Entertainment. Tony Clayton, of Clayton Agri-Marketing served as the auctioneer, and Missouri State 4-H Council members, Missouri State FFA Officer Team members, ALOT classes and commodity leaders assisted the conference emcees, Cyndi Young of Brownfield Ag News and Tom Brand of National Association of Farm Broadcasting, and Clayton with hosting the benefit auction.

The Governor’s Conference on Agriculture Scholarship Program was developed to ensure agriculture producers and their families have the opportunity to become more active in the agriculture industry’s gatherings. Many of these families would not have been able to attend without the generous support of sponsors.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:

• Bob and Andy Jackson (scholarship provided by Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives)
• Chris and  Terri Rohlfing (scholarship provided by Boone Electric Cooperative)
• Chris and Melissa Draffen  (scholarship provided by Co-Mo Electric Cooperative)
• Nathan and Meagan Alpers (scholarship provided by Co-Mo Electric Cooperative)
• Adam and Kati Wolf (scholarship provided by Missouri Corn Merchandising Council)
• Jeff and Lauren Knipmeyer (scholarship provided by Missouri Corn Merchandising Council)
• Jenny Bradley (scholarship provided by FCS Financial)
• Charles and Dana Jenkins (scholarship provided by Intercounty Electric Cooperative)
• Brad Kircher (scholarship provided by MFA, Inc.)
• Clay Blackburn (scholarship provided by MFA, Inc.)
• Garrett and Cara Riekhof (scholarship provided by MFA Oil)
• Andrew and Clarissa Cauthorn (scholarship provided by MFA Oil)
• Curtis  and Holly Delgman (scholarship provided by MFA Oil)
• Keith and Beverly Stevens (scholarship provided by Missouri Cattlemen’s Association)
• Butch and Eileen Meier (scholarship provided by Missouri Cattlemen’s Association)
• Rick and Jonna Ayers (scholarship provided by Missouri Cattlemen’s Association)
• Bob and Linda North (scholarship provided by Missouri Pork Association)
• Paul and Betty Faris (scholarship provided by Missouri Pork Association)
• Matt and Tessa Wommack (scholarship provided by Missouri State University – William H. Darr College of Agriculture)
• Jim and Susan Dawley (scholarship provided by Missouri State University – William H. Darr College of Agriculture)
• Jon and April Wilson (scholarship provided by Missouri State University - William H. Darr College of Agriculture)
• Lawrence and Doris McBryde (scholarship provided by SEMO Electric Cooperative)
• Kyle and Courtney Durham (scholarship provided by The Climate Corporation)
• Casey and Ashley Spencer (scholarship provided by The Climate Corporation)
• Brian and Aubrey Finkeldei (scholarship provided by The Climate Corporation)
• Drew and Mariah Lock (scholarship provided by The Climate Corporation)
• Garry and Alice Kay Mathes (scholarship provided by The Climate Corporation)
• Barry and Linda Schmidt (scholarship provided by Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Soil & Water Conservation Program)
• John A. and Marie Busch (scholarship provided by Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Soil & Water Conservation Program)
• T. J. Loethen and guest (scholarship provided by Three Rivers Electric Cooperative)
• Steve and Jamie Rogers (scholarship provided by Webster Electric Cooperative)

The conference program included nationally-recognized speakers, in-depth discussions and an agriculture tradeshow featuring nearly more than 40 agriculture businesses and organizations.

Sessions included a panel of past Missouri Department of Agriculture directors, an analysis of the farm economy and insight into the future of ag technology. Back for a second year, the consumer perceptions panel provided a unique opportunity to hear from consumers from the local community as they shared their thoughts and opinions about agricultural and food issues. Friday afternoon’s activities featured young leaders in agriculture, and highlighted some of the outstanding youth making a difference in Missouri agriculture.

The Best of Missouri Grown reception kicked off the conference on Wednesday evening where attendees dined on the finest food and drink Missouri agriculture has to offer. The Missouri Agriculture Awards were presented on Friday evening to recognize those who stand out for their commitment to innovation, giving back to their communities, committing to good land stewardship and being a great example for future generations. Country music band LOCASH took the stage on Friday night after the banquet to culminate the conference.

For more information on the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at http://agriculture.mo.gov.

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Note: Photos from the 47^th Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture are available on the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Flickr page.