News Release

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) today announced a series of Imagine Ag Business sessions Oct. 9-11, 2018. The five sessions will be hosted in Sikeston, St. Louis, Columbia, Kansas City and Springfield.

“The Department has taken a bigger and bolder approach to agriculture business development in the last year,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “We are leaning on our experts in business to show us the specific opportunities and barriers they see every day. As a farmer, I anticipate hearing that investments in infrastructure and the future workforce will be key.”

The insight gathered at these sessions will be used to identify and capitalize on Missouri agriculture’s business opportunities and eliminate barriers. The ideas and strategies created will be directly incorporated into MDA’s and CAFNR’s strategic plans for agriculture business.

“Our College is excited to align our strategic visions with those of the business community,” Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher Daubert said. “These sessions build the foundation needed to spur stronger performance of Missouri’s agriculturally-related businesses and natural resource industries that will translate into increased economic growth for Missouri agriculture.”

Director Chinn and Dean Daubert will set the stage for conversation at each meeting. Jared Spader, vice president of strategy and business development for AgCall Inc., will moderate discussion among the agribusiness leaders and entrepreneurs in attendance.

At the completion of the Imagine Ag Business sessions, MDA and CAFNR will form strategic task forces based upon the feedback received.

Registration is free but required for attendance. Each session will be limited to 50 attendees to encourage in-depth, meaningful conversation. Those interested may register online by clicking here.

Imagine Ag Business Sessions

• Oct. 9, 2018 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Miner Convention Center in Sikeston, Mo.
• Oct. 9, 2018 from 2:30 - 5 p.m. at the Helix Center in St. Louis, Mo.
• Oct. 10, 2018 from 9 -11:30 a.m. at the Bradford Research Center in Columbia, Mo.
• Oct. 10, 2018 from 2:30 - 5 p.m. at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo.
• Oct. 11, 2018 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Darr Agricultural Center in Springfield, Mo.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.