News Release
January 23, 2012
Gov. Nixon and Director of Ag Honor Outstanding Farm Broadcaster during Governor's Conference on Agriculture
Brian Sowers of KMMO Radio in Marshall received the Farm Broadcaster of the Year Award
Brian Sowers received some high honors in front of hundreds of Missouri producers and agribusiness leaders during the 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. During the awards banquet Saturday evening, Missouri's Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized him with Missouri's Farm Broadcaster of the Year honors.
"The men and women of Missouri agriculture, especially those actively sharing agriculture's story with the public, are essential to the continued success of the industry," said Director Hagler. "Brian Sowers has been a strong voice for agriculture and tireless in his support of Missouri farm families, and it is important that we recognize his contributions to agriculture."
As Missouri's 2011 Farm Broadcaster of the Year, Brian Sowers of KMMO radio in Marshall, was recognized for his outstanding coverage of agricultural issues, as well as for his community involvement and engagement within Missouri's agriculture industry.
In addition to his outstanding reporting on issues affecting the agriculture community, from flooding and drought to the Missouri State Fair to state and federal programs, in his listening area, Sowers supports and mentors youth in agriculture and young professionals pursuing careers in agricultural journalism. He has also shown great dedication to growing the annual KMMO Ag Day event highlighting Missouri agriculture.
The Conference, which was held in Kansas City for the first time, concluded Saturday evening with a special performance by country music star Mark Chesnutt. Other special events during the three-day gathering included the Taste of AgriMissouri reception during which more than two dozen producers shared their Missouri-grown foods and beverages with attendees and the benefit auction supporting the FFA, 4-H, ALOT and AFA programs for youth and young professionals in agriculture.
For more information on the Governor's Conference on Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at http://www.mda.mo.gov.
Photos are available online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/moagriculture/sets/72157628999712673/ and on the Department’s Facebook page.