Press Release


For Immediate Release - November 20, 2001
Contact: Jerry Dowell - (573) 751-6858

Senate Interim Committee on Agriculture
Holds Successful Hearing in Hannibal

(Hannibal, MO) -- The Senate Interim Committee on Improving Agriculture and the Rural Economy has begun a series of statewide hearings to receive testimony on how rural markets, programs and net farm income for farmers and ranchers can be improved. The first out state hearing was held on November 19 at Hannibal-LaGrange College in Hannibal, MO.

The committee is co-chaired by Sen. John Cauthorn, R-Mexico, and Sen. David Klindt, R-Bethany. Both have made improving Missouri's rural economy a priority in the upcoming legislative session.

"As a farmer I know just how important it is to look at new ideals and programs to find out what works in adding value to farm commodities, " Cauthorn said. "Now, more than ever, Missouri must do everything possible to protect our family farms and agricultural economy."

The committee is charged with examining agriculture programs and policies to help find ways state government can increase the net farm income for Missouri's farmers and ranchers and add value to the products they produce. The committee will use it findings to shape agricultural legislation for the next Regular session beginning in January.

"Our public hearings will give farmers a chance to tell us directly what works and what we could do to improve the rural economy," Cauthorn said. "That's why I am please with the overwhelming turnout here in my district. Hearing the concerns from everyday citizens and farmers, we can make real progress in strengthening farm economies, opening new markets and boosting commodity prices."

The committee will hold additional hearings on November 26 in Maryville, December 5 in Rolla and December 12 in Mount Vernon. The committee will wrap up its series of hearings in Dexter on December 20.

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