(Jefferson City, MO) - Senate Interim Committee on Agriculture announces it hearing schedule with the inclusion of an Official Hearing on December 12, 2001 at the Southwest Center in Mt. Vernon, MO.

This hearing is open to the public; the committee will hear public testimony on ways the state government can improve programs and policies and increase net farm income for Missouri farmers and ranchers and add value to the goods they produce. The committee will use information gathered during these hearings to help formulate possible legislative solutions to help improve Missouri agriculture and the state's rural economy.

"I am pleased to be the co-chairman of the Interim Agriculture Committee with Senator David Klindt. Agriculture is very important to both of our rural districts and I am delighted that we could hold a hearing in Senator Westfall's district," stated Cauthorn.

"I encourage those involved in agriculture to come out and voice their concerns, opinions and ideals to make agriculture better in Missouri."