2235S.02I
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21
WHEREAS, Missouri's dairy industry has dramatically changed over the past three decades; and
WHEREAS, the number of dairy farms has declined by 83% and state milk production has dropped by 35% since 1975; and
WHEREAS, neighboring states around Missouri are making tremendous advances to expand their dairy industry and have found solutions in spite of state budget shortfalls; and
WHEREAS, the Missouri Dairy Growth Council has developed a "Dairy Producers' Industry Plan" that emphasizes necessary changes for expanding Missouri's dairy industry including:
(1) Enhancing Missouri dairy operations by providing producer education and training;
(2) Focusing on business planning, financial bench marking, employee training and management and risk management can lead to successful dairy enterprises;
(3) Creating a business climate that promotes growth and investment in Missouri dairies will result in the long-term health and expansion of the Missouri dairy industry;
(4) Expanding access to capital for dairy modernization, creation, and expansion is essential to the success of the dairies in Missouri; and
(5) Providing a strong organizational and communications infrastructure to ensure long-term success for dairy producers; and
WHEREAS, the time is right to bring back the dairy industry in Missouri and reverse the downward trends:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the Missouri Senate, Ninety-Second General Assembly, First Regular Session, the House of Representatives concurring therein, hereby endorse the recommendations of the Missouri Dairy Growth Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Missouri's Department of Agriculture work in cooperation with the Missouri Dairy Growth Council to complete a five-year plan for Missouri's dairy industry including the establishment of a website for the marketing of all dairy production inputs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Department of Natural Resources reach an agreement with the dairy industry on what are required and acceptable regulations for dairy and heifer growing operations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Department of Economic Development receive a detailed briefing on the economic impact of Missouri dairy operations.