I was honored to join some of my colleagues this week as we met with members of the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) to stay up-to-date with agriculture in Missouri.

Senator Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, in his capacity as chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources, hosted the event. We met with MDA Director Dr. Jon Hagler and listened to a department update. According to Dr. Hagler, his department remains dedicated to emphasizing the importance of agriculture, not only as Missouri’s top industry, but also as a major part of our economy and a way of life that deserves our investment and time.

Our delegation met with the department heads within the MDA, including Agricultural Business Development, Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), the Missouri State Fair, and Weights & Measures. We were treated to tours and demonstrations from both the Metrology and Fuel Labs. It was an interesting and enlightening visit.

I am honored to sit on the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee, because agriculture is so important to our district. Our area is well-known for its agricultural base, as well as its rural values. It is important to use the opportunity to learn from events such as these and bring that information home to the district, the hard-working men and women who provide so much of the agricultural products we as a society need. The work of these people simply cannot be overlooked or ignored. Without the farmers of the Show-Me State, I have no doubt we would suffer major economic and social losses.

During the two-day program, the Missouri Soybean Association hosted an event in conjunction with an organization called Missouri Farmers Care (MFC). MFC presented information about an upcoming ballot initiative relating to protecting the Show-Me State’s agricultural way of life.

In November 2014, voters will see proposed Constitutional Amendment I on the ballot, which reads,

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed?

 

The potential costs or savings to governmental entities are unknown, but likely limited unless the resolution leads to increased litigation costs and/or the loss of federal funding.

The right to farm is a Missouri tradition. It seems more than fair to ask Missourians how they feel about protecting the way of life of so many friends and neighbors.

As the senator from the 21st District, I am privileged to represent what many consider the heart of the agricultural breadbasket of our state and even our nation. I look forward to the bright future of our state’s top industry while we continue to keep agriculture strong.

Senator Brian Munzlinger (left), former State Senator and current member of the State Tax Commission, Victor Callahan, and Sen. David Pearce (right) at the Land Assessment presentation in the Missouri State Capitol.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.