Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: June 12, 2007

Agribusiness Academy Members Learn from Southwest Missouri Leaders

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – This week, thirty high school sophomores from across Missouri are touring the Southwest Missouri area as members of the 20 th class of the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, a program sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) dedicated to showing students the rewarding career opportunities available in agriculture and offering these future leaders a chance to explore the agribusiness resources the state has to offer.

“Agriculture is Missouri’s number one industry and continues to benefit our state’s economy,” said Katie Smith, director of MDA. “It is imperative for us to continue to promote our industry to young people in our state and recruit leaders to continue our state’s agricultural tradition.”

Students representing all parts of the state are touring Springfield area businesses as well as other areas in Southwest Missouri and are being introduced to leaders in agriculture, government and education.

Today, the academy members toured the Branson area and visited Rinehart Meat Processing, College of the Ozarks, Persimmon Hill Farm, and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.

“We thank the Southwest Missouri businesses and people that are taking the time to show our youth the advantages of choosing agriculture careers and answering their many questions regarding future career choices,” said Smith. “The academy members have a full schedule of learning and networking that will provide them with tools they need to take a peak into their futures.”

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy will continue through Friday. Tomorrow, June 13, members will be visiting Springfield area businesses including DFA Research Facility, FCS Financial, ReGen Technologies, Springfield Underground and Willow Brook Foods. Thursday’s schedule includes visits to Hiland Dairy Foods, American Dehydrated Foods, KY3-NBC, The Tower Club and Darr Agricultural Center. Friday will include a visit to Hammons Product Company in Stockton and will wrap up with a Closing Session at the State Capitol in Jefferson City.

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy was established in 1988 and annually awards academy memberships to 30 Missouri high school sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related college degrees and careers. Students are selected through a competitive written application and oral interview process.

For a complete list of the 2007 Missouri Agribusiness Academy members, visit http://www.mda.mo.gov/Market/agribusacademy.htm. For more information regarding locations and schedule of this week’s academy events, contact Misti Preston at (573) 751-8596 or Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov.

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