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

For Immediate Release: March 26, 2008

Advisory Council Discusses the Future of Agriculture at State Capitol

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Governor’s Advisory Council on Agriculture met today to discuss the many issues facing Missouri’s agricultural industry. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder welcomed 30 agricultural leaders from across the state and addressed challenges that many producers are facing in the industry.

Dr. Scott Brown of FAPRI provided a price outlook and discussed the current market situation with agricultural commodities as recently published in the U.S. Baseline Briefing book. Other highlights included discussions of the dramatic rise in crop cash receipts, impacts on livestock production, the biofuel market and the Farm Bill currently being debated in Congress.

Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Katie Smith spoke about her recent trade mission to Vietnam as well as the next Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture.

"The Governor’s Advisory Council is made up of true leaders in our agriculture industry. Discussing challenges and new issues with these leaders clearly puts us on a path to bettering the future of agriculture in Missouri," said Director Smith. "Agriculture continues to be our state’s number one industry. And this council truly believes in growing our agriculture industry."

Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers discussed the many issues facing his department as well as Missouri farmers including confined animal feeding operations and rulemaking within the Department of Natural Resources. Director Childers also discussed recent Missouri River issues.

Matt Boatright, deputy director of MDA, presented an update on the Department of Agriculture’s legislative priorities. Sen. Dan Clemens provided insight on the current legislative session as well.

Tony Stafford, executive director of the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, presented information on the Qualified Beef Tax Credit Program – a new tax credit program for Missouri’s qualified beef producers who raise and background or finish Missouri born qualified beef animals.

To learn more about Missouri agriculture, visit www.mda.mo.gov.

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