Archive

November 2007

Discover the Gateway to the Future

I am pleased to announce that the 2008 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture will be held on a new date at a new location. This year’s event will be held at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis on January 6-7, 2008. The theme Agriculture: Gateway to the Future captures the true spirit of agriculture and the conference.

Why St. Louis? Agriculture is the state’s number one industry, and it is a driver of the St. Louis economy. One in every 12 jobs in the 10 county bi-state region of St. Louis is related to agriculture, food, fiber or timber. More than 20% of the regions work force is employed by agriculture or a food company. St. Louis is a logical home for this year’s 41st Governor’s Conference on Agriculture.

This event will undoubtedly be one that you don’t want to miss. Traditionally, the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture brings together producers, industry leaders and agribusinesses together to network and learn from each other as well as a host of speakers and presenters. The 2008 conference will not only offer a new location, but also new ideas and a great new perspective of what our future holds.

Governor Matt Blunt is the highlight of the conference agenda addressing attendees during lunch on Monday, Jan. 7 where he will outline new agriculture initiatives for his administration. Governor Blunt strongly supports agriculture and it will be a wonderful opportunity to hear his views on the industry.

The Center for Food Integrity will be the first presenter of our exciting day of speakers and I know that their presentation will have the same impact on others that it did on me. This organization points out that we, producers, industry leaders and agribusiness, must not rely on economics and science anymore if we are to be effective in our industry. They point out that it takes more than numbers to make an impact on public perception – we need to appeal to emotions.

Agriculture continues to have a great story to tell. Producers are the first and best stewards of the land and producers care about the safety and health of their animals. Unfortunately, agriculture is constantly forced to defend production practices. The Center for Food Integrity’s presentation will make you rethink your answers and it will change the way you think about the other presentations on the agenda throughout the day.

A full schedule of other events and speakers will offer discussions on industry trends, success stories, new marketing opportunities and even a few challenges facing Missouri producers. Program highlights will include:

• A livestock panel is being assembled representing the beef, pork, dairy and poultry industries to discuss the opportunities to enhance marketing and production in agriculture today and improve strategies to meet our challenges.
   
• Dennis Avery, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and director of the Center for Global Food Issues, will share his views on farm product demand, and the safety and security of food supplies.
   
• Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond has been invited to join the afternoon program to address the Water Resources Development Act.
   
• Carl Hausmann, president and CEO of Bunge North America, will participate in our program. Bunge North America is a global company, with its national headquarters in St. Louis. Mr. Hausmann will provide a local perspective on the future outlook of Bunge and the agricultural industry in general.
   
• Bob Priddy, Author of Across Our Wide Missouri, will provide an interesting historical perspective of Missouri agriculture.
   
• Dr. Jay Lehr, an economist and futurist, will culminate the day’s discussion by sharing his riveting insight into agricultural policy and the impact of advancing technologies on the local, regional, national and global economy.
   
• The conference will conclude on Monday evening with a banquet featuring America’s most popular ventriloquist, Todd Oliver, and his real talking dog, Irving! You may have seen them on the Showboat Branson Belle, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the David Letterman Show!

In addition to the conference agenda, we will have the Taste of Missouri reception. It is a wonderful opportunity to sample and enjoy the many wonderful products we produce right here in Missouri – from emu to blueberries, Missouri has so much to offer. This event has and always will be a tremendous opportunity to network with the leaders of Missouri agriculture. I encourage you to attend and enjoy some of Missouri’s finest foods and beverages and participate in the live auction.

I think this is going to be a great conference in a great new location. I hope you make plans to attend.

Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I know we all have so much to be thankful for!

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