Corn farmers, industry representatives, and guests from across the state gathered in Jefferson City, Mo., yesterday for the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) annual meeting and legislative day.
The morning kicked off at the Capitol Plaza Hotel with MCGA’s annual meeting, where Gov. Mike Kehoe provided the keynote address. Members also reviewed financials, heard from industry leaders, and received economic insights from Ben Brown, a senior research associate with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). Recognizing the current challenges facing the industry, Brown highlighted projections for the next year, corn market fundamentals, the importance of flexibility, and potential areas for market growth.
Members also elected four board members: Ryan Meyerkorth of Rock Port in District 1 representing northwest Missouri; Marc Kaiser to represent northcentral Missouri growers in District 2; Brian Lehman of Versailles to represent District 5 in central Missouri; and Patrick Seyer of Sikeston to represent District 7 in the southeast region.
Following the annual meeting and luncheon, growers visited the State Capitol to discuss the importance of Missouri’s corn and ethanol industries with legislators and their economic impact on the state.
“Opening the door to conversations now makes a big difference when issues impacting agriculture cross elected officials’ desks in the future,” notes MCGA President Brian Lehman. “The farmer-voice matters and MCGA stands ready to amplify that voice in Jefferson City and D.C. Working together, we can make a difference for Missouri agriculture.”
Members also took the opportunity to honor industry supporters for their contributions to the state’s corn and ethanol industries. Award recipients included:
Friend of Corn Growers Award
State Rep. Cameron Bunting Parker
Outstanding Partner Award
Brian West, West Energy and Environmental Associates
President’s Award
Honorary Lifetime Award
Years of Service
Matt Lambert
The Missouri Corn Growers Association is a membership organization of farmers dedicated to growing and defending the corn industry. MCGA works in the best interest of farmers on key agricultural issues and fights for pro-agriculture, pro-corn legislation.
To learn more about Missouri Corn, or become a member, visit www.mocorn.org or call (800) 827-4181.
