My Farm, My Story
Recently, I was chosen to be the latest Missourian to participate in a video for the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA’s) new “My Farm, My Story” program, which highlights success stories in different regions of the Show-Me State and shows why agriculture remains Missouri’s No. 1 industry.
I have lived and worked on a family farm as long as I have been alive and I am honored MDA chose me to be a part of their new video series. I always enjoy taking an opportunity to talk to people about agriculture and just how vital it is to all of our lives.
“My Farm, My Story” is designed to show the differences in Missouri’s climate, from summer crops in northern Missouri to some of the rice fields that cover much of southeast Missouri throughout the year. Additionally, the series also serves as a reminder of how the family farm is shrinking in our state, and there is a growing need for younger Missourians to uphold the centuries-old tradition of farming, in order to continue to feed the world for the decades to come.
All of us who farm have a story to tell, and this is one way to get those words out to a larger number of people. The face of the family farm is aging, unfortunately. There are a lot of us who want to see that turn around. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are not only our future, but the future of our way of life. I support any program that helps show them why coming home to the farm is a great idea and a fulfilling way to live.
Two pivotal programs that are doing just that are 4-H and FFA. Any chance I get, I try to meet with these students and encourage them to continue learning the skills that are necessary for building a career in agriculture. On Feb. 8-9, the 2016 Missouri FFA State Officers will have the opportunity to partake in a Moonlight Capitol Tour, be introduced on the House and Senate floor, and observe proceedings in the chambers and the committee hearings. On Feb. 15-17, the 4-H Legislative Academy will learn how the three branches of government operate, shadow a legislator, and meet with various leaders of the state. I could not be more excited and proud to host some of the brightest minds Missouri has to offer for agriculture.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.