Missouri’s No. 1 Industry
Each week from January through May, I leave my home in Johnson County and drive to Jefferson City to join my colleagues at the State Capitol. Along the way I pass countless farms and ranches. This journey through the rural counties of central Missouri provides a powerful reminder of agriculture’s importance to the state of Missouri. Food production is an $88 billion industry in our state and employs more than 375,000 of our citizens.
Regrettably, many Missourians have little concept of where their food comes from. This disconnect from the farm has far-reaching consequences when citizens and public policy makers weigh in on issues that affect agriculture.
To increase awareness of agriculture, I proposed legislation that calls on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a pilot program of agricultural education in elementary schools throughout Missouri. Senate Bill 218 passed in the Senate this week and has been sent to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
The need to raise awareness of agriculture was illustrated during Senate floor debate on Senate Bill 391 this week. This measure would prevent county commissions and health boards from imposing requirements on confined animal feeding operations that are more restrictive than the provisions in state law. It was interesting to observe the discussions and realize that the opposition to the measure came almost entirely from legislators who represent non-farm districts.
It’s tempting for people who are not involved in agriculture to hold romantic notions of farm life, but farming is a rapidly changing and increasingly technological profession. This is especially true for meat production. Consumers demand high quality beef, pork and poultry at affordable prices. Confined animal feeding operations deliver the consistent product that consumers demand at a price they want to pay. They also ensure profitability for producers.
Many of the objections raised during Senate debate centered on protecting the environment and reducing impact on nearby residents. I share those concerns, but I’m convinced the Department of Natural Resources and other agencies have the expertise and sufficient regulations and policies in place to protect Missourians.
As we enjoy the beautiful spring weather in Missouri during the coming weeks, let’s all keep the farmers in our thoughts and prayers. They work long and hard to put food on our tables and their occupation can be dangerous at times. I hope they’ll all stay safe and get a good start to a productive and profitable year on the farm.
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.