Keeping Ag Strong for the Next Generation
National FFA Week kicked off this year on Feb. 22 and runs through the end of February. This week is meant to highlight the important role FFA plays in agricultural education. Through its hands-on learning, leadership opportunities and more, FFA is raising the next crop of agricultural leaders and decision makers. We need young people to engage with, and more importantly, understand this diverse and ever-changing field, especially here in Missouri where agriculture is an $88 billion industry. FFA is equipping the next generation to succeed in this field and face the challenges ahead. I’m glad to see so many in our community participate in FFA programs, and wish you all a happy National FFA Week.
In the spirit of National FFA Week, I wanted to share some of the good work coming out of the Senate’s Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee. I chair this committee, and together, we work to keep Missouri’s No. 1 industry strong for the next generation.
For instance, my Senate Bill 662 recently passed out of the Senate after being approved by the committee. This legislation aims to help get food to those in need, by allowing shelf-stable food, such as deer jerky, to be donated to local food pantries. Through programs like Share the Harvest, Missouri hunters can share nature’s bounty with those in need, but not all families or food pantries have enough freezer space to accept large amounts of frozen meat. Rather than let food go to waste, SB 662 allows deer jerky, which doesn’t need to be refrigerated, to be donated to our local food pantries. I believe this simple change to state law will have a positive impact on families in need.
The committee has also approved other bills that will soon be working their way to the Senate floor. Senate Bill 661 establishes the Prescribed Burning Act. This legislation, which I am sponsoring, is meant to encourage the safe, responsible use of prescribed burning by certified prescribed burn professionals for land management purposes. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 568 seeks to gradually increase the percentage of biodiesel in diesel fuel sold in Missouri. I believe this legislation will help create jobs and have a positive impact on Missouri farmers and the environment.
Another bill recently heard by the committee was Senate Bill 868. This bill expands opportunities for farmers to access family farm breeding livestock loans to help grow their businesses. Senate Bill 868 raises the amount of gross sales a small farmer can earn per year in order to qualify for the loans from $250,000 to $500,000. As more and more farms operate on narrow margins, this legislation can hopefully provide some assistance to Missouri farmers.
Again, I’m proud of the work accomplished by the Senate’s Ag Committee. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the committee to keep our state’s agriculture industry strong for all the dedicated young people celebrating National FFA Week.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573) 751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.