JEFFERSON CITY — Senator David Sater, R-Cassville, has been awarded the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association’s Friend of the Industry award for 2013-2014 for his support of agriculture and the beef industry.

"Senator Sater is a strong supporter of agriculture in the State Capitol,” said Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Mike Deering. “His efforts to fight cattle theft have made and will continue to make a big difference for Missouri farmers. Senator Sater's commitment to agriculture doesn't stop at cattle rustling. He was a leader in the passage of the “Right to Farm” legislation and already has important legislation drafted for this legislative session. We are grateful for his service and leadership.”

Senator Sater added language to a bill during last year’s legislative session raising the penalty for stealing cattle from a Class C felony to a Class B felony. A Class B felony carries a sentence of no less than five years and up to 15 years in prison. Before this change, the penalty was as low as one year in prison. Senator Sater also strongly supported House Joint Resolutions 11 & 7, or the “Right to Farm” amendments last session, which passed the Senate and House and will now to go to the voters. If voters approve the “Right to Farm” amendments in November 2014, a section will be added to the state constitution stating: “the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state.”

“With these changes to our law, we are sending a clear message that agriculture is vital to Missouri’s future,” said Sen. Sater. “Agriculture is the cornerstone of our economy in our state and we must continue to do everything we can to protect our farmers from extremist groups, overregulation, and cattle rustlers attacking our livelihood.”

“Receiving this award is a great honor,” said Sen. Sater. “I look forward to working with my colleagues again this year on behalf of agriculture and the beef industry.”

Sater received the award at MCA’s 46th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Osage Beach, Mo. The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is a statewide organization dedicated to advancing Missouri’s beef industry with affiliate organizations in 43 counties and representing members in 93 of Missouri's 114 counties. More than 500 cattlemen gathered for the event.

For more information about this 2013 legislation, or any current measures sponsored by Sen. Sater, please visit his website at www.senate.mo.gov/sater.