Throughout Missouri history, the economic growth of our state has often depended upon the success of our agricultural industry. This has held true for decades, almost centuries, and thanks to responsible land management, forward-thinking farmers, and broad public and governmental support, it will hopefully remain that way.

But times change and we must change with them. We have to focus on educating our future farmers and developing programs to seize the opportunities of a global marketplace. Luckily, our state is home to companies that have emerged as leaders in agricultural science. Biological and organic advancements have increased crop yield production while reducing the impact to land. This has allowed Missouri farmers to be at the frontier of the latest farming practices.

This week, the Missouri Senate approved Senate Bill 12, an agricultural bill with provisions to support existing farms in Missouri while creating new and exciting opportunities for future farmers. The legislation is substantially similar to a measure we passed last year, minus a controversial section regarding captive deer.

We can’t lose sight of the most critical part of the agricultural industry, the farmers. The progress of our state was spurred by the hard work of brave men and women who put their faith in the land. These traditions have to be passed on, so that we can maintain our status as a national, and global, leader in agriculture production. We need to support and develop those young men and women, and future individuals, who want to work the land and carry on the skills that helped build this state.

One of the most important parts of the bill is the Dairy Revitalization Act, which would help support dairy farmers in the state while also creating the Missouri Dairy Scholars Program, making available 80 scholarships toward tuition at any college or university in Missouri for students in agriculture-related degree programs who make a commitment to work in the agriculture industry.

The educational components of the bill are particularly significant, as they lay the foundation for the future of Missouri’s agricultural industry. As has been noted, the average age of the Missouri farmer is 56 years old. We need to ensure our youth have the chance to move into a vibrant industry that has long supported our state.

The opportunities that will be available for the next generation of Missouri farmers are staggering. Missouri is a key player in a worldwide marketplace that increasingly wants access to fresh produce and livestock. Missouri exports $2.26 billion worth of agricultural goods across the globe. That increased by $162 million in 2013 and 2014. Missouri farmers don’t just feed us; they’re feeding the world, and that trend is only going to increase.

We must equip future generations of farmers with the skills, tools, and public support they need to keep our state a leader in agricultural growth and production. Senate Bill 12 is a solid step toward this goal.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.