Higher production anticipated for Missouri agriculture

By Blake Jackson

The Abner W. Womack Missouri Agriculture Outlook Conference is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, at the University of Missouri Bradford Research Farm near Columbia, Missouri. This year, the conference celebrates its 10th anniversary and marks the 40th year of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI-MU), co-founded by Abner Womack.

Former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt will deliver the keynote luncheon address. The conference is renowned for unveiling FAPRI-MU's baseline outlooks, which forecast agricultural production, prices, and consumption for the next decade, informing congressional agricultural policy.

Ben Brown, senior research associate with FAPRI and conference organizer, anticipates higher production in Missouri agriculture for 2024 due to improved yields. However, lower grain and oilseed prices, along with reduced government payments, may offset this. Livestock producers could expect better profitability compared to 2023, thanks to higher prices and lower feed costs. Nevertheless, drought conditions have led to herd liquidation, resulting in fewer market-ready animals.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, a leader in agricultural research, is dedicated to supporting Missouri farmers. FAPRI plays a crucial role in providing policymakers with essential information and analysis for decision-making.

The conference features various panels, including a U.S. commodity panel with representatives from prominent agricultural associations and a policy expert panel from congressional agriculture committees, research institutes, and industry organizations. An international panel will discuss global issues impacting U.S. agriculture, with contributions from FAPRI's international partners.

Joe Outlaw and Bart Fischer from the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M will provide insights into farm finance.

Registration for the conference is free on FAPRI's website, with lunch included. The event kicks off at 8 a.m., with networking opportunities throughout the day. Join industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to delve into the future of Missouri agriculture and its implications for the broader agricultural landscape.

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