By Blake Jackson
Corn farmers, industry representatives, and guests from across Missouri gathered in Jefferson City for the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) annual meeting and legislative day. The event began at the Capitol Plaza Hotel with MCGA’s annual meeting, where Gov. Mike Kehoe delivered the keynote address.
Attendees reviewed financial reports, heard from industry experts, and gained economic insights from Ben Brown, senior research associate with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). Brown discussed projections for the coming year, corn market fundamentals, the need for flexibility, and potential areas for growth in the industry.
During the meeting, members elected four board representatives: Ryan Meyerkorth of Rock Port for District 1 in northwest Missouri; Marc Kaiser for District 2 in northcentral Missouri; Brian Lehman of Versailles for District 5 in central Missouri; and Patrick Seyer of Sikeston for District 7 in southeast Missouri.
After the annual meeting and lunch, attendees visited the State Capitol to engage with legislators about Missouri’s corn and ethanol industries and their economic significance.
“Opening the door to conversations now makes a big difference when issues impacting agriculture cross elected officials’ desks in the future,” notes MCGA President Brian Lehman. “The farmer-voice matters and MCGA stands ready to amplify that voice in Jefferson City and D.C. Working together, we can make a difference for Missouri agriculture."
The association also recognized industry supporters with awards, including the Friend of Corn Growers Award to State Rep. Cameron Bunting Parker and State Sen. Jamie Burger, the Outstanding Partner Award to Brian West, the President’s Award to Brent Hoerr, and the Honorary Lifetime and Years of Service awards to Matt Lambert.
Photo Credit: missouri-corn
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Government & Policy