Anabel Grower Participates In Missouri Corn Leadership Academy

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Jim Burns of Anabel, Mo., joined a select group of nine farmers in Jefferson City Dec. 14-15 as part of the inaugural class of the Missouri CornRoots Leadership Academy sponsored by the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC).

Designed to identify future grower-leaders and provide tools to increase grassroots involvement, the first CornRoots session kicked off Wednesday with growers from across the state.  Throughout the program, Burns took part in sessions focused on the value of grassroots, effective leadership, public speaking, policy involvement and media training.  The class also visited the State Capitol to gain a better understanding of the policy process and how to effectively communicate with urban and rural legislators. 

“This program has allowed me to learn more about Missouri Corn and the issues affecting corn farmers across the state,” said Burns.  “I feel we as agricultural producers need to tell our stories, because nobody can tell it better than we can.”

To complete the leadership academy, the group will take part in a second CornRoots session where they will meet with the Missouri Corn board of directors, visit with legislators at the State Capitol and join other growers for MCGA’s annual meeting Jan. 31 in Jefferson City.

Burns was nominated to the CornRoots program by members of the Missouri Corn board.  He operates a fourth generation farm, raising corn and soybeans.  He and his son also operate a Pioneer Seed Agency covering parts of Macon and Randolph counties.  Burns served on the Macon County Natural Resources Conservation Service board, is active in the Macon County Young Farmers and is a deacon in the First Baptist Church.  He has also served on the Macon County R-1 School Board.

To learn more about Missouri’s corn industry and the farmers involved, visit www.mocorn.org or call (800) 827-4181.