Harrisonville Grower Participates In Missouri Corn Leadership Academy

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Matt Moreland of Harrisonville, 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, Moreland 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. 

“Agriculture is my livelihood and I want to do anything I can do to better understand my industry and help move it forward,” said Moreland.  “The leadership and communication skills gained today will allow me to be a better advocate for agriculture and encourage other farmers to do the same.”

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.

Moreland was nominated to the CornRoots program by members of the Missouri Corn board.  He partners with his father and uncle on their dairy, beef and row crop operation.  Moreland also serves as the Young Farmers and Ranchers chairman for the Cass County Farm Bureau, the Holstein Association district vice president and sits on the University of Missouri Extension Council board.  He recently completed his service on the Missouri State Young Farmers and Ranchers board.

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