Local Grower Participates In Missouri Corn Leadership Academy

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Joe Meadows of Liberal, 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, Meadows 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. 

“I feel a responsibility to myself and others involved in my industry,” said Meadows.  “Becoming involved with CornRoots gives me a chance to broaden my knowledge and discover ways agriculture can be better represented at the state and national levels.” 

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.

Meadows was nominated to the CornRoots program by members of the Missouri Corn board.  In addition to operating an agricultural trucking business, he and his wife grow corn, soybeans, wheat and canola in Barton and Vernon counties.  Meadows is also active in the Missouri Farm Bureau and serves as treasurer on the Barton County Farm Bureau board of directors.

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