Memphis Grower Participates In Missouri Corn Leadership Academy

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Dana Hauk of Memphis, 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, Hauk 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 is a great opportunity to become more involved in the corn industry and gain the tools needed to share agriculture’s story with friends, neighbors, community leaders and schools,” said Hauk.  “I want people to understand how important agriculture and family farmers are to their daily lives.”

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.

Hauk was nominated to the CornRoots program by members of the Missouri Corn board.  She and her family grow corn, soybeans and manage a swine operation.  Hauk is also active in the Gorin Christian Church.

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