Mercer Farmer Named Missouri Corn Chairman

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)—Gary Porter, a corn grower from Mercer, Mo., has been elected chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC). Porter assumed his new role Oct. 1, succeeding Morris Heitman of Mound City, Mo.

“I look forward to the year ahead,” Porter said. “We have a unique opportunity as board members to help head off issues in the corn industry and work with partners to build markets for corn growers. I had no idea how much work goes on behind the scenes and am honored to help lead the organization as we work to improve our industry.”

Porter represents corn farmers from District 2 in the north central region of the state. He previously served the state’s growers as MCMC secretary, treasurer and vice chairman as well as Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) vice president and secretary/treasurer. Porter also works on behalf of corn farmers nationally with his service as the team leader for the U.S. Grains Council Western Hemisphere Advisory Team.

“I have every confidence in Gary assuming the role as chairman of the Merchandising Council,” said Heitman who now takes the reins as MCGA president. “I look forward to working with him and the Council as we determine strategies and procedures to best serve growers and promote the corn industry.”

The MCMC board of directors is comprised of 14 farmers elected from across the state. This volunteer producer board was formed in 1984 with the passage of a corn checkoff and is dedicated to market development, research and education. The Missouri Corn Growers Association is a grassroots organization of more than 2,500 members committed to increasing the profitability of corn production through sound policies, continued market development and strong involvement in the political process. To learn more, visit www.mocorn.org.