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Corn Growers Recognized At Governor’s Conference
(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Corn farmers Gary Porter of Mercer and Morris Heitman of Mound City were recently recognized during the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture held Dec. 14-16 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Mo.
Heitman, past president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA), was honored Friday, Dec. 16 for his leadership in the corn industry. During the governor’s recognition banquet, Heitman was presented with the 2016 Missouri Agriculture Legacy Award for corn production.
“Morris is deserving of this recognition for his steadfast commitment and tireless efforts in growing and defending today’s corn industry,” noted MCGA CEO Gary Marshall. “Serving corn growers as a volunteer for nearly 10 years, his leadership centered around collaboration and developing corn markets at home and abroad.”
Legacy awards are presented to Missouri producers who have exemplified great leadership in their field of agriculture through innovation, land stewardship, value-added opportunities and/or international success. Heitman has represented corn farmers in the northwest region of the state for nearly a decade, serving on both the MCGA and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council board of directors.He has also worked on behalf of growers nationally, serving on both National Corn Growers Association and U.S. Grains Council action teams.
MCGA President Gary Porter was also honored Friday evening by Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. Porter was presented the Missouri Farm Innovation Award during the recognition banquet for his use of technology and progressive management practices.
“Cover crops, GPS mapping and prescription fertilizer applications are central practices in their operation,” said Marshall. “Through constant field trials, the adaptation of new technology and the promotion of higher ethanol blends in the family’s local fueling station, Gary is driven to leave their farming operation in better shape so his sons can continue the family tradition.”
Earlier in the conference, Porter took center stage along with Missouri dairy, cattle, pork, soybean, rice and forest product representatives for an industry panel discussion. Porter provided attendees a recap of the issues and successes of 2016 as well as the challenges the corn industry is facing in the year ahead.
To learn more about Missouri Corn, or to become a member, visit www.mocorn.org or call (800) 827-4181.
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Photo Caption: Past Missouri Corn Growers Association President Morris Heitman of Mound City (left) was presented the 2016 Missouri Agriculture Legacy Award for corn production during the Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture Friday, Dec. 16 at the Lake of the Ozarks. Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce (center) and Grain Inspection and Warehousing Division Director Chris Klenklen (right) presented the award.
Photo Credit: Missouri Department of Agriculture
Photo Caption: Missouri Corn Growers Association President Gary Porter of Mercer (center) was recognized with the Missouri Farm Innovation Award at the Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture Friday, Dec. 16. Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce (right) and Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division Director Ron Hayes (left) presented the award.
Photo Credit: Missouri Department of Agriculture