Missouri Corn Growers Discuss Priorities, Honor Partners At Annual Meeting

(JEFFERSON CITY)–Corn farmers, industry representatives and guests from across the state gathered in Jefferson City, Mo., yesterday for the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) annual meeting and legislative day.  

The morning kicked off at the Capitol Plaza Hotel with MCGA’s annual business meeting. Members elected three board members: Jason Hull of Skidmore to represent District 1 in northwest Missouri; Brian Lehman of Versailles in District 5 representing the central region; and Allen Rowland of Dexter will represent District 7 in southeast Missouri.

Following the annual meeting and luncheon, growers visited the State Capitol to discuss the importance of Missouri’s corn and ethanol industries with legislators, as well as transportation challenges and other issues impacting Missouri’s corn industry.

“It was great to have the growers in Jefferson City,” said MCGA President Gary Porter of Mercer. “Missouri Corn is a watchdog for corn growers in the Capitol here at home and all the way to D.C. Given the tight margins corn producers are facing, we must do everything we can to ensure the current state legislators understand the climate and don’t take action that would negatively impact how we farm.”

Members also took the opportunity to honor industry supporters for their contributions to the corn and ethanol industries. Award recipients included:

Public Servant Award Lt. Governor Mike Parson Friend of Corn Growers Award Sen. Dough Libla Sen. Caleb Rowden President’s Award Kevin Hurst, Tarkio Jim Stuever, Dexter Outstanding Partner Award MFA Incorporated

Honorary Lifetime Award Morris Heitman, Mound City Rob Korff, Norborne Kenny McNamar, Gorin Missouri Corn 2016 Top Recruiter Kurtis Gregory, Marshall Years of Service Kurtis Gregory John Moreton, Charleston Mike Geske, Matthews

Longstanding Missouri Corn board member and now retired ex-officio board member Mike Geske was honored for more than 15 years’ service to growers in Missouri and nationwide. A corn farmer from New Madrid County, Geske has been a respected leader on the Missouri Corn, National Corn Growers Association and U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance board of directors.

“Serving growers has been an incredible experience, beyond anything I could have expected,” noted Geske. “You get a chance to meet some of the best farmers who are willing to step up to the plate to help their entire industry and their neighbors. If nobody did that, we’d be in really bad shape. Despite lacking the funds many industries have to impact policy; it is the grassroots of Missouri Corn that have been extremely effective. What we have been able to achieve throughout the years is really unbelievable.”

The Missouri Corn Growers Association is a membership organization of farmers dedicated to growing and defending the corn industry. MCGA works in the best interest of farmers on key agricultural issues and fights for pro-agriculture, pro-corn legislation.

To learn more about Missouri Corn, or to become a member, visit www.mocorn.org or call (800) 827-4181.