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 four board members: Brent Hoerr of Palmyra, to represent District 3 in northeast Missouri; Mike Moreland of Harrisonville, in District 4 representing the western region; growers in central Missouri will be represented by District 5 grower Jay Fischer of Jefferson City; and Clint Stephens of Advance, will represent District 7 in southeast Missouri.

Following the annual meeting and luncheon, growers visited the State Capitol to encourage legislators to disapprove a farmland tax increase proposed by the State Tax Commission and discuss the importance of corn and ethanol production to Missouri’s economy.

“We were certainly pleased by the number of corn growers that were able to make the annual journey to Jefferson City,” said MCGA President Morris Heitman of Mound City. “We realize we are a declining minority as producers of agricultural products, and so the recourse is for us to be aware of the situation, be organized and be involved.”

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

Public Servant Award
Senator Mike Kehoe
Representative Jay Houghton

Friend of Corn Growers Award
Senator Dan Hegeman
Representative Denny Hoskins
Representative Caleb Jones
Representative Joe Don McGaugh

President’s Award
Director Richard Fordyce, Missouri Department of Agriculture

Outstanding Partner Award
Mike Vallentine and Brian Sowers, Crappie Masters
Chuck Studer, John Deere

Appreciation Award  
Don Nikodim, Missouri Pork Association

Honorary Lifetime Award
Kevin Hurst, Tarkio
Jim Stuever, Dexter

Outstanding Advocate
Adam Casner, Carrollton
Kate Lambert, Brookfield
Becky Moreland, Harrisonville

Emerging Leader
Logan Korff, Norborne

Missouri Corn 2015 Top Recruiter
Kevin Hurst, Tarkio

“As we look at our accomplishments, it is only fitting we recognize those who have made our progress possible,” noted Heitman. “Our friends in the legislature are essential as we consider issues that affect corn producers in this state. Together alongside our partners and hardworking growers, we are working to move our industry forward.”

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.