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A preview of the state of Missouri agriculture

Missouri Governor Mike Parson previewed his final state-of-the state address with cattle producers and others in the ag industry at the Missouri State Cattlemen’s Convention last weekend.

Parson said the recent income tax reductions have put more money in farmer’s pockets.

“No matter what you’re buying: cattle, livestock, combines, hay-balers and tractors, people are spending money in this state.”

And infrastructure investments continue for rural areas.

“We’re going to give a timeline in the state of the state of when we feel that we’re going to have broadband in every home in Missouri.”

Parson said work force development will help also keep young people in agriculture.

“We want to make sure we get high school kids a job so they can work on the farm.”

Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe told Brownfield big picture – the state of Missouri agriculture is positive, but the state’s budget is in a tough spot.

“A lot of the federal dollars we’ve seen in the past three to four years aren’t going to be there anymore, but Missouri is just like Missouri families,” said Kehoe. “We need to live within our budget and we’re going to balance that budget and do the best we can.”

Parson said he intends for there to be $1.5 billion leftover in the budget for the next administration.

The governor is scheduled to deliver the state of the state address at 3 p.m.