News

Governor’s Ag Conference underway in St. Louis

The Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture is underway in St. Louis. The theme is “Think Outside the Barn.” Ag Department Director Jon Hagler tells Brownfield nearly 500 people have registered for the event in St. Louis and the turnout, so far, has been good in spite of the weather.

Hagler says national and state experts will be speaking on topics important to Misouri and all of agriculture: including animal welfare, animal ID, COOL, biotechnology and alternative energy, “Most of them are issues that are confronting agriculture today. We brought those speakers in that are experts in that field to talk about their experiences they’ve had in their states and researchers that have done research in these critical areas. And then kind of open it up, most importantly, for the public to discuss, to ask questions, to learn about what direction Missouri needs to go as we confront these issues head on.”

Hagler says he and Governor Nixon have several priorities this session – from tightening of animal control language to increase the authority of the state veterinarian in certain disease situations. And, he says the state will be playing defense for Missouri agriculture. Hagler says the department’s role is to educate the public – especially with the HSUS ballot initiative underway in Missouri that is seen as an attempt to ultimately restrict the way livestock producers do business.

Hagler says there will be a special tribute to Missouri Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond at the conference on Saturday to recognize his many contributions to Missouri and U.S. agriculture.

Missouri Governor’s Ag Conference

AUDIO: Missouri Agriculture Director Jon Hagler (3 min., MP3)