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Missouri ag tax credits, permitting reform advance in legislative session

Ag tax credit incentives, permitting reform and foreign farmland oversight were three priorities for Missouri agriculture organizations that advanced during the state legislative session.

Alayna Forck with the Missouri Corn Growers Association says ag tax credits were renewed for five years, including the New Generation Cooperative tax incentive and an ethanol retailer tax credit.

“It really just brings higher ethanol fuel plans to the consumer at the pump and incentivizers retailers to hang those pumps at the gas station.”

She says a regulatory clarity bill for farmers also passed, ensuring common ag practices don’t require extra environmental permits beyond federal requirements.

Mike Deering with Missouri Cattlemen’s Association says a few key ag priorities stand out in the appropriations process, including funding to monitor and regulate foreign ag land, black vulture management, and an investment in the large animal veterinary student loan programs.

“That’s a program to make sure that we continue to chip away at this issue of having a shortage of rural vets, large animal vets in rural communities. A large swath of cattle country in our state is underserved, so having this program in place is important to us.”

Deering sayslegislation that would allowthe medical reporting of Alpha Gal Syndrome was approved by state lawmakers, too.

Other legislative priorities for these two state ag groups didn’t cross the finish line, including a beginning farmer tax deduction and solar policy reform, but those issues could come back up for consideration in 2027.

The legislative session wrapped up in mid-May. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has until June 30 to act on budget bills, and most other bills have a mid-July deadline for an approval or veto.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Alayna Forck.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Mike Deering.