Farm Bureau Members Overcoming Tumultuous Year

The question of agriculture’s momentum was front and center of Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst’s speech to members yesterday (Monday) morning. Quoting a Merle Haggard song, Hurst noted that despite a growing economy, the past year has felt challenging for many farmers in the state.

Flooding was a key topic in Hurst’s speech, as he highlighted damage endured by his home county.

Hurst was the first of several speakers to call for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize flood control, warning that farmland remains at risk of being flooded again in 2020. Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, and Senator Roy Blunt also addressed attendees.

County Farm Bureaus in Atchison, Callaway, Monroe and Ralls counties were recognized for reaching the centennial mark. Congressmen Vicky Hartzler and Blaine Luetkemeyer, along with former USDA adviser Brian Klippenstein and retiring Farm Bureau employees Randy Campbell and Diane Olson, each received the Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award.