Lewis County Becomes Missouri’s 80th Agri-Ready Designated County, Marking a Statewide Milestone
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri Farmers Care (MFC) is excited to announce that Lewis County has earned Agri-Ready County Designation, becoming the 80th county in Missouri to achieve this designation. The designation celebrates the county’s dedication to agriculture as both a way of life and a cornerstone of economic growth and equips the county to build on its strengths for future opportunities.
Bordered by the Mississippi River in northeast Missouri, Lewis County has been long rooted in agriculture, from fertile cropland and pastures to family farms and agribusinesses that drive opportunity and growth. The Agri-Ready County Designation signals to farmers, ranchers, and future generations that Lewis County is committed to protecting agriculture while embracing innovation and future opportunity.
“This designation isn’t just a title,” said Ashley McCarty, Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care, host of the Agri-Ready County Designation. “It’s a promise to the people of Lewis County that agriculture will continue to be protected, celebrated, and passed on to the next generation. Lewis County’s leaders are sending a clear message: agriculture matters here, and it will continue to be the foundation which families, businesses, and communities build on for years to come.”
Local leaders echoed the importance of this designation.
“We are proud to partner with Missouri Farmers Care Agri-Ready County Designation,” said the Lewis County Commission. “We realize how important agriculture is to Lewis County and want to continue to see Lewis County grow and prosper.” “As a State Representative and a lifelong farmer, I’m proud to see more counties in Northeast Missouri embracing the future by building on the strong agricultural roots that define our region,” said State Representative Greg Sharpe (R-Ewing). “Missouri is one of the top agriculture states in the nation, and the Agri-Ready County Designation plays a key role in helping our rural communities grow stronger, more resilient local economies while honoring the traditions that got us here. Congratulations to Lewis County on becoming the 80th Agri-Ready County! This is a big step forward, and I commend their commitment to agriculture and to building a brighter future for generations to come.”
“With agriculture being so important to Missouri’s economy, especially Northeast Missouri, I am glad to see Lewis County join in supporting agriculture’s growth by becoming an Agri-Ready Designated County,” said Brian Munzlinger, farmer and former State Representative and Senator from Monticello, Mo.
“Lewis County’s designation as an Agri-Ready County reflects our deep-rooted commitment to agriculture and the families who make it thrive,” said Brenda Schreck, MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist and Lewis County Farm Bureau Board President. “This recognition demonstrates our support for farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses who are the backbone of our local economy and community. Agriculture is not just our heritage; it is our future. This partnership with Missouri Farmers Care opens the door to growth, innovation, and opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
The Agri-Ready Designation builds on Lewis County’s strong foundation by connecting local leaders with resources and partnerships that support agricultural growth, education, and community development. One such opportunity is Agriculture Education on the Move, where local FFA leaders bring hands-on agricultural lessons into elementary classrooms. These efforts not only spark curiosity and understanding of where food comes from but also help grow the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“I’ve heard it said that our farm-raised youth are agriculture’s greatest export,” continued MFC’s McCarty. “Lewis County is determined to leverage their strengths to build a vibrant economy and opportunities for their talent now and into the future.”
As the 80th county to join the program, Lewis County helps showcase a united vision across Missouri: strong rural communities supported by thriving agriculture.
To learn more about the Agri-Ready County Designation program and Missouri Farmers Care, visit www.mofarmerscare.com.
With its designation Lewis County became the 80th Agri-Ready Designated County. Lewis County joins: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barry, Benton, Buchanan, Bollinger, Butler, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howell, Johnson, Knox, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Maries, Marion, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Mississippi, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Newton, Nodaway, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Randolph, Reynolds, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Scott, Shelby, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Shannon, Stoddard, Sullivan, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster and Wright counties.