Callaway County Earns Agri-Ready Status, County Leadership Demonstrates Commitment to Agriculture
Callaway County has been granted Agri-Ready County Designation by Missouri Farmers Care, marking an important milestone in the county’s continued dedication to agricultural growth, economic development, and agricultural literacy. This recognition affirms Callaway County’s commitment to agriculture as a cornerstone of its economy and community vitality.
Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of more than 45 agricultural organizations, promotes the strength of Missouri’s agriculture through advocacy, education, and collaboration. One of its signature initiatives, the Agri-Ready County Designation program, recognizes counties that adopt policies and practices supporting long-term agricultural sustainability and growth.
"Agriculture drives the economy and way of life in Missouri," said Ashley McCarty, Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care. "Callaway County’s Agri-Ready designation showcases the strong leadership and unified effort of local officials, farmers and agribusiness to support and grow agriculture. We’re excited to work alongside them in building on the county’s strong foundation for a future where agriculture continues to thrive."
In pursuing the Agri-Ready designation, the Callaway County Commission demonstrated its commitment to aligning local policy with state agricultural law and promoting stewardship, growth, and opportunity in agriculture, Missouri’s leading industry.
“Our county is taking a bold step toward supporting and growing our agricultural community by pursuing the Agri-Ready County Designation through Missouri Farmers Care,” said the Callaway County Commission. “This partnership is more than a title, it’s a continued commitment to the future of agriculture in Callaway County. Our schools will gain access to enhanced agricultural education programs, helping students understand the importance of farming, ranching, and food production. This designation adds a powerful tool to our economic development strategy, attracting agri-businesses and supporting local producers. By aligning with Missouri Farmers Care, we’re creating a stronger support network for current and future farmers, ranchers, and agri-entrepreneurs.”
Callaway County agriculture contributes over $304 million in output through 2,784 jobs providing $90.2 in household income. Value-added agriculture contributes $121 million through meat processing, oilseeds, and forestry, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
Through Agri-Ready County Designation, MFC partners with county leaders to advance local agricultural enterprise, promote the county as a prime location for business expansion. In addition, MFC partners with local FFA leaders to implement Agriculture Education on the Move™ in third-grade classrooms. Through the partnership, student leaders will present ten hours of education on agricultural careers, crop science, livestock production and more through engaging, hands-on activities and lessons while developing their speaking and leadership skills.
“This has been a long process of getting Callaway County designated as an Agri-Ready County,” said Farm Bureau member Jennifer DeLashmutt. “The benefits that our schools will see and being able to teach our youth about agriculture and the way it ties into your everyday life will be an amazing benefit to our education for our youth. I’m excited to see what the future holds for our county with this program.”
Through the Agri-Ready program, MFC partners with county leaders to strengthen the agricultural economy, promote agribusiness development, and support agricultural workforce readiness. In addition, MFC collaborates with local FFA chapters to implement the Agriculture Education on the Move program in third-grade classrooms. This educational initiative introduces students to agricultural science, careers, and leadership through engaging, hands-on lessons led by trained high school FFA members.
With this designation, Callaway County becomes the 79th county in Missouri to earn the Agri-Ready County title, further solidifying its leadership in agricultural development and rural progress.
More information about the Agri-Ready County Designation and Missouri Farmers Care is available at www.mofarmerscare.com.
