JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Harrison County has received Agri-Ready County Designation from Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), a milestone that highlights the county’s dedication to fostering agricultural growth, economic development, and agricultural literacy. This important recognition affirms Harrison County’s commitment to supporting agriculture as a vital part of its economic landscape and rural community development.

Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of over 45 agricultural organizations, works tirelessly to promote Missouri’s agricultural sector through collaboration, advocacy, and education. The Agri-Ready County Designation program is one of its key initiatives, supporting counties statewide that implement policies and initiatives designed to foster agricultural growth and long-term sustainability.

"Agriculture is the heartbeat of northern Missouri,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care. “Harrison County's Agri-Ready Designation reflects the hard work and collaboration of local leaders and organizations dedicated to ensuring the growth and prosperity of agriculture. By highlighting Harrison County agriculture, this designation can open doors to new opportunities and future growth. We’re proud to support Harrison County in cultivating an environment where agriculture thrives now and into the future.”

In pursuing this recognition, the Harrison County Commission has reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating a prosperous environment for agriculture, Missouri's leading industry. Counties applying for Agri-Ready County Designation must meet program requirements, such as ensuring no local ordinances conflict with state agricultural laws and demonstrating support for agricultural stewardship, growth, and opportunities.

“Harrison County is honored to finally be able to achieve the Agri-Ready County Designation,” the Harrison County Commission reports. “The County Commission was approached several years ago to join in this program. However, we were not able to move forward with this, due to a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) ordinance the county had previously enacted. When the Missouri Supreme Court upheld the state law prohibiting local CAFO regulations, the Commission repealed the ordinance. Recently, our local Farm Bureau invited us to a meeting where they were hosting Missouri Farmers Care Executive Director Ashley McCarty. After attending this meeting, we immediately proceeded with the application. We are pleased to join with other counties in our state supporting the future of agriculture.”

Agri-Ready County Designation, in partnership with MFC and local leaders, aims to strengthen agricultural businesses, promote the county as an ideal location for business growth, and improve workforce readiness for careers in agriculture. Additionally, MFC collaborates with local FFA chapters to bring the Agriculture Education on the Move™ program into third-grade classrooms. This initiative equips student leaders to deliver ten hours of interactive lessons on topics such as agricultural careers, crop science, and livestock production, all while honing their public speaking and leadership abilities through hands-on activities and educational experiences.

“The Harrison County Farm Bureau is thrilled about the opportunity to become an Agri-Ready County,” said Harrison County Farm Bureau President Jeff Gibson. “Agriculture is the foundation of our community, and this initiative will reinforce our commitment to growing the agriculture and agribusiness sectors in Harrison County.”

Harrison County’s agriculture industry generated $177.3 million in economic output according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2021 Economic Contribution Study of Missouri Agriculture and Forestry. Key drivers of this economic activity include oilseeds, meat processing, and grains. Together, the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors have created 1,680 local jobs, contributing $86.6 million in household income to area families.

“I’m proud and excited that Harrison County is finally Agri-Ready! We have been working to achieve this designation for years and we are thrilled it is official,” said Harrison County Farm Bureau Vice-President Jesse Jennings. “I’d like to thank the Harrison County Commissioners for signing off and making this happen!”

With their designation, Harrison County becomes the 77th Agri-Ready Designated Missouri county. More information about the program and Missouri Farmers Care can be found at www.mofarmerscare.com.

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