Maries County Achieves Agri-Ready County Designation Boosting Agricultural Opportunities

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(L-R) South Central Regional Stockyards co-owner Bill Patton joined Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Farmers Care Executive Director Ashley McCarty, Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins, South Central Regional Stockyards co-owner Bill Pattonand Representative Bennie Cook (R-Houston) to celebrate Maries County Agri-Ready Designation.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Maries County has been granted Agri-Ready County Designation by Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), a coalition of more than 40 leading agricultural groups and businesses in Missouri. The Maries County Commission has acted to officially support agricultural development, economic growth, and agricultural literacy programs. Through the Agri-Ready County Designation program, MFC identifies counties in Missouri that create an environment supportive to agriculture, Missouri’s largest industry. 

The designation was granted after a unanimous vote of the Maries County Commission on Thursday, July 25, 2024, supporting the application for designation. 

“Agri-Ready Designation is going to be a great thing for Maries county. This is a rural county and agriculture is our economic engine. We are pleased to support agriculture business and development opportunities,” said Maries County Presiding Commissioner, Vic Stratman.

MFC Executive Director Ashley McCarty was joined in Belle, Missouri by Representative Bruce Sassman (R-Bland), Jan Sassman, Belle, Missouri Mayor James Mitchell, Maries County R-II Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Merata James, members of the Osage County Agritourism Council, and Jimmy Zumwalt, owner of the recently installed attraction, the world’s largest cowbell to celebrate Maries County Agri-Ready County Designation.

According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2021 Economic Contribution Study of Missouri Agriculture and Forestry, the agriculture industry in Maries County generated $282.7 million in economic output. This activity was led by production in ag chemical and fertilizer, meat processing, and other food processing among other value-added agricultural products. Almost 2,000 agriculturally based jobs generate $155.2 million in household income benefiting local families. 

“Support for agriculture in Maries County is strong and By embracing Agri-Ready County Designation, Maries County is promoting agricultural opportunity to strengthen the economic backbone of the county.”,” shared Missouri Farmers Care Executive Director Ashley McCarty. “Today, local bankers, ag teachers, county education leaders, sale barn owners, Missouri Farm Bureau leadership, MU Extension and additional county agriculture leaders turned out to support the growth of agriculture in this beautiful county. Today demonstrated that Maries County’s greatest asset is its people.

Community leaders, Maries County commissioners and Representative Bennie Cook gathered  on the Maries County Courthouse steps on July 25, 2024 to recognize Missouri Farmers Care granting Agri-Ready County Designation.

Through the Agri-Ready Designation program, MFC partners with county leaders to advance local agricultural enterprise, promote the county as a prime location for business expansion and enhance workforce readiness for agricultural careers. 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 was a great day to see Maries County become an Agri-Ready Designated County,” said Representative Bennie Cook (R-Houston). “We already know this county is agriculture friendly, this additional step will advance Maries County’s agriculture. Having grown up on a small farm in Belle, I am particularly excited for this partnership.”

Counties wishing to apply for Agri-Ready County Designation must meet program requirements, including no ordinances regulating agriculture in conflict with state law and support of agricultural stewardship, growth, and opportunities. After the application is received from the county commission, the Missouri Farmers Care affirms compliance with the program guidelines prior to awarding and announcing designation.

The Agri-Ready program was launched in 2015 as a partnership between Missouri’s counties and Missouri Farmers Care. To learn more about Missouri Farmers Care and the Agri-County Designation program, visit mofarmerscare.com or contact info@mofarmerscare.com.

Maries County becomes the 71st Agri-Ready Designated County and joins: Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barry, Benton, Buchanan, Bollinger, Butler, Caldwell, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Henry, Holt, Howell, Johnson, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Marion, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Mississippi, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Newton, Nodaway, Oregon, Osage, Pemiscot, Perry, Pettis, Pike, Polk, Randolph, Reynolds, Saline, Scotland, Scott, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Shannon, Stoddard, Sullivan, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster and Wright counties.

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MISSOURI FARMERS CARE FOUNDATION

Missouri Farmers Care Foundation enables Missourians to understand the influence and importance of agriculture in their daily lives by serving as the centralized hub of the unified educational programs, awards, and hunger relief efforts of Missouri’s agricultural community. www.MOFarmersCare.com

MISSOURI FARMERS CARE

Missouri Farmers Care is a joint effort by Missouri’s agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our communities depend. The coalition of more than 40 leading Missouri agricultural groups promotes the growth of Missouri agriculture and rural communities through coordinated communication, education and advocacy. www.MOFarmersCare.com