Ozark County Earns Agri-Ready Designation: A New Partnership Supporting Local Agriculture

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

“We are looking forward to the opportunities to further agriculture and welcome expansion,” said Terry Newton, Ozark County Presiding Commissioner. “We are very excited for this designation as we stand behind and promote agriculture in Ozark County!”

Through the Agri-Ready County 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.

“Missouri agriculture stands united in our efforts to support agriculture,” said Missouri Farmers Care Executive Director Ashley McCarty. “Agri-Ready Designated Counties have taken a strong stand in support of agriculture, the state’s leading economic driver. We look forward to working alongside Ozark County leaders to grow agricultural opportunities in the heart of the Ozarks.”

According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2021 Economic Contribution Study of Missouri Agriculture and Forestry, the agriculture industry in Ozark County generated $114.9 million in economic output. This activity was led by animal and pet food, cattle, food processing and forestry, among other value-added agricultural products. Over 900 agriculturally based jobs generate $54.8 million in household income for local families. 

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.

With their designation Ozark County became the 74th Agri-Ready Designated County. Ozark County 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, Maries, Marion, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Mississippi, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Newton, Nodaway, Oregon, Osage, Pemiscot, Perry, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Randolph, Reynolds, Saline, Scotland, Scott, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Shannon, Stoddard, Sullivan, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster and Wright counties.