JEFFERSON CITY — An integral component of Missouri Corn’s success is the engaged grower base. One of the ways we facilitate this conversation is through local winter meetings held in shops across the state. These events provide a venue to discuss issues and concerns face-to-face with Missouri Corn staff and other growers. It is also an opportunity to update stakeholders on state and federal legislative and regulatory issues being addressed, as well as the latest efforts to increase markets for corn and corn co-products. Highlights from this year’s winter events include:
- 7 meetings held across the state with over 600 attendees.
- Trade was a major topic of discussion. Growers expressed the importance of strong trade and trade agreements, confirming staff priorities to seek out new and expanding markets for corn and corn co-products, especially in the near-term.
- Attendees filled out policy surveys containing questions related to the upcoming farm bill as well as transportation and infrastructure issues. Discussions also centered around the political environment with new administrations at the state and federal levels.
- A high-level marketing panel shared their outlook on 2017 with northwest Missouri corn growers in St. Joseph.
- Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association provided attendees at the District 6 meeting with an ethanol overview, including an ethanol demand outlook, policy challenges and ways farmers can help to ensure policymakers understand the importance of a strong ethanol industry.
Thank you to all who attended and provided valuable input. Sincere appreciation also goes out to the individuals who hosted on-farm meetings including Jim Stuever, Kurtis Gregory, Brice Fischer and Mike Sharpe. Additionally, thanks to our speakers and other individuals who volunteered time and made the effort to make these events a success. For more information on the winter meetings, upcoming events and ways to get involved with Missouri Corn, call Matt Amick or Katie Steen at (573) 893-4181.
— Missouri Corn
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