Stand for Ag | Join the Conversation with Missouri Farmers Care

Agriculture instructor and FFA Advisor Amanda Reid is a 21-year veteran teacher at the Concordia school district in #Agri-Ready Designated Lafayette County. Amanda has been utilizing partnerships with the Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids and Agriculture on the Move (Ag Moves) programs to add value to the student experiences, leadership development and activities the Concordia FFA Chapter implements each year. These programs provide hands-on opportunities for FFA chapters and members who are "learning to do" and "living to serve" their communities. The successes of Amanda and the Concordia FFA chapter are proof of the power of partnership with Missouri Farmers Care. Agriculture Education on the Move program Drive to Feed Kids FFA Mini-Grants Concordia FFA Feature Blog & Photo Gallery https://www.facebook.com/MoFarmersCare   https://www.instagram.com/mofarmerscare/  

Grant Norfleet was recently elected to serve as the 2023-24 National FFA Secretary. Grant grew up on his family's livestock and row crop farm in #Agri-Ready Designated Audrain County, southwest of Mexico, Mo. As a youth, he enjoyed showing livestock through 4-H and FFA with his brother. He began his FFA career as a member of the Mexico FFA Chapter and was honored to serve as a Missouri FFA Association Vice-President in 2021-22. He is a senior at the University of Missouri studying Agriculture Education and Leadership. He is emphasizing communications in his studies with minors in agribusiness management and digital storytelling. Grant was elected as the National FFA Secretary during the 2023 National FFA Convention in the company of more than seventy thousand of his fellow members from across the nation. In this episode of Stand for Ag, Grant shares stories from his FFA journey. He shares his FFA beginnings, an unexpected win, hilarious memories, and the intense experience of contending for a national office. 2023-24 National FFA Officers https://www.facebook.com/MoFarmersCare   https://www.instagram.com/mofarmerscare/    

Get ready to meet Missouri's 2023 Leopold Conservation Award winner in this episode of Stand for Ag! The Leopold Conservation Award Program recognizes and celebrates extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation by agricultural landowners. This program shares the stories of conservation-minded farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners to inspire countless other landowners to embrace opportunities to improve soil health, water resources, and wildlife habitat on their working land. It also builds bridges between agriculture, government, environmental organizations, industry, and academia to advance the cause of environmental improvement on private land while helping the general public to understand the vital role private land owners can and do play in conservation. Missouri Farmers Care partners with the Sand County Foundation and American Farmland Trust to annually present this prestigious honor. Congratulations to Cope Grass Farm for being recognized as Missouri's 2023 Leopold Conservation Award winner! Cope Grass Farm is operated by Harry Cope and his wife Rose along with their children Sabrina and Dustin. Harry is the 5th generation of his family to farm their land located near Truxton, Missouri in #Agri-Ready Designated Montgomery County. The Copes grow limited row crops, continually work on timber stand improvement, and have diversified the forages in their pastures. All of these areas of the farm are utilized to grow grass-finished beef and lamb, acorn finished pork, and a variety of meat birds that the Copes sell direct to consumers at local farmers markets. Video: Cope Grass Farms News Release: Cope Grass Farms Blog: Cope Grass Farms Contact: Cope Grass Farms Shop Online: Cope Grass Farms More information about Missouri's Leopold Conservation Award https://www.facebook.com/MoFarmersCare   https://www.instagram.com/mofarmerscare/    

Missouri Farmers Care and our line-up of worthy programming is made possible thanks to the Power of Partnership. In today's episode, we'll introduce you to Don, Joe, and Davin who represent the Agri-Ready designated counties of Lafayette, Nodaway, and Moniteau, respectively. Not only do these three gentlemen have unique farm stories, they also represent organizations which are valuable partners of Missouri Farmers Care. Don Schlesselman, Chairman of the Board, MFA Incorporated (2:40) Don Schlesselman Photo Gallery and Blog MFA, Incorporated Joe Frueh, regional Farm Loan Officer at FCS Financial (5:54) Joe Frueh Photo Gallery and Blog FCS Financial Davin Althoff, Director of Marketing and Commodities at Missouri Farm Bureau (11:23) Althoff Family Photo Gallery and Blog Missouri Farm Bureau Federation https://www.facebook.com/MoFarmersCare   https://www.instagram.com/mofarmerscare/  

Get ready to meet three outstanding youth who are involved in Missouri agriculture. Reagan, Brayden, and Ray represent the Agri-Ready Designated Counties of St. Clair, Moniteau, and Dent respectively. Although each has a unique story to share about their 4-H and FFA projects and farm experiences, all three share a common bond as members of the 2023 Missouri Agribusiness Academy. Reagan O'Farrell, Appleton City (1:56), Reagan O'Farrell Gallery and Blogpost Brayden Hallford, California (5:58), Brayden Hallford, Gallery and Blogpost Ray Cunningham, Salem (9:08), Ray Cunningham Gallery and Blogpost Check out info on the Missouri Agribusiness Academy https://www.facebook.com/MoFarmersCare   https://www.instagram.com/mofarmerscare/      

Tune in as we wrap up our celebration of our Missouri FFA National champions. Emily Hoyt, a sophomore studying agriculture education at the University of Missouri, was named the national champion in the agricultural education proficiency award at the 95th National FFA Convention in Indiana.  Emily previously served as an Agriculture Education on the Move™ partner educator as a part of her SAE.

Join us as we continue celebrating our Missouri FFA National champions. Trenton Jones of Higginsville brought home the diversified horticulture national title from the 95th National FFA Convention. Trenton is a sophomore at Northwest Missouri State University majoring in agricultural media with a minor in agricultural communications. Trenton served as Missouri FFA state vice president last year and retired this past April. 

Missouri FFA represented the Show-Me state well this year at the 95th National FFA Convention. A team of four juniors from the North Shelby FFA chapter brought home the national title in agronomy this year. Join us as we chat with the team on what it took to win it all. The North Shelby FFA chapter has nearly 65 members. This year, North Shelby had three placing teams at the National FFA Convention: ag mechanics, agronomy and conduct of chapter meetings. 

Listen in on this webinar recording, hosted by Missouri Soybean Association, to check in on the checkoff. This bonus episode features a distinguished group of panelists diving into the checkoff from the farm level up to the USDA, offering producers a look into the backend.

Wine isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Missouri, but the Show-Me state has a long, decorated history in the industry. Home to the first ever American Viticultural Area (AVA), designated wine grape-growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features, wine has been in our state since the 1840s. Join Alex Gast in this episode of Stand For Ag, prerecorded at the Missouri State Fair, as she joins Jim Anderson, the executive director of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, to discuss the history and beauty of the Missouri wine industry. Jim Anderson has been the executive director of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board for nearly 25 years. With a bakcground in horticulture, Jim started out as the horticulture marketing specialist for the Department of Agriculture.

How far is too far when it comes to government regulation? On this episode of Stand For Ag, attorney Brent Haden tells us how 102 Cooper County farmers successfully fought back against the Cooper County Health Board in its effort to regulate Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. Brent Haden was born and raised on a farm in Mexico, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. Haden graduated from Harvard Law School in 2002. In 2011, he founded he Law Firm of Haden & Colbert, a Columbia-based law firm. Haden focuses his practice on helping businesses and farmers solve their legal and commercial problems through both traditional litigation and aggressive, cost-effective negotiation.

On September 12, American Foods Group, LLC (AFG) broke ground on its new $800-million beef processing plant in Agri-Ready Warren County. The plant will start receiving cattle in 2024 and once fully operational will process over 2,400 cattle per day. As one of the top beef-producing states in the U.S., this market for Missouri fed cattle and cows will benefit cattle producers and enhance the value of Missouri agriculture at the farm gate.  Tune into this week's episode with Ashley McCarty and Chris Chinn, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, as they highlight the significance behind the state's new beef processing plant.

Join our host, Alexandra Gast, as she visits with Jordan Browning, public information officer at Ozarks Food Harvest, for this week's episode of Stand for Ag. Ozarks Food Harvest is the Feeding America food bank for southwest Missouri, serving 270 hunger-relief organizations across 28 Ozarks counties. Join Alex and Jordan as they discuss the duties Ozarks Food Harvest fulfills in the fight against hunger.  

Grab a chair and add a tool to your tool box. This week's episode shares all the details about the AgriSafe Helpline. Visit the links below to learn more:  AgriSafe Network: https://www.agrisafe.org Missouri Department of Agriculture: https://agriculture.mo.gov/stress.php Hotline number (call or text): 833.897.2474

The power of partnership is no joke. Listen in on this webinar recording, hosted by Missouri Soybean Association, and get an in-depth picture of conservation practices and resources in Missouri.  This bonus episode featured an esteemed group of panelists, high-quality conservation programs, and a Q&A session with audience members.

Join Ag Ed on the Move program director, Heather Fletcher, and 2 partner educators for a special AEOTM update. This episode will highlight the impact this program has had on third-grade students in Missouri; and some exciting new things on the horizon. 

Join Alexandra, MFC outreach specialist, and Matt Moreland of Red Barn Ranch for the kickoff episode of season 5. Red Barn Ranch is nestled on the outskirts of Harrisonville, Missouri, and provides fun for all ages. They have cows grazing on pasture, opportunities to feed the goats and alpacas in the petting area, and everything in between!  This 4th generation farmer has been welcoming families onto his working farm for the last 9 seasons and has been successful all thanks to the family behind him, the creative ideas for new attractions, and his love for consumer education.  Pull up a chair or visit the Sunflower fest to listen to this week's conversation on Stand for Ag.

Tune into the season 4 finale of Stand for Ag as Ashley and guest, Dan Kleinsorge, give us a brief review of the 2022 state legislative session. Dan Kleinsorge grew up on a farm in Montgomery County working with hogs, dogs, and row crops while growing up. Dan has worked on campaigns, in state government, and for nonprofits for 15 years. From late 2011 through 2014, Dan was the Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care during the organization's first years. There Dan helped ag allies in North Dakota defeat an animal-rights sponsored ballot initiative in 2012 and worked on the passage of Missouri's Right to Farm amendment during 2013 and 2014. In 2015, Dan went to work for incoming State Senator Dave Schatz, who would later become President Pro Tem of the state senate. For Senator Schatz, Dan worked on a wide variety of legislation including a bill that exempted federal agricultural disaster payments from state income taxes and multiple bills to increase road and highway funding, including the bridge bonding package that is currently funding the replacement of many out of date bridges across the state.  In January 2021, Dan went to work for the Missouri Limestone Producers Association as its Executive Director.   

Join this week's episode with an insightful panel of women from Missouri CommonGround. They discuss connecting consumers and producers, and how agriculture is always changing. Our guest host this week is Hillary Black. Hilary Black is the Associate Director of Communications for the Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council. A 2007 graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Hilary utilizes her degree in Agricultural Education: Leadership and Communication to help broaden corn education for students and consumers. Since joining Missouri Corn in 2008, her responsibilities have included developing educational curriculum for third-grade teachers, partnering with youth education initiatives through 4-H and FFA, and assisting with the development of the Missouri FFA Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence Academy, sponsored by Missouri Corn. Hilary also assists with Missouri Corn communications and serves as the association's lead on the Missouri CommonGround program. Guests include Kaitlin Flick and Addi Yoder.  Kaitlin Flick is an AgriEdge Specialist with Syngenta Crop Protection. A 2015 graduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Kaitlin uses her degree in Plant Science where she works with farmers and agriculture retailers in Missouri using Syngenta crop protection products for corn, soybean, and wheat fields. Kaitlin has been a CommonGround volunteer for the past three years and enjoys sharing her agronomic experience and beef cattle operation with consumers to educate them on food production and answer questions on how corn is grown and cattle are fed. Aside from Kaitlin's involvement with Missouri Corn & CommonGround, Kaitlin is Chair of the MU Cooper County Extension Council and sits on the Certified Crop Advisor board.  Addie Yoder has a passion to advocate for agriculture with consumers and legislators. Addie shares [their] farm's story through public speaking events, podcasts, radio, and social media. As a U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action ambassador and CommonGround volunteer, she has open conversations with non-farm women to bridge the communication gap on food issues and modern farming practices.

Join the conversation this week on ‘hard conversations.' Ashley and Eric discuss the challenges of communicating our passion as agriculturists. Eric Bohl serves as the Director of Public Affairs and Advocacy for Missouri Farm Bureau. In this capacity, he directs the organization's media and communications activities, creates and strengthens relationships with agribusinesses and serves on the MOFB legislative team. Eric previously served five years as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), including handling her work on the House Agriculture Committee, and two years as Chief of Staff to Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO). Before entering public service he practiced law in Cape Girardeau, focusing on real estate and commercial transactions.   Eric was born and raised in Harrisonville, Missouri. He attended the University of Missouri for his undergraduate and law degrees and graduated from both programs with honors. While in law school he served as the Managing Editor of the Missouri Law Review. Eric, his wife Sarah, and their three children reside in Columbia.

Join Ashley and Gary Wheeler on Stand for Ag. Missouri's soybean farmers selected an innovative and committed servant leader to helm the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Foundation for Soy Innovation. Gary Wheeler is a deeply engaged advocate for soybean farmers. His focus on partnerships and the power of forward-thinking has led Missouri's soybean organizations through significant operational and strategic challenges with a track record of success.  Wheeler holds a Master of Business Administration from William Woods University and a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business from Murray State University. He previously served the Missouri agricultural industry in roles with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council. Wheeler also served in the Missouri Army National Guard for over a decade.  Beyond his professional role, Wheeler enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hunting and reading.

Lorin Fahrmeier from Lexington, MO is a farmHER that works side by side with her husband and two children, on their farm, where they grow close to 20 acres of fresh fruits and vegetables. With a focus on selling their diverse crops direct to customers, they sell their fresh produce and wine at the City Market in Kansas City on Saturdays during warmer months. On an annual basis their family welcomes thousands of visitors to their farm and roadside market for u-pick berry and pumpkin picking, educational experiences and wine tastings.  Lorin works diligently to help educate their customers about how their food is grown and more importantly, how to prepare it for their families.  Lorin lives and breathes her passion for food and farming as she works for University of Missouri-Extension as the Missouri Farm to Institution Project Coordinator, a position that allows her to influence Missouri citizens in a new way by connecting Missouri farmers to schools and other institutions to help provide fresh, local foods for students and other customers.

Dr. Steve Strubberg was named as the State Veterinarian of Missouri in 2019. In this role, he leads the Department's Animal Health Division which protects the health of all livestock in the state.    Strubberg grew up in Union, Missouri, with the intention of becoming a physician. Driven by his love for science, animals and the outdoors, he soon discovered his passion lay in a different field. In 1989, Strubberg received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri with a focus area in beef reproduction. Following graduation, he assumed ownership of Hermann Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Hermann, Missouri, for nearly 30 years.    The Missouri State Veterinarian directs the Department of Agriculture's Animal Health Division, which is responsible for controlling, testing and eradicating livestock diseases in Missouri. This is accomplished through testing, vaccinations and regulatory programs that involve cattle, swine, horses, poultry, exotic animals, sheep, goats and small animals. The duty of the State Veterinarian is to develop and implement animal health programs that improve and protect the health of Missouri's livestock.    To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

Join Shane Kinne as he talks about the Coalition to Protect the Missouri River. This insightful conversation is sure to spark some interest in the 'Big Muddy.' Shane Kinne spent nearly a decade working with state, federal and NGO partners in his role leading public policy and grower outreach initiatives for the Missouri Corn Growers Association. It was in this role that he gained a deep wealth of knowledge and experience with Missouri River issues as he navigated the organization through the historic flood of 2011 and the years beyond that. Shane also worked with Missouri Corn's grassroots membership to coordinate state and federal advocacy campaigns and support media relations efforts. Shane has spent the last three years serving a diverse list of agricultural clients for Vivayic Inc, as they consult, develop and deliver on strategic learning solutions to advance client goals and priorities. Shane lives in Clinton, Missouri with his wife and two young children. In their free time you can find them exploring the outdoors, chasing their bird dogs or being involved in the family cattle operation.

There are truly so many opportunities for soybean producers in Missouri. Join Ashley and Kyle, as they delve into some neat features of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and where the industry is headed!  Kyle Durham and his family farm soybeans and corn in the Missouri River bottoms near Norborne, Mo on the operation that his grandfather started.  In 2004, Durham graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. with a degree in general agriculture with an emphasis in Science and Agricultural Journalism, Plant Science and Agriculture Economics.  After graduation, he returned to Norborne, Mo and began farming full time.  Durham currently serves as Treasurer on the Carroll County Farm Bureau Board and has recently been a part of the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Board.  He and his wife, Courtney, stay busy with their two sons, Simeon, 13 and Elijah, 10.

Join Ashley McCarty and Carley Esser as they give you an inside conversation about a host of policy issues. Carley Esser currently serves as a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee under Ranking Member John Boozman. She handles Title I commodities, disaster programs, and crop insurance.  Formerly, Esser was the senior legislative assistant for Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler where she handled the agriculture committee portfolio in addition to trade, energy, environment, education, foreign aid, transportation and infrastructure policy portfolios since 2018.  Other experience in the industry includes a stint with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Grains Council in their Global Strategies department, and extensive involvement with the National FFA Organization and Agriculture Future of America (AFA) organizations.  Esser graduated with a degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Missouri where she was able to work with agriculturalists across her home state.

Join the conversation on this weeks episode addressing feral hog elimination in the Show-Me state. With over 75 years of experience collectively, this episode provides insight and information for landowners to combat the feral hogs in Missouri.  Jason Jensen has worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation for nearly 30 years.  He currently serves as the Community and Private Land Conservation Field Chief and serves as the incident commander feral hog elimination and program supervisor for community conservation.  Travis Guerrant is the State Director for the Missouri/Iowa USDA APHIS Wildlife Services program and serves as an Incident Commander for the Missouri Feral Hog Partnership.  He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist through The Wildlife Society, and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife in 2001.  Amy Salveter has been working as a natural resource management/fish & wildlife conservation professional for over 25 years.  She is a native of the Missouri Ozarks who was fortunate to grow up on a small farm in southwest Missouri. Resources: https://mdc.mo.gov/feral-hog-sighting-damage-report Reporting Number: (573)522-4115 ext 3296

Did you know that Missouri has the fourth largest horse population in the United States? In this episode, Missouri Horse Council Board Members, Brenda Wasser and Joe Eddy, talk about the diversity within Missouri's equine industry and the budding opportunities for horse enthusiasts within our state. Learn more about the Missouri Horse Council and become a member at https://www.missourihorsecouncil.com/.

Advanced technologies and innovations have benefitted the production of corn and ethanol. Outdated information and misconceptions have caused a lot of confusion about this renewable resource. Bradley Schad, Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO, joins us on this episode to discuss fact, fiction and the future of corn and ethanol production.  

POET Bioprocessing, located near Laddonia, MO began operations in September of 2006. The state-of-the-art bioethanol production facility consumes approximately 28 million bushels of locally-grown corn to produce 80 million gallons of bioethanol annually. POET Bioprocessing - Laddonia provides a high performance, environmentally-friendly fuel as well as premium, high-quality Dakota Gold brand livestock feed for regional, national and international markets.  The plant also produces corn oil, liquefied, renewable CO2 for food and beverage use, and partners with a local utility to generate 15MW of electricity using Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology that supplies the local grid.

Missouri's forest products industry contributes $10 billion to its economy and supports over 46,000 jobs. In this episode, take a deep dive into this industry and how it ties with agriculture and conservation with Jason Green of Pioneer Forest.

Do you partner with a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or have you considered working with a CCA? On this Shop Talk edition of the Stand for Ag podcast, four Certified Crop Advisors discuss planning for the 2022 planting season, challenges that may arise, and how a CCA can assist in navigating those factors. 

This episode's guest is Quentin Rund, project lead for Early Adopter Grower Innovation Community (EAGIC). Rund is a farm kid from central Illinois with a taste for technology. He has worked in precision agriculture for over 20 years and has seen many technologies come and go. From the farm, to the Peace Corps, to his own small business, his passion is to find tech that solves problems and makes work smarter and more rewarding.  EAGIC provides a new pathway for getting ag-tech innovation to the farm. They work with farmers to assess their needs and then, using their global and domestic network of innovators, find solutions that may address those needs and try them out on the farm. EAGIC shares the results with its farmer network. The program provides farmers a new avenue for learning about new technologies that interest them and finding solutions that fit their farm.

Since 2001, BioSTL has laid the foundation for St. Louis' innovation economy with a comprehensive set of transformational programs that elevate St. Louis' leadership in solving important world challenges in agriculture, medicine, health care, and other technology areas. Join this conversation with Vijay Chauhan, Global STL Lead, and Matt Luetje, Director of Ag-Food Business Development to learn how BioSTL is expanding innovation in Missouri. Learn more at https://www.biostl.org/.

Missouri 4-H and Missouri FFA joined Missouri Farmers Care on stage at the 49th Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture to talk about how Missouri agriculture is feeding Missourians through the Drive to Feed Kids program. Press play on this week's episode to hear the feedMORE panel conversation and learn how students from Concordia, Ashland and Halfway have implemented the Drive to Feed Kids mission in their communities through the mini-grant program.

Join this conversation about the dairy industry in Missouri with Reagan Bluel, education director for newly formed Missouri Dairy, and Gene Wiseman, Missouri Dairy Legislative Director. Learn more about Missouri Dairy the single voice for the Missouri dairy industry at https://www.modairy.org/.

Join guest host David Doctorian, Assistant State Conservationist for Partnerships and Initiatives, as he speaks with 2021 Leopold Conservation Award finalists about their operations, land management practices and the challenges and successes they have experienced on their farms through the years.  This Shop Talk episode is sponsored by the U.S Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, a proud sponsor of the Missouri Leopold Conservation Award.

Join Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care, Ashley McCarty and leader of the Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Niki Cloud, for a special episode on Missouri's booming meat industry!

Learn about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and get the inside scoop on programs designed to promote agriculture business development within our state. Pull up a chair, and join Davin on this weeks' episode of #StandforAg. Davin Althoff is the Director of the Division of Agriculture Business Development for the Missouri Department of Agriculture where he leads efforts to grow agribusiness opportunities both domestically and internationally for Missouri agriculture.  Prior to serving as the Director of the Division of Agriculture Business Development, Davin worked as the Business Director and Chief Financial Officer for the Missouri Beef Industry Council.  Davin is fourth generation owner, operator and partner of Althoff Family Farms which consist of cow/calf and cattle stocker/backgrounder enterprises and a small grain operation involving a corn/soybean/cover crop rotation.   To interact with materials discussed in this episode, click on the links below: Missouri Grown: https://missourigrownusa.com Missouri Department of Agriculture Financial Resources and Grants: https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/

Join the Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care, as she highlights the impact of the 2021 Drive to Feed Kids. The Drive to Feed Kids opens a door for every Missourian to make a difference in the fight against hunger in our state. All proceeds are dedicated to Feeding Missouri's network food banks who work daily to alleviate hunger. Every dollar makes a difference in our Missouri communities.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation with two advocates for Missouri agriculture. Joining us today is Spencer Tuma, Director of National Legislative Programs of Missouri Farm Bureau, and Ben Travlos, Associate Director of Public Policy of Missouri Corn Growers Association. These two professionals chatted about current issues affecting Missouri farmers and agriculturists; as well as ways we can all get involved with political advocacy.    Spencer Tuma coordinates Farm Bureau's efforts on Capitol Hill and the annual policy development process for the organization. Tuma attended the University of Missouri where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Plant Sciences. She also completed her Master's in Public Affairs with an emphasis in policy analysis from MU's Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs.    Ben Travlos was born and raised in Ashland, Missouri.  He now serves as the Associate Director of Public Policy for the Missouri Corn Growers Association.  In this position he works with legislators, on the state and federal levels, and regulatory agencies on issues impacting corn farmers across the state of Missouri.  Before joining the team at Missouri Corn, he attended college at Missouri State University where he obtained his undergraduate degree in agriculture business and his graduate degree in agriculture economics.  After finishing school, he went to work in the Director's Office at the Missouri Department of Agriculture doing emergency management and legislative work.    To access the resources discussed in this episode, check out the links below:   Missouri Corn Growers Association policy development: https://mocorn.org/policy/grassroots-program/   Missouri Farm Bureau Action Center: https://mofb.org/action-center/

Join one of our own, Heather Fletcher, as she gives us an update on Agriculture Education on the Move™ (AEOTM). As the program director, she led and overcame challenges facing AEOTM in a time of hybrid class structures and scarce face-to-face opportunities with the state's third-grade students. We have a discussion about adapting, the AEOTM activities in the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair and more on this week's episode of #StandForAg.

Join Brian Zimmerscheid, vice president and team leader of the commercial crop team at FCS Financial, as we chat about the financial health of Missouri agriculture, obstacles beginning and established farmers face, and the resources FCS Financial has to help. Brian Zimmerschied was raised on a diversified crop and livestock farm near Sweet Springs, Missouri. Brian received an ag economics degree from the University of Central Missouri, participated in the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership and is a class 7 member of Ag Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT).  Brian joined the FCS Financial team in 1993 and has 28 years of lending experience.  Have a seat at the table for this week's episode of #StandforAg and join the conversation. Find more information on resources discussed in today's episode at https://www.myfcsfinancial.com ; https://www.myfcsfinancial.com/tools-resources/lifeworks-resource-program or visit a local FCS office near you! 

Join the Missouri State Fair Director and the Director of Communications, Mark Wolfe and Kari Mergen, as we discuss the 119th celebration of Missouri agriculture which will occur August 12-22 in Sedalia, Missouri! After transitioning to a state-wide youth livestock show amidst COVID-19, the Missouri State Fair has returned this year and will showcase Missouri agriculture, immerse fairgoers in fun, and be the culmination of summer we know and love. This year Missourians can have all the corn dogs and carnival rides they can dream of.   Want more information about the 2021 Missouri State Fair? Check out mostatefair.com and visit the “Just Announced” page. You can also find the Missouri State Fair on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MOStateFair. Welcome to our conversation!

Learn about your strengths, weaknesses and leadership qualities with Dr. John Tummons. As an assistant professor in the agriculture education department at the University of Missouri, he has insight into leadership development and the importance of getting to know yourself.    As a farmer and agriculturist himself, take advantage of some of his tips and tricks to dig deeper into why we make the decisions we do, and how to adapt to push ourselves forward into being better professionals in the agriculture industry.    For more information about the resources discussed in this episode, click the links below:   Clifton Strengths Assessment: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/   Myers-Briggs Assessment: https://www.16personalities.com   Enneagram Assessment: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com

Hear from one of our own. Paxton Dahmer was the first host of the Stand for Ag podcast and a previous Missouri Farmers Care intern. He is currently serving as the National FFA Central Region Vice President for the National FFA Organization.  Paxton is a third-generation FFA member, so he says it was natural for him to join the organization. Throughout his time in FFA, he fell in love with getting to meet new people and the connections he made. During this conversation, we will dive into working with diverse people in agriculture, how to strengthen connections and share some tips about how to find common ground in an industry made up of all different types of people!

Missouri FFA and Missouri Farmers Care are fighting hunger, together. Tune in as we talk about how almost 1,000 FFA members will come to the Missouri State Fair and pack meals to fight food insecurity and feed the 1 in 5 Missouri children that are never certain where their next meal will come from.  The Drive to Feed Kids successfully launched in 2017 and built collaborative partnerships among non-profit organizations and agriculture businesses who have committed to standing in the gap of food insecurity.  This event opens a door for every Missourian to make a difference in the fight against hunger in our state. All proceeds are dedicated to Feeding Missouri's network food banks who work daily to alleviate hunger. Every dollar makes a difference in our Missouri communities. You can donate today at http://mofarmerscare.com/drive/

Tune in to a panel of influential women in agriculture! Kate Lambert of FCS Financial, Kaitlin Flick of MFA Inc., and Ashley McCarty of Missouri Farmers Care discuss misconceptions in the food and production sector of agriculture with the 2021 Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge class. These insightful conversations are another example of how much those in agriculture care about the land, their animals and building strong youth.

Tune in to another edition of Shop Talk here on Stand for Ag! Lead by guest host, Darrick Steen, environmental programs director for the Missouri Soybean Association and the Missouri Corn Growers Association, this episode is an insightful conversation about land management and resources available to current and beginning farmers. He is joined by Clayton Light, conservation programs manager for the Missouri Soybean Association and the Missouri Corn Growers Association, and Adam Jones, natural resources conservation specialist with MFA Incorporated, who have an astounding passion for leaving Missouri farmland better for the next generation. 

Welcome to season 3 here on the Stand for Ag podcast. With summer knocking on our door and plenty of interesting conversations about agriculture, we want you to join the conversation! I'm your host, Alexandra Gast, and I am thrilled to bring you new episodes with intentional and thought-provoking dialogue about food, fuel and fiber.  I am joined by a special guest on this introduction episode of Stand for Ag. Elizabeth Brooks is an Ashland, Missouri native serving as the Agriculture Education on the Move™ intern this summer. She is currently majoring in agriculture education with a teacher certification at the University of Missouri and has high hopes for the skills and knowledge she will gain as part of the AEOTM family.

Aldo Leopold, otherwise known as the father of wildlife management, continues to influence the world of conservation. Join us for this #StandForAg episode as we hear from Lance Irving, Sand County Foundation Leopold Conservation Award® Program Director, about Aldo Leopold’s impact to conservation and how Missouri farmers and ranchers can be recognized for their conservation efforts.