(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)--Corn farmers, grower-leaders and guests from across the state gathered in Jefferson City, Mo., yesterday for the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) annual meeting.

Kicking off at the Doubletree Hotel, the day’s activities began with a luncheon featuring keynote speaker National Corn Growers Association President Darrin Ihnen, a grain and livestock farmer from Hurley, S.D. 

“Missouri has a lot to be proud of, and we are proud to partner with the Missouri Corn Growers Association,” said Ihnen.  “Keeping agriculture in farmers’ hands requires a lot of work on our part, growers and staff alike.  And so, when you head over to the Capitol, you do so with a lot of power.  The truth is on your side and the people are on your side.”

Following the luncheon and a legislative overview, growers visited the Capitol, talking with legislators about the importance of protecting agriculture from outside activist organizations and keeping our state’s top economic driver in farmers’ hands.  Growers then reconvened at the Doubletree for MCGA’s annual business meeting which included a review of the year’s successes, a financial report, election of board members and award ceremony.
 

Recognized for their contributions to Missouri Corn, award winners included:

President’s Award
Gary Marshall, Missouri Corn chief executive officer
Ashley McCarty, Missouri Corn director of public policy

Lifetime Member Award
Terry Hilgedick, retiring Missouri Corn board member and farmer from Hartsburg, Mo.

Outstanding Partner Award
Dr. Justin Sexten, MU Extension Beef Specialist

Appreciation Award
Dr. Jon Hagler, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture

Environmental Stewardship Award
Rex Martin, Syngenta

Public Servant Award
U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-04)
U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-06)
U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-08)
U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt (R-07)

Friend of Corn Growers Award
Rep. Allen Icet (R-Wildwood)
Rep. Chris Kelly (D-Columbia)
Rep. Steve Hobbs (R-Mexico)
Rep. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown)
Sen. Frank Barnitz (D-Lake Spring)
Sen. Dan Clemens (R-Marshfield)
Sen. Rob Mayer (R-Dexter)

In the business portion of the meeting, members approved the 2009 annual meeting minutes and financial report.  MCGA members also elected four directors to the MCGA board: Mark Goldinger of Hannibal to represent District 3 in northeast Missouri, Mike Moreland of Harrisonville to represent District 4 in southwest Missouri, Jay Fischer of Jefferson City to represent District 5 in central Missouri and Jim Stuever of Dexter to represent District 7 in southeast Missouri.   

“Yesterday’s meeting demonstrated the strong grassroots of Missouri corn farmers,” said MCGA President Keith Witt, a grain farmer from Warrenton, Mo.  “Legislators are still talking about the corn flakes we handed out during last year’s lobby day.  We do make a difference.  When growers come to the Capitol, our senators and representatives take notice and listen.”

The Missouri Corn Growers Association is a membership organization of farmers dedicated to growing and defending the corn industry.  MCGA works in the best interest of farmers on key agricultural issues and fights for pro-agriculture, pro-corn legislation.  To learn more about Missouri Corn, or to become a member, visit www.mocorn.org or call (800) 827-4181.

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Photo Cutline:  National Corn Growers Association President Darrin Ihnen, a grain and livestock farmer from Hurley, S.D., addresses Missouri corn farmers during the Missouri Corn Growers Association annual meeting Wednesday in Jefferson City, Mo.

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Photo Cutline:  (from left) Rich Kaiser, a farmer from Jonesburg, Mo., and past Missouri Corn board member, and Keith Witt, Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) president, visit with Rep. Doug Funderburk (R-St. Peters) about the importance of protecting agriculture during MCGA's annual lobby day and business meeting.  Legislators were also presented with a corn fact book and pair of gloves thanking them for their role in keeping Missouri's top economic driver in farmers' hands.