FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2007

CONTACT: Becky Grisham, Missouri Corn Growers Association, (573) 893-4181 or (800) 827-4181

FARMERS WORK TO SHOWCASE AGRICULTURE

(KAHOKA, Mo.)-Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) board member Charles Krueger, with support from Missouri's commodity groups, hosted an educational luncheon today in Clark County to highlight agriculture's important contribution to communities. Nearly 40 participants, including state, county and community officials and citizens from the area, gathered at the Krueger Farm to experience agriculture firsthand.

"Missouri corn growers and animal agriculture are mutually dependent," said Krueger, a family farmer from Kahoka, Mo. "We must be proactive in building relationships with community leaders so they understand the positive impact of agriculture on our towns and this state's economy as well as the implications of the challenging business environment farmers face."

Animal agriculture producers paid more than $240 million in income taxes and $79 million in property taxes in 2005. The tax revenue from these facilities helps fund roads, schools and libraries. From an industry perspective, cattle and other livestock consume 60 percent of all U.S. corn products and 94 percent of all U.S. soybean meal. These synergistic relationships are key to continued prosperity for the livestock, corn and soybean industries as well as local communities.

"Every 56-pound bushel of corn used in the ethanol process yields 18 pounds of distillers grains, a good source of energy and protein for livestock and poultry," says Becky Grisham, director of communications with Missouri Corn. "Missouri's farmer-owned ethanol plants depend on a strong livestock industry to utilize ethanol's valuable co-product. Cattle, hogs and corn are intrinsically linked and programs like today's Lunch and Learn work to convey that message."

Today's luncheon is one of 20 events scheduled across the state this summer. In addition to MCMC, other partners in the Lunch and Learn series include: the Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri's Cattlemen Foundation, Missouri Dairy Association, Midwest Dairy Association, Missouri Department of Agriculture, The Missouri Egg Council, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Pork Association, The Poultry Federation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, University of Missouri Extension Commercial Agriculture Program and MFA Incorporated.

MCMC was formed in 1984 through a half-cent per bushel corn checkoff referendum and is dedicated to market development, research and education. To learn more, call (800) 827-4181 or visit Missouri Corn Online at www.mocorn.org.