Missouri Agriculture's 'Lunch & Learn' addresses issues of farming and community

Missouri Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler was one of several speakers during the "Committed to our Community" luncheon held on Thursday, July 23, at Thiel Farms, located near Malta Bend. Hagler told those in attendance "the farm economy is the backbone of Missouri's economy." The lunch is part of the Missouri Agriculture "Lunch & Learn" series. After the luncheon, those in attendance were able to tour nearby Mid-Missouri Energy. (Marcia Gorrell/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

A group of approximately 70 farmers, businessmen, legislators and industry leaders gathered at Thiel Farms near Malta Bend Thursday, July 23, as part of Missouri Agriculture's "Lunch & Learn" series, "Committed to our Communities."

After a lunch served by Malta Bend FFA members, Malta Bend farmer and Missouri Corn Growers Association member Billy Thiel introduced his family and others in the audience. He also gave a brief overview of their farming operation, which now includes himself, his brother and his cousin, but was started by their grandfather in 1946. Their fathers, Louis and Don, took over in 1956.

Jon Hagler, Missouri director of agriculture, also spoke, calling agriculture the "backbone of Missouri's economy."

"If it's not strong then you have less money in the plate on Sunday, your schools are a little less funded and your communities are less funded," he stated.

He said even in these "lean economic times," they were able to fully fund agriculture incentives in Missouri.

"One of the things we've been able to accomplish is to maintain full funding for our incentive funds, not only for this year, but actually for the years coming forward. I think that is an important message," he said.

Hagler said that one of the firm rules his office has made is to "row in the same direction."

"Farming is a small community, and whether you are in row crop or whether you are in livestock, if you spend time taking down one side versus the other, we just don't move forward," he said. "If we are going to move forward as an economy in this state, if we are going to move forward as an agriculture community, we have to row in the same direction."

Ryland Utlaut, general manager of Mid-Missouri Energy in Malta Bend, also spoke briefly about the local farmer-owned ethanol plant.

"It's been more successful than any of us could have imagined," said Utlaut, adding he was very thankful for that.

Although recently, corn prices have been high and ethanol prices have been low, Utlaut said MME is still making a small profit and will be debt-free within a year.

"We're at the short roads. I think our long-term debt now is about $4 million. That will be paid off -- if nothing tremendous or negative happens -- in April and we'll be debt-free."

He gave credit to MME employees and to the area investors.

"I have to get credit to the people around here that said, 'Yes I'll invest with you,'" he said.

"It's been a positive aspect on the community and we are certainly going to do everything we can possibly do to help keep it that way."

After the lunch, visitors were invited to take a tour of the plant.

Hilary Holeman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, or MCMC, also gave a presentation highlighting agriculture's role as Missouri's number-one industry.

The Thiel luncheon is one of eight events scheduled across the state this summer. In addition to MCMC, other partners in the Lunch & Learn series include the Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, 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 and University of Missouri Extension Commercial Agriculture Program.

Contact Marcia Gorrell at marshallag@socket.net