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MISSOURI FARM GROUPS TEAM UP TO SUPPORT ANIMAL AGRICULTURE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2007 MACON, Mo. – The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) recently cosponsored an educational event with the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) and the Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) emphasizing the importance of the beef cattle industry to Missouri agriculture. The Lunch and Learn Program was held at the Lolli Brothers Livestock Market facility in Macon, Mo. Leaders of the local community, elected officials from Macon County and surrounding areas, as well as friends of Lolli Brothers Livestock Market were in attendance at the event. Participants learned more about Missouri’s animal agriculture and the important connection that exists between the beef cattle and row crop industries. “Activities such as this provide a great opportunity to highlight the importance of the role of Missouri's cattle farmers to put food on the table of consumers around the world," said John Kleiboeker, executive director of the MBIC. "Beef is my favorite value-added by-product from soybeans and corn." A quick review of the facts makes it easy to see why animal agriculture is so important to the state’s economy. Missouri is the second largest cattle producing state in the nation with more than two million beef cows. Cattle and other livestock consume 94 percent of all U.S. soybean meal and 60 percent of all corn products. This relationship is a key component to continued prosperity for the livestock, soybean and corn industries. “Missouri soybean farmers need animal agriculture to succeed,” said Dale R. Ludwig, MSMC executive director/CEO. “Livestock producers are Missouri soybean farmers’ No. 1 customer and we are committed to supporting them through our Lunch and Learn Programs. These programs should help more Missourians grow in their appreciation of our livestock-producing neighbors.” The luncheon also highlighted the important connection between the growing biofuels industry and the state’s livestock industry. “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,” said Gary Marshall, chief executive officer with the MCMC. “Missouri’s farmerowned ethanol plants need a strong livestock industry to utilize ethanol’s valuable co-product. Cattle and corn are intrinsically linked and programs like this help convey that message.” This was the first in a summer series of Lunch and Learn Programs sponsored by the MSMC. Additional programs will be held around the state in the coming months to spread knowledge about Missouri agriculture and the impact animal agriculture and crops like soybeans have on rural economies. The soybean checkoff program began in Missouri in 1979 as a way for soybean producers to pool resources to promote their product. Soybean farmers contribute one-half of one percent of their net receipts for the commodity to fund a variety of projects aimed at increasing the profitability of soybean farming. To learn more, call (800) 662-3261 or visit Missouri Soybeans Online at www.mosoy.org. # # #
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© Missouri Soybean Programs |