Missouri Farm Groups Educate Local Officials
Poultry Industry Highlighted in Lunch & Learn Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 10, 2007
Contact: Adam Buckallew (573) 635-3819

STARK CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) and other agricultural organizations hosted a Lunch and Learn program today at K&K Farms in Newton County. Elected officials and community leaders attending the event learned more about the important connection existing between the poultry and row crop industries. Attendees had the opportunity to tour turkey barns, ask questions of poultry producers and learn more about food production.

Communities that are home to animal agriculture facilities reap economic and employment benefits. The poultry and livestock industries had a combined economic output of more than $7 billion and provided more than 50,000 jobs in Missouri in 2005. Additionally, animal agriculture producers paid more than $240 million in income taxes and $79 million in property taxes. The tax revenue from these facilities helps fund schools, hospitals and libraries.

“Opportunities such as this give local leaders and community members the chance to see where our food comes from, the professionalism of the people raising the animals and the technology they use to get the job done,” said Dale R. Ludwig, MSMC executive director/CEO. “These programs will help more Missourians grow in their appreciation of our poultry-producing neighbors.”

The poultry industry is crucial to the crop farmers of Missouri since animal agriculture consumes more soybeans and corn than any other industry. Poultry and livestock consume 94 percent of all U.S. soybean meal and 60 percent of all corn products.

“Many people do not fully understand the huge contributions of poultry and livestock production to the state and local economies,” said Kip Cullers, owner of K&K Farms. “Our goal is to educate those in attendance today so they can make informed decisions regarding animal agriculture in the future.”

The Lunch and Learn series is supported by: the Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, 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.

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© Missouri Soybean Programs
PO Box 104778
3337 Emerald Lane
Jefferson City, MO 65110
Phone: (573) 635-3819
Fax: (573) 635-5122
email: mosoy@mosoy.org