Agriculture

Western Missouri cattle operation gets permit to expand

June 15, 2018 By Missourinet Contributor

Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources has approved a no-discharge permit for Valley Oaks Steak Company of Lone Jack. The permit issued Friday by DNR will allow Valley Oaks Steak Company to house almost 7,000 cattle on their property outside Lone Jack, about 30 miles southeast of Kansas City. DNR says their staff has reviewed the application for completeness and compliance with the state’s clean water laws and commission regulations.

One argument in support of the plan is the expansion would help producers because of demand for yearling cattle and for the corn to feed them.

In separate responses to critics of the permit, notably Powell Gardens, DNR says that various issues raised, ranging from impacts on air quality and sensitive wildlife to economic and overall quality of life, didn’t fall within the scope of this permit action. Many of those testifying against the proposed expansion also cite concerns about property values and threats to the aesthetics of Powell Gardens, located within three miles of the operation.

Critics have 30 days to appeal DNR’s decision to the state Administrative Hearing Commission.

By Kyle Hill of Missourinet affiliate KDKD in Clinton

Wagner, Cleaver say they look forward to working with Missouri Governor Parson (AUDIO)

June 13, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

Republican and Democratic members of Missouri’s congressional delegation say this week’s meeting with new Governor Mike Parson (R) in Jefferson City was productive.

Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-Ballwin)

U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, says it was a “terrific” meeting.

“We talked about infrastructure and transportation needs, we talked about workforce needs of the state of Missouri,” Wagner says.

Wagner, who’s a Senior Deputy Whip on Capitol Hill, says Missouri’s $88 billion agricultural industry was also discussed at the meeting.

“We talked about trade and agriculture and how we in Washington D.C. can do whatever we possibly can to be supportive of his (Governor Parson’s) agenda,” says Wagner.

The state Department of Agriculture (MDA) released a 2017 report, which says agriculture, forestry and related industries in Missouri produced about 378,000 jobs.

Wagner is also praising the governor’s address to a joint session of the Legislature on Monday.

“And I think that the humility and the servant’s heart of this governor came through today in his remarks, and that he is clearly going to put the people of Missouri first,” Wagner says.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson shakes hands with state senators on June 11, 2018, before he addressed a joint session of the Legislature (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Parson emphasized unity and service, during his address.

Governor Parson, who was sworn-in on June 1, met with Missouri’s congressional delegation on Monday morning.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, has issued a statement to Missourinet, regarding the meeting.

“Governor Parson wants to work with the delegation to make Missouri better. Infrastructure and workforce development are two priorities for the Governor. I appreciate the time spent with him this (Monday) morning and look forward to working together with him,” Cleaver says.

U.S. Sens. Claire McCaskill (D), and Roy Blunt (R) also participated in the meeting, along with U.S. Reps. Wagner, Cleaver, Billy Long, R-Springfield, Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville, and Jason Smith, R-Salem.

U.S. Rep. William “Lacy” Clay, D-St. Louis, was unable to attend Monday’s meeting, because of his previously scheduled career fair for constituents.

Clay’s spokesman tells Missourinet that Congressman Clay and the governor “had a very positive phone conversation last week.”

New Governor Mike Parson met with Missouri’s congressional delegation on June 11, 2018 (photo courtesy of the Governor’s office)

As for Wagner, she is seeking her fourth term in Washington, and faces an August primary challenge from Noga Sachs.

Five Democrats are running against Wagner: Mark Osmack, Bill Haas, Cort VanOstran, John Messmer and Robert Hazel.

Old Monroe Libertarian Larry Kirk is also running, along with St. Louis Green Party candidate David Arnold.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner. The interview aired during our live one-hour special on June 11, 2018, at the Statehouse in Jefferson City:

Parson indicates he’ll get behind proposed gas tax increase in Missouri

June 6, 2018 By Alisa Nelson

Governor Mike Parson appears to support a bi-partisan ballot measure before voters in November that would boost Missouri’s fuel tax. Parson, a Republican, tells reporters at the Capitol in Jefferson City that a meeting Tuesday with seven Missouri mayors focused on many issues they are facing, including the need to address the state’s deteriorating infrastructure system.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson held numerous meetings on May 30, 2018 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of Parson’s office)

“I’m going to be supporting infrastructure in the state of Missouri. And yes, if that’s a part of the infrastructure plan, then we’re going to be supporting infrastructure in the state. I have ever since I’ve been running for office and I think that’s important. We cannot keep kicking that can the road and doing nothing for infrastructure,” Parson says.

The proposal would boost the state’s gas tax by 2.5 cents annually for the next four years. The tax is projected to raise $240 million annually to help fund Missouri’s roads, bridges and port systems. The measure would also provide $288 million each year for law enforcement and $123 million annually for city and county projects.

“That’s where it’s going to take us all working together. We need to make sure we have a good plan in place. The thing about it is, the public is going to decide that. The voters are going to decide that,” Parson says.

For years, members of the Missouri Legislature have wrestled with finding a solution to address the state’s transportation needs. Opponents of a gas tax increase say Missourians do not want a tax increase.

Missouri’s gasoline tax is one of the lowest in the nation – 17 cents per gallon. It has not been increased since 1996.

Parson’s Tuesday meeting included Mayors Sly James, Kansas City; Kathy Rose, Riverside; Brian Treece, Columbia; Len Pagano, St. Peters; Karen Best, Branson; Tom Schneider, Florissant; and Carrie Tergin, Jefferson City.

Missouri Governor discusses Cabinet; Parson to meet Tuesday with Kansas City Mayor James (AUDIO)

June 5, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

The new Missouri governor says he has no plans to replace any Cabinet members.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson (left) and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (right) sign official resolutions following Parson’s swearing-in ceremony on June 1, 2018 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Governor Mike Parson (R) briefed the Capitol Press Corps Monday morning, before meeting with the Cabinet at the Statehouse in Jefferson City.

“Governor Greitens brought together a good team to the state of Missouri,” Parson says. “Most of these Cabinet members back here (behind him) that I’m looking forward to working with. I don’t anticipate any changes in the Cabinet that I’m aware of.”

As Parson spoke to reporters at the door of his office, the Cabinet members were watching and listening behind him.

Parson says he wants to be a resource for the Cabinet.

Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Chris Chinn says she plans to stay in her position.

Chinn tells Missourinet farmers and ranchers have one of their own, with Parson as governor.

“Many farmers that I visited with over the weekend were really excited to know that there was going to be someone who understood agriculture as a farmer, who knows what it’s like to be a price taker instead of a price maker,” says Chinn.

A price maker is someone who’s able to influence market prices.

Chinn, a fifth-generation farmer from northeast Missouri’s Clarence, says Governor Parson will have one-on-one meetings with department directors in the coming weeks.

Meantime, Parson says he wants urban mayors to know the challenges rural Missouri is facing, and wants rural mayors to know about the challenges in urban areas.

The Republican governor will meet Tuesday with Kansas City Mayor Sly James, and will meet soon with St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson.

James and Krewson are both prominent Democrats.

“We want to learn about what their issues are both in St. Louis and Kansas City, we’re bringing a coalition of mayors in actually,” Parson says. “But I also want to be able to utilize the urban areas and the rural areas. I want both to know what the challenges are for all over the state.”

Kansas City Mayor Sly James (at podium) addresses reporters on February 14, 2018 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of MoDOT’s Gene McCoy)

James and the bipartisan “Missouri Mayors United for Progress” will meet with Parson Tuesday.

James, the group president, unsuccessfully pushed primary seat belt legislation and a ban on texting while driving during the 2018 session.

59 Missouri cities and counties have now adopted primary seat belt ordinances.

Click here to listen to Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s full media briefing, which took place on June 4, 2018 at the Statehouse in Jefferson City. Missourinet news director Brian Hauswirth participated in that briefing:

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association “thrilled” Parson to lead the state

May 31, 2018 By Missourinet Contributor

Lt. Gov Mike Parson on his farm

The leaders of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association say they are pleased Lt. Governor Mike Parson, R, will be sworn in as governor on Friday and cite Parson as a staunch supporter of Missouri agriculture.

Missouri Cattlemen’s President Greg Buckman says they are “thrilled to have a fellow cattleman as the governor of the second-largest beef cattle state in the nation.”

Executive Vice President Mike Deering calls Parson a statesman and a man of character who has a history “of making tough decisions and always fighting for farm and ranch families who make up (the state’s) largest economic driver.”

Fellow Republican, Gov. Eric Greitens is set to resign, amid scandal, on Friday at 5 p.m. Parson’s swearing-in as Missouri’s 57th governor will follow.

By Julie Harker of Brownfield Ag News

Munzlinger says Missouri biodiesel announcement highlights value-added agriculture (AUDIO)

May 24, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee chairman is praising Governor Eric Greitens (R) for releasing the $4 million budget restriction on biodiesel.

About 100 Missouri soybean and corn growers attended Governor Eric Greitens’ biodiesel announcement on May 17, 2018 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of Christine Tew at the Missouri Soybean Association)

State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, says this highlights the importance of value-added agriculture.

“This is just one great example of what we can do here in Missouri, and that’s add value to our agricultural crops,” Munzlinger says. “Our agricultural industry, you know, is the largest we have in the state.”

The state Department of Agriculture released a detailed report in January 2017, which notes that ag is an $88 billion industry in Missouri.

That 2017 report says Missouri agriculture employs nearly 400,000 people statewide.

Chairman Munzlinger tells Missourinet the governor’s announcement is big for his sprawling northeast Missouri district.

“Whether you actually deliver to a crush plant to get the biodiesel out of the soybeans, you still benefit from the price of soybeans and if you’re a livestock feeder, you benefit from all of the meal that’s coming out of that plant,” says Munzlinger.

Munzlinger represents 14 counties in the Senate.

Governor Greitens says Missouri produces about 200 million gallons of biodiesel, in eight production facilities.

Missouri and Texas are the second-largest biodiesel producers in the nation, behind Iowa.

Munzlinger says row crop and livestock go hand-in-hand.

“The livestock industry couldn’t function without the grains, and really without the livestock industry the grain crop industry wouldn’t function either,” Munzlinger says.

About 100 Missouri soybean and corn growers traveled to Jefferson City last week for Greitens’ announcement.

The governor says biodiesel has supported about 2,500 Missouri jobs, since 2007.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and Missouri Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, which was recorded on May 17, 2018 in Jefferson City:

Richardson and Beatty view Missouri’s 2018 legislative session much differently

May 21, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri House Speaker describes the 2018 legislative session as the most successful implementation of conservative reforms in state history.

The House Democratic leader says Missouri Republicans pushed an anti-worker agenda.

Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson (at podium) briefs Capitol reporters on May 18, 2018 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, briefed Capitol reporters Friday evening in Jefferson City, after the session ended.

“What we began last year with an aggressive common-sense agenda to tackle our state’s toughest challenges was continued with even greater vigor this year,” Richardson says.

Richardson says the 2018 session has been a historic success.

Republicans control the Missouri House 115-47.

Richardson says House Republicans pushed policies that he says will make Missouri the most competitive economic environment in the nation.

“Tax reform, including tax cuts for personal income tax, corporate tax relief, a balanced budget that fully funds our education formula for the second year in a row,” says Richardson.

The budget approved by lawmakers earlier this month contains a $98 million increase for the k-12 education foundation formula.

The tax reform bill Richardson references is sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield. It reduces the existing individual income tax rate from 5.9 to 5.5 percent. That bill was approved by the Legislature on Thursday evening.

Richardson says House Republicans also successfully restored cuts to higher education this year, made improvements in public safety and invested in agriculture.

He also credits increased cooperation with the Senate, praising both Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, and Senate Majority Leader Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City.

Despite a GOP supermajority in both chambers, Richardson did not get everything he pushed for.

During his 2018 opening day press conference in January, Richardson told Capitol reporters that ethics legislation from State Rep. Justin Alferman, R-Hermann, was one of his top priorities.

The Alferman bill would have banned gifts from lobbyists, and included exemptions for flowers, plants and any gift that would be given to all 197 state lawmakers, such as the “Taste of Jefferson City” meal event.

The House approved the Alferman bill in January by a 134-12 vote, but it died in the Senate.

Richardson also supports charter school expansion legislation. That bill died as well this year.

Missouri House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (at podium) briefs the Capitol Press Corps on May 18, 2018 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty, D-Kansas City, also held a press conference on Friday evening, after Richardson concluded.

She is critical of Senate Republicans for not approving the ethics bill.

Beatty says Republican lawmakers approved legislation in 2018 “aimed at rolling back long-held worker protections.”

While Richardson describes the 2018 session as a “historic success”, Beatty describes it as a “session of scandal.”

“Unfortunately, with Missourians’ attention diverted by this sordid saga, Greitens’ party (Republicans) used the opportunity to enact an insidious anti-worker agenda,” Beatty says.

Leader Beatty says Republicans suppressed worker pay by voting to change Missouri’s prevailing wage law.

Beatty also says Republican legislators “defied the will” of more than 310,000 Missourians who signed petitions to place a right-to-work referendum on the November ballot.

The Legislature approved a resolution rescheduling the vote for August.

Beatty does praise the Legislature for approving a gasoline tax increase proposal, which goes to the November ballot.

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens (R) did not hold an end-of-session press conference with reporters on Friday evening.

Greitens issued a statement on Friday, which read, in part: “I’m grateful that members of the General Assembly passed many important bills this session. I’m encouraged to see that so many of our shared priorities – reforms to our foster care system, protections for our veterans, new opportunities for Missouri students, important pro-jobs legislation, and more – are among the many accomplishments.”

Greitens: “Rural Missouri is coming back”

May 18, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

About 100 Missouri soybean and corn growers traveled to Jefferson City Thursday morning, as Governor Eric Greitens (R) announced he’s releasing the $4 million budget restriction on biodiesel.

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens delivers his 2018 State of the State Address in January (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Dozens of mid-Missouri FFA members also attended.

“And the kind of investment that we’re making today is going to make sure that agriculture is also a number one growth industry in Missouri and that you’ve got a bright future in agriculture here in Missouri,” Greitens says. “That’s what we’re going to do for you.”

Greitens made Thursday’s announcement in the Carnahan Memorial Garden, which is about a block from the Statehouse. He was surrounded by two tractors and two trucks.

Greitens tells the audience that “rural Missouri is coming back.”

“We’ve got a steel mill in Sedalia, we’ve got an aluminum smelter in New Madrid. The state of Missouri is moving forward with good, quality jobs throughout rural Missouri,” says Greitens.

Farmers stood in the rain, as the governor made the announcement. Greitens also says rural Missouri “has been forgotten for too long.”

“For too long our small towns have been overlooked,” Greitens says. “Well that’s changed and that’s why today we’re keeping our promise to farmers and biodiesel workers across the state of Missouri. That’s what they deserve.”

Greitens says Missouri produces about 200 million gallons of biodiesel, in eight production facilities.

He says biodiesel has supported about 2,500 Missouri jobs, since 2007.

Missouri and Texas are tied as the second-largest biodiesel producers in the nation, behind Iowa.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Dan Brown, R-Rolla, and House Subcommittee on Appropriations for Agriculture, Conservation, Natural Resources, and Economic Development Chairman Craig Redmon, R-Canton, joined Greitens for the announcement.

Governor Greitens did not specifically mention the upcoming special session, but he did talk about not quitting during Navy SEAL training. A man in the audience yelled “We got your back,” to Greitens.

The governor also did not take questions from reporters at Thursday’s announcement. Greitens faces a possible impeachment in the special session.

Missouri lawmakers approve bill about special taxing districts

May 16, 2018 By Brian Hauswirth

Legislation requiring the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) to create a map of all of the state’s special taxing districts on its website is heading to Governor Eric Greitens’ desk.

State Rep. Phil Christofanelli (left) briefs the Capitol Press Corps on April 26, 2018. House Speaker Todd Richardson is next to him (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

State Rep. Phil Christofanelli, R-St. Peters, recently told the Capitol Press Corps the growth of special taxing districts in Missouri is an issue that continues to come up.

“We now have 2,200 of these districts across our state and most of them have been created very recently,” he says.

The special taxing districts include ambulance, levee, library, port authority and transportation development districts.

“Unfortunately, there’s currently no state entity that provides a comprehensive view of where all these districts are and how they overlap, and when they overlap, they tend to put upward pressures on sales tax rates,” says Christofanelli.

Rep. Christofanelli notes there are some places in the St. Louis and Kansas City regions with sales tax rates over 10%, and some nearing 12%.

“If you’re going to buy something that’s a sizable amount, to just go on the website and see that if you buy it in this Best Buy or the one down the street, you could see a 2% difference in your sales tax rate,” Christofanelli says.

He says the map will help residents learn where these districts are, where the residents live, work and shop. Christofanelli also says it will help Missouri lawmakers know how many special taxing districts are located in their districts.

House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, says the special taxing districts can be confusing for residents.

Richardson says transparency in government has been a top priority for House Republicans, who control the chamber 115-47.

The Christofanelli bill also had strong support from Democrats in both chambers. The Senate approved his bill 28-0, and the House vote was 120-1.

The two-page bill, which is heading to the governor’s desk, says the Department of Revenue may contract with another entity to build and maintain the map.

The bill would require DOR to implement the mapping feature by July 1, 2019.

Former Missouri Agriculture Director appointed to key USDA post

May 11, 2018 By Alisa Nelson

Former Missouri Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce has been chosen to head up the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has appointed Fordyce to the post.

Richard Fordyce

Fordyce will provide leadership for FSA and its mission to support agricultural production across America through a network of more than 2,100 county and 50 state offices.

“As a fourth-generation farmer, Richard brings firsthand knowledge and experience to this role,” Perdue says. “I am confident that he will continue to help USDA become the most efficient, effective customer focused agency in the federal government as he leads this customer focused mission area.”

Fordyce most recently served as Missouri’s State Executive Director for the FSA. He previously served as Missouri Director of Agriculture under former Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.