Leadership group tours local farms, industry

By Leonna Heuring

SEMO News Service

SIKESTON, Mo. - About 35 business and government leaders from throughout Missouri are learning about agriculture through a two-day stop in Southeast Missouri.

Comprised of individuals who were nominated by their employers to participate in the 2013 Leadership Missouri class, the group on Thursday afternoon toured Hulshof Family Farm in Benton.

"This has been a wonderful session," said Madeline Romious, who handles external affairs for AT&T in Kansas City. "We've been offered the opportunity to understand what's behind the food we eat and products we use."

Patrick Hulshof, farm manager of Hulshof Family Farms, provided the group with an overview of Southeast Missouri farming. He discussed irrigation, the types of crops grown here, commodities, equipment prices and the use of technology in farming.

After seeing agriculture up close and personal, Romious said she has a new respect for farmers -- not only in Missouri but across the country.

"People take where their food and clothes come from for granted," Romious said.

Carolyn Kempf, who works at Elite Travel in Cape Girardeau, said she even learned things about agriculture -- and she lives in Southeast Missouri.

"I have a new appreciation for my community," Kempf said.

Kempf said was particularly impressed by the technology used by farmers today.

Marek Jacobs, operations manager for Missouri American Water in St. Charles, even experienced his first ride in a combine on Thursday at the Scott County farm.

"It was cool," Jacobs said after his ride. "... I've seen combines and tractors on TV, but I've never been on one so it was nice to experience that." And then he joked: "I'm going to get one to roll around in my backyard."

Like Romious and Kempf, Jacobs said he was impressed with the agriculture industry.

Earlier Thursday, the group toured Pioneer Seeds plant in New Madrid, Riceland Foods in Marston and Delta Research Center in Portageville.

The group is visiting the Sikeston area to learn how agriculture has played a key role in Missouri's economy for more than 100 years and how the industry is undergoing significant changes.

"This is a great way for us to showcase our assets in agriculture to some of those who work in different industries," said Susan Lawrence, executive director of Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, accompanied the group on their tours. "... All participants have been interested and enjoyed seeing a different side of Missouri."

A panel discussion by area agriculture officials was slated for early today at Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston, where a tour of the ag department was planned prior to the discussion.

Panel members were to include: Ron Milbach, president/CEO of Progressive Farm Credit Services; Dan Jennings, owner of Jennings Bros Inc.; Russ Mothershead, president/CEO of Midwest Agri-Chemico Inc; Justin Landers, board member of Missouri Rice Council; and Dr. Nick Theile, director of Southeast Missouri State University-Malden.

Panel members were scheduled to discuss some of the challenges and obstacles of today's farmer, opportunities in southeast Missouri farming, the future of agriculture in Southeast Missouri and nationally. They were also to provide their perspectives of farming costs, technologies and education of then and now.

During their two-day stay, the group also visited Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston and River Ridge Winery in Commerce.

Leadership Missouri was founded in 1990 to identify current and emerging business and government leaders throughout Missouri, enhance leadership skills and deepen participants' knowledge of the economic challenges and opportunities facing the state.

The class meets seven times through this year in seven different communities to explore issues that affect Missouri businesses. The goal is to prepare participants to take an active role in advancing the state for the common good.

Prior to this week's lesson in agriculture, Ann Kleffner, director of Leadership Missouri, said participants' sessions included learning about government in Jefferson City, community redevelopment in Springfield and safety in Cape Girardeau. Remaining sessions for this year include learning about healthcare in St. Louis and education in Kansas City. They will conclude with a graduation ceremony at Lake of the Ozark.

"This program gives opportunities for an individual to see how businesses operate," Kleffner said. "Many of these experiences not be available to do and go to on their own."