Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: June 9, 2008

Gov. Blunt, Director of Agriculture Encourage Young People to Choose Agricultural Careers
Missouri Agribusiness Academy Began This Week

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Today, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Katie Smith met with 30 high school sophomores, also Missouri Agribusiness Academy members, to discuss the future of agriculture and welcome them to the 21st class of the department’s annual academy. Sophomores from across the state were selected to participate in the leadership academy that introduces students to career opportunities available in agriculture offering them a chance to explore the agribusinesses resources the state has to offer.

"Missouri agriculture continues to be a bedrock of our state’s economy," said Gov. Matt Blunt. "It is important that we continue to encourage young Missourians to pursue one of the many rewarding careers in agriculture and to stay engaged in our state’s farming tradition. We must prepare our next generation of entrepreneurs by giving them a world-class education and opportunities to achieve success. I congratulate this year’s academy members and applaud their interest in this exciting field."

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy, established in 1988, annually awards academy memberships to 30 Missouri high school sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related college degrees and careers. Students are selected through a competitive written application and oral interview process.

"The agricultural industry is full of career opportunities for young people to pursue," said Katie Smith. "The Missouri Agribusiness Academy is a chance for young leaders to gain a great deal of industry knowledge to use in making career choices. We want to make sure that we encourage our youth to continue to choose a future in agriculture and the Agribusiness Academy is a great way to promote the future of the industry."

This week, academy members are touring agribusiness operations in the Kansas City area and will be introduced to leaders in agriculture, government and education including AFA and the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City. The members will tour Shatto Dairy, Triumph Foods, Prime Tanning, the Kansas City Board of Trade, Hunt Midwest Enterprises, The Duff Company, American Hereford Association, American Royal, Ford Claycomo Assembly Plant and Mid-Missouri Energy in Malta Bend.

For more information regarding the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, visit www.mda.mo.gov.

*Editor’s Note: Photos of the 2008 Missouri Agribusiness Academy members are available by visiting www.mda.mo.gov/Market/agribusacademy.htm. Agribusiness Academy members are available throughout the week for interviews. Please contact Misti Preston at (573) 751-8596 or Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov to set up an interview.