JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Cooper County has been named an Agri-Ready County by Missouri Farmers Care, meaning the county is willing to partner in actively supporting Missouri agriculture.
The designation is a voluntary connection between farmers and their counties. Audrain, Carroll, Dallas, Chariton, Cole, Pike and Webster counties have also been designated as Agri-Ready Counties.
“Family farms and agribusinesses form the firm foundation upon which the economic health of our Missouri communities is built,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care. “Our collaboration with Cooper County leaders, farmers and ranchers and the trade organizations, commodity groups and agribusinesses which comprise MFC recognizes and equips Missouri counties for continued agricultural prosperity. Cooper County is a great addition to the Agri-Ready County program.”
According to USDA data, Cooper County’s 928 farms produced more than $78 million in agricultural products in 2012. The county’s main products include wheat, eggs and Christmas trees.
“Agriculture is the life-blood of our area,” said Don Baragary, presiding commissioner of the county. “Cooper County sits on I-70, skirted by the Missouri River, with rail running through the county. We are a prime location for any kind of economic development with an agriculturally-based workforce. We feel MFC will help us promote our agricultural assets and build on education and workforce development opportunities. We hope other counties continue to join to promote agriculture across the entire state.”
To become an Agri-Ready County, an applicant must meet certain criteria, including no ordinances regulating agriculture more stringent than state law and willingness to support agricultural stewardship, growth and opportunities. Then the Missouri Farmers Care Agri-Ready Review Committee examines local ordinances, regulations, and statements of support.
