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4-H, FFA panel: education, communication are keys to future

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Missouri’s 4-H and FFA leaders agree that education and communication are keys to the state’s agriculture future.  In a roundtable discussion at the State Fair, the Governor, Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce talked about how best to ensure that young people interested in agricultural careers can find success in Missouri.

Following the discussion, Missouri FFA President Cole Edwards of Salisbury, Missouri, told Brownfield that his opinions are taken seriously.

“Those people in positions, the elected officials of our state, definitely do care about us and our future, not only in agriculture, but also our place in the work force throughout the state of Missouri and beyond,” said Edwards.

Citing a growing global population to feed, Governor Nixon told Brownfield that it’s obvious the eight young leaders who he spoke with are ready to compete.

“And that’s what you want to see, you want to see folks that understand that the shift from local and regional economies to a world economy, especially in the agriculture area where we have to depend on significant exports, is extremely important,” said the governor.  “You want young folks that are ready to compete worldwide and these kids are great examples of that.”

About seventy-five people gathered to hear the meeting among Governor Nixon, Director Fordyce and the young leaders.

AUDIO: Governor Jay Nixon (1 min MP3)

AUDIO: Cole Edwards (2 min. MP3)

AUDIO: State Fair Governor’s Roundtable Discussion (36 min. MP3)

PHOTOS:

Missouri Gov. Nixon leads roundtable discussion with 4-H and FFA leaders at the Missouri State Fair, Aug. 13, 2014.

Missouri FFA President Cole Edwards, Salisbury, addresses Gov. Nixon during a roundtable discussion at the State Fair, Aug. 13, 2014.

Missouri Dir. of Agriculture Richard Fordyce and Gov. Nixon lead a roundtable discussion the Missouri 4-H and FFA leaders at the State Fair, Aug. 13, 2014.