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Freedom to operate continues to affect MO farmers and ranchers

The president of Missouri Farm Bureau says regulations affecting agriculture’s freedom to operate will get attention at the annual meeting this week.

Garrett Hawkins tells Brownfield an issue brought up in the state legislative session earlier this year has farmers talking more about the food supply chain.

“What really started with mRNA vaccines, the conversation at the capitol evolved to include animal husbandry and vaccine use on farms and ranches. Since then, we’ve had a lot of discussion with national leaders about the continued progress and innovation you see in livestock pharmaceuticals.”

He says Farm Bureau members want to make sure any future policy discussions include freedom to operate and decisions are based on science.

Hawkins says eminent domain and energy projects continue to capture the attention of the state’s farmers and ranchers.

“Everything we’re seeing coming out of Washington D.C. under the guise of the Green New Deal, I think we’re on the forefront as a state to find balance between property rights and energy security.”

He says policy will be addressed at the annual business meeting on Monday afternoon.