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MO lawmakers pass budget, now focus on foreign ag land

The Missouri State Legislature passed a $50 billion budget proposal on Friday.

Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn tells Brownfield there is enough money for the ag department to address black vultures and invest in the weights and measures division.

“It’s been difficult to make ends meet in that division at the department considering fees haven’t been adjusted since the 1950s. We needed the boost to continue to meet consumer needs.”

With a few days left in the state legislature, lawmakers will shift their attention to foreign ag land ownership. Chinn says the current proposal doesn’t change the department’s role and says it’s important ag research investments are prioritized.

“It helps our farming community continue to be the backbone of our rural communities and the state. I think it’s important that research be allowed to continue.”

Missouri’s state legislative session ends May 12.