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MU Extension looks to double ag value in state

University of Missouri Extension has set a lofty goal of doubling the economic value of Missouri agriculture by 2030.

MU Extension Program Director Rob Kallenbach tells Brownfield the effort involves a wide range of agriculture and every step of the supply chain.

“So much of what we do in Missouri agriculture is commodity based, which is great, but for us to really capture the value that consumers are paying for food, you’ve got to be further upstream,” he said.

Kallenbach points to increasing processing in the state and boosting specialty agriculture production as areas that could immediately increase economic value. He said reshaping the structure of ag markets, like the cattle market that mostly sends feeders out of state, would also have a large impact.

“I think there’s an opportunity for us to come up with a new model in that space where we can capture what we do both with better genetics in this state and better feeding opportunities to add value there as well.” He said.

Kallenbach said this is the most ‘fun’ time for ag technology in his career. He said using technology to develop Missouri agriculture’s economic value will also have big sustainability and environmental impacts.

Rob Kallenbach Interview

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