Bills will aid state ag industry

Rep. Allen Andrews

Agriculture is Missouri’s leading industry with a $12 billion economic impact and providing over 245,000 jobs.

Last week, a bill that I was proud to co-sponsor was signed into law by the governor that will further strengthen Missouri’s multi-billion dollar agriculture industry.

The governor signed the Dairy Revitalization Act (HB 259), which takes a three-pronged approach to support the state’s struggling dairy industry.

The bill is meant to stem the tide of dairy-farm closings that have taken place in Missouri and throughout the nation. The goal of the bill is to protect the 23,000 jobs that are either directly or indirectly related to the dairy industry.

The new law will create a dairy producer margin insurance premium assistance program to provide financial protection to dairy farmers when times get tough.

It also will create a scholarship program to encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture.

Finally, the bill will require an annual study and a corresponding plan to enhance and grow the dairy industry in Missouri.

The governor also signed Senate Bill 12 to allow trucks to haul larger loads of cattle and grain during harvest season, and protect livestock farmers from liability if someone is injured on their farm.

Both bills are now set to become law on August 28.

It is an honor to represent you.