Missouri farmers and state officials recently discussed business challenges in agriculture at 5 Imagine Ag Business sessions. The sessions were hosted the by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, or CAFNR.
Attendees pinpointed the lack of a capable workforce as the biggest issue. While each session fielded different worries, the concerns of workforce development were most frequent. Scott Brown, director of Strategic Partnerships at MU’s CAFNR said more education is needed in a field that is demanding more technical prowess.
“That new technology requires technical skills that maybe many of the folks that work in the industry haven’t had a chance to study or gain knowledge on,” Brown said.
The partnered departments aimed to enhance and engage the agricultural business industry, and stimulate growth within the state. Brown said these sessions are intended to help rural Missouri and provide perspective for the departments.
“If we can add value to the basic production of agriculture commodities that we produce in Missouri, it helps everyone and helps grow agriculture in the state,” said Brown.
Brown says the departments plan to first summarize the 5 meetings by November. Then officials are set to assemble a small task force to discuss recurring issues.