Missouri’s so-called right to farm amendment is expected to stand after preliminary recount results were posted on the Secretary of State’s website Friday. The controversial measure’s latest tally shows a slim change from the August primary results.
With the secretary of state expected to verify the numbers early next week, Missouri will become the second state to enshrine the right to farm in its constitution…a move attempting to protect farmers and ranchers from new legislation that would change or outlaw current practices.
Jake Davis, a small farmer and part of a group that opposed the measure, said in August that even if the amendment stands, they’ll continue to find ways to fight its abuse.
"We’re going to work hard for the environment. We’re going to continue to work hard to make sure animals aren’t abused in our state. We’re going to work hard to make sure that agriculture doesn’t get a free pass," he said.
The measure was backed by large commodity groups and opposed by animal rights groups and many small farmers. Amendment 1 passed by less than 2,500 votes in August. The recount tightens that margin to less than 2,400.