Dave Reinbott, an agriculture business official for the University of Missouri Extension’s Southeast region and Scott County program director, said he was contacted by the state’s Agriculture Director.
"Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce contacted the University of Missouri Extension because he was concerned about the financial stress potential in the state," Reinbott told the Siekston Standard Democrat. "He got the idea back in the spring when prices were low, and he was wondering what could be done."
Reinbott said the vision is for Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and other states to put on similar meetings and share information with one another.
The meeting dates are as follows:
- Mexico — Noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 7, Audrain County 4-H Center. Mary Sobba, (573)581-3231, and Karisha Devlin, (660)397-2179.
- Rock Port — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 7, MU Extension Center in Atchison County. Randa Doty, (660)582-8101.
- Excelsior Springs — 10 a.m. to noon Friday, July 8, Flander Hall. Nate Cahill, (660)747-3193.
- Springfield — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, July 11, Springfield Livestock Marketing Center. Wesley Tucker, (417)326-4916.
- Sikeston — 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 12, Miner Convention Center. David Reinbott, (573)545-3516.
- St. Peters — 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, MU Extension Center in St. Charles County. Ken Bolte, (636)583-5141, and Rachel Hopkins, (573)438-2671.
- Kirksville — 9:30 a.m.to noon Thursday, July 14, Missouri Department of Conservation Northeast Regional Office. Darla Campbell, (660)457-3469, and Joe Koenen, (660)947-2705.
The meetings are free to attend but organizers ask for advance registrations.