AgWired » MBIC Report

Missouri Ag Helps Tornado Victims

Cindy — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:49:30 +0000

Like so many others in this state, Missouri farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses are doing what they can to help the victims of the tornado in Joplin.

In less than 24 hours yesterday, the Missouri Department of Agriculture collected more than $19,000 in donations for relief efforts.

Staff members from the Missouri Department of Agriculture spearheaded a donation drive for the Food Bank of Central Missouri that included a challenge to other state agencies, community organizations and agriculture industry groups.

“Our hearts and prayers certainly go out to all of those affected by the tornadoes and severe storms in Joplin and to those trying to get back on their feet following flooding throughout the southern portion of our state,” said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. “The response to these events is just one example of the power of Missourians helping Missourians in times of crisis. This is certainly a case when the worst of Mother Nature brings out the best of human nature.”

Donations included a $10,000 commitment from Monsanto and $1,000 from the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Renewable Fuels Association and FCS Financial. Missouri Department of Agriculture employees came together to donate more than $1,500 and the Missouri Egg Council donated $500.

The beef cattle industry, as part of the Missouri Farmers Care coalition, has stepped up to provide food for the volunteers. “They did not have any way to feed those folks, and we learned about this need and so in coordination with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association we’re getting that job done,” said John Kleiboeker, executive director of the Missouri Beef Industry Council.

John says that the area around Joplin in the southwest part of Missouri is one of the state’s largest beef cattle producing areas, but he has not heard of any major losses to agriculture there. “It sounds like the city of Joplin and its surrounding community is what was hit the hardest,” he said.

Listen to this week’s Missouri Beef Checkoff Chat where John talks about how people can get involved to help: Missouri Beef Checkoff Chat

Money is always what is needed most in these disaster situations and the Red Cross has made it very easy to donate. Just visit www.redcross.org or, even easier, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Steve’s Last MBIC Report Podcast

Chuck — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 01:13:42 +0000

The first ag group that I know of that started podcasting is the Missour Beef Industry Council. That’s thanks to the now former Executive Director Steve Taylor.

Steve’s gone now and his replacement is board member John Kleiboecker. Read all about it on this Talking News Release. I’m really looking forward to working with John who has been working for the Missouri Soybean Association.

We will not forget the first and only Executive Director of the MBIC here in Missouri.

This last MBIC Report podcast was conducted at the going away party for Steve before he headed off to Moscow, ID. We did this late in the day outside the Missouri Beef Industry Headquarters in Columbia, MO.

It was a great party too with lots of people from all over the state coming in to celebrate Steve’s new position with the Appaloosa Horse Club.

I’m pretty sure we’ll hear from Steve again though.

MBIC Report 7-26-06 (3 min MP3)

Beef Lover Sweepstakes Contests

Chuck — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 03:32:31 +0000

The Missouri Beef Industry Council’s weekly MBIC Report this week is with Marketing Director Dawn Thurnau who talks about sweepstakes contests for beef lovers that are being promoted in national magazines in addition to regular beef advertising.