Missouri Farmers Care raises $200,000 to push for Farming Rights Amendment

(From Missouri Farmers Care)

Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of over 40 agriculture organization in the state, announced today that they raised $197,119 in the final three months of 2013. These funds will be used to help pass Constitutional Amendment 1, the Missouri Farming Rights Amendment, in 2014.

 Farmers, ranchers, and agriculture supporters from across the state helped raise $134,619 prior to in the final quarter of 2013. In total, 562 supporters contributed to Missouri Farmers Care during this time period. Finally, Missouri Farmers Care member organizations contributed another $62,500 at the end of the year with more member organizations pledging funds in 2014.

 "We have really seen the agricultural community rally around the Missouri Farming Rights Amendment," Missouri Farmers Care Chairman Don Nikodim said. "We have always been fortunate to receive the generous support of many farmers and ranchers but people really stepped up to meet the challenge of passing this important amendment. Their generosity has Missouri Farmers Care and the Missouri Farming Rights Amendment in a great position for 2014."

 Constitutional Amendment 1 was referred to the voters by the Missouri General Assembly in 2013. HJR 7&11 was passed with large bipartisan majorities, 132-yes to 25-no in the State House, and 28-yes to 6-no in the State Senate.

 "Missouri's agriculture community is committed to reaching out to voters to explain the need for the Farming Rights Amendment," Nikodim said. "Agriculture is Missouri's top industry and the lifeblood of our rural communities and look forward to making our case to all voters in the state."

Members of Missouri Farmers Care include:  Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, MFA Incorporated, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Inc., Missouri Dairy Association, Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, Missouri Egg Council, Inc., MFA Oil, Missouri Agribusiness Association, FCS Financial, Missouri Dairy Growth Council, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Cargill, Missouri Rural Electric Cooperatives, Missouri Pet Breeders Association, Monsanto, United Producers, Inc., Missouri Sheep Producers, Missouri Livestock Marketing Association, Missouri Farmer Today,  Professional Pet Association, Missouri Association of Meat Processors, Missouri Whitetail Breeders and Hunting Ranch Association, Lathrop & Gage, Conservation Federation of Missouri, Missouri Sporting Dog Association, Rabo AgriFinance, Southwestern Association, the Poultry Federation, Missouri Equine Council, Missouri Levee & Drainage District Association, AGRIServices of Brunswick, Gebhards Grain, Aerial Crop Services, St. Louis Agribusiness Club, The Hunte Corporation, Sydenstricker Implement, BioFuels, LLC, Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, and Dairy Farmers of America.