“They say you are a man of true grit.”

That’s an iconic line for fans of the 1969 film, “True Grit,” starring John Wayne. (Yes, I know there was a newer, more modern version, but I am a traditionalist.) In the film, teenager Mattie Ross, played by Kim Darby, seeks vengeance for the murder of her father and hires U.S. Marshal “Rooster” Cogburn, played by Wayne, to track the culprit.

Mattie knows it will take a person of fortitude to continue and finish the job. That sounds an awful lot like farming and ranching.

Grit, resilience, fortitude. Those are the attributes the Missouri Department of Agriculture team will honor at the 49th Governor’s Conference on Agriculture. Farmers and ranchers, industry leaders, students and guests will converge at Tan-Tar-A Convention Center in Osage Beach on Nov. 18 and 19 for two days of discussion about our livelihood.

We are aware that you are busy and it is difficult to be away from your farms, ranches and businesses, so we worked to make this an informative and efficient conference. At the same time, I challenged my team to create an agenda worthy of your time and resources. It is important that you return home with tools, information and connections to further your business and navigate the year ahead.

Industry speakers

We open the conference Nov. 18 with a commodity outlook and taping of the U.S. Farm Report weekly TV show hosted by Tyne Morgan on RFD-TV. Morgan, our emcee for the conference, is a Missouri girl with strong roots in agriculture.

Next, Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe will join us for a luncheon honoring our Missouri Agriculture Award winners. These outstanding individuals were nominated by their peers based on the innovation, dedication and plain ol’ blood, sweat and tears they offer to the agriculture industry. It is my honor to recognize them. A few other industry awards will also be presented during this time, so it will be a special event.

Later that evening, our Missouri Grown team will host the Taste of Missouri Reception, the most anticipated event of every Governor’s Conference. Attendees will enjoy many products grown, raised and produced by Missourians from all across the state. From beef and pork, to rice, black walnuts and barbecue sauce, the menu will showcase the breadth and scope of Missouri agriculture.

Attendees can buy Missouri Grown products ready for enjoying yourself or gift giving. The Missouri Grown team will offer baskets of different sizes to fit all your shopping needs, just in time for the holiday season.

Informative sessions

My team has assembled a list of top-shelf speakers and topics. You will hear from new leadership at several of Missouri’s largest agriculture commodity organizations, as well as an agriculture policy discussion with a prominent national speaker.

One of the sessions I look forward to the most will feature the terrific things Missouri FFA and Missouri 4-H members are doing to address food insecurity in their local communities. I am consistently amazed by the things these young people are doing to help others.

Jim Wiesemeyer is our breakfast speaker Nov. 19 to discuss agriculture policy, trade issues and the latest news out of Washington, D.C. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge about issues that affect our industry, and I know you will enjoy his presentation.

The conference closes Nov. 19 with a luncheon to recognize the 2021 Focus on Agriculture Photo Contest winners. This group of photographers captured photos that will both make you smile and melt your heart.

Our closing speaker is the epitome of grit and resilience. You will not want to miss her story of struggle, comeback and determination.

Join us at Tan-Tar-A Conference Center as we recognize your grit and fortitude and celebrate the resilience to rise up to meet challenges head on. Missouri agriculture faced significant challenges over the past 18 months. Whether it was markets closing because of a global pandemic or a late-summer drought that withered once-promising crops, difficulties certainly came our way. Then again, nobody ever said farming was easy.

Chinn is the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture and a hog producer from Clarence, Mo.