Let me begin by saying that it has been an honor to serve as Missouri’s director of agriculture. I never imagined myself in this role, but I love the opportunity to make a difference for Missouri agriculture every day.

It is an incredible honor to continue in this seat with Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe’s administration. I appreciate the faith he has in our team to continue working on behalf of Missouri’s farmers and ranchers.

We will keep pushing every day for a level playing field in Missouri; for quality internet connectivity on every farm; for less burdensome regulations on agriculture; and for increased profit to farmers and ranchers.

Changes in government

What a year it has been. We seem to say this every year, as each year is unique with its own nuances. Certainly, 2024 was no different.

The election dominated much of the year — first the August primary, followed by the November general election. On a state level, we look forward to working with next year’s legislative body to move Missouri agriculture forward. Both the House and Senate will see new chairs of the agriculture committees, who play key roles in ensuring our industry has a seat at the table during session.

From Washington, D.C., we look forward to a new administration at USDA and hope to see a farm bill. I would love to see less burdensome regulations on agriculture, and a farm bill that lets farmers keep all the necessary tools in their toolbox.

We need new markets across the globe for American products and a strong safety net that provides certainty for farmers and lenders.

On the farm front

As we look back on 2024, I am proud of so many accomplishments in our industry.

After two years of very difficult drought conditions, springtime rainfall meant grass growth, full ponds and the chance for farmers to bale quality hay. It was wonderful to see green grass in July.

Timely rains helped produce high crop yields across the state. Grain bins filled up quickly, and a lot of that grain left Missouri for ports across the country and the globe. In fact, October was a record month for the Missouri Department of Agriculture Grain Inspection Division.

This team inspected more than 63.7 million bushels of grain, a 35% increase over the five-year average of 47.3 million bushels, across 45 locations. In total, the team inspected:

Unfortunately, the rain pushed pause for much of the fall, sending our state back into drought conditions.

For livestock producers, the drought led to feeding hay through the last quarter of the year. Thankfully, there seems to be plenty of hay.

Cattle producers are not yet restocking their herds after large sell-offs during two years of drought.

Feeder calf prices were so good through 2024 that producers sent everything to the feedyards. Will 2025 be the year that farmers start to retain heifers? Time will tell.

I know Missouri’s beef industry could look quite different as America’s Heartland Packing opens in the first half of 2025.

At full strength, AHP will process 2,400 head of beef each day, with an even split of cull cows and fat cattle. This plant is a game-changer for Missouri and the entire Midwest. I am very excited for the opportunity it provides for our beef and dairy farmers.

Goodbye and hello

One sad point about 2024 coming to a close is the end of Gov. Mike Parson’s time in Jefferson City.

Gov. Parson truly loves agriculture and has been so supportive of our industry. I will miss his friendship and leadership, but I know he is excited to be back on the family farm each day. I have no doubt we will see he and Mrs. Parson often, especially when the Missouri State Fair rolls around in August.

There is much to be optimistic about as we move into 2025. A new USDA leadership that will truly listen to farmers is welcome relief.

Here in Missouri, we welcome another farmer to the Governor’s Mansion. As lieutenant governor, Kehoe led the Show-Me Food and Beverage Task Force, which worked to advance value-added opportunities for agriculture. I know that his focus remains there and on strengthening all of agriculture. The Missouri Department of Agriculture team will be there at every step.

Chinn is the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture and lives on a diversified farming operation in northeast Missouri.