Bootheel farmer Jerry Cox was recognized last week by Gov. Jay Nixon for his outstanding accomplishments and innovation in corn production. Cox, a corn farmer from Delta, was presented with the Governor's Award for Agricultural Achievement during an Oct. 19 press conference held at his family's farming operation.

"Jerry is a great guy and an outstanding corn farmer," said Gary Marshall, Missouri Corn CEO. "We are proud to say he is a longtime Missouri Corn Growers Association member and respected throughout Missouri and across the nation. In terms of corn production, Jerry's record speaks for itself. He is one of the best of the best."

Missouri Corn Growers Association member Jerry Cox, Delta, (left) was recognized Oct. 19 by Gov. Jay Nixon for his outstanding accomplishments in corn production.

Cox farms with his son Matt near Delta, where they raise corn and soybeans. In the last 15 years, the duo has placed in the National Corn Growers Association's National Corn Yield Contest a 23 times. Since 2005, the Cox family farm has repeatedly earned top honors, garnering 13 wins on the state level, proving their dedication to moving the corn industry forward through hard work and innovation.

"It is a great honor to be recognized by Gov. Nixon," Cox noted. "Corn production is not only our livelihood, but our passion. We work hard every year to increase our yields and improve our production practices.  With each new crop we face a new and exciting challenge."

The Governor's Award for Agricultural Achievement honors outstanding farmers, growers and processors in a variety of commodities. Cox is the second of four award recipients. The previous week, Kip Cullers, a corn and soybean farmer from Purdy, was recognized for his skill in producing record yields. Additional recipients represent the cotton and rice industries.

Like Cox, Missouri corn producers continually strive to produce more with less and play an important economic role in rural communities across the state. Last year, Missouri corn farmers produced approximately 447 million bushels of grain on 3 million acres, generating $1.6 billion in farm revenue for the state's economy. 

Source: Missouri Corn Growers Association