Corn farmers Gary Porter of Mercer and Morris Heitman of Mound City were recognized during the Dec. 16 Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture for their contributions to the industry.

Heitman, past president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA), was presented with the 2016 Missouri Agriculture Legacy Award for corn production.

"Morris is deserving of this recognition for his steadfast commitment and tireless efforts in growing and defending today's corn industry," noted Gary Marshall, MCGA CEO. "Serving corn growers as a volunteer for nearly 10 years, his leadership centered around collaboration and developing corn markets at home and abroad."

Legacy awards are presented to Missouri producers who have exemplified great leadership in their field of agriculture through innovation, land stewardship, value-added opportunities and/or international success. Heitman has represented corn farmers in the northwest region of the state for nearly a decade, serving on both the MCGA and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council boards of directors. He has also worked on behalf of growers nationally, serving on both National Corn Growers Association and U.S. Grains Council action teams.

Innovation through multiple channels
Richard Fordyce, then-Missouri director of agriculture, also honored MCGA President Gary Porter. Porter was presented the Missouri Farm Innovation Award during the recognition banquet for his use of technology and progressive management practices.

FARM INNOVATOR: Missouri Corn Growers Association President Gary Porter of Mercer (center) was recognized with the Missouri Farm Innovation Award at the Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture on Dec. 16. Ron Hayes (left), weights, measures and consumer protection division director, and Richard Fordyce (right), then-Missouri director of agriculture, presented the award. (Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Agriculture)

"Cover crops, GPS mapping and prescription fertilizer applications are central practices in their operation," said Marshall. "Through constant field trials, the adaptation of new technology and the promotion of higher ethanol blends in the family's local fueling station, Gary is driven to leave their farming operation in better shape so his sons can continue the family tradition." Earlier in the conference, Porter took center stage along with Missouri dairy, cattle, pork, soybean, rice and forest product representatives for an industry panel discussion. Porter provided attendees a recap of the issues and successes of 2016, as well as the challenges the corn industry is facing in the year ahead.

Additional agriculture leaders from across Missouri received honors during the conference.

The 2016 Missouri Agriculture Award recipients include:

Missouri Agriculture Beef Cattle Legacy:
Glen Cope of Aurora
Missouri Agriculture Cotton Legacy:
Riley James of New Madrid 
Missouri Agriculture Dairy Legacy:
Arlen Schwinke of Morrison 
Missouri Agriculture Forestry Legacy:
Leroy McGinnis of Cuba 
Missouri Agriculture Pork Legacy:
Phil Howerton of Chilhowee
Missouri Agriculture Poultry Legacy:
Galen Davis of Jasper
Missouri Agriculture Rice Legacy:
Scott Wheeler of Grayridge
Missouri Agriculture Soybean Legacy:
Robert Alpers of Prairie Home