Missouri Governor Mike Parson stepped to the podium and called on farmers, government leaders and industry representatives to “stay focused” during the year ahead.

“We want to be careful of distractions,” he told the group gathered at the 48^th Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture. “We need stay focused on where we are and where we want to be.”

The third-generation Hickory County farmer said the MORE Strategic Vision of the Missouri Department of Agriculture provides the framework for the direction of the state’s rural community. The vision is to feed, reach, connect and empower more Missourians. Over the two-day event, farmers and ranchers heard from industry leaders and government officials in each area.

“The next generation is going to have to produce two times as much as you are today in the next 40 years,” he told the group. “That is where the future lies in this state, in food production.” Farmers will continue to use technology and science to push yield potential on farms, but Parson wants to keep its value in the state. He pointed to the Show-Me State Food, Beverage and Forest Products Manufacturing Initiative released at the conference and shared how it offered “incredible opportunities” for jobs in food production, processing and manufacturing in rural areas. It would also allow farmers to retain value up the food chain.

Parson said farmers need to reach more consumers. “We need to tell the real, positive story of Missouri agriculture,” he said. Participants heard from a North Carolina chef who went back home and learned to love agriculture again. Vivian Howard, of the television series A Chef’s Life, shared the importance of sharing your farm story with consumers.

Connecting more Missourians with technology is a priority in 2019. “There are still 10 schools in the state of Missouri without broadband access,” Parson said. “There are still communities without broadband. How do we expect to give rural Missouri a leg up without broadband access?”

He noted the increasing use of technology on farms and in rural businesses requires that same high-speed access. Parson went on to pledge resources for broadband for all Missourians.

When it comes to empowering more, Parson said it was all about bringing the next generation back to the farm and ranch. “Some of you may be wondering, ‘Who will I pass this along to someday?’” he said. “As governor, I want to lead you to a little more certainty.”

Parson had those under 40 stand up. “That is how we are going to pass it down to the next generation,” he said. “That is what agriculture is all about.”

Parson called on farmers to lead a life of purpose, a life of focus. And he challenged them to invest in the next generation.

“The only reason we are where we are today is because of the sacrifices made by our parents and grandparents,” Parson said. “I believe it is our time. Our time to pass down the American dream.”