It happens all the time, but that doesn't make it any less spectacular. It's what agriculture is all about. When a fellow farmer is in need, his neighbors step up to get the job done.

Brian McPherson, a farmer in Nodaway County, passed away unexpectedly in October. In the thick of harvest, there was work to be done and agriculture did what it does best: banded together. Friends from around the community brought their combines to Brian’s farm and harvested 200 acres of soybeans in five hours. The farmers who brought those eight combines and six auger wagons didn’t think twice about their decision. They knew it was the best way they could help out.

THE GATHERING: Farmers and ranchers in northwest Missouri came together to help the widow of a fellow farmer harvest this year's crop, truly exhibiting what #oneagriculture means to the state. (Photo courtesy Northwest Missouri Aerial Photography)

Stories like this can be both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. It is inspiring to see a community come together to support one of their own. In many ways, we in agriculture compete with one another, whether it be in farm size, equipment, market prices or annual yields. But at the end of the day what truly matters are the friends, family and neighbors who rally during difficult times.

It's these impressive and life-changing moments that we will celebrate at the 2016 Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, to be held Dec. 14-16 at Tan-Tar-A Resort. Our theme this year, “One Agriculture,” will pay tribute to the unity that exists within our industry.

The governor’s conference continues to be the place where ag leaders and innovators from every commodity gather to further Missouri agriculture through development of forward-thinking ideas, discussions on current issues and promotion of Missouri’s No. 1 industry.

RICHARD FORDYCE

Sessions include a panel of past Missouri Department of Agriculture directors, an analysis of the farm economy, the unveiling of a new agriculture economic impact study and insight into the future of ag technology. Also back for a second year is the popular consumer perceptions panel, during which consumers from the local community share their thoughts and opinions about agricultural and food issues. Friday afternoon’s activities will spotlight young leaders in agriculture and will highlight some of the outstanding youth making a difference in Missouri agriculture.

While education is a key component, opportunity for networking at the conference abounds. The Best of Missouri Grown reception kicks off the conference on Wednesday evening, at which attendees will dine on the finest food and drink Missouri agriculture has to offer. Thursday’s dinner will include an auction to raise money for Missouri agriculture’s future leaders, and entertainment featuring dueling pianos. The Missouri Agriculture Awards will be presented on Friday evening to recognize those who stand out for their commitment to innovation, giving back to their communities, committing to good land stewardship and being a great example for future generations. Country music band LoCash will take the stage on Friday night after the banquet to culminate the conference.

The 2016 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture will be one-of-a-kind, and we encourage you to join us. We are one agriculture. As Helen Keller said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” Visit our conference website, AgConference.Mo.gov, to learn more about what we have planned and to register.

Fordyce is the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and a row-crop and beef cattle producer from Bethany.