Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

MO-Ag Classic a success
By Tyne Morgan, Corner Post staff

Agricultural producers, dealers and leaders came together to share ideas for the fifth annual MO-Ag Classic in Columbia, Mo.

The classic was held February 2-3 at the Hearnes Center. It included the annual Ag-Day BBQ, trade show and educational programs.

“We call it the MO-Ag Classic because the University of Missouri-Columbia, the Missouri Soybean Association, the Missouri Corn Growers Association and the agribusiness community all come together to not only provide seminars, but this great Ag-Day BBQ,” said Jim Russell of Mo-Ag Industries.

With over 70 booths, the turn out was slightly larger than the previous year. Attendance is the main motivation for the event so that it allows producers to get the most out of their trip.

“Attendance is a big thing,” said Charles Schafer, past chairman of the MO-Ag Board of Directors. “We want attendance by the producer, the dealer, the equipment exhibitors, and the seed and chemical lines.”

In order to gain attendance, the classic tries to benefit all participants in some way. Producers learn about ways to further their proficiency on their farm and in their business. Dealers participate in the tradeshow to meet the needs of the producers and help them reach proficiency.

It’s a slow time of the year for most individuals involved with production agriculture, so the Classic is the ideal time for everyone to get involved.

“ Who benefits most is the person who really wants to participate,” Schafer said. “It could be the producer who wants to come and learn something about a piece of equipment, chemicals or seed, or a dealer who wants to visit with people they don’t get to see any other time of the year and exchange ideas.”

The Mo-Ag Classic started as a trade show and over time combined industries and the Ag Day BBQ to offer more opportunities in one place.

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