A crowd packed the Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) building for the organization’s annual Missouri State Fair legislative press conference. MOFB President Garrett Hawkins welcomed elected leaders and guests while noting challenges facing the farm sector and all families.
On display, was a large crossroads road sign jumbled with words and statistics describing obstructions to agriculture’s pathway forward. Hawkins said agriculture, our state, and our nation are at a crossroads. “Inflation, failing national energy policies, and an all-of-government approach to climate are all factors impacting the livelihood of future generations on the farm and in rural Missouri.”
Pointing at the display, Hawkins said, “This sign symbolizes what’s on the minds of so many Missourians and Americans. It’s an overarching approach to climate like we have never seen before.” He explained that the Biden Administration’s hyper-focused approach on green energy has led to twelve climate executive orders.
One component of the ongoing climate conversation is a wholesale change of domestic energy production. As the federal government disincentivizes the use of coal and fossil fuels, the reliance on other forms of energy will require a transmission buildout at least three times larger than what currently exists. These policies put Missouri in the crosshairs, as the state is forced to house infrastructure that serves outside interests, threatens private property rights, and hinders our ability to bring families back to the farm and our rural communities.
Pointing out that energy underpins the entire economy, Hawkins stated “failing energy policies also help drive inflation, which is affecting all Americans”. Inflation has risen by more than 20% and real wages have fallen by nearly 4% since 2021. During the same timeframe, electricity costs have risen by more than 30% for Americans.
“When we have energy policy that is out of whack, obviously, it’s helping to drive inflation that we are seeing. And truly our neighbors, those of us in agriculture, and many others are feeling the effects of these policies,” Hawkins explained.
Echoing many of the same sentiments, were several elected leaders, including special guests Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Senator Eric Schmitt, Congressman Jason Smith, Congressman Eric Burlison, and Congressman Mark Alford.
