Members of the Class of 2023 at Yoder Farms.
The third session for the Greater MO Class of 2024 will tour 5 different counties in North Missouri September 18-20 to include Adair, Sullivan, Knox, Shelby, and Macon Counties. The City of Kirksville in Adair County and the surrounding area is filled with hardworking people who take pride in their work. But the proven work ethic of those who live in and around this region of the state is only part of the story. We will enjoy an immersive experience to gain an understanding of the issues facing rural Missouri.
This region enjoys a wonderful “quality of life”. We will tour the two institutions of higher education – Truman State University and A.T. Still University – that provide education that supports jobs in the region as well as present art and cultural experiences. Each county the cohort visits has a traditional setting with a County Courthouse in the middle of the town square. The class will see an eclectic group of coffee shops, eateries, antique and specialty shops. Sprinkled throughout are traditional high-volume retail stores, local restaurants, and lots of outdoor adventures! The region offers plenty of spaces for hiking, biking, jogging, canoeing, boating, and fishing. During the height of the seasons, some of the finest whitetail deer and turkey hunting are found here that exceed any found anywhere in the country.
Interested in learning more before we straddle the Northwest Missouri and Northeast Missouri regions? Take a look at real time job summaries, occupational projections, cost of living data, Missouri Jobs Report, and Economic and Workforce Data. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) is the research division of the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s Office of Performance & Strategy. Their work provides innovative analysis and assistance including studies of the state’s economic trends, targeted industries, and labor markets.
Following is an overview of the Session III Agenda.
The Session kicks off with a visit to Smithfield in Milan to tour and learn about the meat processing industry, followed by a presentation about rural healthcare from Martha King Gragg- CEO at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital, followed by an overview of rural life and city government from Crystal Brinkley Bupp – City Administrator for the City of Milan. Over lunch, an update on water management and the development of the Roy Blunt Reservoir in the region will be provided by Allstate Consultants. The day continues with an immersive visit at A.T. Still University to learn about the world class healthcare training they provide. The day wraps up with dinner at SIP – a woman owned business on the Kirksville square.
On Day 2, the cohort will continue learning about the rural economy with a visit to Harrison Fishery in Hurdland, followed by an “on the farm” experience in Shelby County with Addie & Joshlin Yoder. Here Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn will provide an in-depth overview of Missouri’s agriculture industry. The group then travels to Macon for a tour and presentation at POET. Of course when you are in Macon you can’t skip eating at the legendary Pear Tree, which will round out the day.
The Session wraps up with time at the University Farm at Truman State University. Here the cohort will hear from a panel of agriculture students, as well as women leaders in Missouri agriculture. Dr. Sue Thomas – President, Truman State University – will also address the group before a wrap up and reflection session.
The Class of 2024 travels to St. Louis in November for their final session and graduation.