Recount confirms amendment approval of Missouri's Farming Rights amendment.

September 15, 2014

2 Min Read
Missouri farming rights amendment upheld

Missouri’s Farming Rights Amendment vote recount upheld the Aug. 5, 2014, passage of the amendment. The final tabulation of votes was 499,963 to 497,587.

The amendment asked voters, “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed?” The amendment protects all practices farmers use ranging from early weaning of dairy cattle, neutering and castration and the planting of genetically modified crops.

Blake Hurst, president of Missouri Farm Bureau, said, “Although the recount was unnecessary and costly to Missouri taxpayers, we are pleased with the results upholding the passage of Amendment #1.”

According to Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) president Jim McCann the passage of this amendment is a crucial step forward for Missouri agriculture.

"This amendment gives today's farmers and ranchers the ability to practice farming and ranching without fear of being shut down by out-of-state extremist groups like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Even more importantly, the constitutional amendment will provide a level of certainty for the next generation of farmers and ranchers," said McCann. "Amendment 1 will help protect Missouri agriculture, which generates more than $12 billion dollars and provides thousands of jobs within our state." 

Hurst added, “Consumers will continue to have a multitude of safe food choices that best fit their family’s budget.”

McCann said out-of-state organizations such as HSUS were "vehemently" opposed to the Amendment. He said these organizations attempted to mislead Missourians stating the Farming Rights Amendment would only benefit out-of-state entities and large corporations.

"The Farming Rights Amendment was created with family farms and ranches in mind," said McCann. "It is good to know Missourians welcome family farmers and ranchers and understand the importance of agriculture to the all-around wellbeing of our state."

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