Bean receives Agriculture award from governor

Jason Bean and his family are proud to have received an award of Agricultural Achievement from the office of Governor Jay Nixon. Richard Fordyce, Missouri Agriculture Director made the presentation. With Bean are his family, Otto, Colin, claire, and wife Desi. Photo courtesy of Scott Seal/Portageville Missourian

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Missouri Department of Agriculture Richard Fordyce along with representatives from the Dept. of Ag., came together to honor Jason Bean, one of Missouri's top Rice producers. The occasion was made extra special because Bean and his wife, Desi, were also celebrating their wedding anniversary.

Bean was awarded the 2015 Governor's Agricultural Achievement Award. Fordyce said he was honored to present Bean with this award on behalf of Governor Jay Nixon, who could not be in attendance. "We are here today to recognize a fifth generation row crop farmer for his and his family's work in the agriculture industry," Fordyce stated. "We have been blessed by beautiful fall weather today as we highlight an outstanding example of Missouri Agriculture. I thank you Jason, Desiree and your family, for letting us spend some time with you on your farm here in Peach Orchard."

Fordyce was joined by other agriculture officials, including Tom Bradley and Trina Stumpe of the Missouri Soybean Council.

"Jason and his family raise rice, corn and soybeans, with approximately 50 percent of their 14,000 acres being dedicated to Long Grain Rice," said Fordyce. "Bean Farms has the ability to deliver in excess of 750,000 pounds of rough rice daily."

Fordyce informed those in attendance that Bean was one of the agriculture leaders who participated in the Learning Journey to Cuba, which was held earlier this year. "The Missouri delegation traveled with members of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC), a coalition of more than 40 agriculture organizations working to increase agriculture exports to Cuba," said Fordyce.

He also stated the trade mission focused on establishing relationships between potential trading partners and the practical aspects of connecting U.S. suppliers with Cuban consumers.

"Early on Jason recognized the great potential of expanding trade with Cuba and is a major proponent of normalizing trade with our neighbor to the South," Fordyce said. He continued, stating that, his involvement in this historic trade mission is an example of Bean's entrepreneurial spirit. "Producers like Jason help Missouri maintain it's position as a powerhouse exporter. "In fact, because of the hard work of our farm families, Missouri agriculture exports have increased by more than a (billion) dollars over the past five years," Fordyce added.

Fordyce also said that whether it be in animal agriculture or row crops, our producers utilize innovative practices in their daily operation. "It's men like Jason who continue to provide a safe and secure food source for a growing consumer base locally, nationally and internationally," said Fordyce. "As the future of agriculture in this state evolves, it is important that we have people, like the Bean family, who can lead the way in production while looking for opportunities to teach their children and others about continuing the state's number one industry, Agriculture!"

Fordyce concluded by saying that because of the outstanding work that they have done for Missouri's rice, corn and soybean industries, he was honored to recognize Bean and his family's contribution to Missouri Agriculture. "It is families just like this that are moving Missouri Agriculture forward," said Fordyce.