Blunt says ag economy strong

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Despite natural disasters like a spring freeze and May flooding in other parts of the state, Gov. Matt Blunt expressed optimism about the current agricultural season Thursday in Sikeston.

"It appears to be the makings of a pretty good year for agriculture, the bedrock of our economy," Blunt said Thursday to a small crowd at the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce. Blunt was in Southeast Missouri to speak with agricultural interests as part of a statewide agriculture tour by new Missouri Department of Agriculture director Katie Smith.

Despite his optimism, Blunt admits this year has been challenging, from the battle with nature to the controversy over rising food prices linked by many to increased corn production for ethanol, a technology Blunt's administration has touted as a key part of the state's farm economy into the future.

"The jobs at the renewable fuel plants are often the best jobs in town, or some of the best," Blunt said,

However, Blunt said ethanol isn't a complete fix to the problem of rising fossil fuel costs.

"Nobody's ever suggested that plant-based fuels can entirely reduce our dependence on foreign oil," Blunt said.

Blunt and Smith took questions and comments from members of the friendly invitation-only audience, including former and current state representatives and local farmers.

"Even though you're not an aggie, you're an ag governor," said Peter Meyer, a former state representative from Sikeston.