New Support for Missouri Corn Farmers

Landon Anderson will serve farmers in north central Missouri as a conservation specialist for Precision Conservation Management, a new program helping farmers evaluate in-field conservation practices.

Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in partnership with the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), is proud to announce expansion into north central Missouri. This development brings new opportunities for corn growers to improve profitability while adopting proven in-field conservation practices, enhancing soil health, and protecting water quality.

Farmers who enroll in PCM receive free technical assistance, personalized data analysis, and assistance navigating conservation incentive programs that reduce financial risks associated with conservation practice changes. With commodity prices under pressure, this data-driven support also helps farmers pinpoint which in-field practices are most profitable for their operation.

“Missouri Corn welcomes this opportunity to connect corn farmers with a program to further improve production practices,” says MCMC Chairman Brian Lehman. “Corn farmers consistently strive to provide an abundant supply of high-quality food, feed, and renewable energy. The expansion of PCM into Missouri will offer farmers field-level financial analysis of conservation practice adoption while creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable world for future generations.” 

To support producers in this region, PCM has hired a new conservation specialist, Landon Anderson, who will serve farmers across north central Missouri. Anderson brings a diverse background in agronomy, crop consulting, and agricultural development to the PCM team. After earning a degree in Agricultural Science from Truman State University and an M.S. in Agronomy from Iowa State University, he served farmers in several capacities before recently joining PCM.

“I’m excited to help Missouri farmers identify conservation practices that improve both their bottom line and the long-term health of their land,” said Anderson. “I view agronomy as a blend of science and real-world application, and I believe PCM’s unique data insights will make a real difference for farmers in this region.”

As pressure for more sustainable agriculture practices increases throughout the supply chain, PCM’s expansion ensures more farmers can take advantage of the data and conservation opportunities already available to them.

Corn farmers interested in enrolling in PCM are encouraged to visit www.precisionconservation.org to learn more.

KPGZ News – Becky Frankenbach contributed to this story.

Kehoe Signs Stadium Funding Bill in Special Session

Governor Mike Kehoe signed three major bills on Saturday, June 14, following a special legislative session aimed at helping disaster victims, preserving Missouri’s professional sports teams, and addressing property tax increases.

Calling lawmakers back to the Capitol earlier this month, Kehoe emphasized the urgency of the measures.

“We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait—families and communities needed disaster relief, taxpayers deserved certainty, and critical job-saving investments were on the line,” Kehoe said in a news release. “Without action, thousands of Missourians would have been left without much-needed support, and the state would risk losing jobs and economic development opportunities.”

Among the new laws is Senate Bill 3, which authorizes Missouri to partner with professional sports teams to help fund stadium construction projects. The bill allows the state to cover up to 50% of stadium costs through a combination of bond payments and one-time tax credits, funded by sales tax revenue generated at the stadiums. The total state investment could reach $1.5 billion over 30 years.

To safeguard the public investment, the legislation includes a clause requiring teams to repay the state if they relocate before the agreement ends.

The bill comes as Missouri competes with Kansas, which has proposed covering up to 70% of stadium construction costs in an effort to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals across the state line. The Kansas offer is set to expire at the end of June.

Another key provision of the bill provides disaster relief in the form of tax credits—up to $5,000—to help Missourians cover home or renters insurance deductibles following severe weather damage in declared disaster areas this year.

The legislation also addresses rising property taxes. Voters in 97 Missouri counties will be asked whether they want to freeze or cap property tax increases. In 22 counties, taxes could be frozen at current levels, while 75 counties could see a cap of 5% on increases every two years.

Senate Bill 3 was sponsored by Sen. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown, R-Kansas City.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bridge Replacement Set to Begin North of Kearney

Construction is scheduled to begin next week on a long-awaited bridge replacement on Missouri Route 33, approximately 5.5 miles north of Kearney and 1 mile south of Holt. The project site is located between Missouri Route CC and Burris Road, near the curve where MO 33 turns east approaching Holt from the south.

This section of MO 33 has been closed since August 28, 2024, following a culvert failure that made the roadway unsafe. The existing culvert structure, believed to have been originally built by the county before 1920, was later expanded in 1922 when the route became part of the state highway system.

Construction of the new bridge could not begin until the project was fully designed, awarded, necessary right of way was acquired, and utilities were relocated. Now, with those steps completed, crews are ready to begin work. The road closure will remain in place throughout the project, with completion expected by mid-September—weather permitting.

Officials will announce when the road is reopened to traffic. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes during the construction period.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Missouri Moves Forward with Show Me Sports Investment Act

Missouri lawmakers have passed the “Show Me Sports Investment Act,” a major funding proposal aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from moving across state lines. The bill, approved during a special legislative session, offers significant financial incentives to support new stadium construction for professional sports teams in Missouri, just as Kansas is making a competing push with its own generous funding program.

The plan allows the state to fund up to 50% of stadium construction costs for projects costing at least $500 million and seating at least 30,000 people. It also provides teams with a 10% investment tax credit, capped at $50 million per project. To receive funding, projects must have local government support, and safeguards are in place, including annual legislative reviews and a clause that requires teams to repay the state if they relocate.

The bill passed the House 90–58 and now heads to Governor Mike Kehoe, who is expected to sign it. Kehoe, a vocal supporter of the plan, has emphasized the need to act swiftly before Kansas’ own incentives expire on June 30. Kansas has offered to fund up to 70% of new stadium construction through its STAR bonds program, a serious enticement for both teams, whose leases at the Truman Sports Complex expire in January 2031. The Royals are currently considering sites for a new stadium, including locations in North Kansas City, downtown Kansas City, and potential options in Kansas.

Supporters of the Missouri plan argue that retaining the teams would have a powerful economic impact. Studies commissioned by the franchises estimate that Arrowhead Stadium alone generates $28.8 million in tax revenue and supports over 4,600 jobs, while a new Royals ballpark district could deliver more than 8,400 jobs and $1.2 billion in annual economic activity.

“This bill gives Governor Mike Kehoe the tools he needs to negotiate a deal to keep The Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri, bring the Kansas City Royals to Clay County, and provides the opportunity for property tax relief for my Clinton County constituents,” said Representative Josh Hurlbert (MO-08). “I was glad to help send this bill to the Governor’s desk.”

Not all lawmakers are convinced. Some critics argue the plan lacks transparency and places an unfair burden on taxpayers while benefiting billion-dollar franchises. Representative Michael Davis and others raised concerns about the speed and structure of the legislation, warning it may not deliver the return on investment supporters hope for.

While the bill marks a significant step, additional decisions lie ahead. Local governments must still approve matching funding, and both the Chiefs and Royals will have to weigh Missouri’s offer against Kansas’ more aggressive incentives. In statements following the vote, both teams acknowledged the bill as a meaningful part of their future planning—though neither committed to a final decision.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Missouri’s investment will be enough to keep two of its most iconic sports franchises at home.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

County Thanks State Leaders for Advancing Economic Development Tools

Clay County officials today expressed their deep appreciation to Governor Mike Kehoe for his pivotal leadership in building momentum and securing broad-based support for key legislation that enhances Missouri’s ability to compete for major sports-related economic development. His engagement was critical to the successful passage of the Show Me Sports Investment Act and companion legislation specific to Clay County.

Clay County also thanked Senator Kurtis Gregory and Senator Maggie Nurrenbern for their sponsorship and championship of the Show Me Sports Investment Act, which creates new economic incentive tools that counties and municipalities can use to support professional sports investment and regional growth.

In addition, a separate piece of legislation was passed giving Clay County the authority to establish a Sports Authority, a move that enhances the County’s capacity to evaluate and pursue transformative economic opportunities.

The Clay County House Delegation was also recognized for its consistent support and collaboration throughout the legislative process.

“We are especially grateful to Governor Kehoe for his leadership and hands-on engagement, and to Senators Nurrenbern and Gregory for their vision and tenacity in moving this legislation forward,” said Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte. “These tools provide a foundation for meaningful economic development, and we look forward to continued conversations with the Kansas City Royals about the possibilities for Clay County and the region.”

Both bills are currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. Clay County officials are optimistic that the measures will be signed into law in the coming weeks.

KPGZ News – Squall Charlson contributed to this story.