KMOS ADDRESSES ISSUES FACING THE AGRI-BUSINESS IN MISSOURI

KMOS-TV’s Show-Me Ag began broadcasting in 2001 in an effort to better inform the general public about issues facing Agri-business and those involved in this ever-changing and ever-challenging field. From alternative crops and fuel sources to geo-imaging software and community farms, Show-Me Ag strives to touch on all aspects of this diverse subject.

Show-Me Ag's host, Kyle Vickers, joined the program in April of 2002. His extensive background in family farming as well as agriculture policy, gives him unique insight into many issues facing farmers today.

Kyle Vickers was raised in Dederick, Missouri on a family farm established by his great-grandfather following the Civil War. One of three boys, Kyle helped run his parent’s operation until he graduated from college with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Following graduation, Kyle went on to help organize the Missouri Farmers Union, served as chairman of the Missouri Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee, and then served eight years as Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

After leaving his post in state government, Kyle received a Food and Society Policy Fellowship from the Kellogg Foundation. Kellogg sent him throughout the state, across America, outside our borders into Costa Rica, and even overseas to Europe to experience sustainable agriculture and family farming from a variety of perspectives. Drawing from his travels, the Foundation taught him how to communicate about agriculture through print and broadcasting mediums.

He and his wife Deborah are the proud parents of three boys, who like him, help their father on their diversified grain and livestock operation in Vernon County, Missouri. When people ask him what he raises he says “I raise boys…The main purpose of our lives is to see to it that we have got good, happy, healthy, well-adjusted boys and the farm really helps that.”

After eight years on the air, Kyle’s enthusiasm for the show remains strong. “I enjoy talking about Missouri agriculture…We’ve had some just really unique and interesting people on our show and talking about special projects that they are doing or talking about the shape of things to come. Some disagreements sometimes over policy…but I do enjoy it and enjoy Missouri people and I enjoy communicating about agriculture.”

To learn more about Show-Me Ag, visit the program website.