Thursday, June 26, 2008

Missouri Names New Agriculture Director

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has appointed Don Steen to lead the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Mr. Steen replaces Katie Smith, who is stepping down in anticipation of an expanding family.
Mr. Steen, 58 of Eldon, was born and raised in Missouri and continues working on the same farm where he grew up and where he raised his family. His family has been in the turkey business for 35 years and also raises cattle. Mr. Steen has a bachelor’s in animal science from the University of Missouri and continued his education at Ozark Christian College. From 1990 to 1998 Mr. Steen served the people of Cole, Camden and Miller Counties in the Missouri House of Representatives.

While keeping up an active and productive farm, Mr. Steen also made time to volunteer and advocate on behalf of Missouri farmers. He is an elder and active leader at Ninth Street Christian Church and serves on the Board of Trustees for Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Mo. Mr. Steen has served as an advocate for agriculture working in conjunction with the Missouri Farm Bureau. Steen, and his wife of 35 years, Alisa, have four children and eight grandchildren which live in Missouri, all very near the family farm.
Mr. Steen’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation and is effective July 7, 2008.

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