Author: Nick Roy
Planning Unit: Adair County CES
Major Program: Economic Development
Plan of Work: Strengthening Adair County's Agriculture Industry
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
In Adair County, agriculture is arguably the largest industry present contributing nearly 70 million dollars to the economy in 2017 (USDA Ag Census). Because of it's impact on the local economy, agriculture has the potential of serving as a key competent of recruiting new industries and businesses. Not only will new ag businesses create new jobs, but it will also help further strengthen the existing agriculture industry.
In 2012, a grassroots effort by local farmers formed the Agriculture Alliance whose mission was to improve the agriculture community. One of their goals included recruitment of an ag service business to provide a much needed service to the local agriculture industry. The alliance reached out to local leaders, economic developers, and the Cooperative Extension Service for assistance.
Through their networks, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service helped to organize a community forum in 2014 to host the prospective business so local citizens could voice their needs of such a service business. The owners also met in private with local leaders and economic developers. During this meeting, the Extension Agent presented Ag Census data for Adair and surrounding counties that was relevant to the service business. Mark Dykes, member of the Adair County Economic Development Authority said that a presentation by Nick Roy, Adair County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, which gave agribusiness statistics for the immediate area, was a big help in the presentation.
In 2019, the impact of the efforts were realized when the business held their grand opening in Adair County. Owners indicate that they plan to employ 12-16 employees initially. One local farmer stated that prior to their opening, he had been having to travel for over 2 hours to attain the service provided.
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