It was only a matter of time. Not too long ago, my son, Max, and I had an unscheduled meeting to discuss the accuracy of the speedometer in my truck. The meeting began with flashing red and blue lights, followed by a noteworthy self-assessment, which involved me apologizing for my mistake and thanking the Boone County deputy sheriff for his service. After a polite reminder that there have been multiple accidents in the area involving excessive speed, the officer reminded me to please slow down and sent me on my way. more

Every August, thousands of Missourians converge upon Sedalia for 11 days of food, fun and fellowship during the Missouri State Fair. The Missouri Farm Bureau building is always a hotbed of activity, and while there’s not a staff member standing at the door counting the number of attendees who enter in search of ice-cold milk, insurance and membership giveaways, or to sign up for a lawnmower drawing, the consensus was that this year felt “busy.” From the time the doors opened until they shut for the last time each night, fairgoers seemed to be everywhere. more

As a young kid, I always loved helping out on my grandparents’ farm. It was an opportunity to spend quality time with family and it helped me learn the value of hard work. It’s also what inspired me to join FFA, study agriculture in college, and do whatever it would take to one day purchase the farm, which I was able to do using the money I made from harvesting timber on the property while I was in law school. Running my farm, which has been in my family for four generations, isn’t easy. But there is nothing more rewarding. more

Many of the cases judges are asked to decide typically result in some people winning and others losing. But one of the only times everyone leaves the courtroom happy is when an adoption is finalized. more

As someone who strongly believes that the best government is that which is closest to the people, I’m incredibly frustrated by how much the federal government has grown since our nation was founded nearly 250 years ago. Whenever the Left is in control of Washington, they do everything they can to force their values on the rest of America — and the biggest tool they have is the Washington bureaucracy. Whether they’re trying to ban gas powered vehicles, dictating what you can or can’t do on your land, or even deciding what kind of appliances you can purchase for your home, there is no limit to how far they will go to expand government command and control. more

In June, the electric co-ops lost an icon. Frank Stork was CEO of Missouri Electric Cooperatives for more than 30 years. During his time here, he led the rural electric co-ops through many challenges and received plenty of recognition.  more

Recently, CFO communications specialist Matthew Stewart reminded me it was almost time for this monthly column. In previous months, he has shared a theme or something to highlight, but this time’s gentle nudge didn’t come with a recommendation. The page was my oyster. Yikes.   more

Author’s note: I first published this newsletter 12 years ago, however I think it may fit more today than when it was first published.

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Perhaps you are like me in noticing all the “back to school” sales as students from elementary school through college and graduate school prepare for their return to the classroom soon. more

In elementary school, we all learned about the three equal, but separate, branches of government: the legislative branch to create our laws, the judicial branch to interpret the laws and the executive branch to implement the laws as written. However, much of that governmental lesson was turned on its head 40 years ago, with the U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) Chevron ruling. That decision instructed the courts to defer to federal agencies’ arguments about the scope of their own authority, multiplying the power of federal agencies and growing the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers. more

Although my colleagues and I keep busy year-round deciding the cases that come before us, many people may not be aware of the Supreme Court of Missouri’s many administrative responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is making sure attorneys conduct themselves ethically in providing legal services to the public.  more

To the editor: more

During July in the Ozarks, you’ll see a few combines rolling through the hills and valleys of cattle country. Farmers are harvesting fescue seed that will eventually seed someone's yard or hayfield. The small combines, Gleaners and an old pull behind Allis-Chalmers in our case, were once a beast in their own right, but they pale compared to the size and power of new harvest equipment. When these old machines were "put out to pasture," they found a second life harvesting fescue.  more

On Saturday, June 29, Toney Aid will take in the flag and close the doors to Aid Downtown Antiques for the very last time. This marks the closing of a truly historic institution in West Plains; the Aid Downtown Antiques has been a cornerstone of the community and the Square for over 30 years. more

Energy. I’m not referring to your morning coffee or my occasional caffeine-laden drink. I’m talking about the electricity each of us needs to power our homes, run our farms and businesses, and care for our families. Electricity underpins agriculture and every sector of the U.S. economy, and its importance cannot be overstated. more

The very first week after I moved to this beautiful area with my family 12 years ago, I forgot where I was. more

Over the last three years, Americans have grown increasingly frustrated over the Biden administration's disastrous open-border agenda. The American people know that President Joe Biden inherited the most secure border in American history thanks to the tough immigration policies of former President Donald Trump. They also know that Biden is directly responsible for creating the worst border crisis our nation has ever seen. That's why it was incredibly maddening when White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently stated that it was not Biden's job to secure our southern border. She couldn't be more wrong. He broke our immigration system. And now he refuses to fix it. more

Every parent has experienced this situation. A few weekends ago, my daughter, Charlie, had a dance recital out of town. While I normally try to make these events, we ran into a scheduling conflict as my son, Max, had a soccer game at the same time. Lindsey and I had no choice but to divide and conquer. Not one to waste a great opportunity, Max and I spent the weekend playing soccer, shooting guns and getting out in our hunting blind to see if we could call in a spring turkey. more

In many ways, the 2024 state legislative session was a self-fulfilling prophecy. As Capitol watchers predicted, it was a disappointing result with little being accomplished. more

Like so many Americans, I have been absolutely appalled by the rampant antisemitism we’re seeing on college campuses. It’s unacceptable that in America in 2024, vicious mobs are harassing, chasing down, and blocking students from entering buildings on college campuses because of their Jewish faith. And let me be clear: These mobs aren’t anti-war protestors; they are terrorist-supporting hate groups. more