JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A farmer from Atchison County was re-elected president of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation at its 100th annual meeting. Voting
delegates elected Blake Hurst, of Westboro, Mo., Dec. 9, to his third 2-year term. Approving 2015 legislative policy and electing board meetings capped the three-day meeting of farmers and ranchers.
“It is quite an honor to lead this organization as it celebrates 100 years of speaking out for farmers, ranchers and rural citizens in our state,” said Hurst. “This organization has seen ups and downs during its history, but we’ve never been stronger than we are now. I look forward to celebrating what we have accomplished, but with an eye on our work that lies ahead for our members.”
During his four years as Missouri Farm Bureau president, Hurst has proven an effective spokesperson for Missouri agriculture. As a freelance writer, his essays and opinions on rural America and farming have been published in publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The American, Weekly Standard, Wilson’s Quarterly, Reader’s Digest, Today’s Farmer and Show Me Missouri Farm Bureau magazine.
He continues to be sought out as a spokesperson for agriculture, not only in Missouri, but also in places like Philadelphia and New York City. He served as Missouri Farm Bureau vice president for seven years and represented his area of the state on the board of directors for eight years. His leadership roles began when he was appointed chairman of the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, and he served on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. Hurst now serves on the AFBF Board of Directors.
Hurst is part of a family row crop farm. He raises corn and soybeans with his father, brothers, nephews and his two sons-in-law. He also runs a wholesale greenhouse business with wife, Julie, daughter, Lee, and sons-in-law. The Hursts sell bedding plants in a four-state area.
Besides Lee, Blake and Julie also have a daughter, Ann, development director for their local hospital, and son, Ben, who is a JAG Captain in the U.S. Army. The Hursts have six grandchildren.
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