Regional farming

While those of us who live in more urban parts of the area may not realize it on a daily basis, farming is a major component to Southeast Missouri's economy.

Earlier this month, Dr. Michael Aide, chairman of the Department of Agriculture at Southeast Missouri State University, spoke at the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee.

Aide gave an impressive presentation, speaking about the farming dynamic of this area and its global reach. He called the region's soil base the "lifeblood," and noted its importance to the area's prosperity.

"The demand for food is going to drive the world economy," Aide was quoted saying in a story by Southeast Missourian business editor Shay Alderman.

He said many in China, India and Indonesia are demanding higher quality food, and Southeast Missouri's diverse agriculture products play a key role in supplying the global market.

Farmers are a hardworking bunch. It is a sunrise to sunset type of lifestyle. The work ethic these folks exhibit is admirable. Combined with emerging technologies and this area's exceptional resources, the Southeast Missouri agriculture industry plays an important role in our economy and providing food on a global scale.