OSAGE BEACH, MISSOURI (January 18, 2025) – Each year MCA recognizes two legislators that went to bat for the association, but during this year’s legislative session one representative stood out from the crowd. The efforts of Representative Dane Diehl (R-125) in that regard served as reasoning for the association to honor this elected leader with the 2024 Legislator of the Year award. This was presented at the 57th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention on Jan. 18, 2025, at Osage Beach.
Rep. Diehl is a fifth-generation farmer and MCA member. In 2023, he led the beginning farmer legislation alongside Senator Hoskins. As Rep. Diehl is a young farmer, he spoke with firsthand experience when presenting the beginning farmer legislation. The 2024 legislative session was plagued by republican infighting and constant turf wars. Rep. Diehl was determined to cut through the drama to move agricultural policy forward. He sponsored HB 2763 which involved pesticide labeling that all major agricultural organizations supported. He also took an instrumental part in securing funding the meat processing facility at the University of Missouri.
“Rep. Diehl rises above petty politics and truly worked hard for Missouri’s farms and ranch families during the 2024 legislative session,” said MCA Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee Chair Jimmie Long.
According to Long, Rep. Diehl is one of the few fulltime farmers in the Missouri house and often is someone MCA leans on. He also serves on the agricultural committee.
“Rep. Diehl fought relentlessly on behalf of Missouri agriculture,” said Long. “He worked hard to move legislation across the finish line to better the lives of our farmers and ranchers.”
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