Cass County to apply for Ag Ready designation; commissioners approve mower purchase

In Presiding Commissioner Mike Houston’s absence, the Cass County Commission appointed Jeff Fletcher as acting presiding commissioner and voted to apply for an “Ag Ready County” designation and to purchase road-and-bridge backwing mowers during its March 26, 2025 meeting.

The commission approved a resolution authorizing county staff to apply to Missouri Farmers Care for the Ag Ready County designation. A speaker at the meeting described the program as voluntary: Missouri Farmers Care would review county rules and ordinances and confirm whether the county meets the organization’s criteria for being “agriculture friendly.” The speaker said the designation is meant to signal support for farming — including food crops and cattle operations — and that the group typically does not require changes before granting the designation; the county would address any suggested changes if they arise.

Commission discussion noted the program’s history: the initiative began about 12 years ago after a state agriculture director raised concerns about local measures that could limit agricultural uses. The speaker said agriculture remains the county’s top economic driver and that Missouri Farmers Care has encouraged counties across the state to adopt the designation.

In separate business, the commission approved the purchase of road-and-bridge backwing mowers. A commissioner said the new equipment is intended to help complete vegetation-management cycles more quickly.

Commission communications included thanks from a commissioner to county departments for a quick response to a road complaint, an update from county election staff that early voting began the prior day with an uptick in turnout ("over 10" voters reported for that day), and brief staff mentions about keys and access for county facilities.

Votes at a glance - Appointment: Jeff Fletcher appointed acting presiding commissioner (in Presiding Commissioner Mike Houston’s absence). Outcome: approved. Vote tally: 2 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent. - Agenda approval: Outcome: approved. Vote tally: 2 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent. - Minutes approval (March 19, 2025): Outcome: approved. Vote tally: 2 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent. - Resolution 25-21 — application for Ag Ready County designation (Cass County codes and zoning): Outcome: approved. Vote tally: 2 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent. - Resolution 25-22 — purchase of road-and-bridge backwing mowers: Outcome: approved. Vote tally: 2 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent. - Motion to adjourn: Outcome: approved. Vote tally: 2 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain, 1 absent.

The commission did not record mover/second names for the votes in the available transcript. The transcript records Presiding Commissioner Mike Houston as absent for the meeting; two commissioners participated in votes.