Grundy County R-5 FFA presents CWD skit to House Agriculture Committee; students highlight testing, targeted removals and economic concerns
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Summary
Students from the Grundy County R-5 FFA presented a 12–15 minute forum skit on chronic wasting disease (CWD), portraying local perspectives (conservation agent, farmer, hunter, food‑insecure family). The presentation covered testing procedures, landowner permissions for targeted removal, a reported local count of six positives, and a reported MDC pause on targeted removals for 2026.
Students from the Grundy County R-5 FFA presented a mock community conversation about chronic wasting disease and targeted removals before the House Committee on Agriculture. Audrey Vandiver, introduced in the skit as a Grundy County conservation agent, explained the Missouri Department of Conservation's process for responding to positive CWD tests: data is sent to Jefferson City, a one‑square‑mile area is identified, and landowners are asked for permission to conduct a targeted removal; landowners may decline or elect to carry out removals themselves.
The skit included a range of local viewpoints. Abe Carver, presented as a local farmer, said he supports targeted removals to protect crops; Quinn Weldon, a hunter who visits from Louisiana, said current targeted removals have made him reconsider hunting in the county; and Lehi Stonger, a resident who relies on donated venison, raised concerns about potential human health risks if infected meat enters the food supply. One student reported six positive tests in Grundy County this fall out of roughly 400 deer tested.
Students and committee members discussed surveillance and testing logistics. Presenters said the Pittman‑Robertson wildlife restoration program reimburses the department for qualifying expenses (presenters cited reimbursement of roughly 75%); they described the "Share the Harvest" donation pathway — processors prepare and vacuum‑seal meat, MDC pays for testing and processing, results take about two to three weeks, and only negative samples are released for donation. Presenters also reported the Missouri Department of Conservation has paused targeted removals for 2026 while it conducts further research.
Committee members thanked the students and asked for more precise data on infection rates, surveillance methods (including roadkill testing), and local economic impacts tied to hunting seasons and crop damage. Audrey Vandiver (in the presentation) said she would relay local feedback to the conservation department in Jefferson City.