JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon and Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler today went to the southern Callaway County farm of Jay and Kim Fischer to celebrate Thank a Farmer Day. They were joined by representatives of farm commodity groups and other agricultural organizations to mark the occasion, which celebrates the contributions Missouri farmers make to feed, fuel and clothe America and the world.

"Millions of Missourians will sit down with family and friends at the dinner table on Thursday as part of our national day of thanksgiving," Nixon said. "We certainly are a blessed state, and a blessed nation, with much to be thankful for. There is no lack of delicious, healthy food on our tables or in our restaurants and grocery stores. For that, we can thank the farmers of Missouri."

The average Missouri farm is about 269 acres, and with 108,000 farms, Missouri has more than 29 million acres of agricultural land.

"Our farmers provide the safest, most affordable, reliable food supply in the world," Hagler said. "The efforts of our Missouri farmers and farm families make so many of our holiday traditions and celebrations possible, and coming together today to thank them for their efforts is one small way we can recognize their outstanding work."

Nixon also recognized the owners of Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, Jay and Kim Fischer, with the Governor's Award for Agricultural Achievement, which honors outstanding farmers, growers and processors in a variety of agriculture commodities. The Fischers have a diversified farm operation in south Callaway County, just across the Missouri River from the State Capitol, where they raise corn and soybeans.

In addition to those crops, Fischer Farms also is involved in agri-tourism, offering visitors in the fall an opportunity to explore a 10-acre corn maze, go on hayrides, get pumpkins from a pumpkin patch, and engage in other family-friendly activities. The Governor noted that the pumpkins, gourds and other fall decorations used at the Governor's Mansion for this year's Harvest Fest were purchased from Fischer Farms.

"The Fischers truly represent today's Missouri farmers - diversified, smart in business, and ready to meet the needs and demands of a changing world," Nixon said. "I am pleased to present them with award in recognition of their accomplishments on behalf of Missouri's multi-faceted agriculture industry."