Article Written by
SMT Writing Staff
Dr. Barry Aycock Asked To Serve As Missouri Director of Agriculture
Parma, MO - Lifelong Southeast Missouri resident and agri-businessman, Dr. Barry Aycock made it official today that he will not accept the invitation to become Missouri's next Director of Agriculture. Aycock spoke with Governor Jay Nixon's Chief of Staff John Watson earlier this morning explaining that "while I am honored and humbled that the Governor has the confidence in me to lead this department, the timing is not right for myself or my family."
Barry’s strong advocacies for agricultural issues and expanded technologies, coupled with his strong business sense delivers the political light upon Aycock. Very similar to January of 2013, Aycock carefully considered running for the democratic nomination for the 8th district. He opted not to pursue that position at that time.
His qualification and broad background make him an ideal future candidate to represent our region, yet his dedication to AgXplore along with family commitments ultimately remain his priority at this time.
Aycock's passion for agriculture became very evident when he started his first business – Aycock Agricultural Services -- as a cotton consultant in 1989. Later, Barry was asked by the Bolivian Ambassador to come to Bolivia to assist eight farm businesses as a cotton crop consultant.
AgXplore International, LLC was founded in 1999 following Barry’s consulting trip to Bolivia. The company is involved with fertilizer, research and agricultural consulting, providing places like Bolivia, along with the United States and other countries, with high-quality fertilizers and additive products.
Barry is a 1991 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Agronomy. Aycock also holds a Master of Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a doctorate from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
In 1996, he was named National Cotton Consultant of the Year by Cotton Farming Magazine, the youngest and the only person from Missouri to ever win the award.
Barry and his wife Michelle have two children, Joel and Jonathan.
Congratulations to Barry!!
