Thirteen people celebrated anniversaries of 25 years or more with the Missouri Department of Agriculture during the past year. Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized those individuals for their outstanding tenure as employees of the Department.

Two employees celebrated 35 years with the Missouri Department of Agriculture in 2010. Mike Davis of Holts Summit joined the Department in March 1975, and Lionel White of Marshall joined the Department in October 1975.

Davis currently serves as the lead market news reporter in the Ag Business Development Division, publishing daily radio market news broadcasts and a weekly summary of market activities. He began his career with the Department of Agriculture as a part-time feeder pig grader and was later hired as a full-time Ag Market Reporter. He was promoted to coordinator of the Market News Program in July 2001.

In 1995 Davis received the National Market News Association's (NMNA) Distinguished Service Award and in 1997 was recognized as the NMNA's Market News Reporter of the Year.

Lionel White retired as manager of the Marshall Grain Inspection Service office in December, capping a career of more than 35 years with the Department of Agriculture. White, a native of New Orleans, began his career as a grain sampler in the St. Louis area, moving to Marshall in 1993. He became licensed to grade all classes of grain and was appointed manager in early 2010.

"The long tenure of our employees speaks to their dedication to the Missouri Department of Agriculture," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "We are blessed with a great team and I am proud of the work they do for the citizens of Missouri."

Two employees celebrated 30 year anniversaries, as well. Thirty-year employees include Joan Whittle of Centertown in the Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division and Kenneth Barnes of Maryville in the Grain Inspection and Warehousing Division.

Further, seven employees reached the 25 year mark during 2010: Rose Foster of California, Scott Ramsdell of Ashland, Russell Fish of Puxico, Stephen Greenwell of Shelbina, Jean Kliethermes of St. Thomas, Timothy Rogers of Billings, Mark Hitt of Jefferson City, Richard Kramer of Blackwater and Tony Stafford of Holts Summit.

"These men and women bring outstanding energy and enthusiasm to work with them each day, and their knowledge of the Department and the history of our programs is second to none," Dr. Hagler said.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture currently employs about 300 people, approximately one-half of whom are based in the Jefferson City facility. Employees are also based in regional and home offices throughout the state. Over 10 percent of the employees - 36 individuals - have worked for the Department 25 years or more.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture or visit mda.mo.gov.