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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Farmers and area legislators got together Wednesday evening to discuss threats to Missouri agriculture. The town hall meeting was held in the Adair County Annex Building.

It was a chance for Missouri State Senator Brian Munzlinger to give a presentation to farmers on the Humane Socitey of the United States and what he calls "its attack on Missouri agriculture." He educated the crowd on the organization's financing and also its attempts to change agricultural standards along with inhibit hunting and fishing across the nation.

"I want to re-emphasize the importance of agriculture here in the state of Missouri and especially animal agriculture and how important a role it plays in the state's economy," said St. Sen. Brian Munzlinger, (R), representing Missouri's 18th district.

"If HSUS would have its way, the people here in Missouri really couldn't afford to eat the meat that we eat now."

Senator Munzlinger adds that HSUS is trying to change the way livestock is raised, which would in effect cause the price of meat to go up.

The Humane Society of the United States is one of the nation's largest animal protection organizations.

Munzlinger also shared with the crowd pro-agriculture legislation that was passed during this past legislative session, including a bill that forces animal rights groups to turn over videos of animal abuse to authorities within 24 hours of filming, and also, a bill that prevents a tax hike on agricultural land.

Those in attendance were encouraged to join Missouri Farmers Care, a consortium of 25 agricultural groups, that seeks to educate farmers on the challenges facing agriculture today.

Several other state legislators were also in attendance including State Representatives Zach Wyatt and Tom Shively.