July 12, 2026
Lexington News
Cultivating Agriculture Innovation
The agricultural sector is evolving thanks to new technology necessitated by a growing global population and the pressures of climate change. The United Nations predicts a global population of 9.7 billion by 2050. The agricultural sector must figure out a way to meet the demands of that expanding population. These challenges are being offset by advancing technologies that are helping farmers increase productivity while also reducing their ecological impact.
Lexington Native Morgan Moderates Agricultural Forum
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe spoke to students at the University of Missouri last month about the future of agriculture during a forum moderated by U.S. Farm Report host Tyne Morgan, a native of Lexington and a Mizzou alum. Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau connects MU students with the Missouri Farm Bureau by hosting a forum each spring, and Kehoe spoke at this year’s forum. Kehoe discussed high costs for farmers, low commodity prices and the evolution of agricultural technology. Despite the many challenges, Kehoe expressed optimism about the future of agriculture in Missouri. “Agriculture families across this country, specifically this state, they somehow figure out how to get through, because they’re resilient, because they’re hard workers, because they are the best human beings that I’ve ever met,” he said. Students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources were in attendance and asked Kehoe questions about the importance of agriculture in Missouri. “Agriculture is one of the things that saved me as a kid,” Kehoe said during the forum. The youngest of six kids, Kehoe is a first-generation farmer and bought his first farm by 19 and owned cattle by the time he was 21. “Agriculture is changing rapidly with technology, automation, and data,” Morgan said. Morgan asked Kehoe how he thinks agricultural education — from K-12 through universities — will need to evolve to prepare the next generation. “Technology is something that this younger generation is going to be way better at than old people like me — that is going to be the key to production,” Kehoe said. Kehoe left the students with one piece of advice. “In agriculture, I really do believe our best innovators come from people who aren’t afraid to try, who weren’t afraid to fail, and weren’t afraid to try again,” Kehoe said.
Brigade Command Sergeant Major (Ret.), Kerrick Lilleman speaks to retired educators
Lafayette County Retired School Personnel (LCRSP) met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the FCS Financial Office in Higginsville, MO. A general meeting was held, followed by guest speaker Brigade Command Sergeant Major (Ret.), Don Kerrick Lilleman.
Payne coming ‘home’ with Blues group
At the age of 73, Lexington native Clifford Payne — who plays bass as a member of Elwood and The Blues Masters — still has the same passion for music as when he picked up his first guitar at the age of 10.
Hughes re-elected Mayor
Incumbent Lexington Mayor Tom Hughes defeated challenger John Harden in last Tuesday’s election, earning 69 percent of the vote.
Sale of T-shirts to raise funds for proposed mural
News Editor The Lexington Community Fair Board is raising funds for a proposed mural to be painted on the side of the Standard Press building near the Main Street Park.
John Brown, Part 2: From Harpers Ferry to the Hangman’s Noose
In the late 1850’s the telegraph was brand-new. News and events of the day could now be transcribed in a central location and then shared throughout the newspaper world. John Brown knew that and with every killing, ambush or battle his exploits were known by supporters and enemies.
R-5 School District News & Views
Lexington Early Childhood Center: Spring is Here We are excited about the warmer weather, the wind, and an opportunity to spend more time outside. At Lexington Early Childhood we celebrated Week of the Young Child last week.
Patrol seeks applicants
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is now accepting applications for the 128th Accelerated Recruit Class — a fast-track opportunity for experienced law enforcement professionals ready to take the next step.