JEFFERSON CITY -- When you eat your Thanksgiving meal, Governor Jay Nixon wants you to thank a farmer.  On Tuesday, Nixon visited a farm just outside Jefferson City to put a holiday spotlight on Missouri agriculture.

Missouri officials credit farmers with providing, what Missouri Agriculture director Jon Hagler calls, "the safest, most reliable, most affordable food supply in the world."

Governor Nixon says the dependence on Missouri farmers extends far beyond state borders.  "That message was driven home last month during our trade mission to China, as we signed agreements to increase agriculture and manufacturing exports by $4.6 billion over the next few years," says Nixon.

That's why the administration celebrates people like the Fischer family, who grow corn, beans, and pumpkins on hundreds of acres in the Missouri River bottoms, just below Jefferson City's Memorial Airport.  At harvest time, they promote the "culture" in agriculture, with hayrides, corn mazes, and other family-friendly activities.   "The Fischer's truly represent today's Missouri farmers:  diversified, smart in business, and ready to meet the needs and demands of a changing world," says Nixon.

The governor and first lady recognized the Fischers' effort with a special award for agriculture achievement.  It was a surprise to the recipient.  “This is quite an honor.  I didn't even realize I was getting this when they told me you all were coming out,” says Fischer.  “This is great."

Right now, Missouri has 108,000 farms working more than 29 million acres of agriculture land.  The governor also gave awards to farmers in Salem, Marshall, Washington and Rogersville.