Missouri Revised Statutes Title XVII. Agriculture and Animals § 261.020. Duties and powers of director

The state director of the department of agriculture is hereby constituted the official who has supervision of all the legalized departments of the state which are of a regulatory nature for the advancement of horticulture and agriculture, except after January 1, 1996, he or she shall not have direct supervision of the state fair. He or she shall cooperate with the college of agriculture of the University of Missouri in all ways beneficial to the horticultural and agricultural interests of the state, without duplicating research, extension or educational work conducted by said college, but nothing herein shall be construed as to subordinate the state department of agriculture to the said college of agriculture. The director has charge of the veterinary service of the state, the appointment of the state veterinarian, and, with the advice of the veterinarian, of deputy veterinarians, and other assistants. The director has the power of reasonable quarantine in relation to the regulatory laws of the state department of agriculture, and the power of quarantine in relation to livestock diseases includes poultry. It is the duty of the director to gather and compile helpful statistics and information, singly or in cooperation with the federal government, relating to horticulture and agriculture, and he or she may publish bulletins not duplicating available educational bulletins of the college of agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture. He or she may charge a reasonable amount for any publication distributed by the department of agriculture. Any funds received from the amounts so charged shall be deposited to the credit of the general revenue fund. The director shall make a biennial report to the governor and the general assembly, including the essential information relating to horticulture and agriculture, especially crops and livestock, also data concerning the agricultural organizations of the state, accompanied by recommendations relating to the state department of agriculture and the advancement of agricultural education.