KC's Agricultural Heritage

Kansas City’s historical strength in agricultural markets helped to lay the groundwork for its current leadership position in animal health.

Stock Yards

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The Kansas City Stock Yards were established in 1871 and were second only to Chicago as a livestock and provision market. Kansas City grew to become one of the great stockyards of the world, and today that heritage continues through the region’s strength in a variety of agricultural markets. It was this history and heritage that led to the development of the region’s top-tier veterinary schools, as well as both Kansas and Missouri’s top ten position in America’s livestock industries.

American Royal & Ag Hall of Fame

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No event better captures KC’s agricultural heritage than the 
American Royal livestock show and rodeo. The American Royal has been a Kansas City tradition since its founding in 1899 to support agricultural education and values. Plus, KC is home to the Agricultural Hall of Fame – a national agricultural center chartered by Congress to honor the American farmer.

Transportation Facilities

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Kansas City was founded as a transportation center and gateway to western expansion. Stock yards and agricultural growth continued in transportation and distribution. Sixteen railroads converged in Kansas City switched directly to KC’s stockyards. Transportation/logistics continues to provide Kansas City with an advantage in today’s markets, with KC being the top rail center in tonnage in the U.S. and the nation’s No. 3 trucking center. For more information on KC’s superior transportation and logistics capabilities, please visit the 
Kansas City SmartPort web site.

KC's Agricultural Heritage

Logistical Advantages

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