Power Profile: Mike Deering

In January, Mike Deering will be sworn as the state senator for Missouri's 10th Senatorial District, which includes Callaway, Lincoln, Montgomery, Pike and part of St. Charles counties. Photo courtesy of Mike Deering.

Growing up on a family farm in northwest Missouri, Mike Deering could hardly have imagined the path that would eventually take him across the country, around the world and into the Missouri Senate.

Life in his hometown of Savannah revolved around the farm and the close-knit community surrounding it. His father worked as a barber and auctioneer, while his mother volunteered and held jobs at a local flower shop and convenience store. It was a small-town upbringing with agriculture woven into everyday life.

But some of the most formative experiences of his life came during difficult times. Deering lost his father at 11 and his mother just five years later, leaving him to navigate significant responsibilities at an early age.

“We grew up fast and had to keep that family farm intact,” Deering said.

With the help of classmates and teachers at his rural school, he was able to do just that. Their support left him with a lasting appreciation for his community and a connection to agriculture that would guide much of his professional life.

After earning a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and studying agricultural communications at Oklahoma State University, Deering's career took him overseas, where he taught communications at a university in Thailand. After returning to the states, he became editor of the Western Livestock Journal in Denver before moving to Washington, D.C., where he worked with several national agricultural organizations.

Eventually, his career brought him back to Missouri, where he has spent nearly 14 years leading the Missouri Cattlemen's Association.

“Agriculture is at the core of who I am,” Deering said.

Although his work frequently brought him into contact with policymakers, Deering hadn't originally envisioned a career in elected office. But after years of agricultural advocacy, he decided to pursue public service, motivated in part by the support he received growing up.

“Missouri's given a lot back to me,” he said. “I want to give back to it.”

Now preparing for his first legislative session as the newly elected Republican senator representing Missouri's 10th Senatorial District, Deering identifies affordability as a major concern for his constituents. From electricity and water bills to gasoline and diesel prices, he recognizes the impact of everyday expenses on families and businesses.

He believes keeping those costs fair and manageable must be a priority, alongside maintaining the infrastructure communities depend on.

Roads and bridges top his list of infrastructure needs, and he credits recent state investments with making significant progress in improving Missouri's transportation networks. Reliable electricity is another essential consideration, particularly as communities grow and energy demands evolve.

“We often take for granted when we flip on our lights that power has to come from somewhere,” Deering said.

Beyond the infrastructure itself, Deering believes transparency and communication are critical to successful community development. He encourages early conversations about potential projects, giving residents an opportunity to understand what changes may be coming, even years before construction begins.

“We have to communicate with people, we have to be transparent,” he said.

That kind of proactive engagement, he believes, can help communities balance growth with the qualities that make them attractive places to live, work and raise a family.

At home, Deering's agricultural roots remain firmly planted. He and his wife, Julie, are raising three children on their family farm near Montgomery City, where they raise cattle and sheep. They also operate a storefront in Montgomery City, selling farm-fresh meats, produce and an assortment of Missouri-made products.

Outside of work and public service, Deering enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. And while his schedule may be getting even busier with his new responsibilities in Jefferson City, he still makes time for his passion for raising cattle.

“You make time for the things that are important to you,” he said.

To learn more about Sen.-elect Deering, please visit deeringformo.com/.