It's been said regulations grow at the same rate as weeds.
Gov. Eric Greitens won office last year partly on a platform of scaling back government regulations. Ditto with President Trump, who said regulations have "made it almost impossible to get anything done in this country."
Many voters apparently agree with that sentiment. Now, the Missouri Department of Agriculture is giving Missourians a chance to flesh out those feelings.
What specific ag regulations would you like to see axed? New Agriculture Director Chris Chinn would like to know.
"I'm sure we can all remember a rule or two from when we were growing up that seemed completely unnecessary," she wrote in a recent column. "Is it really going to be the end of the world if I put my feet on the couch? Do I absolutely have to blow my nose only in the bathroom?
Such rules, she said, were likely put in place by well-meaning parents/teachers but some are excessive and unnecessary.
Greitens issued an executive order after taking office stopping the addition of new rules between Jan. 10 and Feb. 28, and calling for a review of every rule in every state agency.
Not all state agencies have asked for the public's input, but don't let that stop you. Let Greitens, as well as your state representative and senator, know how you feel about specific regulations in other agencies, too.
And don't forget to let Chinn and the Department of Agriculture know how you feel as well. During June and July, the department will collect comments on agriculture regulations.
Agriculture regulations don't just affect farmers and ranchers, but many also affect the general public.
You can view the regulations and provide your input by filling out the form at agriculture.mo.gov, mailing comments to P.O. Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or faxing comments to 573-751-1784.
To learn more, go to agriculture.mo.gov/rulereview.
To some, the implication of Greitens' statements on regulations seems to imply all regulations are burdensome and unnecessary.
In fact, many are there for a reason: They protect our citizens from harm, among other things. We hope all Missouri agencies reviewing regulations will do so diligently, eliminating truly needless regulations while not throwing the baby out with the bathwater.