MANES, MO – On August 8, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at Dowden Dairy in Wright County to talk with the Dowden Family about the challenges they face while running their family dairy farm. Gene and DaLisa Dowden run the dairy farm with their four children. They shared with Congressman Smith that they were concerned about regulations that would put small family farms out of business. Congressman Smith talked about one regulation that he found to be particularly harmful, stating that there... READ MORE
MOUNTAIN GROVE, MO – On August 8, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at the Springhill Pumpkin Patch to talk with owner Duncan Smith about the challenges he faces as he runs his family farm in Texas County. Duncan shared with Congressman Smith that he used to be a dairy farmer, but after being burdened with too many regulations, decided to stop his dairy business, raise sheep and venture into the pumpkin patch agribusiness. Congressman Smith talked about one regulation that he found to be par... READ MORE
WASOLA, MO – On August 8, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at The Concrete Works in Ozark County to see firsthand what this unique agribusiness produces. Owners Sean and Cleta Sweeney founded The Concrete Works in 1990 and operate four distinct businesses on their property – mining, organic farming, cement and machinery. At The Concrete Works, they primarily produce storm shelters and cattle feeders and have hired several local FFA students. “The Concrete Works is an excellent example of th... READ MORE
WEST PLAINS, MO – On August 8, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at Ozark Regional Stock Yards in Howell County to see firsthand how this local agribusiness and small employer impacts the West Plains community. Owner Randy Hoover opened Ozark Regional Stock Yards in 1983 and now sells cattle in a 100-mile radius. “Ozark Regional Stock Yards is a big economic driver for the West Plains area,” said Congressman Smith. “It’s exciting to see folks coming from all over to buy and sell cattle for t... READ MORE
KOSHKONONG, MO – On August 3, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at the Trickling Springs Creamery as part of his 5th annual focus on farms and talked with them about issues they face in running their business. Trickling Springs Creamery processes 2,000 gallons of milk per day and has 43 employees. They make cheese, frozen and drinkable yogurt. One of the things the creamery struggles with is the cost of shipping and receiving. “Trickling Springs’ costs for shipping and receiving could be red... READ MORE
WINONA, MO – On August 3, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at Hilltop Farm in Shannon County and spoke with owner John Charles about his concerns over rising health insurance premiums. Charles owns and operates Hilltop Farm where they grow and harvest produce to sell at farmers markets and to the local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group. The CSA has grown from seven to 26 members over the last year. Charles currently has 29 raised beds for growing produce, and is planning on adding... READ MORE
BELLEVIEW, MO – On August 2, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at Campbell Farm as part of his 5th annual focus on farms and talked with owner Josh Campbell about issues he faces on a daily basis. Josh Campbell and his wife Holly live on 142 acres and farm another 200 acres where they raise soybeans, corn, wheat and registered Hereford hogs. They are planning to expand and add Hereford cattle to their operation in the fall. Campbell shared that the best thing Congressman Smith could do to he... READ MORE
This week, Congressman Jason Smith led the entire Missouri Congressional Delegation in calling for continued usage of Missouri driver’s licenses as the state begins the process of compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-13). Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the federal REAL ID Act was signed into law and established stricter standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and created an additional level of security as recommended by the 9/11 Commission. In December ... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith hosted students from the Citizens Electric Cooperative who were participating in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. “I’m excited to host these outstanding young students and think it’s great that they have taken an interest in American history and civics,” said Congressman Smith. “I remember my first trip to Washington, and it had a lasting impact. It really helped me understand our civic duties as Americans a... READ MORE
Today, Congressman Jason Smith hosted students from the Crawford Electric Cooperative participating in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. “I’m excited to host these outstanding young students and think it’s great that they have taken an interest in American history and civics,” said Congressman Smith. “I remember my first trip to Washington, and it had a lasting impact. It really helped me understand our civic duties as Americans and inspir... READ MORE
