On Monday, August 21, 2017, Missourians and folks all across the United States will experience a once in a lifetime event, the 2017 Great American Solar Eclipse. The last time this happened in the continental U.S. was nearly 40 years ago. What’s even more exciting is that a total solar eclipse has not been seen in our area since 1442! For a couple of minutes around noon on Monday, you can expect total darkness. Birds will stop singing, crickets will start chirping, and your farm animals may thin... READ MORE
BOURBON, MO – On August 9, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith stopped at Heartland Farms in Crawford County and spoke with owners Jeff and Pam Lock about their concerns over the rising out of pocket costs for their family’s healthcare coverage. The Lock Family owns Heartland Farms where they run an agri-entertainment and agri-tourism operation. The farm serves as a venue for weddings and private events and they run a corn maze and pumpkin patch that is to the public each Fall. Smith’s focus on farms ... READ MORE
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
Whether it is a border you can walk across or a border you can launch a missile across, it is the responsibility of Congress and the President to protect our country from those who wish to harm the United States. The last administration drew lines in the sand with foreign countries and let them blow away over and over again. Instead of negotiating failed nuclear deals with Iran, this week we advanced some of the toughest sanctions to date on countries like Russia, North Korea and Iran. The Count... READ MORE
