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Smith visits AgXplore in New Madrid County
PARMA, Mo. — U.S. Representative Jason Smith (R-Mo.) visited AgXplore on Aug. 26 in Parma as part of his annual 30-county Farm Tour.
Every year, Smith visits farms, ranches, and ag businesses in each of the 30 counties in Missouri’s 8th Congressional District to highlight the diversity of the region’s ag industry. The annual tradition is a great opportunity for Smith, a fourth generation owner of a family farm himself, to hear directly from farmers, ranchers and small business owners about the most important issues facing agriculture, which is the top economic driver in Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District.
“AgXplore is a great example of the important role that ag science and research play in helping farmers produce high-quality feed, fuel, and fiber that’s used all across the world,” said Smith. “This tech-driven ag business produces plant and soil enhancement to help farmers maximize production and achieve their crop goals.”
Tim Gutwein, CEO of AgXplore, took Smith on a tour of the business, making stops at its research lab and processing facility. Following the tour, Smith and Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft met with AgXplore staff to learn more about the business and the issues its facing.
Smith continued, “I appreciated hearing from AgXplore staff about their top legislative priorities and how I can support the important work they’re doing in Parma. I’m glad that Parma – and the state of Missouri – is home to this very exciting business that has a bright future ahead. Although this company has faced higher costs due to inflation, AgXplore makes it a priority to not pass added costs on to farmers. I told them we need to rein in out-of-control Washington spending that is fueling the inflation fire, and as Republican leader of the House Budget Committee, that’s my single biggest mission right now.”
Smith kicked off his 10th annual Farm Tour on Aug. 25, with a stop at Harty’s Duck Farm in Stoddard County. He continued the first day of the Farm Tour with stops at Delta Peanut in Dunklin County then Legacy Equipment in Pemiscot County. On Aug. 26, he visited AgXplore in New Madrid County, Midwest Natural Fiber in Scott County, Schoen Dairy in Cape Girardeau County, and Spooler Farms in Perry County.