SIKESTON -- U.S. Rep. Jason Smith's first Farm Tour will provide the congressman with a first-hand look at businesses in the Eighth District "essential to the health of our rural economy."
The five-day tour will include 20 stops in 11 of the district's counties.
"I'm looking forward to getting to meet with all the different folks from the agricultural community and discuss the issues that they are facing," Smith said. "I think the only way you can represent your friends and neighbors in Congress is by knowing your friends and neighbors, meeting them and hearing their concerns. It makes you a better representative."
While he hopes to get a look at some of the diverse agricultural-related businesses in the district, it won't be Smith's first exposure to farming.
"I'm the fourth-generation owner of a family farm," he said. "Agriculture is extremely important to me and is the No. 1 industry in my congressional district. The Eighth Congressional District grows everything but citrus fruit and sugar."
Smith will kick off his Farm Tour tour by presenting testimony to the Mississippi River Commission aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi during its stop at the New Madrid riverfront Monday morning as part of the MRC's annual Low Water Inspection.
For the complete story, see the Aug. 18 edition of the Standard Democrat or log onto the electronic edition.